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Which Welsh born writer won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950? | Bertrand Russell biography | birthday, trivia | Welsh Mathematician | Who2
Bertrand Russell Biography
Philosopher
While teaching mathematics at Cambridge University, Bertrand Russell and Alfred North Whitehead published Principia Mathematica (1910-13), an ambitious attempt to prove that mathematics was grounded in logic. Russell’s ideas led to the dominance of analytical logic on western philosophy in the 20th century. An active social reformer, he also wrote on politics, religion and education, and his vocal protests against World War I led to a brief jail sentence in 1918. Although he supported British aims in World War II, later in life Russell became an outspoken advocate of nuclear disarmament. With his graying hair, impish grin, and ubiquitous pipe, Russell also became a 20th-century image of unorthodox genius.
Extra credit
Russell won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1950, “in recognition of his varied and significant writings in which he champions humanitarian ideals and freedom of thought”… Russell’s grandfather, Lord John Russell, was twice Prime Minister of England, from 1846-52 and from 1865-66; he was the first Earl Russell… Bertrand Russell became the third Earl Russell after his brother died in 1931… He was married four times and had a reputation as a ladies’ man.
| Bertrand Russell |
Which singer who sang '24 Hours From Tulsa' died April 2006 at the age of 65? | Bertrand Russell, horoscope for birth date 18 May 1872, born in Trellech, with Astrodatabank biography - Astro-Databank
Bertrand Russell (1907)
Biography
British-Welsh writer, mathematician, logician, philosopher, social critic, one of the founders of analytic philosophy and considered one of the twentieth century's most important liberal thinkers. With Alfred Whitehead, he wrote "The Principia Mathematica," 1910-1913, a treatise on mathematical logic. He produced more than 3,000 publications and won the Nobel Prize as well as Britain's most prestigious honor, the Order of Merit. Russell was the author of more than 40 books on philosophy, education, politics and sex, outspoken and controversial for his day.
Bertrand Arthur William Russell was born the third Earl Russell, grandson of the Prime Minister of England, Lord John Russell. Russell's father's family traced their lineage back to the Norman Conquest. His sister and both parents, however, were dead by the time he was four: both his mother and sister died in 1874, and his father in 1876. His grandfather, Lord Russell, and grandmother overturned his father's will to win custody of Russell and his brother, Frank. His grandfather died in 1878, and his grandmother, a sternly religious woman, supervised his upbringing. It was, by his own autobiography, an unhappy childhood.
In 1890, he entered Trinity College in Cambridge where he was a brilliant student of mathematics and philosophy and was awarded a first class B. A. in Mathematics in 1893. In 1900, he met the Italian mathematician Peano at the International Congress in Paris, and Peano became the inspiration for "The Principles of Mathematics," which Russell wrote in 1903. The work later expanded into three volumes in collaboration with Alfred Whitehead, written and published from 1910 to 1913. The work established Russell as one of the founding fathers of modern analytical philosophy , with his defense of logicism (the view that mathematics is reducible to logic in some sense).
Russell's external career was marked with controversy. In 1908, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, then in 1916, he was dismissed from Trinity College in connection with anti-war protests. Anti-war protests also landed him in prison for six months in 1918, and during that time he wrote his "Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy," 1919. In 1920, he traveled to Russia and then taught philosophy at Peking for a year. He went to the United States in 1938, and taught there for several years at various universities.
Despite all this, he continued to make major contributions to not only philosophy but to education, ethics, politics, history, religion and popular science. In 1940, he was appointed to a position at City College New York, but it was revoked following public protests. In 1943, he was dismissed from the Barnes Foundation in Pennsylvania. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1949, and the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950.
He became the third Earl Russell in 1931 upon the death of his brother. In 1958, he became founding president of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, and in 1961 was imprisoned for a week in connection with anti-nuclear protests.
The first two volumes of his autobiography were published in 1967 and 1968.
His relationships appeared to be as spirited as his academic life. He married Alys Pearsall Smith in 1894 and from most reports, treated her badly. She was five years his senior. He divorced her in 1921 to marry Dora Black, a left-wing feminist who had become pregnant with a son he wanted to legitimize. They divorced in 1935. In 1936, he married Patricia Peter Helen Spence: they were divorced in 1952, when he made his fourth marriage, to Edith Finch.
He died peacefully at Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales on 2/02/1970.
| i don't know |
In the 1970's TV series 'The Partridge Family', which actress played the part of the children's mother? | The Partridge Family - Show News, Reviews, Recaps and Photos - TV.com
The Partridge Family
EDIT
In 1970, the Partridge Family was among the top-selling recording acts, not to mention one of the top-rated TV shows of its time. Either way, it made David Cassidy a successful teen idol until the show's cancellation in 1974.
The Partridge Family consisted of Shirley Partridge (keyboards, vocals) and her five kids: Keith (lead vocalist and guitar), Laurie (keyboards, vocals), Danny (bass guitar, vocals), Chris (drums), and Tracy (tambourine). Rounding out the cast was their manager, Reuben Kincaid.
With the exception of Shirley Jones and David Cassidy, none of the actors on the show actually sang or played on the group's records. In fact this was done by professional studio musicians and singers, with the family lip-synching to the tracks on camera. In fact, David Cassidy was originally hired for his looks, but when the producers found out that he could sing they realized that they could use him in the real band.
Many of the episode plots draw upon the comedic relationship between Reuben (Dave Madden) and Danny (Danny Bonaduce). These two were good friends both on and off the set. Other plot devices were Keith's good looks and popularity at school, Laurie's 70's style activism and some of the strange encounters that the family had when on the road in their bus.
The Partridge Family was true wholesome family programming. At the time Shirley Partridge was one of the the first single mother's to be featured on a television show. Originally the scripts called for her to be divorced, but this was changed to describe her as a widow.
Telecast: ABC September 25, 1970 - August 31, 1974 Broadcast History (all ET): Sept. 1970 - Jun. 1973, ABC Friday 8:30 - 9:00 P.M. Jun. 1973 - Aug. 1974, ABC Saturday 8:00 - 8:30 P.M. 96 Episodes In Color On Film.moreless
| Shirley Jones |
Grenada, St. Vincent, St.Lucia, Martinique, and Dominica, are all part of which West Indian island group? | Suzanne Crough from The Partridge Family dies suddenly at 52 | Daily Mail Online
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Suzanne Crough, who played the youngest member of The Partridge Family, has died.
TMZ reported that the former child star, who played tambourine-shaking Tracy Partridge on the 1970s TV series, passed away Monday at her home in Nevada.
She was 52.
Scroll down for video
Sudden passing: Suzanne Crough, 52, who played Tracy on TV's The Partridge Family, died at her home in Nevada on Monday
A family member confirmed her death saying that it was 'sudden.'
Crough was married and had two daughters.
She was last seen on TV in 2010 when she reunited with some of her Partridge Family co-stars on the Today show.
She said then that she had 'a normal job' working as a manager at an Office Max store.
Child star: Crough, seen here on the left in this publicity shot, was seven when she was picked to join the cast of The Partridge Family. She played tambourine-shaking Tracy, the youngest family member
Crough was just seven when she was picked to join the cast of the sitcom that made stars of David Cassidy, Susan Dey and Danny Bonaduce.
The show was about a widowed working class mom, played by Shirley Jones, who was persuaded by her five kids to form a musical group.
Soon the family was traveling around in a brightly-painted bus and having hits with songs that they originated in their garage.
The show was an instant hit and the first song released as a single and sung by David Cassidy - I Think I Love You - sold five million copies in 1970 and topped the billboard charts.
Reuniting with Cassidy, Bonaduce and Brian Forster on Today , Crough confirmed she never sang for real on the show, joking, 'I was very good at being Milli Vanilli.'
Reunited: Crough joined her TV brothers David Cassidy, Danny Bonaduce and Brian Forster on Today in 2010 for a special Partridge Family reunion
Then and now: Crough appeared in several other TV shows in the 1970s and went on to marry and raise two daughters
The former child star also revealed during the Today show reunion in 2010 that, unlike millions of girls around the world at that time, she didn't have a crush on Cassidy.
'All my friends were going, ‘I love David. Don’t you love David?’ and I would say, ‘No. He’s like my brother. That’s creepy',' she said.
The Partridge Family ended in 1974 with the final episode broadcast on March 23 that year.
Normal job: Crough revealed in 2010 that she worked as a manager at Office Max and was married with two daughters
Chart-topping: The fictional musical family had several real-life hits with Cassidy on lead vocals including I Think I Love You, I Woke Up In Love This Morning, Cherish and Come On Get Happy
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What form did Zeus take when he seduced Io? | Zeus - The Father of Gods and Men
Zeus
Previous Page
The Father of Gods and Men
As the Father of gods and men, Zeus is a very difficult god to understand. Although Gaia [Mother Earth] is the actual progenitor of the Immortals, Zeus was proclaimed to be the Father of the gods after he led his brothers and sisters, along with other disenfranchised Immortals, against the Titans in a long and bitter war. Zeus became the literal Father of men when he created men and gave them homes on the face of the earth. As a punishment for the men he had created, Zeus created the first women.
Life Before Zeus
Zeus was born when the earth and the heavens were almost complete. The Immortals who preceded Zeus were in existence when the earth was still in chaos and there were no human inhabitants. The primal gods and goddesses formed the foundations for a habitable environment on the surface of the earth but their creation was populated only by what we would consider to be lower life forms and monsters.
Gaia and Ouranos [Heavens] began the cycle of life that eventually gave rise to a race of formidable Immortals know as the Titans who in turn mated with one another to create Zeus and the other more benevolent gods and goddesses.
Kronos and Rheia
Zeus is a son of Titans. The Titans are twelve children born to of Ouranos and Gaia. They were the first Immortals to assume the guise of human beings but they were not humane or in any way human-like. Their reign as the dominate force on earth was one of impropriety and deplorable excesses. Ouranos saw the outrageous behavior of his children and gave them the name Titans, which means Strainers or Stretchers. Ouranos foresaw that they would eventually pay a heavy price for their indulgences because they strained and stretched the bounds of propriety and abused their seemingly limitless powers. Not all of their deeds are recorded but it is clear that the most outrageous of the Titan gods was the youngest, Kronos.
Ouranos was the first child of Gaia and she assumed that he would be her companion and subordinate ... she was wrong. Ouranos became more and more demanding until Gaia finally had no choice but to enlist the assistance of her Titan children to subdue him. Kronos was the only one to step forward and confront Ouranos ... he attacked his father, mutilated his manhood and took away his authority. Eventually Kronos became as domineering as his father had been but his tyranny was not destined to last. Gaia and Ouranos told Kronos of a prophecy in which one of his sons would defeat him and become the new master of heaven and earth.
Kronos did not understand that the prophecy that Gaia and Ouranos had given him was not something he could avoid ... it was his destiny and there was nothing he could do to change it. From his home on the peaks of Mount Olympos, Kronos inflicted his will on his brothers and sisters as well as the other children of Gaia and Ouranos ... he thought his sovereignty would be eternal. He married his sister Rheia and they began to have children. In a vain attempt to thwart his destiny, Kronos swallowed each of his children as soon as they were born.
The Birth of Zeus
After the birth and consumption of five children, Rheia began to plot against Kronos. When the sixth child was born, Rheia presented a stone to Kronos in place of the baby ... in his arrogance and haste, Kronos swallowed the stone without suspecting the ruse.
Rheia presenting the stone to Kronos.
Rheia named the infant Zeus and took him to the island of Crete where she gave him to the semi-divine Kouretes of Mount Ida so that he could be reared in secret. The Kouretes entrusted Zeus to the Nymphs of Mount Ida who placed him in a cave and saw to his nurture.
Kronos had no idea that Zeus had escaped his notice because the Kouretes concealed Zeus's hiding place with carefully orchestrated and clamorous demonstrations to drown out any noise the infant made as he cried and made a ruckus. As the years went by, the swallowed children inside Kronos began to mature but could not escape from their father's entrails. Zeus also matured and became a powerful young god dedicated to freeing his siblings and punishing his father for his outrageous behavior.
The Fight with Kronos
When Zeus reached maturity, he ambushed Kronos while the aged god was out hunting. Zeus kicked Kronos in the stomach so hard that he vomited up the stone and the five children he had swallowed. In this way Demeter, Hades, Histia, Hera and Poseidon were born. Zeus took the stone that Kronos vomited up and placed it at the foot of Mount Parnassos near the city of Delphi and proclaimed that the stone would be a portent and marvel for the mortals of the earth for all time. The stone was called the Omphalos [Navel] and its location became known as the Navel of the Earth.
Briareos, Kottos and Gyes
Briareos, Kottos and Gyes played an important part in the lives of Zeus, his father Kronos and his grandfather Ouranos. The formidable brothers were three of the most terrible creatures ever born to Gaia and Ouranos ... they have fifty heads and fifty arms sprouting from their massive shoulders.
When Briareos, Kottos and Gyes were ready to leave the womb of Gaia, Ouranos would not let them be born ... as they attempted to come out, Ouranos pushed them back inside. This was one of the reasons Gaia asked her Titan children to attack Ouranos and mitigate his aggressive behavior. This was also the reason Kronos accepted the gruesome task of mutilating his father.
With Ouranos neutralized, Kronos assumed that he would become the lord of heaven and earth. In an attempt to please Gaia, Kronos freed Briareos, Kottos and Gyes. The three brothers were not only awesomely strange and frightening, they were also very handsome. When Kronos saw them, he feared that they might overpower him or that Gaia would make them her favorites and thus take the authority he had assumed after Ouranos had been dethroned. As time passed, Kronos became as overbearing as Ouranos had been. He forced Briareos, Kottos and Gyes back underground before they became too strong for him to master.
When Zeus defeated Kronos, he took mercy on Gaia and freed Briareos, Kottos and Gyes. He fed then ambrosia and nectar until they regained their vitality. Zeus did not fear the three monstrous boys because he had no doubts about his own strength and authority. Briareos, Kottos and Gyes posed no threat to Zeus because they knew that he was their savior ... they vowed to serve and protect him in any way they could.
Life on Mount Olympos was not always as polite and well ordered as we might wish to believe. During a fierce argument, Hera, Poseidon and Athene attacked Zeus and put him in shackles. This was a dangerous situation for Zeus because they were without doubt, three of the most powerful Immortals on Mount Olympos. Zeus could have easily subdued each of them separately but their combined strength was too much for him. Fortunately, the Nereid Thetis saw what was happening and summoned Briareos to help Zeus. When Briareos arrived on Mount Olympos, he did not threaten the three hostile Immortals ... he simply sat beside Zeus ... Hera, Poseidon and Athene retreated without another word.
The War with the Titans
Even thought Kronos had been defeated by Zeus and forced off Mount Olympos, he was not going to surrender his authority without a fight ... he summoned the other Titans to help him overcome Zeus and the new Olympians.
When Zeus realized that the Titans were going to fight, he summoned the ancient Immortals to an assembly. Zeus promised them that they would retain their powers and domains if they would fight with him against the Titans ... he also told them that they would regain the spheres of influence that Kronos had taken from them. The Oath River Styx was the first to vow her support for Zeus ... she also induced her children to join in the war against the Titans. Many of the other ancient Immortals were likewise persuaded and allied themselves with Zeus.
With the battle-lines clearly drawn, Zeus and his loyal Immortals confronted the Titans ... the long and destructive war began. The war lasted for ten years and was finally decided when Briareos, Kottos and Gyes entered the fray ... they bombarded the Titans with boulders and buried them. Zeus put the Titans into Tartaros [the Pit] and made Briareos, Kottos and Gyes their guardians. It might seem odd that Zeus would put the three monstrous brothers back underground but they willingly accepted their assignment as guards of the Titans because of their respect for Zeus and not because he compelled them to do so.
The Fight with Typhoeus
Typhoeus is the youngest child of Gaia and Tartaros. Typhoeus was born after the War of the Titans and posed a new and perhaps more dangerous threat to Zeus's authority.
Tartaros is the sunless abyss beneath the surface of the earth. Tartaros lives as far beneath the earth as the heavens are above it. Tartaros has a loathsome and dank abode and his presence is clouded with mist and gloom that makes the other Immortals abhor him.
When Tartaros mated with Gaia, the result was the dreaded creature named Typhoeus. Typhoeus was a gigantic reptilian with one hundred snake-heads sprouting from his shoulders. Each snake-head had eyes that glittered with fire and each of the snake-heads could create sounds that were subtle or horrible ... his voices could span the range from an echoing whistle to the bellowing of bulls.
Typhoeus appeared to be strong and willful enough to force the Olympians into submission if he was allowed to go unchecked ... for that reason, Zeus attacked the beast with unbridled fury. The confrontation with Typhoeus was one of the most difficult situations Zeus had ever encountered.
Mount Olympos was shaken with the tread of Zeus's immortal feet as he prepared for the inevitable fight. Zeus gave warning to Typhoeus with a clap of thunder so loud that the earth reverberated and the heavens and sea shuttered. Typhoeus was not deterred ... the two powerful gods began to fight. The thunder and lightning of Zeus combined with the blazing stormwinds of Typhoeus to scorch the ground and sky ... the sea boiled and towering waves pounded the shorelines. The sound and fury of the confrontation was so loud, the House of Hades was shaken and the Titans could hear the commotion from their prison deep underground.
Finally, Zeus leapt from Mount Olympos and struck Typhoeus with a fire so intense that his snake-heads were set ablaze. Typhoeus was crushed under Zeus's blows and a flaming wind gushed from his crippled body to burn a large portion of the earth. Zeus seized Typhoeus and cast him into the limitless confines of his father, Tartaros.
To this day, we are still effected by Typhoeus. All ill-favored winds issue from him ... raging gales on the sea scatter shipping and drown sailors ... on land, the winds of Typhoeus bring ruin in the form of tornados and dust storms.
The Olympian Gods
Zeus and his siblings were not the first Immortals to occupy Mount Olympos. Immortals have lived on Mount Olympos since the dawn of time.
The first Immortals to occupy Mount Olympos were Eurynome, a daughter of Okeanos [Ocean], and her consort Ophion. The length of time Eurynome and Ophion resided on Mount Olympos is not known but they were finally forced off the mountain by Kronos and Rheia. The arrival of the overbearing Titans on Mount Olympos forced Eurynome and Ophion to abandon the mountain and seek sanctuary in the sea.
After Zeus defeated the Titans and forced them into the Underworld, he took control of Mount Olympos with his brothers and sisters: Hera, Hades, Histia, Demeter and Poseidon ... they thus became the third generation of Olympian Immortals.
The number of Olympian gods and goddesses grew from six to twelve as the new Olympians began to have children. Athene, Aphrodite, Apollon, Artemis, Hephaistos and Ares were included as Olympians. Sometimes, other gods such as Hermes and Dionysos are substituted for the original twelve Olympians but the number always remains constant at twelve. Many reasons have been offered for the significance of the number twelve but the reason there are twelve Olympians seems to relate to the twelve houses/signs of the zodiac, which also accounts for the twelve months of the year.
When Herakles became an Immortal, Zeus wanted him to join the Olympians. Herakles was humbled and stated that he would not deprive one of the other Olympians of their honors by taking their place on Mount Olympos. It is interesting to speculate as to which Olympian would have lost their seat on Mount Olympos had Herakles accepted Zeus's offer.
The Wives of Zeus
Zeus had three wives ... the first being Metis, then Themis and the last being Hera.
Metis
Zeus took Metis as his first wife. She was one of the three thousand daughters of Okeanos [Ocean] and Tethys, collectively known as Okeanids.
In a situation reminiscent of his father, Zeus was told by Gaia and Ouranos that children born to Metis would be a threat to his authority ... Zeus didn't wait for Metis to give birth so he could swallow the child as Kronos had done ... he swallowed Metis.
In the vastness of Zeus's immortal being, Metis gave birth to the goddess Athene. Metis gave her daughter weapons and clothed her in armor ... Athene burst from Zeus's head, fully armed and armored to become the goddess of wisdom and craft.
Themis
After Metis had been swallowed, Zeus married the Titan Themis ... Zeus was Themis's nephew. Themis was very skilled with her hands and crafted the aegis [shield] that became the hallmark of Zeus but when Athene was born, Themis gave the aegis to the young goddess as a token of friendship and to complement the warlike armor Athene was wearing when she burst from Zeus's head.
When Themis saw Athene's strength and intelligence, she knew how potentially dangerous the young goddess would be if any of the Olympian gods mated with her. Themis warned Zeus that if a son was born to Athene with one of the Olympians as the father, her child would possess a weapon mightier than Zeus's thunderbolt or Poseidon's trident. It's not clear as to whether Athene willingly took an oath of chastity or if Aphrodite was commanded not to use her spells of love on her ... regardless, Athene has had no husbands, no consorts and no children.
Themis and Zeus had two sets of daughters known as the Horae and the Fates.
The Horae [Hours] are Eunomia [Harmony], Dike [Justice] and Eirene [Peace]. The Horae assist the Olympians by organizing the Seasons and adding balance to Nature. They guard Mount Olympos with a dark veil and open and close the gates of the sky for the Immortals as they travel to and from their earthly domains.
The Fates are Klotho, Lachesis and Atropos. Klotho spins the thread of life, Lachesis determines the length of the thread and Atropos cuts the thread when the proper time has come for death.
Themis was also instrumental in helping Zeus plan the Trojan War.
Hera
As the last wife of Zeus, Hera assumed the role of queen of the Immortals. She was feared and respected because her temper was short and her wrath was relentless.
Zeus was not a faithful husband ... Hera was constantly at odds with him because of is philandering but that did not stop him from pursuing his amorous adventures. Hera's most notable resistance to Zeus's extramarital children was against Herakles ... she delayed his birth and then put snakes in his crib after he was born ... it wasn't until after Herakles died and was resurrected as an Immortal that she finally accepted him as a noble hero worthy of her respect.
Hera's conduct towards Zeus's lover Io [the Heifer-Maiden] was despicable ... her anger towards Zeus was vented on the helpless Io ... by all accounts, Hera never forgave Io for Zeus's infidelity.
With Zeus, Hera was the mother of Hebe [Youth], Ares [War] and Eileithyia [Childbirth].
The Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Zeus had many lovers and consorts ... some were Immortals and some were mortal women. Since mortal women did not exist until the Age of Heroes, the relationships he initiated with the mortal women were while he was married to his sister/wife Hera. Usually, Zeus did not hide his infidelities from Hera but that did not make Hera like the unfaithfulness. Regarding Zeus's liaisons with other Immortal women, Hera seemed to be more forgiving.
Demeter
Like Hera, Demeter was Zeus's sister. She was one of the original Olympians and chose be become the goddess of the harvest. She became the consort of Zeus and the mother of Persephone.
Persephone was a lovely young woman who, without her mother's consent, became the wife of Hades, lord of the dead. Hades was attracted to his niece Persephone and asked Zeus for his permission to "take" her ... by this he meant that he intended to kidnap Persephone without the permission of the young woman or her mother.
The abduction of Persephone left Demeter angered and confused. In her sadness and distracted state of mind, she caused famine and hardship for the mortals of the earth, and great concern for the Immortals. At first Demeter did not know what had happened to Persephone but as the other gods and goddesses told her what they knew and suspected, her wrath and sadness plunged the earth into a period of infertility ... crops would not grow ... there was no food for the humans or the wild and domesticated beasts. Demeter was not really angry with her brother Hades for abducting Persephone but she was inconsolably heartbroken when she learned Zeus had approved such a cruel fate for their daughter.
Using almost every Immortal as his emissary, Zeus finally persuaded Demeter to mitigate her punishment of the earth. She agreed to allow the crops to grow when Persephone was with her but the earth would be wracked by cold when Persephone was with Hades in the land of the dead.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Elektra
Zeus's cousin Atlas had seven Nymph daughters known as the Pleiades ... Zeus had children with two of them. With Maia, Zeus conceived Hermes ... with Elektra he had two sons, Dardanos and Iasion. When Iasion was a young man he lusted after the goddess Demeter and was killed by Zeus with a thunderbolt for his impudence. Dardanos fled his island home on Samothrake and settled on the mainland westward of the island. Three generations later, the area Dardanos settled, accompanied by the land he inherited from his wife's father, became the site of the city of Troy.
The hunter Orion relentlessly pursued Elektra and her sisters until they were changed into pigeons by Zeus and eventually put into the night sky as the constellation of the Pleiades.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Eurynome
Eurynome is an Okeanid, i.e. she is one of the three thousand daughters of Okeanos [Ocean] and Tethys.
Eurynome and Zeus are the parents of the three Graces: Euphrosyne, Aglaia and Thalia ... their names reflect their attributes: Aglaia [Splendor], Euphrosyne [Festivity], and Thalia [Rejoicing].
Eurynome and her consort Ophion were the first to occupy Mount Olympos but returned to the sea after they were forced off the mountain by the Titans, Kronos and Rheia.
It would seem that Eurynome is much older than Zeus because of the fact that she was the first inhabitant of Mount Olympos and also because she helped care Hera's son Hephaistos when he was thrown from Mount Olympos.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Himalia
On the island of Rhodes, Zeus encountered a Nymph named Himalia. She and Zeus had three sons named Spartaeus, Kronios, and Kytos. When torrential rains flooded the island, the lower areas were turned into stagnant pools of water and many of the inhabitants fled to the highlands. Spartaeus, Kronios, and Kytos survived the flood and became the rulers of Rhodes.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Leto
Leto is the beautiful daughter of the Titans, Koios and Phoibe, and therefore Zeus's cousin. From the beginning, Leto was the most kind and gentle of the Immortals ... her kindness was not reserved for the Immortals, she was considerate to the mere mortals as well. Leto proudly bore Zeus two children: Apollon and Artemis.
After Leto convinced the goddess Delos to allow Apollon to be born on her island, Hera distracted her daughter Eileithyia [Childbirth] so that Leto had to stay in labor for nine days and nights. Eileithyia was finally summoned to the island of Delos and Apollon was born fully conscious and able to speak. After seeing how fair and noble Apollon was, Hera softened her stance and did not interfere with the birth of Artemis on the island of Ortygia, in the bay of Syracuse, Sicily.
With the consent of Zeus, Apollon established the Oracle of Delphi where he would make the will of Zeus known to all worthy supplicants. The shrine became one of the most important and enduring institutions of the ancient world. Delphi was chosen as Apollon's shrine for a very important reason ... the stone [Omphalos] that Kronos swallowed and then vomited up when he was attacked by Zeus had been placed at Delphi because Zeus had sent two eagles flying in opposite directions to circle the earth ... after their 'round-the-world flight, the birds met at Delphi thus establishing the correct spot for the Omphalos and Apollon's shrine.
Artemis assumed the role of goddess of the hunt ... her domain was the care and supervision of all the wild animals of the earth.
After Apollon and Artemis, Leto no other children.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Maia
Maia was one of the seven Nymph daughters of Atlas known as the Pleiades. Atlas was of the same generation as Zeus so Maia would have been Zeus's niece. As the consort of Zeus, Maia was the mother of the mischievous messenger god, Hermes.
Zeus came to Maia in the darkness of night so that Hera would not know of his amorous intentions towards the lovely Nymph. Maia lived in a secluded cave on Mount Kyllene in Arkadia. Hermes was born at dawn of the tenth month after Zeus's union with Maia.
While Hermes was still an infant, he tried and failed to outwit Apollon. Apollon was a young adult when Hermes was born but the two gods formed a friendship that made Zeus very proud to have two sons who liked each other so much.
Maia warned Hermes not to try his tricks on Apollon or Zeus but Hermes was a scoundrel from the start ... he stole Apollon's cattle and then lied to Zeus about it. Zeus did not begrudge Hermes his little pranks but warned him sternly about his place in the divine hierarchy.
After the birth of Hermes, the hunter Orion relentlessly pursued Maia and her sisters until they were changed into pigeons by Zeus and eventually put into the night sky as the constellation of the Pleiades.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Mnemosyne
Mnemosyne is one of the Titans. She is of the generation preceding that of Zeus and is in fact Zeus's aunt. Her name means Memory but that turns out to be an ironic name because as the mother of the Muses, she gave us the ability to forget our ills with the pleasures of the creative arts that her daughters inspire.
Zeus came to Mnemosyne at her home in Pieria where she reigned over the hills of Eleuther. For nine nights Zeus was with Mnemosyne and the result of that union was nine perfect daughters ... the Muses.
The Muses are:
Thaleia - [Blooming One], Comedy
After the War of the Titans, Mnemosyne was assigned to the Underworld with the rest of the Titans.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Nemesis
Nemesis is the goddess of divine retribution. She is the daughter of Nyx [Night] and without her there is no escape from worldly evil. In a surviving portion of the Kypria, Nemesis is said to be the daughter of Zeus and that she went to extraordinary lengths to avoid his amorous advances.
Nemesis took the form of a fish as she sped through the sea and then assumed the form of other creatures when she emerged onto the land. Her flight was in vain ... Zeus caught her and she was added to the list of his Immortal conquests. The union of Zeus and Nemesis was said to have produced the infamous Helen but that is generally contradicted by other more authoritative texts.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
Selene
We are told very little about Zeus's relationship with the goddess of the moon, Selene. She was the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia which would make her Zeus's cousin. She is the sister of Helios [Sun] and Eos [Dawn].
Selene and Zeus had a daughter named Pandeia which means All-Luminous.
Immortal Consorts of Zeus
The Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Aegina
Aegina was the wife of a man named Endies when Zeus noticed her and fell in love. As the consort of Zeus, Aegina was the mother of Aiakos. With Endies, Aegina was the mother of Peleus and Telamon but Aiakos banished Peleus and Telamon because they murdered their half-brother, Phokos.
The people who were ruled by Aiakos became known as the Myrmidons because, after a plague decimated the island of Aegina, Zeus repopulated it by turning ants into men and women. Myrmidon is a variation on the word for Ant.
After his death Aiakos became one of the three judges of the Underworld along with two other sons of Zeus, Minos and Rhadamanthys.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Alkmene
Of all the mortal consorts of Zeus, Alkmene seems to be the most important. She was the mother of Herakles and the last mortal woman with whom Zeus had a relationship.
When Zeus seduced Danae, Leda and Europa, he disguised himself as a shower of gold, a swan and a bull respectively. They were certainly aware that they were being embraced by an Immortal and surrendered themselves willingly to the encounter. However, when Zeus came to Alkmene, he chose a disguise that was intended to mask his true nature. Zeus obviously wanted to impregnate Alkmene without revealing his divinity. Zeus impersonated Alkmene's husband Amphitryon ... the guise worked on Alkmene but Hera was not fooled.
On the night Zeus came to Alkmene as Amphitryon, she was unaware whose child she had conceived. Later that same night, the real Amphitryon arrived and consummated his marriage resulting in the conception of a male child named Iphikles. It is unclear as to when Alkmene realized that one of her sons was mortal and the other a son of Zeus.
Hera took it upon herself to make the life of Herakles as difficult as possible. Hera approached Zeus and made him promise that the next son born in the bloodline of Perseus would become the king of Argos. Zeus readily agreed because he had no doubt that Herakles would receive that honor. Hera delayed her daughter Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth, from attending Alkmene so that Herakles's cousin Eurystheus could be born first. As the eldest, Eurystheus had the authority to demand that Herakles perform the famous Twelve Labors that were strenuous and humiliating.
The first mortal woman with whom Zeus had an affair was Niobe and the last was Alkmene ... Niobe was an ancestor of Alkmene from sixteen generations previous. As to why Zeus would chose to begin and end his relations with mortal women in the same bloodline is a matter for speculation but we can assume that Herakles was the last demigod conceived by Zeus because Herakles was so perfect in every way that Zeus did not want have his best child followed by inferior children.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Antiope
Antiope was a consort of Zeus and the mother of Amphion and Zethos.
In the Odyssey, Antiope is said to be the daughter of the river Asopos and the sister of Sinope. In the Argonautika she is said to be the daughter of Nykteus. The poet Euripides seems to agree with the version in the Argonautika because it made it easier for the tragic plot to have some bloodshed and revenge.
Odysseus encountered Antiope's 'shade' at the entrance to the Underworld. She explained how Zeus had seduced her and engendered the twins, Amphion and Zethos. The two brothers are credited as the builders of the foundations and bulwarks of the city of Thebes.
In the Argonautika, it is clear that Antiope's father Nykteus and her uncle Lykos were both rulers of the city of Thebes and both died as a direct result of Zeus's relationship with Antiope.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Danae
Many of Zeus's encounters with mortal women had bizarre overtones but his seduction of Danae was uniquely strange ... he did not come to her in the guise of a living creature such as a bull or a swan, he appeared to her as a shower of gold.
Danae was the daughter of King Akrisios of Argos. He was a very selfish and cruel man who acted as if the prophecies of the Immortals could be avoided or delayed. Akrisios was told by an oracle that Danae would have a son who would kill him and take his throne ... to thwart the oracle, Akrisios had Danae locked in a bronze vault so she could not be seduced. Zeus came to Danae inside the vault as a shower of gold and their son Perseus was a result of Zeus's divine touch.
Akrisios did not understand how Danae had become pregnant but after the birth of her son, he set mother and child adrift in a coffin-like box thinking that they would die at sea. The box washed ashore on the island of Seriphos and was found by a man named Diktys who happened to be the brother of King Polydektes of Seriphos.
Danae and Perseus made their home on Seriphos and King Polydektes fell in love with Danae but she did not return his affection. As Perseus grew older he became an imposing young man and King Polydektes thought that if he could get rid of Perseus he would be able to seduce Danae. Polydektes sent Perseus on what he thought would be a suicidal mission ... to bring him the head of the Gorgon, Medusa.
The Gorgons were three sisters who could turn anyone who dared to look into their eyes to stone. Medusa was the only one of the three who was mortal and it was Perseus's goal to kill her. As the son of Zeus, Perseus had divine assistance in his quest and returned to Seriphos with the severed head of Medusa.
While Perseus was away, Polydektes became more aggressive and violent towards Danae but she still refused his advances. When Perseus returned he used the magical powers of Medusa's head to turn Polydektes to stone.
King Akrisios, Danae's father, was eventually killed by Perseus but the ultimate fate of Danae is unrecorded.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Dia
In the Iliad, Zeus is said to have mated with the wife of Ixion but her name is not given. From other ancient texts we are told the Ixion's wife was Dia so it seems likely that she is the woman referred to in the Iliad. Regardless, Zeus and Ixion's wife were the parents of the hero, Peirithoos.
Peirithoos had many noble accomplishments to his name but finally seemed to lose his senses when he tried to seduce the bride of Hades, Persephone. When Hades realized what was being planed, he turned his dog Kerberos loose on Peirithoos. In this way, a man of renown and responsibility, died the death of a scoundrel.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Europa
The magnificent culture that made the island of Crete the precursor to the civilization of the mainland Greeks was founded by the children of Europa and Zeus. Europa was living in Tyre on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea when Zeus saw her and fell in love. He changed himself into a bull whose breath was saffron-scented and enticing Europa in this way, let her mount upon his back and carried her across the sea to Crete where he mingled with her. He then entrusted her to King Asterion of the Cretans and departed. Europa bore three of Zeus's children, Minos, Sarpedon, and Rhadamanthys.
Zeus granted nobility to his sons. Rhadamanthys became the judge of the laws that Zeus imparted to him. After he died, Rhadamanthys became a judge in the Underworld. Sarpedon went to Lykia where he ruled for three generations of mortal men and, according to some sources, was finally killed in the Trojan War. Minos became the king of Crete after King Asterion died and was responsible for building the palaces of Knossos. Minos's grandson Idomeneus commanded the warriors from Crete in the Trojan War.
Zeus placed one of the men he had created during the Age of Bronze to patrol the island to guard Europa and her descendants. His name was Talos. He marched around Crete three times a day denying entry to anyone he considered a threat to the island. He was finally killed by the sorceress Medeia when she accompanied Jason and the Argonauts to Crete after they had acquired the Golden Fleece. Talos attacked the Argo by throwing giant boulders at the ship and would have prevented the Argonauts from landing on Crete if Medeia had not called down Death-Spirits to confuse him ... in a daze, Talos fell and his life force left him when he pierced his bronze skin on a sharp outcropping of stone.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Euryodia
Little is known about Euryodia other than that she was a consort of Zeus and the mother of Arkeisios. Arkeisios was the father of Laertes and thus the grandfather of Odysseus.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Io
The seduction and banishment of Io is one of the saddest encounters Zeus had with a mortal woman. Io was a young woman living in Argos with her father when she began to have vivid dreams that suggested she leave the safety of her home and go into the fields where Zeus could 'see' her.
Io's father was afraid of the implications of the dream and ordered Io from his house. Zeus came to Io and seduced her but the infidelity did not escape the notice of Hera. When Hera confronted Zeus about his relationship with Io, Zeus simply lied ... he denied any contact with the young woman. This act of dishonesty on Zeus's part made it acceptable for all men and gods to lie about their romantic encounters.
Hera sent an ever-vigilant watchman to guard Io and also set a gadfly to goad her away from her home. As Io fled in tears from her father's house, she began to change ... horns popped out on her head and as she ran, she completely transformed into a black and white heifer ... Io became the Heifer-Maiden.
Io traveled as far as Egypt where Zeus lifted the curse of being the Heifer-Maiden and transformed her back into a woman. The descendants of Io became the Egyptians.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Kallisto
Kallisto was the daughter of Lykaon and lived in Arkadia where she occupied herself with the wild beasts of the mountains in the company of the goddess Artemis. Kallisto was seduced by Zeus and became pregnant. When Artemis saw Kallisto bathing, she was enraged to see that her companion was pregnant and changed Kallisto into a bear. Even though Kallisto had the form of a bear, when her son Arkas was born, he was fully human. Mother and son were eventually captured by some goatherds and returned to her father, Lykaon. Kallisto violated the law by going into the precinct of Zeus and was hunted down by Arkas and other Arkadians. Zeus saw her plight and placed her in the heavens as the constellation the Great Bear.
The fate of Arkas was more unpleasant than that of his mother. We are initially told that Arkas participated in the hunt for his mother in the precinct of Zeus but then we are told that after Kallisto and Arkas returned to her father's home, Lykaon pretended not to know that Artemis had transformed Kallisto into a bear. While he was entertaining Zeus at his home, Lykaon chopped up Arkas and served him to Zeus as a meal. Zeus placed Arkas in the heavens as the star Arcturus in the constellation of Bootes where he was thereafter known as the Bear Warden and protector of his mother.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Karme
Zeus and Karme are closely related in that she is the daughter of Eubulus who was the son of Demeter, which would make Zeus Karme's granduncle. Zeus and Karme had a daughter named Diktynna who is also known as Britomartis. Diktynna invented the nets [δίκτῡον] used for hunting and fishing, whence she has been called Diktynna. She passed her time in the company of Artemis, this being the reason why some men think Diktynna and Artemis one and the same. The Cretans have instituted sacrifices and built temples in honor of Diktynna.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Leda
As the queen of Sparta, Leda was held in great respect by all Greeks. Her husband was a noble and patient man named Tyndareus. Zeus fell in love with Leda and seduced her by assuming the guise of a swan. Leda must have been aware that the swan was one of the Immortals but we can not be sure if she knew it was Zeus.
Leda copulating with the swan as Eros looks on.
It is commonly believed that Leda had three children by Zeus: Helen, Kastor and Polydeukes. Later authors believed the Polydeukes might not have been a son of Zeus but since Kastor and Polydeukes were always referred to as the Dioskuri [sons of God], we can be more than reasonably sure that Polydeukes was Zeus's son.
Tyndareus was a wise and religious man ... he accepted the fact that his wife had been seduced by a god and raised the semi-divine children as if they were his own. Tyndareus and Leda had two daughters ... their names were Timandra and Klytemnestra.
Leda did what she could to make her family happy ... her sons became worshiped as gods but the names of her daughters became synonymous with betrayal. All three of her daughters disgraced their husbands and Leto finally took her own life to avoid their shame.
The descendants of Zeus-Leda and Leda-Tyndareus.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Niobe
Niobe was the first mortal consort of Zeus and as we shall see, distantly related to Zeus's last mortal consort, Alkmene.
Little has been retained about Niobe and some of what we know is contradictory. An ancient writer named Akusilaos said that Pelasgus was the son of Zeus and Niobe, however Hesiod said that he was not. We do know that Niobe was the daughter of a man named Phoroneus and that she lived sixteen generations before Alkmene and was her ancestor.
It appears that Zeus began to consort with mortal women with the ancestors of Alkmene and ceased with her. He was unwilling to have the better followed by the worse ... Alkmene's son Herakles was so noble that any children after him would have been a disappointment.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Nymphe
Nymphe lived on the island of Samothrake and was a consort of Zeus. There is a bit confusion as to whether Nymphe and Zeus had a son named Saon because some writers say that Saon was the son of Hermes and a woman named Rhene. Regardless, Saon was born on the island of Samothrake and was the first man to organize the scattered inhabitants into cohesive groups that were then ruled by his five sons. Saon named the island after himself and established a code of laws for the islanders.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Pandora
After the Great Deluge, Deukalion and Pyrrha were the only surviving humans. One of their daughters was named Pandora ... she became a consort of Zeus and had a noble son named Graekos. The Greeks are called Hellens because of Deukalion's son Hellen ... they are also called Greeks as descendants of Graekos.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Sinope
Sinope was the daughter of the river Asopos and the sister of Zeus's lover, Antiope. Sinope was a clever maiden who attracted the amorous attention of Zeus but in the end, his pursuit of Sinope was frustrated by his own cleverness.
In order to get Sinope's affection, Zeus promised that he would give her anything she wanted. She said that she desired to remain a virgin all of her life ... Zeus was honor bound to keep his promise. When Apollon sought Sinope as a lover, he too was forced to honor the promise made by Zeus.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Taygete
Zeus and Taygete had a very important son and named him Lakedaemon.
Lakedaemon is credited with founding the district of Lakonia. He named the principal city of the kingdom after his wife Sparta and the nearby mountain was named after his mother, Taygete.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Thyia
Little is known about the life of Thyia other than the fact that she and Zeus were the parents of Makedon and Magnes. Makedon is the more renowned of the two men because he established the country of Makedonia in northern Greece.
Mortal Consorts of Zeus
Thyone
Thyone was the daughter of King Kadmos and Queen Harmonia of Thebes. As the consort of Zeus, Thyone was the mother of Dionysos [a.k.a. Bacchus, god of wine].
When Thyone became pregnant with Zeus's child, Hera couldn't control her jealous rage and plotted a fiendish revenge on the unsuspecting young woman. In the guise of one of Thyone's friends, Hera suggested that Thyone demand that Zeus come to her in the same form he assumed when he was with his wife. Thyone innocently asked Zeus if he would show her his divine splendor. Zeus agreed to Thyone's wishes and appeared to her clothed in thunder and lightning. Thyone was consumed by Zeus's glory.
As Thyone's body began to burn, Hermes rescued her unborn son and Zeus lifted her out of the flames and granted her immortality ... she was no longer Thyone ... she was now Semele.
Hermes gave the rescued babe to a woman named Makris, daughter of Aristaios, on the island of Euboia. Makris soothed the child but when Hera perceived the trick, she drove Makris from her home. Zeus took the infant and sewed him into his thigh so that it might have his protection. In due time, the child was re-born on Mount Nysos and named Dionysos, which literally means god of Nysos, i.e. Dio = God and Nysos = Mount Nysos.
Thyone's son was destined to become one of the most revered Immortals on Mount Olympos. The rites of Dionysos were incorporated into the rituals of all the Immortals and his impetuous mortal followers were welcomed for their free spirited abandon but they were also feared because of their unbridled lascivious behavior.
The Father of Gods and Men
The Children of Zeus
Zeus has many, many children ... some of them are from goddesses and others are from mortal women. The following list is by no means complete but does include his most famous offspring.
Aiakos
Aiakos was the son Aegina and the husband of Endies ... most notably Aiakos was the father of Peleus and Telamon and thus the grandfather of Achilles and Aias [Ajax].
Children of Zeus
Apollon and Artemis
Apollon and Artemis are the children of Leto. Apollon became Zeus's instrument for delivering oracles ... Artemis became the virgin goddess of the hunt. Apollon and Artemis were both proficient with the bow and became respected and feared for their painless arrows.
Children of Zeus
Arkeisios
Arkeisios was the son of Euryodia ... he was the father of Laertes and thus the grandfather of Odysseus.
Children of Zeus
Athene
Athene is the goddess of wisdom ... daughter of Metis. Athene was born in a most unusual way ... Zeus swallowed Metis, and Athene was born inside his body ... she burst forth from his head fully grown and clad in armor. She became one of Zeus's favorite children as well as the companion of Zeus's sister/wife Hera.
Children of Zeus
Dionysos
Dionysos is also known as Bacchus, god of wine ... he was the son of Princess Thyone of Thebes, daughter of King Kadmos and Queen Harmonia. When Zeus mated with Thyone he revealed himself in his awesome splendor ... the poor woman was consumed in fire but Zeus rescued her from the flames and made her immortal ... her immortal name is Semele. Her unborn child was saved from the flames and sewn into Zeus's thigh where he stayed until he was ready to be born ... the birth took place on Mount Nysos and the child was rightly named Dio-Nysos, god of Nysos. He became the god of wine and his followers are known for their life affirming revelries.
Children of Zeus
Eileithyia
Eileithyia is the goddess of childbirth ... she is the daughter of Hera and thus the sister of Ares [god of war] and Hebe [goddess of youth]. Hera has been known to use Eileithyia to punish Zeus for his philandering, like when she used Eileithyia to delay the birth of Apollon thus causing Leto a great deal of discomfort, or when she made sure that Eileithyia did not attend the birth of Herakles so that he would not inherit the throne of Argos.
Children of Zeus
Hebe
Hebe is the goddess of youth. She is the daughter of Hera, and the sister of Ares [god of war] and Eileithyia [goddess of childbirth]. After Herakles was granted immortality, Hebe became his wife ... she and Herakles have a son named Alexiares.
Children of Zeus
Helen
Helen of Argos ... Helen of Sparta ... Helen of Troy ... no matter what you might wish to call her, Helen was the most beautiful woman in the ancient world. When Helen went to Troy with Prince Alexandros [Paris] the Greeks assembled an army and the Trojan War began.
Helen was the daughter of Leda and the wife of King Menelaos of Sparta ... her brothers Kastor and Polydeukes were also children of Zeus and Leda.
Children of Zeus
Herakles
Herakles was the son of Alkmene ... his life was one of heroic deeds and horrible suffering. The descendants of Herakles ruled Greece and Asia Minor for five hundred years after his immortalization. After his mortal life was over, Herakles was granted immortality and married his half-sister Hebe, goddess of youth.
Children of Zeus
Hermes
Hermes is the son of Maia ... Zeus came to Maia secretly so that Hera would not interfere with his philandering. Hermes was a bit of a rogue from the very beginning but Zeus considered him a delightful child. Hermes invented the lyre and as he grew older and more serious, he became the messenger of the Immortals and the guide for souls bound for the House of Hades.
Children of Zeus
The Hours
The Hours [Horae] are the three daughters of Themis ... their names are Eunomia [Harmony], Dike [Justice] and Eirene [Peace]. Just as their names imply, the Hours give harmony, justice and peace to all who honor and respect them ... there is however the potential for divine wrath for those who ignore their authority. As the daughters of Zeus, the Hours hold considerable influence over the way their father rewards and punishes his subject mortals.
Children of Zeus
Iasion and Dardanos
Iasion and Dardanos were the sons of Elektra, daughter of Atlas. Dardanos, became the legendary patriarch of the Trojans, but Zeus killed Iasion with a thunderbolt because of his impudence.
Children of Zeus
Kastor and Polydeukes
Kastor and Polydeukes are commonly called the Dioskuri, i.e. the sons of God. They are the sons of Leda and the brothers of Helen. Kastor and Polydeukes had several adventures that distinguished them as fearless fighters and honorable young men. They rescued Helen when she was kidnapped as a young girl ... they were part of the Quest for the Golden Fleece. After death, Kastor and Polydeukes were placed in the heavens as the constellation Gemini, i.e. The Twins.
Children of Zeus
Lakedaemon
Lakedaemon was the son of Taygete ... he was the founder of the area known as Lakonia which included the city of Sparta.
Children of Zeus
Litai
The Litai are the personification of Prayers. If a person does not call upon the Litai in times of need, they report to Zeus and recommend that he send Ate [Blindness/Ruin] to punish the unbelievers.
Children of Zeus
Magnes
Magnes was the son of Thyia, the daughter of Deukalion. Magnes had two sons, Diktys and Polydektes. Magnes's brother Makedon founded the district known as Makedonia.
Children of Zeus
The Muses
The Muses are the nine daughters of Mnemosyne [Memory]. Zeus came to Mnemosyne on nine consecutive nights and the nine daughters were the result of those nine unions.
All nine girls are of one mind ... they are free spirited and have their hearts set upon song ... they sing of the laws of the Immortals and the goodly ways of a life.
Children of Zeus
Pandeia is the daughter of Selene [Moon] ... her name can be rendered as All-Luminous.
Children of Zeus
Persephone
Persephone is the daughter of Demeter [goddess of the harvest]. Zeus arranged for Persephone to marry Hades [lord of the dead] even though Hades was Persephone's uncle ... this very complicated relationship was made even more complex when Hades kidnapped Persephone instead of asking Demeter's permission to marry her daughter. Much to Demeter's chagrin, Persephone became the queen of the dead.
Children of Zeus
Perseus
Perseus was the son of Danae ... he was destined to slay the Gorgon Medusa.
King Akrisios of Argos, Danae's father, was told by an oracle that Danae would have a son who would kill him. To thwart the oracle, Akrisios had Danae locked in a bronze vault so she could not be seduced or wed ... Zeus came to her as a shower of gold and Perseus was a result of Zeus's touch.
Children of Zeus
Sarpedon
Sarpedon was the son of Laodameia ... during the Trojan War, Sarpedon was an ally of the Trojans and was killed by Patroklos. After his death, Zeus had sympathy for Sarpedon and sent Apollon to cleanse his body so that Hypnos [Sleep] and Thanatos [Death] could return Sarpedon's body to his home in Lykia.
Children of Zeus
The Creation of Men and Women
The primal Immortals had no use for mortal men and women ... their concerns were of a more universal nature ... they were preoccupied with the completion of the earth and populating the sky with stars and planets. The only creatures on the primitive earth were non-sentient animals and monsters such as the Orb-Eyed Cyclopes and the three gigantic boys who came to be known as Briareos, Kottos and Gyes with fifty heads and fifty arms. The next generation of Immortals was not as fearsome looking as their predecessors but were monsters none the less ... they were the Titans.
As a son of Titans, Zeus brought to fruition the creation of human beings ... the process of seeding the earth with mortal human-like creatures began during the reign of the Titans. All that can be deduced about the time frames of the first three ages of mortal men is the they existed sometime before 40,000 BCE.
The Golden Age
The Golden Age of mortals was the first attempt by the Immortals at creating "men." This was the initial step on the road to realizing a fully developed human being. The "men" of the Golden Age were probably human-looking but it is easy to tell from their description that they were more like the Immortals than anything else. As the name implies, the Golden Age was wonderful. The mortals of this age were created during the time of Kronos ... that was when the Titans lived on Mount Olympos as the second generation of Olympian gods.
The Golden Age mortals lived like gods without sorrow, toil or grief ... they were ageless with a tireless pursuit of merriment and feasting ... they were beyond the reach of all evils. The earth willingly and ceaselessly provided abundant fruit and flocks so that they could live in peace and at their ease. When they died, it was as if sleep overcame them and they became Pure Spirits ... after death, they were granted the royal right to roam the earth clothed in mist to serve as the guardians of mortal men ... they keep watch over judgments and cruel deeds as well as being the givers of wealth.
The Silver Age
After the passing of the Golden Age mortals, the Titans created a new race of mortals and dubbed their existence the Silver Age. It was during the Silver Age that the idea of "female" mortals was experimented with but never fully implemented.
The Silver Age was less noble by far than the Golden Age because the Silver generation had neither the body nor the spirit of their predecessors. The children of the Silver Age mortals stayed at their mother's side for a hundred years ... they were simpletons who played childishly in their own homes. When they were fully grown and had reached their prime, their lives became very short and sorrowful. Their brief adult lives were marked by foolishness and punctuated by their wrongdoings towards one another. The most shameful aspect of the Silver Age mortals was that they refused to serve the Immortals or offer sacrifices at their altars ... this led directly to their eradication.
While the Silver Age was still in progress, Zeus and his followers waged a bitter but successful war against the Titans. At the conclusion of the war, the Titans were expelled from Mount Olympos and Zeus assumed the Throne of Eternity. Kronos and the other Titans were forcibly removed to Tartaros [The Pit].
Zeus was not pleased with the conduct of the Silver Age mortals and put them away. They are called Blessed Spirits of the Underworld and although they are considered to be second-order, they are still worthy of honor.
The Age of Bronze
The Bronze Age mortals were the first race of men to be created by Zeus. These "men" were, like their predecessors, man-like but certainly not human beings as we would define the species. There is an element of confusion as to the origins of the third mortal race. They are said to have sprung from the ash tree but that explanation seems to explain nothing. Even when we consider the fact that the Immortals are not bound by natural law, a race of men engendered by ash trees seems difficult to imagine. Other interpretations of the origins of this race are: 1) a race sprung from oaks and stones and ash trees, 2) a race sprung from the Meliae [Nymphs of the Ash Tree], or 3) a violent race of unknown origin identified by their ashen spears.
Regardless of semantics, the mortal men of the Age of Bronze were terrible and strong. They thrived on the violent and lamentable works of Ares. They ate no bread and had hearts as hard as adamant. They used no iron ... their armor, implements and houses were made of bronze.
The mortal men of the Age of Bronze were destroyed by their own penchant for violence and were seized by Thanatos [Death] and taken to the House of Hades. The last known man of the Age of Bronze was encountered and killed when Jason and the Argonauts were returning from their successful Quest for the Golden Fleece.
After Zeus had taken Europa to the island of Crete to raise their children, he placed a bronze man on the island to protect her ... his name was Talos. He would pace around the island three times a day to ward off invaders and protect Europa and her descendants. When the Argonauts were trying to make landfall on Crete, Talos appeared on the shore and challenged them. Talos threw giant boulders at the Argo and scared the wits out of the battle-hardened Argonauts. Princess Medeia was the only one on the ship capable of defeating Talos because she had been a priestess of one of Zeus's favorites ... the goddess Hekate. Using chants and spells, Medeia called up Death-Spirits and the Hounds of Hades to suck the life force from Talos ... he stumbled in a daze and tore the fabric of his flesh ... his life-force was drained from his otherwise impervious body. But we're getting ahead of ourselves, all that happened near the end of the Age of Heroes.
The Age of Heroes
The Age of Heroes was the fourth age of mortal men. This was the age when Zeus finally created men and women like you and I. At first, there were only men but due to a conflict between Zeus and his cousin Prometheus, the first woman was created. She was not created to be a comfort or compliment to the men of the earth ... instead, she was brought forth as a punishment.
The Creation of the First Woman
The men of the Age of Heroes were alone and suffering on the face of the earth. Zeus seemed to be aloof to their misery but knowing all things, he allowed the suffering to continue until events could take their destined course.
The Rebel-God Prometheus played a critical role in the creation of the first woman and thus complete Zeus's designs for the Age of Heroes. As children of Titans, Zeus and Prometheus were of the same generation. Prometheus fought alongside Zeus against their Titan parents but he still did not agree with all that Zeus did. On one occasion, Prometheus tried to fool Zeus with a false sacrifice. Prometheus disregarded the ancient custom of offering the choicest portions of the sacrificial animal to the Immortal being honored by the sacrifice. In a vain attempt to deceive Zeus, Prometheus wrapped fat and bone in such a way that they appeared to be a traditional sacrifice. Zeus recognized the deception and with infinite patience accepted the sacrifice. He went on to say that from that time on, all sacrifices would be presented in the same manner.
Prometheus misinterpreted Zeus's forbearance and thought that further disrespect would be treated with the same good natured indulgence. Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to the men on the earth. It is difficult to know whether Prometheus was trying to test Zeus's authority or if he was simply trying to help the pitiable mortals of the earth ... regardless, Zeus lashed out at Prometheus with a severe punishment.
Zeus instructed Hephaistos to chain Prometheus to the Caucasus Mountains where he was to remain for thirteen generations of mortal men. To further the punishment, Zeus sent one of his eagles to eat at Prometheus's liver ... the eagle would rip out the immortal flesh every day but it would grow back every night so the divine bird could begin the torment again on the following day.
The revenge Zeus directed towards Prometheus was not limited to having the Rebel-God shackled to the mountain. Zeus proclaimed that in exchange for the fire that had been so cunningly stolen, he would send an evil thing to the men of the earth that they would welcome even though it would ensure their own destruction.
Zeus envisioned this evil thing for the men of the earth as a woman ... she was destined to be called Pandora which might mean "Giver of All" or "All Endowed."
Zeus instructed Hephaistos to mix earth with water and give the concoction a human voice and strength ... this new woman was to be fashioned with a sweet, lovely maiden-shape and a face like an immortal goddess. Athene was instructed to teach Pandora needlework and the loom ... Aphrodite was instructed to shed grace upon Pandora's head as well as cruel longing and cares that would weary her limbs. Zeus instructed his son Hermes to give Pandora a shameless mind with a deceitful nature.
Athene clothed Pandora ... the Graces and Peitho [Persuasion] put necklaces of gold about her neck and the Hours crowned her head with flowers ... the evil "gift" was complete. Zeus sent Hermes to Prometheus's brother Epimetheus ... Pandora was presented to Epimetheus as a divine gift. Epimetheus had been warned by Prometheus never to accept gifts from the Olympians, especially Zeus, but when Epimetheus saw Pandora he was rendered helpless ... he could not resist the divinely created woman ... he accepted her willingly. When Epimetheus embraced Pandora, evil and despair entered the world ... mistrust and disease spread over the wide earth. After Pandora was emptied of her curse, only Hope remained ... unreasonable, groundless Hope that transformed the curse of life into a blessing.
As time passed, the population of the earth increased ... we might assume that Pandora was created approximately 40,000 BCE which is the time generally ascribed to the appearance modern humans by anthropologists. From that remote time until several generations before the Trojan War, the humans mated only with humans and the Immortals mated only with other Immortals. All that changed when the gods, male and female, began to mate with the humans and have children.
This new hybrid race was known as demigods. The Age of Heroes had begun.
The Age of Heroes was dominated by the semi-divine progeny of the Immortals ... these beautiful and outlandish children became kings, queens and warriors who were willing and able to rule and conquer any mortals who happened to fall under their sway. The reign of the demigods became such a burden to the Immortals that a drastic and bloody solution had to be initiated ... the Trojan War was the answer.
Zeus and the Trojan War
The Trojan War was not simply a dispute over the kidnapping of Helen of Argos ... the war was started by Zeus for a very specific reason. The Age of Heroes was drawing to an end and Zeus, like many of the other Immortals, wanted to be rid of the children they had sired with mortals. When Zeus saw the quality and superiority of demigods like Herakles, Helen and Achilles, he knew that future generations of demigods would be inferior. The Trojan War was considered to be an expedient way to kill a good number of the inferior demigods. With the deaths of the demigods, the Age of Heroes would be over and the Age of Iron could begin.
Of all the contributing factors that led to the Trojan War, the most significant has been called The Judgment of Paris. Paris, a.k.a. Alexandros, was a Prince of Troy and because of Zeus, became embroiled in a dispute between three very formidable goddesses.
The Nereid Thetis shunned the romantic advances of Zeus so he punished her by making her marry a mortal man named Peleus. The goddess Hera wanted to honor Thetis because she was one of the few goddesses who had evaded the love of Zeus ... Hera arranged for all the notable Immortals to attend the wedding of Thetis and Peleus.
Eris, the goddess of discord and strife, made a special appearance at the wedding ... she threw down a golden apple in the midst of the assembled goddesses with the inscription, "For the most beautiful one." Naturally, Hera, Athene and Aphrodite all assumed that the gift was for them ... the three goddesses began to argue. It became obvious that the situation was not going to resolve itself because the goddesses were not going to agree to any sort of compromise. Zeus intervened.
Zeus sent for Prince Paris and insisted that he make the decision as to which of the goddesses deserved the golden apple. Paris could not have known that no matter which goddess he chose, the result would be the death of his family and the complete destruction of Troy. Aphrodite contrived a way to make Paris choose her as the most beautiful goddess ... she promised Paris that he could marry the most desirable woman in the world ... she was of course referring to Helen of Argos. There was no prize or reward that Hera or Athene could have offered which would have been more tempting to Paris because Helen was the daughter of Zeus.
Helen's mother Leda was the wife King Tyndareus of Sparta and although Tyndareus knew that he was not Helen's father, he raised her as his own. When Helen was old enough to marry, Tyndareus's household was besieged with anxious young men from every part of Greece. Tyndareus quickly realized that no matter which man he chose to be Helen's husband, she was so irresistible that she would always be in danger of being kidnapped. Tyndareus very wisely made all the suitors swear a solemn and scared oath that they would come to Helen's rescue if she was ever taken from her chosen husband. All the young heroes and princes who wooed Helen took the oath without realizing that they would soon be called upon to fight and die at Troy for Helen's sake.
Prince Menelaos of Mykenai married Helen but Aphrodite soon arranged for Helen to leave Menelaos and flee to Troy with Paris ... to add to Menelaos's disgrace, Helen also took her dowry. The former suitors of Helen were called upon to fulfill their oaths ... an armada was assembled and over one thousand ships with over sixty thousand men sailed to Troy to rescue Helen.
With Hera, Athene, Poseidon on the side of the Achaeans, i.e. the Greeks, there was never any doubt that Troy would fall and the Trojans would be murdered or enslaved ... otherwise, Zeus would face a rebellion on Mount Olympos.
After Aphrodite and Ares were wounded defending the Trojans, Zeus ordered all Immortals to stay out of the fighting. He went to Mount Ida and directed the combat so as to give glory to the beloved Trojan commander, Hektor. There were many sons of the Immortals in the battle for Troy ... Zeus let his son Sarpedon die on the battlefield ... Aphrodite was wounded protecting her son Aineias ... Ares's son Askalaphos was killed, but Achilles, the son of the goddess Thetis, was to be the grand sacrifice.
At one point, the war was going so badly for the Achaeans that Hera could not contain her eagerness to help. Under false pretenses, she received glamour and love charms from Aphrodite and with the help of Hypnos [Sleep], seduced Zeus on the peaks on Mount Ida. When Zeus saw her coming to the mountaintop, he was so overwhelmed with desire that he praised her beauty and then went on to tell her that she was more beautiful than the wife of Ixion, who bore him Peirithoos; and sweet Danae who bore him Perseus; and Europa who bore him Minos and Rhadamanthys; or Semele who bore him Dionysos; or Alkmene who bore him Herakles; or Demeter who bore him Persephone; or glorious Leto, the mother of Apollon and Artemis ... according to Zeus, Hera's beauty surpassed them all.
Just as Hera planned, while Zeus slept after the love making, Poseidon secretly entered the battle on the side of the Achaeans. Poseidon was bellowing and shrieking from the battlefield and the mighty sound awakened Zeus from his slumber. Zeus, realizing the deception of Hera and the boldness of Poseidon, sent Hera to Mount Olympos to fetch Iris and Apollon. Wind-Footed Iris was sent to warn Poseidon of his folly and command him to withdraw. Zeus sent Apollon to revive Prince Hektor who had been severely wounded. Zeus then ordered Apollon to charge against the Achaean defenses and push them back to their beached ships ... wielding the aegis [shield] of Zeus, Apollon drove the Achaeans back in terror.
After Zeus was satisfied that he was again fully in charge, he ordered all the Immortals to assemble on Mount Olympos. He told them to choose sides and enter the battle as they saw fit. The ten-year war was nearly at an end.
During the course of the war, many of the demigods were killed ... the most notable being Achilles and Sarpedon. A few demigods survived but they too were doomed. The most remarkable demigod to survive the Trojan War was Aphrodite's son, Aineias ... remarkable because he was a Trojan ally and was not killed when the walls of Troy were toppled. As the Greeks were killing the Trojan men, they found Aineias carrying his elderly father Anchises to safety. The Greeks were moved by Aineias's devotion to his father and spared his life ... they told him that he could also take all the personal possessions he could carry and leave the city unharmed. Aineias again impressed the Greeks when he took only religious items and no treasure. Aineias fled to Italy where he died and his descendants are purported to have founded the Roman Empire.
The Trojan War was the final glory of the demigods ... the Age of Heroes was over and although divine blood, albeit diluted, still ran in the veins of many mortals, Zeus and the other Immortals allowed the mortal race to find its own path to its eventual doom in the Age of Iron.
The Age of Iron
The Age of Iron began shortly after the end of the Trojan War circa 1240 BCE.
We are still in the Age of Iron and must resign ourselves to the fact that there is absolutely nothing we can do to alter our fate ... it is the will of Zeus. We are doomed to never rest from our daily toils or from dying by night. The Immortals will lay sore troubles on us but there will be good mingled with the evil we must endure. Zeus will finally destroy our mortal race when children are born with gray hair.
There will be unmistakable signs that the Age of Iron is nearing it doom. Parents and children will cease to agree with one another ... guests and hosts will no longer be bound by oaths ... brother will work against brother and friends will stop acting as friends. Men will dishonor their parents with harsh words and refuse to repay the debt of their nurture ... the stronger will enslave the weak ... good and just people will be scorned and the evil-doers will be praised for their violent ways.
The ills of the Age of Iron will finally manifest in false oaths ... envy, with course speech and scowling delight, will infect all men and women ... Aidos [Shame] and Nemesis [Divine Retribution] will flee the earth and leave us to wallow in our bitter sorrows with no protection against an all consuming evil.
Encounters With Zeus
Tantalos
There are few examples of disrespect for the Immortals to match that of Tantalos. Tantalos was a son of Zeus who received great honors from the Immortals but his complete lack of restraint earned him a special punishment in the House of Hades. Tantalos either tried to steal the food of the Immortals or he killed his son Pelops and served the flesh to the Olympians.
Another version of his punishment is given in the fragmentary remains of The Returns where he was permitted to live with the Immortals and allowed to ask for anything he desired. His pleasures were so self-indulgent that Zeus surrounded him with earthly pleasures and placed a giant stone over his head to prevent him from enjoying them. He was placed in a pool of water from which he could never drink and under a fruit tree from which he could never eat.
Ixion
Ixion was a king of Thessaly who became the object of divine forgiveness and punishment.
Ixion arranged to have his father-in-law fall into a pit of burning coals rather than give over the dowry for his daughter, Dia. Zeus forgave Ixion for this outrageous act but the ungrateful Ixion tried to seduce the goddess Hera.
Zeus formed a counterfeit Hera from a cloud and named her Nephele. Ixion did not perceive the deception and showered his affections on Nephele thinking that he had seduced the real Hera. Ixion and Nephele had a son named Kentauros who became the progenitor of the Centaurs when he mated with the Magnesian mares. The Centaurs are a race of creatures with the body of a horse and the torso of a human. Zeus then condemned Ixion to spend eternity on a revolving wheel in the House of Hades.
The above image shows the defiant Ixion being attacked by snakes and fastened to the revolving wheel in the House of Hades. The woman being carried away might be Dia.
Orion
There is a curious story about the birth of Orion that involves Zeus.
Zeus, Poseidon and Hermes visited a man named Hyrieus at the city of Thebes. As part of the guest/host ceremony, a bull was prepared for sacrifice. The hide was removed and the bull was cut into portions for the sacrifice. After the sacrifice was complete, Zeus, Poseidon and Hermes urinated on the bull hide and buried it. From that hide, Orion was born.
Orion became known as The Hunter ... he was a Giant who relentlessly hunted wild beasts until he earned a reputation for shameless self-indulgence and recklessness ... his exploits eventually resulted in his death but Zeus, at the pleading of the goddesses Leto and Artemis, gave him immortality as one of the most recognizable constellations in the heavens.
Keyx and Alkyone
Keyx and his wife Alkyone trivialized Zeus's dignity and suffered a cruel fate. Keyx was the son of Eophorus, the morning star ... Alkyone was the daughter of Aeolus, the eponymous founder of the Aeolian nation.
Their noble heritage could not protect the presumptuous couple when Keyx began calling Alkyone Hera and she jokingly called him Zeus ... Zeus saw this arrogance from atop Mount Olympos and in a fit of anger, turned them both into birds.
Baukis and Philemon
As is the custom of the Immortals, Zeus and Hermes were wandering the countryside disguised as mortals to observe and test the devotion of their subjects. When they came upon the humble abode of Baukis and her husband Philemon, the two gods were welcomed with sincere friendliness.
Zeus noted the kindness of Baukis and Philemon and kept an eye on them from Mount Olympos. When a flood threatened to wash away their home and kill Baukis and Philemon, they were transformed into trees to spare their lives and reward them for their hospitality.
The Signs of Zeus
The Aegis
One of the most distinctive signs of Zeus is his shield ... the aegis. Zeus's first wife Themis made the aegis for him but presented it to the war-like goddess Athene when she was born fully attired in war-gear.
The aegis had the severed head of the snake-headed Medusa as the dominate image ... Medusa's head was surrounded by scenes of warfare and carnage. The intended effect was to strike fear and panic into any foe.
The term Aegis has a double meaning in relation to Zeus. It is of course the shield of Zeus but it also signifies the goat [αιγς] which suckled him when he was an infant on Mount Ida.
The Oak Tree
It should be no surprise that the most majestic of trees would be the symbol of Zeus.
The most sacred oracular shrine for Zeus was located at Dodona in Epirus. The site of the shrine was established by Zeus because he loved Dodona and appointed it to be his oracle. Two Egyptian priestesses of Ammon [an Egyptian name for Zeus] turned themselves into doves to escape slavery ... one flew to Libya and the other to Dodona. The dove-priestess of Dodona settled in the hollow of an oak tree and began giving prophecy with a human voice to those who brought appropriate gifts. Another form of oak-prophecy at Dodona was conducted by the priests known as Selloi ... they interpreted the rustling of oak leaves to know the will of Zeus.
The Quest for the Golden Fleece involved the protection of Zeus by the incorporation of oak wood in the ship the Argonauts used. Knowing that the Argonauts were facing an arduous journey, the goddess Athene cut an oak from Mount Pelion and gave it to the shipwright Argos, who used the sacred wood for the keel of the ship.
The Argonauts also encountered a man named Paraebios who was punished because his father had chopped down an oak tree. When Paraebios's father was preparing to chop down the tree, the tree's Hamadryad Nymph, who shared the life of the tree, begged him to spare her tree. Paraebios's father chopped the oak tree down and the Nymph punished him and his son, Paraebios. The curse was finally lifted when Paraebios built an altar and prayed to have the sins of his father forgiven.
In a bit of double-symbolism, Athene and Apollon transformed themselves into vultures and perched in an oak tree to watch the fighting during the Trojan War. They became vultures to imply their blood-lust and they sat in an oak tree to demonstrate their authority as children of Zeus.
The Eagle
The eagle is Zeus's bird ... it's noble ... it's majestic ... it can be deadly. Used as a symbol or a messenger, the eagle does the will of Zeus.
The eagle can be found in several accounts where Zeus made his will known by sending the noble bird as his representative. The following examples illustrate that point:
Prometheus
When Prometheus had to be punished for defying Zeus, an eagle was sent to torment the Rebel-God. Zeus had Prometheus chained to the Caucasus Mountains and then sent an eagle to tear at Prometheus's liver ... each day the eagle would eat away Prometheus's liver and each night it would grow back. This went on for thirteen generations of mortal men. Finally, Herakles, as the son of Zeus, was permitted to kill the eagle and free Prometheus from his bonds.
Ganymedes
A less gruesome example of an eagle serving Zeus was when Zeus saw an attractive young man named Ganymedes and decided to take him to Mount Olympos to serve as a cupbearer. Ganymedes was a son of King Tros of Troy who was the great-grandson of Zeus. Zeus sent an eagle to snatch Ganymedes from his home and transport him to Mount Olympos where Zeus made him immortal.
Aias
Aias [Ajax] was the son of King Telamon and Queen Eriboea of the island of Salamis. The Trojan War spawned many heroes but second only to Achilles, Aias was the most feared man in the Achaean army.
Before Aias was born, Herakles was a guest of Telamon and prayed aloud that Telamon would have a manly son. Zeus heard the prayer and sent an omen in the form of an eagle to signify his blessing. Telamon realized the importance of the omen and named his son Aias, which is a variation on the Greek word for eagle, ἀετός.
Telemachos
There were several eagle-signs from Zeus while Penelope and Telemachos were anxiously waiting for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War.
Telemachos called an assembly of the men of Ithaka to tell them that he was going to travel to Pylos and Sparta to seek word of his long overdue father. Above the heads of the assembled men, two eagles began to fight. A seer in the crowd correctly pronounced that the eagles were a sign from Zeus indicating that Odysseus would return to Ithaka and kill the suitors who had invaded Odysseus's palace, trying to force Penelope to declare Odysseus dead and agree to marry one of them.
Telemachos went to Sparta to ask if King Menelaos or Helen had any news of Odysseus's whereabouts. They were unable to help Telemachos in any direct way but as Telemachos was leaving, he and Helen observed an eagle attack a goose. Helen knew that it was an omen from her father Zeus that was intended for Telemachos. She told him that it was a prophecy indicating that Odysseus would eventually return to his home and family. The prophecy was correct.
Thunder and Thunderbolts
Zeus announces his presence with claps of thunder and smites his enemies with the thunderbolt. There are three Cyclopes who give Zeus thunder and make the thunderbolts for him. The Cyclopes are children of Gaia, and named Brontes, and Steropes and Arges. The thunder and lightning are carried to Zeus on Mount Olympos by the flying horse, Pegasos.
The following examples are a sampling of the unfortunate individuals who were struck by Zeus's thunderbolts.
Eetion
Eetion was one of the sons of Zeus and Elektra. He became enchanted with the goddess Demeter and suffered the wrath of Zeus for his disrespect. Zeus laid him low with a flaming thunderbolt.
Asklepios
Asklepios was the son of Apollon and Koronis. As the son of a god, Asklepios had insights and talents regarding medicine that were novel as well as effective.
Asklepios became too enamored of his seemingly miraculous abilities and finally committed an act of selfishness that angered Zeus and resulted in Asklepios's death. Instead of using his god-given abilities with gracious humility, Asklepios accepted gold as payment for restoring a dead man to life. Zeus struck down Asklepios and the man he had resurrected with a flash of lightning, thus ending the life of the greatest healer of the ancient Greek world.
Phaethon
Phaethon was the reckless son of Helios [Sun] and Klymene. He took his father's sun-chariot and flew too close to the earth. The damage to the earth and its inhabitants was catastrophic. Zeus struck Phaethon with a thunderbolt and the youth fell into the river Eridanos.
Triton
When the Argonauts were navigating a lake in Libya, the god Triton rose from the waters and offered a magical clod of dirt to an Argonaut named Euphemos. Triton told Euphemos that if the clod of dirt was thrown into the sea an island would emerge and become the home of his descendents. Euphemos was unsure if he should trust Triton and as if to belay all doubts, a clap of thunder came from the clear sky to let Euphemos know that Zeus was watching and approved Triton's gift.
Several nights later, Euphemos had a divinely inspired dream about the clod of earth Triton had given him. Before the Argonauts returned to Greece, Euphemos threw the dirt-clod into the sea as Triton had instructed ... the island of Kalliste emerged from the depths. Kalliste was renamed Thera after Theras, a descendant of Euphemos ... the island is now called Santorini.
Amphiaraos
Alkmaeon was one of the Epigoni [After-Born] ... he led one of the armies that captured the city of Thebes ten years after his father had failed. Alkmaeon was killed in the battle by a thunderbolt from Zeus ... he was fated to die and Zeus showed Alkmaeon mercy by killing him before he was struck in the back by a spear from one of the Theban defenders.
Iasion
Iasion and Dardanos were the sons of Elektra, daughter of Atlas. Dardanos, became the legendary patriarch of the Trojans and was blessed by Zeus ... Iasion was not so lucky.
When Iasion was a young man he lusted after the goddess Demeter ... Iasion mated with Demeter in a thrice-turned field and conceived the child Plutus, who became a symbol of abundance, i.e. rich harvests and fertile ground. Iasion was killed with a thunderbolt by Zeus for his impudence.
The city of Mespila
The adventurer/historian Xenophon witnessed an unusual event involving the dispensation of justice by Zeus. Xenophon was with a group of Greek mercenaries fighting for a Persian named Cyrus the Younger who was trying to take the Persian throne from his brother Artaxerxes II. When Xenophons's army came to Mespila they tried to capture the city ... they stormed the walls with no success ... Xenophon did not know that Mespila was actually the ancient city of Nineveh.
Xenophon was a very pious man ... he prayed regularly and offered sacrifices to Zeus and the other Immortals according to need. To end the protracted siege of Mespila, Zeus intervened and terrified inhabitants with thunder, thus the city was taken.
The Names of Zeus
Zeus is not always mentioned by name in the ancient texts ... a variety of epithets and surnames were used to denote him. One of the most important surnames of Zeus was Zeus Xenios, which identifies him as the Protector of Strangers. By calling on Zeus Xenios, travelers and adventurers could obtain safe passage through otherwise dangerous lands because all god fearing people accepted the possibility that strangers might very well be Immortals posing as humans to test their faith and hospitality.
God
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Which eminent mathematician is credited with inventing the Roulette wheel? | Io the Cowgirl
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Io the Cowgirl
Everyone knows what a philanderer Zeus was, in fact, I'm sure it was something of a family joke on Olympus. But Hera wasn't laughing. She knew her husband cheated on her just about every second of the day, but she wasn't going to just sit there and watch it. No, Hera spent just about every second of HER day trying to curb her hubby's "appetite." You'd think that Hera would take most of her anger out on her husband, but nooooooo. Hera spent all her destructive vengeful energy on the poor female (or in SOME cases male) who happened to be Zeus' current plaything.
The object of today's story is to tell about just one of Zeus's little run-ins with Hera, but it begins on earth rather that in the Divine Realm. Io, daughter of Inachus the King of Argolis, was made a priestess to Hera. Zeus, who was into the whole "danger thing" at that point, seduced the girl while she was still in Hera's service. Now, Hera finds out basically EVERY time Zeus cheats on her, did he think she wouldn't notice when it was right under her nose? I don't think so. Zeus was ready, because all the time he was having his way with Io, he was also keeping an eye out for Hera, and when he noticed her aura - zap! he turned Io into a cow. How sweet. (Alternatively, some priestess named Inyx cast a love spell on Zeus and he cast the spell on Io to shield his intentions.) Now, you'll notice that the paintings here illustrate Zeus in cloud form. That very well may be ... but I don't know where that particular version of the story comes from, so I'm not putting it.
Zeus may have been prepared, but he underestimated his wife - Rhea didn't raise no fool, and Hera knew exactly what was up. First she asked him if he had slept with Io, Zeus replied that he had not "known her" (which is why Hesiod says that the Gods are not angered by lovers who lie as they swear oaths). Sweetly, pretending she believed her wayward husband, she asked him if he would give her the sweet white heifer as a gift. What was he supposed to say? No? So little Io was given to her patron Goddess whose husband she'd slept with. Quite a predicament, huh? Not to mention the fact that as soon as Hera had the little cow, she set the hundred-eyed All-Seeing Argus to watch it.
Knowing the Gods, there was no guarantee that Zeus would ever try to get Io out from Hera's clutches. But then one should remember that Dike and Themis sat at Zeus's sides - perhaps that was why Zeus didn't abandon her who knows? But anyway, Hermes was sent to rescue the fair priestess, now chained to an olive tree in Hera's backyard. I have frequently heard the story that Hermes went and told stories until Argus fell asleep, or rather, was bored to death (some versions just say that he put him to sleep and then killed him). And then there was this big ol' trial for the murder of Argos and Hermes eventually won because he was a good lawyer. However, Apollodorous says that Hermes couldn't come and steal Io away because this dude named Hierax sold him out. So instead, Hermes just threw a stone and killed Argus (and got the name Argeiphontes, which means Killer of Argus).
So Hera'd lost her cow, but she wasn't done with her mortal rival. She took a gadfly, Brize , and set it after Io (who still hadn't been changed back!), and before Zeus could get a chance she was gone and running scared. Now I don't know how the gods' magic worked, but by the time Io had reached Egypt, the cowness wore off. She gave birth to a son by the Nile River (his name was Epaphus) and he could have lived happily after, but Hera was completely insatiable when it came to revenge and sent the Curetes (these earth spirits who had cared for baby Zeus, but I guess liked Hera better) to steal the baby. Which they did. And so Zeus killed them. Eventually, Io found her baby in Byblos and went back to Egypt, which she seemed to consider her new home. She married the king and settled down. She set up a statue to the goddess ( Demeter , actually - she was done with Hera!), but the Egyptians called her Isis. They also called Io Isis, but there's just no telling with them Egyptians...
By the way, if you want to check out Apollodorous' version, click here on the Perseus Project .
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Which English king used a 'White Hart' as his heraldic symbol? | Richard II: King of the White Hart | History Today
Richard II: King of the White Hart
Medieval England Richard II Religion
When Richard II succeeded his grandfather, Edward III, he turned to alchemy to create a more pious ideal of kingship. Though his reign ended in failure, it left us one of medieval England’s most enduring and complex images. Jonathan Hughes explores its symbolism.
Perhaps the most mysterious and haunting image in English art is a chained white hart decked in pearls and wearing a golden crown. It adorns the back of an altarpiece, known as the Wilton Diptych, originally erected in a small chapel in Westminster Abbey during the late 14th century. This creature can still be seen on signs at public houses throughout the country. Its meaning and origins can be found in the reign of an equally mysterious king whose beauty, capriciousness and obsession with purity left traces in the satirical portraits of the vernacular literature written during his reign (1377-99), including some of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, in the Cheshire poems, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl, and in the 16th century in Shakespeare’s Richard II, which portrays a monarch familiar with alchemy.
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Which religion celebrates the festival of 'Vesak'? | » White Deer Culture and History
White Deer Culture and History
White deer in myths and legends
From Advocacy For Animals: http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2008/12/the-white-deer-at-the-seneca-army-depot/
In certain cultures around the world, European, Native American, and Asian, there have been stories and myths told about white deer.
In European mythology magical animals are striking in appearance owing to their supernatural shape, color, speed, and power; a frequent attribute of those animals is an unnatural white color.
In Celtic mythology the pursuit of supernatural animals is a common theme. The white stag or hart often appears in the forests around King Arthur’s court, sending the knights on adventures against gods and fairies. One fable relates how King Arthur arrived at Sir Pellinore’s well, a magical site, without his hunting party or his horse after pursuing a white deer. The white stag was also the heraldic symbol of England’s King Richard II.
In Hungarian mythology a white stag led the brothers Hunor and Magar to settle in Scythia and to establish the Hun and Magyar people.
In Native American mythology there is the Chickasaw legend, Ghost of the White Deer. There is also a Lenape legend about white deer that predicts that when a pair of all-white deer is seen together, it is a sign that the indigenous peoples of the Dawnland will all come together and lead the world with their wisdom.
Many tribes and indigenous peoples throughout the world have similar myths. The Seneca, Roanoke, Algonquin, Nanticoke, and Pocomoke tribes all relate sightings of the Great White Deer.
In Kamakura, Japan, the Engakuji Temple, which was founded in 1282, is the head of a branch school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. There a herd of divine white deer are said to have emerged from a cave to listen to the sermon of the temple’s founder the day it opened.
The white stag in British myth and legend
From Mail Online: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1233644/Pictured-Mythical-white-stag-forests-Gloucestershire.html
White stags have long been associated with mythology and legend, an elusive yet magnificent beast.
King Arthur was left frustrated by his attempts to capture one, as were the Kings and Queens of Narnia, who chased the creature through the woods and found themselves tumbling out of a wardrobe.
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White deer, closely identified with unicorns, have been potent figures in the mythology of many cultures.
It is said to be bad luck to kill one. According to the Scots legend, in 1128, David I, King of Scotland decided to go hunting on the Feast Day of the Holy Rood, against the wishes of his priest. While hunting he saw a huge white stag, or “hart”, and while giving chase he was thrown from his horse.
The white hart charged forward to kill him, so David – son of Malcolm Canmore and St. Margaret – called on God to save him. As the king grasped the hart’s antlers, they miraculously turned into a large cross, and the beast raised its head and vanished. Inspired by his vision, King David built a shrine to the Holy Rood – meaning Holy Cross – on the spot where the miracle occurred.
The ruin of Holyrood Abbey can still be seen today, at the foot of the Royal Mile next to Holyrood Palace. The White Hart Inn in Edinburgh’s grassmarket, reputedly the oldest pub in the capital, took its name from the legend.
The Celts considered white stags to be messengers from the “other world” and their appearance was said to herald some profound change in the lives of those who encountered them.
In the Chronicles of Narnia, the White Stag is fabled to grant wishes to whoever catches him. And in the Arthurian legend, the white stag is the creature that can never be caught. King Arthur’s repeatedly unsuccessful pursuit of the white stag represents mankind’s quest for spiritual knowledge.
In Christianity a white stag was said to be instrumental in the conversion of the martyr Saint Eustace after he saw a vision of the animal that told him he would suffer for Christ.
White deer in Native American culture
White deer have been respected and revered throughout human history. Native Americans especially considered the white deer sacred and a symbol of spirit. Here are some stories of these white deer:
Ghost of the White Deer; a Chickasaw Legend
http://www.sacred-texts.com/ame/lol/lol125.htm
Ojibway Story of the White Deer, Waabi Waawashkeshi
A story related by a Lac du Flambeau elder tells of creation and the assignment of roles as leaders to the different animals. The role of the white deer is to remind us of our spirituality.
“This white one represents the sacredness of all living things and they should be left alone, never hunted or bothered. When we see them, we should take notice of our own spirituality and think about where we are with it.”
(Complete story in: White Deer; Ghost of the Forest by Jeff Richter and John Bates.)
Viginia Dare: Lost to History but Found in White Deer Legend
Virginia Dare, the first English child to be born in the New World, disappeared without a trace from the island of Roanoke in present day North Carolina. Theories abound as to what may have happened to the “Lost Colony” and Virginia Dare, including these stories of a mysterious white deer:
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Which pop star called one of her children 'Chastity'? | Cher Biography - Birthday, Age and Life Story
Cher Biography
Cher’s Birthday – May 20, 1946
Place of Birth – El Centro, California
As I look upon Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere, I see a woman who has led a spectacular life and behind her celebrity status and flawless complexion lies a woman who has experienced a rather eventful past. Better known as Cher, her success in music, movies, television, and on stage has brought her nearly four decades of world recognition. In a career defined as much by dramatic missteps as spectacular recoveries, the chief constant is her seemingly limitless determination.
Born in El Centro, California in 1946, Cher was a poor, fatherless child whose eight times-married Mother struggled by on occasional singing gigs and brief movie roles. To Cher this was life and she delighted in watching her mother on stage and living a peaceful life in her family apartment. At sixteen Cher’s dyslexia proved too gruelling and she left school and home to take acting lessons in Los Angeles. To Cher this was a new beginning and the start of a whole new life, she didn’t expect what was to come. At the age of seventeen, Cher will never forget the time she met a man named Sonny. They met at the renowned Aldo’s Coffee Shop, the place where celebrities used to hang out. At that stage Cher was a nobody, unemployed and desperate for work, on the other hand Sonny had established himself as a celebrity and had many previous appearances on Television. Cher soon became attached to Sonny and she moved in with him. The two lived platonically at first, sharing an apartment but sleeping in twin beds. While Sonny progressed as a star, Cher was kept house bound and it wasn’t until Cher’s mother discovered the arrangement and tried to separate them, that the pair rebelled and proclaimed their love. Cher claims in her current Biography “The First Time”, that Sonny Bono was the ultimate love of her life and that the two remained amicable in personal st ruggles and hardships. Cher said, “What you saw on TV with Sonny and Cher was a good representation of our personal life, always laughing and having fun”. Sonny and Cher hit gold with their single, “I’ve got you babe” and furthered their world-wide success with “The Beat Goes On” and “Baby Don’ t Go”. It was Sonny and Cher’s far-out look, with wide colourful pants, skimpy tops, shaggy hair and fur vests, which attracted fans.
Cher was deemed as a fashion innovator, a role she has continued with, for better or worse, throughout her career. The happy family portrait presented to America and the world was soon breaking down for Cher. She tells how her daughter Chastity, born in 1969 was affected by intense spotlight and that family life was becoming hectic and unstable . On stage Cher was calm, but backstage was turbulent and Cher felt trapped. Cher states in her biography, “The only way I could continue life happily was to split with Sonny and bring our show to a premature end.” She continues, “This devastated our fans, as well as CBS executives, but it had to be done, I was simply, unhappy with my life.” In the end stardom pulled Cher’s marriage down and the media attention on Cher sky rocketed as she dated new men. Cher now knows that she has made many mistakes in her life. “I was stupid” she said in her biography, “Dumb and stupid!”. Cher had agreed to a second season of Sonny and Cher. Sonny Bono rang Cher constantly to set up a reunion and Cher agreed eventually. Although something was different this time, Cher was married and pregnant to, southern rock great Greg Allman. Intense curiosity sparked huge initial ratings for the new Sonny and Cher Comedy hour, but Cher knew that the show wouldn’t last as ratings dropped every week. Finally in August 1977, after two seasons the show got the ax for good.
Cher was still unhappy with her life, she felt tired of what she was doing and wanted more out of life. Her marriage to Allman was a mess as his addictions to booze and heroin ruined their short marriage. By 1979, their marriage was over and Cher was an unemployed 33-year old single mother, yearning for the impossible. A shot in serious films. Her damaged TV image and tabloid troubles were so ingrained, no one in Hollywood wanted her. Cher’s persistence is evident when she talks about her troubles, “You know, I had to go on, not only for my sake, but for my two children and the well-being of my career.” Cher was not over yet; in fact this would be the start of yet another career swap for the almighty star. She was casted in a movie called ‘Silkwood’ and acted opposite Meryl Streep. Cher tells, “I will never forget the time Silkwood premiered in New York and as soon as my name was mentioned, the audience just laughed. I felt so bad, but you know, you can’t argue with these things, it’s just a natural, organic response from the audience.” The people who down graded Cher would soon regret their viscous attacks, as Cher was soon faced with an Oscar for her performance in “Moonstruck” . By 1987 Cher was in such demand that she found herself in three films at once, “The witches of Eastwick”, “Suspect” and “Moonstruck”. She became a prime target for the paparazzi and her name was spread over every magazine and newspaper. At 41, after twenty-five years in show biz, Cher was at last on top and with a little help from the surgeon’s knife she remaines one of the most beautiful stars in Hollywood.
Cher continued to raise eyebrows throughout her career. Who will ever forget Cher’s rip roaring video clip in the late 80’s? “If I could turn back time” was a huge hit for Cher, dressed in a risque outfit and prancing around on a ship full of young soldiers she made headlines once again. This was the start of a whole new decade for Cher. The nineties. With number one hits flowing from her vein’s Cher was a rock-pop genius. While Cher remained a star, her personal life remained stagnant. Her daughter Chastity announced that she was gay and began campaigning for gay rights. Cher tells “My response to Chastity being Gay was very un-Cher like. I didn’t know what to do and who to turn to, I was devastated! The funny thing is I knew all along that she was gay, I just didn’t want to admit it.” Cher’s current relationship with her daughter is extremely strong and Cher admits she has learned to except her daughter for who she is.
The news of Sonny’s tragic death was one, which sparked much emotion in Cher’s life. “I was in London in January 1998 when I heard the dreaded news. Chastity rang me and brought the news of Sonny’s death. I dropped everything and fled to Heathrow Airport and the media watched my every move. Even though we had been apart for over 24 years I couldn’t ignore the fact that I spent a quarter of my life with this guy.” Cher tells of the day that she learnt of Sonny’s death as if it were only days ago in her biography. Full of remorse during her reconciliatory eulogy at his funeral, Cher praised the man who had been father, partner, friend, and foe , displaying a side of herself the world had never seen. Though hurt by endless criticism that her eulogy was an attention seeking devise to gain attention, Cher continued to mourn openly, paying tribute to Sonny Bono in a sentimental CBS documentary.
It had been a period of over 5 years that the world had last heard Cher’s unique voice in an album. Just as she was written off by many in the criticising world of Hollywood, Cher hit back with a slick new disco album called Believe. This marked yet another upswing in her bumpy career. Although this time Cher had finally found gold. At the age of 53, looking more like a glamorous 20-year-old Cher’s new album is the best selling album of her 35-year recording career. By March 99 she was ruling the American Top 40 and holding the number one spot for a consecutive four weeks. She was now the oldest female ever to hit the top spot and owned the longest Billboard chart span between No. 1’s (65-99) of any pop recording artist.
After the release of Cher’s next studio album “Living Proof”, Cher embarked on one of her most successful tours to date, The Farewell Tour. The show itself was a tribute to her near-40-years in show business. It featured vintage performance and video clips from the 1960s onwards, highlighting her successes in music, television, and film, all set amongst an elaborate backdrop and stage set-up, complete with backing band, singers and dancers, including aerial acrobatics. Dates were added, and the tour was extended several times, covering virtually all of the U.S. and Canada (plus 3 shows in Mexico City), several cities in Europe, as well as the major cities of Australia and New Zealand. Going well past its original cut-off date, it was eventually redubbed the “Never Can Say Goodbye Tour”. In April 2003 The Very Best of Cher, a CD collection of all of her greatest hits spanning her entire career, was released. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 album chart, extending her album chart span to over 38 years. The compilation has been certified double platinum and has sold 3.5 million copies worldwide.
On February 7, 2008, Cher, at 61, announced that she had reached a deal to perform 200 shows over three years live at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace Casino in Las Vegas pokies . Her new show, titled Cher at the Colosseum, debuted on May 6, 2008. She is being paid $60 million for her return. The elaborate show includes eighteen dancers, four aerialists and multiple costumes designed by Bob Mackie. Choreography is directed by Doriana Sanchez who also worked with Cher on her past three major tours.
Cher is currently working on a brand new studio album along with two major motion picture films, Burlesque alongside Christina Aguilera and The Drop Out. 2010 is geared to be a major year for Cher with these projects bound to bring her another wave of success and Cher has confirmed a 2014 world tour along with album release in Closer to the Truth September 2013.
“What can I say about Cher’s life that hasn’t already been said? A chart topping singer, Television star, Academy award winner, a disco diva, rock’n’roller and a fashion icon. Simultaneously down to earth, an index to everything that is hot and current as well as to what is lasting and timeless. She’s been written off countless times, but she springs back and conquers a new. Science will probably never be able to tell us who the first person on earth was, but I believe that the last person standing will be Cher.”
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What does the musical term 'Presto' mean? | Names Celebrities Give Their Children
You are here : home > Baby Names > Related Articles for Baby Name > Names Celebrities Give Their Children
Names Celebrities Give Their Children
Having a famous parent guarantees fame for a child. Find out how some celeb parents have gone ahead and made their children's names unusual.
What is your first thought when the newspapers announce that a celebrity is going to welcome a new baby into the family? Chances are, you will wonder what the new arrival is going to be named. Nowadays, celebrities have turned baby names into a whole new art. It is not just enough for their children to be known through the world right from birth. These children also wind up getting names that are guaranteed to make them stand out right from day one. Here are some examples of names that have been given to celeb babies.
The Normal Ones
children unusual names . There is a small section of
famous personalities who are quite content to give their newborns regular sounding
names. For example, actor Pierce Brosnan (of James Bond fame) and his wife, model Keely Shaye Smith, have named their son Dylan Thomas. Actress Angelina Jolie is another celebrity child. Her father is the famous 70s actor Jon Voight.
Many
names retain this trend when they grow up and have
children of their own. Thus, Angelina Jolie has in turn named her three
children Maddox, Zahara, and Shiloh. The third name is Jewish for peace. Another
celebrity family is that headed by veteran actor Kirk Douglas. His son is the
famous actor, Michael Douglas. Michael himself has three
children, Cameron, Dylan, and Carys, with the latter being a Welsh name.
Closer to home, our own Bollywood stars give their
children normal
names as well. The most
famous family is the Kapoors, headed by the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor. His sons were Raj, Shammi, and Shashi, all
famous actors and filmmakers in their own right. The grandchildren Rishi, Randhir, Kunal, Karan, Rajiv, Sanjana, etc. too have typical Indian
names. Even the fourth generation of Kapoor stars i.e. Kareena, Karisma, Ranbir, etc. have normal
names.
celebrities is those who choose to give their
children only slightly unusual
names. These may be regular
names with alternate spellings or
names that are not very common. For example, actress Gywneth Paltrow is the daughter of the late Bruce Paltrow. She and her husband, musician Chris Robinson, have a daughter Apple, and a son named Moses. Therefore, the daughter is named for a fruit, while the son is named after a character in the Bible.
The Hippy movement was extremely popular in the United States during the sixties and seventies. As a result, many of the
children born during these years wound up with unusual
names. Singer Cher named her daughter Chastity and her son, Elijah Blue. Popular actor Joaquin Phoenix's first name is Leaf while his siblings are River, Rainbow Joan, and Liberty.
In the late nineties, a new trend was started of naming
children based on the place where they were conceived. The most
famous recipients of such
names are the
children born to members of the pop group Spice Girls. Mel B or Scary Spice named her daughter Phoenix Chi. Her group mate Victoria Beckham or Posh Spice named her son Brooklyn. Victoria Beckham is married to football star David Beckham, and they have two more sons, Romeo and Cruz. The youngest son's name is actually a Spanish name for a girl. This is because father David was so sure his third child was going to be a girl that he refused to consider any other name.
Some
celebrities like to give their
children distinct
names, but want the
names to have some special meaning. Thus arose the trend of combining the
names of both parents to come up with a unique baby name. For example, pop star Peter Andre and model Jordan have named their new daughter Princess Tiaamii. The second name is a combination of the two grandmother's
names. Peter's mother's name is Thea and Jordan's mother's name is Amy.
On the Indian scene, the most well known 'different' name is that of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan. However, although the name was rare when the actor chose it for his son, it is one of the most popular
names today. It is not uncommon to walk into a kindergarten class and find three or four boys with the same name.
Every move that a
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On which American warship did the Japanese sign the surrender treaty to end World War II? | World War II Timeline - Remembering Pearl Harbor @ nationalgeographic.com
Soviet-Finland war ends in Finlands surrender.
Germany invades Norway and Denmark and will soon conquer both countries.
Germany invades the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Germany conquers France. German troops occupy northern and western France. Pro-German French officials set up a capital in Vichy and run the rest of France under Germanys watchful eye. Italy, under fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, declares war on England and France.
Using more than a thousand warships, yachts, fishing boats, and smaller craft at the battered port of Dunkirk, England evacuates more than 338,000 troops from conquered France.
Battle of the Atlantic begins as German submarines, called U-boats, begin sinking ships carrying oil and other war supplies from America to England. The U-boats will sink three million tons of merchant cargo.
Japanese troops begin to occupy the French colony of Indochina.
The United States responds by cutting off oil exports to Japan.
Hundreds of German warplanes begin bombing London every night for 57 nights in attacks that will continue until May 1941. More than 40,000 people will die in the Blitz as Londoners call the air raid campaign.
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign a treaty (the Tripartite Pact) that makes the three countries allies against England and France. The treaty is also seen as a warning to the United States: Stop helping England and France. (The United States had traded 50 old destroyers to England in exchange for naval and air bases in the Western Hemisphere.)
More than 400,000 Polish Jews are herded into a part of Warsaw known as the Warsaw Ghetto. This continues in Poland the Nazi campaign against the Jewsthe Holocaust, in which six million Jews will be killed, along with hundreds of thousands of other minorities.
Italy invades Greece. German troops later come to the aid of Italian troops.
Japanese Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto begins planning an air attack on Pearl Harbor.
The United States begins Lend-Lease, allowing President Roosevelt to send ammunition and other war supplies to England. No longer a neutral nation, the United States now will give England all help short of war.
Germany conquers Greece and Yugoslavia.
More than three million German troops invade the Soviet Union.
As German conquest of the Soviet Union continues, German troops besiege Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). During the siege, which will continue until January 1944, more than 500,000 people in Leningrad will die of starvation.
Japanese Army and Navy officers say Japan should get ready for war against the United States. Gen. Hideki Tojo becomes prime minister in a military-controlled government.
A German submarine torpedoes the U.S. Navy destroyer Reuben James in the North Atlantic. It is the first U.S. warship sunk in the European War. Only 45 of the ships 160 crew members survive.
The United States tells Japan to get out of China and Indochina. Tojo decides that Japans only choice is to go to war.
Japan sends diplomats to Washington to try to find ways to avoid war with the United States.
Six Japanese aircraft carriers and other warships secretly leave northern Japan and head for Pearl Harbor.
The United States cuts off all oil exports to Japan.
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Almost at the same time, Japanese warplanes attack the Philippines and two U.S. islands: Wake and Guam, which are later occupied. Japanese troops invade Malaya and Thailand and seize Shanghai. Later in December Japanese troops invade Burma and Hong Kong.
Three days after Pearl Harbor, Germany and Italy declare war on the United States.
Manila, Philippines, falls to Japanese troops.
Japanese carrier planes bomb Darwin, Australia.
In the Battle of the Java Sea, Japan defeats an Allied strike force, putting Japan in control of Java and the Netherlands Indies.
First U.S. troops arrive in Australia.
On the Bataan Peninsula of the Philippines, U.S. and Filipino troops, low on food and ammunition, surrender. Japanese troops force about 76,000 prisoners to march to distant camps; at least 5,200 Americans die on the march.
Sixteen U.S. bombers, led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle, take off from an aircraft carrier 800 miles (1300 kilometers) off Tokyo and make the first bombing raid against Japan.
The U.S. government forces thousands of Japanese-Americans to move from the U.S. West Coast to relocation camps in isolated areas.
In the battle of the Coral Sea, U.S. warships turn back a Japanese invasion force heading for New Guinea.
U.S. carrier-based aircraft, alerted to Japanese moves by code breakers, stop a Japanese invasion of Midway, a U.S. base that guards Hawaii. U.S. dive-bombers sink four Japanese carriers; one U.S. carrier is lost. The Battle of Midway is the turning point of the Pacific War.
Japanese troops land on Attu and Kiska in the Aleutian Islands.
U.S. Marines land on Japanese-held Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. This is the first battle in a U.S. island hopping campaign that will keep moving U.S. forces closer to Japan.
An aircraft launched from a Japanese submarine drops fire bombs on forests near Brookings, Oregon, in the first bombing of the continental United States.
After months of desert fighting, the British Eighth Army in North Africa puts Germanys Afrika Corps to flight.
U.S. and British troops invade French North Africa and will later link up with the British Eighth Army.
German troops are near Moscow. But, forced to fight in freezing weather, the troops pull backdefeated by the Russian winter, which had also defeated Napoleons army in 1812.
Japans attempt to take New Guinea ends as Australian and U.S. troops defeat Japanese troops at landing sites. Australia is no longer threatened by invasion.
German troops surrender at Stalingrad (now Volgograd). The Soviet Red Army, turning the tide of war, begins an offensive that will end in the capture of Berlin in 1945.
U.S. code breakers intercept a Japanese radio message saying that Admiral Yamamoto is flying to the Solomon Islands. He is killed when U.S. fighters shoot down his plane.
The U.S. Navy announces that, except for the U.S.S. Arizona, U.S.S. Utah, and U.S.S. Oklahoma, all warships sunk at Pearl Harbor have been repaired and returned to sea.
U.S. forces retake Attu as Japanese troops evacuate Adak, thus ending Japan s occupation of Alaskas Aleutian Islands.
A Japanese destroyer rams and sinks a small U.S. Navy vessel, PT-109, commanded by Lt. (and future President) John F. Kennedy. He and other survivors swim for five hours to reach a small island, where they are later rescued.
The Royal Air Force and U.S. Eighth Air Force begin round-the-clock bombing of Germany.
U.S. and British forces land in Sicily.
Italy surrenders. But German troops, continuing to fight the Allies in Italy, seize Rome.
U.S. Marines land on Tarawa, an atoll in the Gilbert Islands.
U.S. Marines land on Saipan in the Northern Marianas Islands.
Japans last aircraft carrier forces are defeated as Japan loses 220 warplanes in one battle with U.S. carrier planes.
U.S. troops enter Rome. On D-Day, June 6, 155,000 Allied troops land on the beaches of Normandy, France, to begin the liberation of Europe.
U.S. troops liberate Guam.
U.S. Marines take Tinian Island in the Northern Marianas Islands. It will become a base from which B-29 bombers can bomb Japan.
French and American troops liberate Paris.
A U.S. Navy torpedo plane, piloted by Lt. (and future President) George Bush, is shot down near Okinawa. He parachutes into the sea; a U.S. submarine rescues him.
U.S. troops land on Leyte, beginning the liberation of the Philippines.
British and Greek troops liberate Athens.
U.S. troops in Germany begin a drive to reach the Rhine River.
German forces launch a surprise attack in the Ardennes region of Belgium, beginning the Battle of the Bulge (so called because the German drive put a bulge in the Allied battle line).
In the largest land battle ever fought by the U.S. Army, American soldiers turn back German troops, winning the Battle of the Bulge.
Soviet troops, continuing their eastern offensive, take Warsaw, Poland.
U.S. Marines land on Iwo Jima, in the Bonin Islands. It will be a base for fighter planes escorting B-29s flying from Tinian Island.
B-29s bomb Tokyo, burning half the city; more than 80,000 people die.
U.S. forces invade Okinawa, in Japans Ryukyu Islands. The Allies want Okinawa as the base for the expected invasion of Japan. Fighting will continue until U.S. forces win in July.
The U.S. Army liberates Manila, Philippines, after fierce street battling.
U.S. troops cross the Rhine River.
U.S. Eighth Air Force bomberabout 1,250 in allattack Berlin in the heaviest air raid made on the city.
Vienna, Austria falls to Soviet troops.
Soviet troops enter Berlin, beginning a street-by-street battle.
Italian guerrilla fighters capture and kill Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. German forces in Italy surrender.
U.S. soldiers free 32,000 survivors of the Dachau concentration camp. It will become a memorial for victims of the Nazi Holocaust.
Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler kills himself.
The first atomic bomb for combat use is assembled on Tinian Island.
Atomic bombs are dropped on Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki (August 9).
Japan surrenders (August 14). At least 100,000 people died in the atomic bombings.
Japanese officials sign the surrender document on the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Harbor.
| USS Missouri |
Of which African country is Dodoma the capital city? | Japan surrenders - Sep 02, 1945 - HISTORY.com
Japan surrenders
Publisher
A+E Networks
Aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, Japan formally surrenders to the Allies, bringing an end to World War II.
By the summer of 1945, the defeat of Japan was a foregone conclusion. The Japanese navy and air force were destroyed. The Allied naval blockade of Japan and intensive bombing of Japanese cities had left the country and its economy devastated. At the end of June, the Americans captured Okinawa, a Japanese island from which the Allies could launch an invasion of the main Japanese home islands. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur was put in charge of the invasion, which was code-named “Operation Olympic” and set for November 1945.
The invasion of Japan promised to be the bloodiest seaborne attack of all time, conceivably 10 times as costly as the Normandy invasion in terms of Allied casualties. On July 16, a new option became available when the United States secretly detonated the world’s first atomic bomb in the New Mexico desert. Ten days later, the Allies issued the Potsdam Declaration, demanding the “unconditional surrender of all the Japanese armed forces.” Failure to comply would mean “the inevitable and complete destruction of the Japanese armed forces and just as inevitable the utter devastation of the Japanese homeland.” On July 28, Japanese Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki responded by telling the press that his government was “paying no attention” to the Allied ultimatum. U.S. President Harry Truman ordered the devastation to proceed, and on August 6, the U.S. B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing an estimated 80,000 people and fatally wounding thousands more.
After the Hiroshima attack, a faction of Japan’s supreme war council favored acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration, but the majority resisted unconditional surrender. On August 8, Japan’s desperate situation took another turn for the worse when the USSR declared war against Japan. The next day, Soviet forces attacked in Manchuria, rapidly overwhelming Japanese positions there, and a second U.S. atomic bomb was dropped on the Japanese coastal city of Nagasaki.
Just before midnight on August 9, Japanese Emperor Hirohito convened the supreme war council. After a long, emotional debate, he backed a proposal by Prime Minister Suzuki in which Japan would accept the Potsdam Declaration “with the understanding that said Declaration does not compromise any demand that prejudices the prerogatives of His Majesty as the sovereign ruler.” The council obeyed Hirohito’s acceptance of peace, and on August 10 the message was relayed to the United States.
Early on August 12, the United States answered that “the authority of the emperor and the Japanese government to rule the state shall be subject to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers.” After two days of debate about what this statement implied, Emperor Hirohito brushed the nuances in the text aside and declared that peace was preferable to destruction. He ordered the Japanese government to prepare a text accepting surrender.
In the early hours of August 15, a military coup was attempted by a faction led by Major Kenji Hatanaka. The rebels seized control of the imperial palace and burned Prime Minister Suzuki’s residence, but shortly after dawn the coup was crushed. At noon that day, Emperor Hirohito went on national radio for the first time to announce the Japanese surrender. In his unfamiliar court language, he told his subjects, “we have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable.” The United States immediately accepted Japan’s surrender.
President Truman appointed MacArthur to head the Allied occupation of Japan as Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers. For the site of Japan’s formal surrender, Truman chose the USS Missouri, a battleship that had seen considerable action in the Pacific and was named after Truman’s native state. MacArthur, instructed to preside over the surrender, held off the ceremony until September 2 in order to allow time for representatives of all the major Allied powers to arrive.
On Sunday, September 2, more than 250 Allied warships lay at anchor in Tokyo Bay. The flags of the United States, Britain, the Soviet Union, and China fluttered above the deck of the Missouri. Just after 9 a.m. Tokyo time, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed on behalf of the Japanese government. General Yoshijiro Umezu then signed for the Japanese armed forces, and his aides wept as he made his signature.
Supreme Commander MacArthur next signed on behalf of the United Nations, declaring, “It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that from this solemn occasion a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past.” Ten more signatures were made, by the United States, China, Britain, the USSR, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, respectively. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed for the United States. As the 20-minute ceremony ended, the sun burst through low-hanging clouds. The most devastating war in human history was over.
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Which 1951 Gene Kelly musical film featured the song 'Love Is Here To Stay'? | American In Paris, An (1951) -- (Movie Clip) Our Love Is Here To Stay
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American In Paris, An (1951) -- (Movie Clip) Our Love Is Here To Stay
On the banks of the (MGM soundstage) Seine, painter Jerry (Gene Kelly) and ingenue Lise (Leslie Caron) do their romantic number set to Gershwin's "Our Love Is Here To Stay," in An American In Paris, 1951.
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In the USA, FD Roosevelt's 'New Deal' was based on the views of which economist? | Andy Williams - Love Is Here To Stay - YouTube
Andy Williams - Love Is Here To Stay
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Published on Aug 30, 2012
Love Is Here To Stay by Andy Williams - from 1962 - his version of this Gershwin song from the 1951 musical film "An American In Paris" - staring Gene Kelly and the lovely Leslie Caron
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On which Caribbean island are the counties of Surrey Middlesex and Cornwall? | Jamaica
Travel Guide to Vacation in Jamaica
by WCC on February 22, 2012
in North America
The Caribbean island of Jamaica lies south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola. Jamaica consists of the three counties of Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey. These are in turn subdivided into 14 parishes. Montego Bay – Travel Guide. Clarendon, May Pen’s headquarters, Hanover, Lucea is the administrative seat, Kingston, also called KSAc – Kingston-Saint Andrew Corporation, Manchester, Mandeville’s headquarters, Portland, administrative headquarters is in Port Antonio, Saint Andrew, this is the southernmost part of the capital, Kingston, Saint Ann, administrative headquarters is in St. Ann’s Bay, Saint Catherine, Spanish Town is the administrative seat, Saint Elizabeth, the administrative seat is Black River, Saint James, Montego Bay is the administrative seat, Saint Mary, seat of government is Port Maria, Saint Thomas, the administrative seat is Morant Bay, Trelawny, head office is Falmoth, Westmoreland is Savanna-La headquarters-Mar.
jamaica
Some Jamaican tourists prefer vacation resorts. Quite a few of these departments have an all-inclusive program. This means that you pay only for the room as well as for food, drink and entertainment in advance.
The tourist areas are next to Montego Bay, particularly Negril , but also in Ocho Rios , Runaway Bay and Port Antonio . In addition, the region sought to Treasure Beach with individual, small hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists.
The island was developed by Columbus on his second voyage on 5th Discovered in May 1494 and named Santiago. On his fourth voyage in 1503, he suffered shipwreck on the coast and the Indians led by a lunar eclipse prediction to support him with food. 1509, the island was captured by the Spaniards in possession, and in 1560 was already exterminated the native population almost entirely. Jamaica was taken in 1655 and 1659 by the British formally ceded to them. 1962 was given the island its independence. Deteriorating economic conditions in the 1970s led to an increase in crime rate and a decline in tourist arrivals. After the dismissal of the Socialists in 1980, subsequent governments attempted to open up the country economically. In the nineties, especially corruption interfered with the democratic process in the country.
dominican republic beaches
Aufgund dependence on the former colonial power Britain and the still ongoing membership of the Commonwealth, the Head of State Queen Elizabeth II. The north east coast is steep, the southern coast of varied designs and surrounded by reefs. The interior is a picturesque hill country, which reaches into the densely forested Blue Mountains an altitude of 2,256 m. In between, there are also always open plains with agriculture.
jamaica beaches
The climate is characterized by uniformity. In Kingston the mean temperature of 26 ° C year with a difference of 3.1 degrees between the coldest and warmest month. In Newcastle, 1.211m above sea level. NN., The respective figures 19.4 ° and 3.9 ° C. Ice is formed only on the highest peaks, and only very rarely. The annual rainfall is 1,220 mm in Kingston, Newcastle 900 mm and is the most considerable in May and October. In Jamaica, from June to November hurricane season. It has to be reckoned with tropical storms, heavy rains and possibly also with landslides. Travelers should follow regional weather forecasts and follow the instructions of local security authorities.
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Both at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the daily number of international flights. The airport in the capital of Kingston is primarily used by business travelers. The airport on the north coast of Montego Bay is the hub for tourism. There are smaller airports in Westkingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. These are used by smaller planes like the served by Air Jamaica and also serve as a landing place for small private aircraft or rental.
The ports of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and very occasionally be visited by cruise ships. In Montego Bay, it can be during the season several vessels in the week in Ocho Rios to be three ships a day. The Port of Kinston is a pure cargo port.
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In Jamaica, on the left. The principal means of transportation in Jamaica are bus and minibus. These vehicles are often in poor technical condition. Traveling with an official authorized taxi (vehicle with a red license plate PP) is more likely to recommend, the price should be negotiated in any case before departure. If you travel by car you only need an international driver’s license. Cars can be rented since 2008 but only with automatic transmission. Driving on the highway should be avoided at all costs after dark. Rental car to get in Montego Bay and Kingston at the airport include Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Iceland Car Rental.
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The speed limit in towns is 50 km / h (30 mph) and 80 km / h (50 mph) outside. Caution: Jamaican cars are not supported by TUV shall review, as in Germany, it may be possible to turn signals and brake lights are broken. Warning: it can happen again and again, that goat, donkey or cow along laufern on the road, especially in rural areas. Last note, the Jamaican police regularly (!) By roadside checks, it is not only the vehicle documents are checked. For speed control radar guns are used. Frenzied native drivers should not be a role model.
travel and vacation in jamaica
In Jamaica is English and Patois (a creole) spoken. English is official language, patois, the unofficial language of Jamaicans. Tourists have to assume that spoken on the island and most hotels no German or understood.
The Jamaicans distinguishes between the “Oxford English” popularly known as Queen’s language and called Jamaican language . In addition to many language quirks and peculiarities which are known in the patois, there are also unmistakable. The Germans are unpopular with “th” is referred to in Jamaica as a simple “t”. The second feature is the “a” in the English spoken language, it sounds like “ä”, the Jamaicans say the “a” is like a “a”.
The Jamaican cuisine is shaped by many influences. It found both African, Indian and Chinese and British influences in it again. Generally, we like to eat “hot”, and typically in the preparation of food is the use of coconuts. A special culinary specialty is “ackee”, a tree fruit, the yellow flesh with salt fish, onions, spices and tomatoes stewed with “fried dumplings” or “johnnycakes” (fried dumplings) and fried plantains are eaten primarily for breakfast. “Ackee and Salt Fish” is something like the national dish of Jamaica. In each lunch there is “patties” to buy puff pastry with various fillings sharp. At the roadside offer improvised kitchens stews like “chicken foot soup”, “pepperpot” goat curry “rice and peas” (rice with red beans) and the popular “chicken jerk” and “jerk pork” (spicy marinated chicken and pork in the oil drum grilled) on. The “jerk” is then the purchase with an ax chopped, including skin and bone. The diet of many Jamaicans is in large part from so-called food, making jam, sweet potatoes are boiled green bananas and dumplings meant. A special treat is the fried breadfruit. Among the fruits there are different mango varieties including, papayas, pineapples, avocados, Soursap, oranges, limes, lemons and tamarind. Sugar cane can be bought piecemeal and sucking out the sweet juice from the woody fibers. An important role is played by fish of all kinds. On the beaches frequented by locals all the fried fish with “festival”, a delicious pastry of fried Maismehlteig be offered. During the fishing season (the months with R – September to April) there can be partially favorable to the American lobster “lobster” to eat. A special drink is “berry punch”, a mix of Guinness beer and sweet milk. The beer brewed in Jamaica is called “red stripe”. Popular soft drinks are “went strawberry” and various Fruchtlimonden and frozen fruit drinks, which are primarily offered by hawkers in buses.
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Which rock star, who died in 1971 aged 36, survived the car crash in which Eddie Cochran died in 1962? | Parish Profiles - Jamaica Information Service
Parish Profiles
Overview of Jamaica
Jamaica is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the largest English-speaking territory. Situated south of Cuba and west of Haiti in the North West region of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica has a maximum length, from east to west, of about 235 km (146 mi); the maximum width being around 80 km (50 mi). The total area of the nation is approximately 10,991 sq km (4,244 sq mi). Recently regarded as an archipelagic state by the Maritime Areas Act, Jamaica’s territory extends beyond its coastline to comprise some 66 islands, rocks and cays.
The island is divided into three counties – Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey – which are subdivided into 14 parishes: Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland and St. Thomas. Each parish has a capital town, which is typically the centre of commerce and two parish capitals, Montego Bay in St. James and Kingston, have city status. Kingston, located on the island’s southeast end, is Jamaica’s capital.
Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, and also a large commercial seaport.
Official Name – Jamaica
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When 'Magic Roundabout' was revived on Channel 4 in 1992, which actor provided the voices? | Big screen Magic Roundabout turns to Bill Nighy for Dylan role | UK news | The Guardian
Big screen Magic Roundabout turns to Bill Nighy for Dylan role
Thursday 12 February 2004 02.35 EST
First published on Thursday 12 February 2004 02.35 EST
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It is almost possible to hear the rustle of Rizlas. The actor who will play Dylan, the rabbit believed by generations of students to be perpetually stoned, in the Magic Roundabout film has just been announced.
Bill Nighy will be the big-screen voice of the Magic Roundabout character who, more than any other, prompted endless late-night, student-flat conversations on marijuana references inherent in children's television of the 60s and 70s. Nighy, who recently starred in Love Actually and I Capture the Castle, will give life, though presumably not too much, to the laconic guitar-playing rabbit who spends much of his time asleep.
The 54-year-old actor joins stars such as Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Joanna Lumley in the film, scheduled for release next spring.
The Magic Roundabout was created for French television by Serge Danot in the mid-60s, but it was the supposedly drug-laden references in the script used on this side of the channel that propelled it to fame and affection.
Voices for the original British version were provided by Eric Thompson, the late father of the Oscar-winning actor Emma Thompson. But the big-screen version is expected to be a far grander - and more populous - affair.
Williams will play Dougal, the shaggy dog with a predilection for sugar lumps, which may or may not contain LSD. Minogue plays Florence, the girl with the blue ribbon who is never far from his side. Zebedee, the spring-propelled creature with the "time for bed" catchphrase, will be played by Richard O'Brien, the creator of the Rocky Horror Show. Jim Broadbent will perhaps find his Shakespearean experience superfluous for his role as Brian the snail.
The "mad bovine fool" that is Ermintrude, the pink cow, will be played by Joanna Lumley.
New characters will also be created. The new Magic Roundabout movie - the first, Dougal and the Blue Cat was released in 1972 - will be directed by Dave Borthwick of the Bristol-based animation studios bolexbrothers.
The distributor, Pathé, hopes it will enjoy similar success to Chicken Run, which earned £30m at the UK box office, making it the highest grossing British animation of all time.
The Magic Roundabout ran from 1965 to 1977 on BBC1 and was revived by Channel 4 in the 90s, when all the voices were provided by Nigel Planer.
The myths and facts ...
· Created by French animator Serge Danot and English colleague Ivor Wood, Le Manège Enchanté was first broadcast in France in 1964
· Magic Roundabout aired in the UK on October 18 1965. Showing daily before the 5.55pm news, it attracted 8 million viewers at its peak
· Characters inspired urban myth that each was code for an illegal drug: Zebedee was linked with amphetamines, as was Brian the snail; Dylan seemed always stoned; Ermintrude munched on colourful flowers; while Dougal was linked to LSD, due to his diet of sugar and paranoia - the shaggy dog was modelled on comic Tony Hancock
· Show ran on BBC for seven series until 1977. It has been translated into 28 languages. Dougal and the Blue Cat film was released in 1972, while undiscovered French episodes aired on Channel 4 from 1992
· The Magic Roundabout is the name of a nihilistic 60s European art movement and a multi-mini-roundabout traffic system in Swindon.
Sally James Gregory
| Nigel Planer |
Which is the most easterly state of the USA? | the magic roundabout : definition of the magic roundabout and synonyms of the magic roundabout (English)
Original run
1964 – 1971
The Magic Roundabout (known in the original French as Le Manège enchanté) is a children's television programme created in France in 1963 by Serge Danot . Some 450 five-minute-long episodes were made and were originally broadcast between 1964 and 1971 on ORTF .
The BBC produced a version of the series using the original stop motion animation footage with new English-language scripts, written and performed by Eric Thompson , that had no relation to the original storylines. This version, broadcast from 18 October 1965 to 25 January 1977, was a great success and attained cult status, being watched by adults for its dry humour as much as by the children for whom it was intended.[ citation needed ]
Contents
See also: The Magic Roundabout (film)
Although the characters are common to both versions, they were given different names depending on the language.
The main character is Dougal (Pollux in the original French-language version) who is a drop-eared variety of the Skye Terrier [ citation needed ].
In the French version Pollux is a British character who spoke somewhat broken French with an outrageous English accent, as a result of Ivor Wood's role as co-creator. His sweet tooth, shows through his fondness for sugar lumps, was based on a French belief that one of the traits of the English is a liking for sweets.
Other characters include Zebedee (Zébulon), a jack-in-the-box ; Brian (Ambroise), a snail ; Ermintrude (Azalée), a cow , and Dylan (named after Bob Dylan [1] ) (Flappy) a rabbit , who in the French version was Spanish. There are two notable human characters: Florence (Margote), a young girl; and Mr Rusty (le Père Pivoine), the operator of the roundabout. Other less well known human characters, only seen on the roundabout itself during the credits, are Basil, Paul and Rosalie. There is also an adult character, old Mr McHenry (Jouvence Pio) the gardener who is seen only a couple of times.
The show has a distinctive visual style. The set is a brightly coloured and stylised park containing the eponymous roundabout (a fairground carousel ). The programmes were created by stop motion animation, which meant that Dougal was made without legs to make him easier to animate. Zebedee was created from a giant pea which was available in the animation studio and was re-painted. The look of these characters was the responsibility of British animator Ivor Wood, who was working at Danot's studio at the time (and who subsequently animated The Herbs , Paddington Bear and Postman Pat ).
English-language version
The British ( BBC ) version was especially distinct from the French version in that the narration was entirely new, created by Eric Thompson from just the visuals, and not based on the script by Serge Danot. A former BBC employee, interviewed on BBC Radio in 2008, maintained that the original contract with the French owners did not include the scripts which accompanied the original animations (contrary to BBC assumptions). The BBC, instead of making a further payment to acquire the scripts, which would have required translation, decided to commission its own version - without access to the original French, and the English-language version therefore bears no resemblance to it.
The first BBC broadcasts were stripped across the week and shown at 5.44pm, just before the early evening news each day on BBC1 . This was the first time an entertainment programme had been transmitted in this way in the UK. The original series, which was a serial, was made in black-and-white . It was made in colour from series 2, although the series was still broadcast in monochrome by the BBC up until the first colour episode was transmitted on 5 October 1970.
Fifty-two additional episodes, not previously broadcast, were shown in the United Kingdom during 1991 on Channel 4 's News Daily. Thompson had died by this time, and the job of narrating them in a pastiche of Thompson's style went to actor Nigel Planer .
The British Dougal was grumpy and loosely based on Tony Hancock , an actor and comedian. Ermintrude was rather matronly and fond of singing. Dylan was a hippy-like, guitar -playing rabbit, and rather dopey. Florence was portrayed as courteous and level-headed. Brian was unsophisticated but well-meaning. Zebedee was an almost human creature in a yellow jacket with a spring instead of feet. He always appeared and disappeared with a loud "boing"-sound and usually closed the show with the phrase "Time for bed". In the first episode he was delivered to Mr Rusty in a box which he burst from like a jack-in-the-box , hence the spring.
In the foreword to the recent re-release of the books, Emma Thompson explains that her father had felt that he was most like Brian of all the characters and that Ermintrude was in some respects based upon his wife, Phyllida Law .
Other characters included Mr McHenry (the elderly gardener who rode a tricycle), Uncle Hamish and Angus (in "Dougal's Scottish Holiday"), and a talking train with a 4-2-2 wheel arrangement and a two-wheel tender. Three other children, Paul, Basil and Rosalie, appeared in the original black-and-white serial and in the credit sequence of the colour episodes, but very rarely in subsequent episodes.
Part of the show's attraction was that it appealed to adults, who enjoyed the world-weary Hancock-style comments made by Dougal, as well as to children. The audience measured eight million at its peak. There are speculations about possible interpretations of the show. One is that the characters represented French politicians of the time, and that Dougal represented De Gaulle . In fact, when Serge Danot was interviewed by Joan Bakewell on Late Night Line-Up in 1968 his associate (perhaps Jean Biard) said that in France it was thought at first that the UK version of Pollux had been renamed De Gaulle , mishearing the name Dougal (as seen in the Channel 4 documentary The Return Of The Magic Roundabout (broadcast 08:50 on December 25, 1991 and 18:00 on January 5, 1992), and in the BBC4 documentary The Magic Roundabout Story (2003)).
Sometimes, the series referenced itself. At the end of one episode, Zebedee called "Time for bed." Florence replied "Already?", and Zebedee replied that "It is nearly time for the news, and there has been enough magic for one day." The news was broadcast just after The Magic Roundabout. This story was later republished in print from in Bloomsbury's 1998 book The Adventures Of Brian.
In 1998, Thompson's stories were published as a series of four paperbacks, The Adventures Of Dougal, The Adventures Of Brian, The Adventures Of Dylan and The Adventures Of Ermintrude with forewords by Emma Thompson (Eric's daughter). The paperbacks were a major success for Bloomsbury Publishing Plc .
For years, the series had re-runs on Cartoon Network (UK & Ireland) , and was later moved to its sister channel, Boomerang .
Other versions
In Italy, part of the series was broadcast in the late 1970s by the RAI state television network. In this version Pollux-Dougal was renamed Bobo and the show stuck with the idea of giving each character his own voice. Bobo was still referred to as English but did not have an accent. The Italian theme for the series became something of a minor hit in children's music.
In Germany and in Austria it was translated to "Das Zauberkarussell", in Austria there was in 1974/75 a special version in "Betthupferl" (the same as the German "Mr Sandman") called "Cookie and his friends", as Cookie and his friend Apollonius always went through a hole in a tree to join the garden. The name of the magician "Zebedee" in German is " Zebulon ".
In America, The series was called The Magic Carousel and it aired in the 1980s on Pinwheel, a children's programme on the kids' channel Nickelodeon . In this version, Dylan was called Flappy, like in the French Version.
In 2006/2007, a new TV version of The Magic Roundabout was created, 52 x 11 minute episodes, by French animation house Action Synthese with scripts and voices produced in the UK. Directed by Graham Ralph of Silver Fox Films and produced by Theresa Plummer Andrews. Using the CGI designed versions of the original characters from the movie (2005) also produced by Action Synthese, the only new character taken from the film being Soldier Sam. The new series also created a few original characters of its own. The series was first broadcast in the UK from Monday 22 October 2007 at 8.00 am on satellite channel Nick Jr.
Theme tunes
The French, and the British versions had different theme tunes.
The French tune was quite an upbeat pop tune played on a Hammond organ with child-adult vocals.
The British version, by Alain Legrand , removed the vocals and increased the tempo of the tune while making it sound as if it were played on a fairground organ .
Film versions
Main article: Dougal and the Blue Cat
Danot made a longer film, Pollux et le chat bleu, in 1970 which was also adapted by Thompson and shown in Britain as Dougal and the Blue Cat . The cat, named Buxton, was working for the Blue Voice who wanted to take over the garden. The Blue Voice was voiced by Fenella Fielding and was the only time that Eric Thompson called in another person to voice a character. The Blue Cat heard of Dougal's plan and made him face his ultimate weakness by locking him in a room full of sugar.
2005 film
Main article: The Magic Roundabout (film)
In 2005, a film adaptation (also called The Magic Roundabout ) was released. It was made using modern computer animation , and adopted the French approach of each character having its own voice rather than using a narrator. The voices included Tom Baker , Joanna Lumley , Ian McKellen , Kylie Minogue , Robbie Williams , Michael Angelis and Lee Evans . The two-disc special edition of the UK DVD of the film features five of the original Magic Roundabout episodes on the second disc. They are all presented in the original black and white with the option of viewing them in the English language or in the original French language.
In 2006, the film was released in the USA as Doogal . This version featured a narration from Judi Dench , rewritten dialogue and a new storyline made to accommodate pop culture references and flatulence jokes (neither of which were present in the original release). The majority of original British voices were replaced by celebrities more familiar to the American public, such as Whoopi Goldberg and Chevy Chase . Only two original voices remained: those of Kylie Minogue and Ian McKellen . Americans panned the film. It currently has a 8% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes , [2] a score of 23 out of 100 ("generally unfavorable") on Metacritic , and an F rating from Entertainment Weekly magazine. It was also a financial failure, grossing a total of 7.2 million dollars in the United States, which is considered low by CGI animated film standards. It has become the second-lowest grossing CGI film (second only to Delgo ).[ citation needed ]
Musical spinoffs
In 1975 Jasper Carrott recorded a short, risqué comic monologue , parodying The Magic Roundabout (originally featured on his first live LP Jasper Carrot Rabbits on and on...), which was released on a 7 inch single as the B-side of his comic song "Funky Moped" by DJM records. The record was a hit, but Carrott always claimed people were buying it for the B-side and not for the song, which he soon came to hate. The show's theme music also featured on two minor UK hit singles in 1991, "Summer's Magic" by Mark Summers and "Magic Style" by The Badman.
Road traffic spinoff
Main article: Magic Roundabout (Hemel Hempstead)
The name "Magic Roundabout" has been applied in the United Kingdom to large road traffic circulation systems with unconventional layout - at Swindon , for example. The popularity of the TV show coincided with the introduction of such schemes and soon became associated with any complex traffic roundabout . The complex in Hertfordshire at Hemel Hempstead , with its large central roundabout surrounded by six smaller ones, has attracted this nickname, although it is officially named the Plough Roundabout.
In central Cardiff a statue of Paris-born artist Pierre Vivant (1952-), Cardiff's "Magic Roundabout", was erected in 1992, having been commissioned by Cardiff Bay Arts Trust (now known as Safle, since merging with Cywaith Cymru in 2007). It continues to serve as a useful local landmark during a period of considerable change in the area surrounding Cardiff's old docklands. The "Magic Roundabout" nickname is used with a certain amount of affection by still-amused locals. [3]
In 2006 - Go North East Bus Company branded one of their buses "The Magic Roundabout" it was shown with all the characters on the bus. It was later withdrawn. [4]
Records
In 1971 BBC Records released The Magic Roundabout (RBT 8) an LP containing 10 stories taken from the soundtracks of the TV series as told by Eric Thompson. Scripts by Eric Thompson, Original Music composed by Alain Legrand, Luc Aulivier, Serge Danot and Jacques Charriere, Musical arrangement and orchestral direction by Alain Legrand. The stories were:'Dougal's Experiment/A Starry Night/The Moody Concerto/Dougal's Adventure/The Stiff Necked Heliotropes' on side one and 'The Birds School/The Piano Carrier/Banana Skin/The Musical Box/The Announcer' on side two. This album has been re-released twice by the BBC on CD, in 2005 (BBC Audio:Children's) to coincide with the 'new' film and again in 2010 (Vintage Beeb) with a bonus interview with Eric Thompson and featuring the original LP artwork.
French soundtrack recordings were also issued in France in the 60's on three EP's and again on an LP 'Pollux' in 1983 along with an original single 'C'est moi Pollux'.
UK VHS releases
The Magic Roundabout (BBCV 4278)
1989
Film Director, The Orchestra, Walking Sticks, Bicycle Race, The Cannon, Rustlers, Gold, Parking Meters, The Camera, The Caravan, The Experiment, The Magic Carpet, Oil, Vote for Dougal
The Magic Roundabout 2 (BBCV 4499)
1991
Bubbles, Piano Moving, Let's Play At Cats, Watch the Birdie, Sculptor, The Orchestra, Pack of Cards, Toffee River, Oil Wells, Banana Skin, Spaghetti Party, Rain, Baking A Pie
The Magic Roundabout 3 (BBCV 4734)
1992
Alarm Clock, Brian and the Train Race, The Chimney Sweep, Road Signs, Dylan Plays the Bagpipes, Dougal’s Glasses, Hide and Seek, The Lost Boing, Windy, The Scarecrow, Musical Box, The Oyster, Dylan the Hairdresser
The Magic Roundabout 4 (BBCV 4829)
1992
TV Announcer, Magic Pot, The Picnic, Ermentrude’s Folly, The Exhibition, Holidays, Relay Race, Soul of the Violin, The Tombola, Pancakes, Flying Saucer, The Sleepwalker, A Starry Night
The Very Best Of The Magic Roundabout (BBCV 4955)
1993
The Orchestra, Dougal's Glasses, TV Announcer, Rustlers, The Lost Boing, Baking A Pie, Ermintrude's Folly, The Magic Carpet, The Chimney Sweep, Sculptor, Hide and Seek, Pancakes, Watch the Birdie, The Experiment, A Starry Night, Road Signs, Film Director
Magic Roundabout and the RAF
The Royal Air Force 's 8 Squadron 's Avro Shackleton airborne early warning aircraft were named after characters from The Magic Roundabout and The Herbs :
WL741: PC Knapweed
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Which famous Jewish fortress was captured by the Romans 10th Legion in 73AD? | How Did the Romans Conquer Masada | Mount Masada Information and Tours
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How Did the Romans Conquer Masada
In 66AD the Great Jewish Revolution began; a group of Jewish zealots called Sicarii captured the isolated fortress on top of Masada and settled there. Following the Roman siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple more refugees arrived at Masada. Having captured Jerusalem the Romans turned their sights to the last Jewish outpost, Masada.
Lucius Flavius Silva led the 10th Roman Legion with the aim of scaling Masada and capturing the mountain top fortress and the last remaining free Jews. First the leader would have surveyed the surroundings, chosen the weakest point at which to attack and then ordered the artisans and carpenters who traveled with the troops to construct their large weapons. The slaves would have been told to build a circumvallation wall of stones and rock. This was to make sure no enemies escaped and to give the Romans cover. The Romans set up eight camps at the foot of Masada for the 10,000-15,000 soldiers, slaves and auxiliary forces.
The Romans began by trying to starve the Jews down off Masada, but when that didn’t work they turned to their arsenal of weapons. The Ballista was used like a large crossbow powered by twisted ropes which fired large stones approximately 300 meters. The Catapulta device had a wooden frame and a long arm which would fling stones or fire bolts at the enemy. The Grapple was a large metal hook used to pull down walls. The Onager was like a large sling shot. The Wild Ass flung stones from a basket; required 8 men to operate it and a solid earth or brick base to give the apparatus stability. Vitruvius, a Roman author of architecture and engineering, tells us that there were 10 Wild Ass weapons for each legion and that stones as heavy as 163kg were used at Masada.
For three years the Jewish zealots on Masada’s plateau managed to hold off the Roman troops. The final and successful weapon which the Romans employed was the battering ram. The battering ram would have been made of a tree trunk, tipped with iron and hung on chains to be swung back and forth. In order to get the contraption close enough and high enough up to the casement walls they first had to build a ramp up to the wall on the western face of Masada. The ramp was made of earth and was constructed by Jewish slaves. The Romans rightly thought the zealots would not fire at their own people. In 73AD the Roman battering ram breached the casement walls which Herod had constructed around Masada.
Once the Romans had eventually breached the walls they were faced with a new inner wall which the Jews had hastily constructed. The Romans set fire to the wooden baulks which supported the wall and luckily the wind was in their favor and the wall came down. The Romans entered the fortress, armed with their swords only to find that the 960 Jews had chosen to take their own lives rather than be captured.
We have most of our information about what happened between the Romans and zealots from the writings of Roman-era historian Josephus Flavius and from archeological discoveries at Masada. Visitors to Masada can still see the Roman ramp on the western face.
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The rival houses of Lancaster and York were both | Masada Museum | Mount Masada Information and Tours
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Masada Museum
At the base of Masada is a museum which brings to life the story of Masada through authentic artifacts, multi-media and information panels. Masada’s culture, architecture, craftsmanship and history are explored in the museum and the stories of people on Masada and their everyday lives help to make the Masada experience more complete. The museum helps to put the events of Masada almost 2000 years ago into their political, historical and military context and make the past more tangible.
The Story of Masada
Masada is a UNESCO site which is symbolic of the collapse of the Judean Kingdom during the Second Temple Era. A grand fortress was constructed on Masada for King Herod in 37BC-31BC. Later during the Jewish-Roman War (66AD-73AD) a group of rebel Jews retreated to Masada and made a last stand against the Romans who held Masada under siege. The Romans built a siege ramp up the side of the mount and bombarded the Jewish rebels until finally breaching the hilltop fortress in 73AD only to find that the 960 Jews had committed mass suicide rather than be captured by the Romans. Masada holds a special place in the hearts of Jews who see the suicide of the rebels as an act of selfless heroism and symbol of Jewish freedom. Masada is an important historical site which has given us insight into 1st century life in Palestine.
Herod, Rebels and the Roman Army
The museum is divided into three topics Herod, the Jewish Rebels and the Roman Army. Nine scenes recreate a setting and
theatrical background for the presentation of historic artifacts. Visitors are given an audio-guide which accompanies them through the nine galleries of the museum. You can learn about the different stages of history on Masada from the reign of Herod and the construction of his fortress palace through to the revolt of the Jews. . Most of the artifacts are authentic items almost 2000 years old while others have been recreated. The displays are made three dimensional with the addition of architectural elements, authentic historic floors and wall decorations which reflect the spirit of the times. The museum has low lighting with poignant spot lighting to recreate the atmosphere which surrounded the architectural excavations as artifacts came to light. Life-size statues of figures from Masada’s past stand in each of the museum space and introduce visitors to the tales of Masada. As visitors proceed through the exhibits, entering into each of the scenes from Masada they listen to stories and a short play which make life on Masada tangible. The scenes cover about a 100 period in Masada’s history including the construction of Herod’s palace and the Jewish-Roman War of 69AD-73AD.
A tour of the museum starts with the 1st century Jewish Roman historian Josephus Flavius. He provided us with the only written description of the historic events on Masada during the 1st century and a description of the layout of the hill top settlement. In the section of the museum devoted to the Rebel’s of Masada you can enter a recreated rebel dwelling complete with straw baskets, looms, sandals, clothing, cooking utensils and clay pots. The sounds and images seek to bring alive the emotions of the Jews who retreated to Masada to escape persecution by the Romans. Herod’s palace is recreated with a stone table forming the center piece of a royal banquet set with fine tableware. The Roman Army galleries are set against the background of an army camp of the 10th Roman Legion which laid siege to Masada. The tour ends with Yigal Yadin, the researcher and archeologist who made major discoveries at Masada in the 1960s. 400 of the authentic artifacts uncovered by Yadin are on display including personal items belonging to the Jewish rebels and items belonging to Roman soldiers.
Masada Museum:
Admission: 20NIS Entrance to museum only (not including the cable car or access to Masada itself which have separate additional fees)
Contact: 08-658 4207/8
Open Hours: April-September 8:30am-5pm; October-March 8:30am-4pm; Fridays and holidays the museum closes one hour early.
Audio-Guides: Available at the front desk in Hebrew, French, German, Spanish, Russian and English. Audio-guides are included in the entrance price.
Recommended time in Museum: The audio-guide lasts 30 minutes.
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In 1960, Kwame Nkruma became the first President of which African country? | Commanding Heights : Kwame Nkrumah | on PBS
Kwame Nkrumah
(1889-1979)
Kwame Nkurmah, the leader of the Gold Coast's movement toward independence from Britain during the 1940s and '50s, headed the new nation of Ghana following its independence in 1957 until 1966, when he was overthrown by a coup.
Excerpt from Commanding Heights by Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw, 1998 ed., pp. 83-88.
Profile
In the period of [African colonial independence] the beacon country from Africa was Ghana, first to achieve independence in 1957. The new nation's most influential figure was its prime minister, later president, Kwame Nkrumah. When Nkrumah was born in 1910, Ghana was still the Gold Coast, a British colony known for its plantations and for being the world's largest producer of cocoa. Its frontiers were the result of bargains among the colonial powers -- Britain, France, and Germany -- that did not correspond to the historical boundaries of the kingdoms that preceded colonization, particularly the once-mighty Ashanti empire.
Nkrumah, who came from a modest, traditional family, received his early education at the hands of Catholic missionaries. He went on to train as a teacher and for a few years taught elementary school in towns along the coast. He was popular and charismatic, and earned a decent living. But exposure to politics and to a few influential figures sparked in him a greater interest -- to go to America. He applied to universities in the United States, and with money raised from relatives, he set out on a steamer in 1935. He reached New York almost penniless, and took refuge with fellow West Africans in Harlem. He then presented himself at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and enrolled; a small scholarship and a campus job helped him make ends meet.
In the United States, Nkrumah saw alternatives to the British tradition of government. He also became suffused with an acute consciousness of the politics of race relations. Unlike many new African leaders, who sought to emulate their European instructors, Nkrumah plunged into America's black communities. Founded before the Civil War, Lincoln University was America's oldest black college, and its special atmosphere inspired and comforted Nkrumah. In the summers, he worked at physically demanding jobs -- in shipyards and construction at sea. He studied theology as well as philosophy; he frequented the black churches in New York and Philadelphia and was sometimes asked to preach. He also forged ties with black American intellectuals, for whom Africa was becoming, in this time of political change, an area of extreme interest. Moving to London after World War II, Nkrumah helped organize Pan-African congresses, linking the emergent educated groups of the African colonies with activists, writers, artists, and well-wishers from the industrial countries. It was a time of great intellectual ferment, excitement, and optimism. India's achievement of independence in 1947 stirred dreams of freedom for the other colonies. "If we get self-government," Nkrumah proclaimed, "we'll transform the Gold Coast into a paradise in 10 years."
Returning to the Gold Coast in 1949, Nkrumah found that India's independence had set in motion a process of gradual transfer of power in Britain's other colonies. The terms and timing were highly unsettled, and indeed would provoke conflict and violent clashes, but the basic principle of self-government was becoming the consensus. Nkrumah was dissatisfied with the existing nationalist grouping, finding it staid and conservative, overly tied to colonial business interests. With several associates he set up a new party, the Convention People's Party (CPP), in the process demonstrating his supreme organizational abilities. Within two years the CPP had won limited self-rule elections, and Nkrumah became "Leader of Government Business" -- a de facto prime minister, responsible for internal government and policy. He set his sights firmly on independence. No amount of autonomy or self-rule, he argued, could match the energy, commitment, and focus of a government and people in a truly independent country. It was a precondition for growth. He summarized his philosophy in a slogan that became famous and influential across Africa: "Seek ye first the political kingdom, and all else shall be added unto you...."
Ghana's route to independence became the model for the rest of the continent. By the mid-1960s, over 30 African countries were independent and many had charismatic leaders, including Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya, Julius Nyerere in Tanzania, and Kenneth Kaunda in Zambia. Their economic views were very much those of the time, in line with the consensus among development economists. Here again, only the state could mobilize the funds and coordinate the activities of economic transformation if it was to be achieved in the leaders' lifetime -- let alone during their time in office. Indeed, pessimism about markets was even greater in Africa than elsewhere. After all, the colonization of Africa had come with little regard for local education, health, or infrastructure. It was tainted with racism and contempt. As a result, people were not equipped to participate in markets, or so it seemed. Instead, the new leaders hatched schemes for "African socialism" that could somehow combine modern growth and traditional values. "Capitalism is too complicated a system for a newly independent nation," Nkrumah argued. "Hence the need for a socialistic society." Few disagreed. It was, after all, the received wisdom of the time.
Ironically, the economic device in which Africa's new leaders invested their trust was itself a colonial invention -- the marketing board, a public agency responsible for buying crops from farmers and reselling them for export. Seemingly innocuous and indeed almost boring in name, marketing boards were in fact powerful tools of control for the new governments. They were born of necessity, when the Great Depression drove down world commodity prices and the wartime boom drove them up again. African farmers lived on a shoestring and were highly vulnerable to such volatile swings in world markets. They might overplant in times of high prices and abandon crops when prices fell. Meanwhile, the state would lose both tax revenue and its ability to plan ahead. The marketing boards were set up to correct this situation. They would purchase crops at stable prices. In times of high world prices, they would accumulate a surplus of money; in times of low world prices, they would use that financial surplus to support the local price. This would protect farmers from the tumult of markets, over which they had no control. Because the marketing boards deliberately paid farmers prices other than the world-market prices, they could not function in a competitive market. Hence, they were granted monopolies. Virtually all crops for export had to go through the marketing board. This was the prevailing system at independence in almost every African country. All that varied from country to country was the exact number and range of crops concerned.
For Nkrumah and his peers, retaining the colonial marketing boards seemed the expedient, indeed the sensible, thing to do. The boards would provide the mechanism both to capture the "surplus" generated by agriculture and to raise revenues. The resources levied this way could be combined with investment and foreign aid to jump-start industrial development and the "great transformation" away from rural-based economies toward industrialization. There were some problems, to be sure. When the marketing board imposed prices lower than world prices, how would it stop crops from slipping away into a black market or crossing borders into neighboring countries? Frontiers were artificial and porous, and there was, after all, a considerable history of long-distance African trade. Moreover, if the marketing board did accumulate a cash surplus, who would oversee its sound management and investment?
But amid the enthusiasm for independence and the overriding concern with market failure, these questions seemed of little import. Governments instead threw their energy into enlarging the existing marketing boards and creating new ones for commodities that were hitherto unregulated. They ran their economies through the boards. In Ghana, the Cocoa Marketing Board grew in size, staffing, and power. It was joined in short order by marketing boards for timber and diamonds, and a host of other state organizations aimed not only at exports but also at regulating local trade in foodstuffs, fish, and household goods. This pervasive, confident -- or, as some would say, intrusive -- involvement of the state in almost every aspect of investment and commerce made Ghana a case of "development economics in action."
The same confidence extended as well to the other half of the process -- industrialization. Nkrumah very much believed that the "big push" was necessary and could be rapidly achieved. He harnessed his hopes to a dramatic plan for a huge multipurpose undertaking known as the Volta River Project. Ghana had large reserves of bauxite and hence the potential to become a major exporter of aluminum. But this required building a smelter and a very large dam and power plant to feed it. That, in turn, would support a national electricity grid; and the cheap, abundant power would jump-start industrialization all over the country. It was a grand vision that accorded perfectly with development theory. The dam would set in motion the "forward and backward linkages" that the economists sought, and it would give Ghana economic independence. It would also create the world's biggest manmade lake, forcing the resettlement of tens of thousands of people.
When it was all added up, the Volta River Project was the most ambitious and complicated development project of its day, and certainly one of the most prominent. It also gave rise to lengthy and arduous negotiations between the government of Ghana and its would-be partners -- the World Bank, the governments of Britain and the United States, and the aluminum firms Kaiser and Reynolds, which agreed to build the smelter. Several years of frustrating discussion culminated in a series of contract documents that one participant described as the world's "most complex since Queen Marie was selling Romanian bonds."
But the deal was not yet done. As the negotiations dragged on, the stakes grew higher. Nkrumah's views were hardening, reflecting an increasing attraction to "scientific socialism" and a mounting preoccupation with control. Already in 1960, he had made Ghana a republic and proclaimed himself its president. In April 1961, he delivered a "Dawn Broadcast" in which he lashed out at "self-seeking" and "careerism," and which he used to force the resignation of potential rivals. Soon there were political arrests. He also threw out the British officers assigned to train his army. .
All this occurred shortly before Queen Elizabeth II was scheduled to make a state visit to Ghana in November 1961 to celebrate the new area of decolonization. But then, after several bombs went off in the capital of Accra, sentiment mounted in Britain's House of Commons that the trip should be canceled, because it was too unsafe. Prime Minister Harold Macmillan feared, however, that cancellation would provoke Nkrumah into leaving the Commonwealth and moving into Moscow's arms. To prevent such a turn, he appealed to President John Kennedy to confirm that the United States would help underwrite the Volta River Project. When, on the eve of the queen's departure, it became apparent that the House of Commons might vote to cancel the trip, Macmillan made clear that he would resign that very evening -- even if it meant having to awaken the queen. The vote against the trip did not eventuate, and the queen took off.
As it turned out, the trip was a great success. The local press in Ghana hailed the queen as "the greatest socialist monarch in the world." With the conclusion of the visit and the queen safely back in Britain, Macmillan immediately telephoned Kennedy. "I have risked my Queen," Macmillan said. "You must risk your money." Gallantly, Kennedy replied he would match the queen's "brave contribution" with his own. The United States signed on to the Volta River Project.
In the same year, Nkrumah visited the Soviet Union and returned much impressed at the pace of industrialization there. He came back with a rigid Seven-Year Plan. "We must try and establish factories in large numbers at great speed," he argued. State-owned companies and public authorities mushroomed in all fields. So did mismanagement and graft. The price was most painfully felt in the countryside as Nkrumah used cocoa revenues, controlled by the official marketing board, to cover the growing losses of public companies. The imposition of unrealistically low cocoa prices on farmers, combined with the bloated organization of the marketing board, devastated the industry. Many farmers switched crops altogether; others found ways to smuggle their cocoa through neighboring countries, where better prices were offered. Ghana lost its mantle as the world's largest cocoa producer. Its currency reserves depleted, it fell back on barter trade and loans from the Soviet bloc.
Nkrumah became increasingly remote, preferring to focus on grand schemes of African unity than on running the country. He turned the country into a one-party state in 1964, and took to indulging in a sordid cult of personality, dubbing himself Osagyefo, "the Redeemer." It did not take long for resentment to set in. He evaded several assassination attempts. On January 22, 1966, he inaugurated the Volta Dam, proudly pressing the button that released power into the new national grid unaware that even this project would be only half a success. Ghana's bauxite mines would never be developed; the smelter found it more economic to process bauxite imported from Jamaica. The inauguration would be his last moment of glory.
On February 24, as he stopped in Burma on his way to China at the start of a grand tour aimed at solving the Vietnam conflict, army officers intervened at home and took power. "The myth surrounding Kwame Nkrumah has been broken," announced an army colonel on the radio. Nkrumah did not learn of the coup until he arrived in China. Premier Zhou Enlai, unsure of the protocol to follow, went ahead and hosted an eerie state banquet in his honor. Nkrumah ended up taking up exile in Guinea, where another experiment in "African socialism" was in progress. Guinea's president, Sekou Toure, his own rule increasingly repressive and arbitrary, endowed Nkrumah with the title of "co-president." Nkrumah made regular shortwave broadcasts to Ghana, published ideological treatises, and plotted a triumphal return to power until he grew ill and died in 1972, still in exile. The "political kingdom" had crumbled as fast as it had been built. "The Redeemer," who had once inspired a continent, had fallen far from grace.
From Commanding Heights by Daniel Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw. Copyright © 1998 by Daniel A. Yergin and Joseph Stanislaw. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc., N.Y.
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In 1966, Seretse Khama became the first President of which African country? | BBC News | Africa at 40 | Nkrumah - an African visionary with feet of clay
Tuesday, November 4, 1997 Published at 08:28 GMT
Special Report: Africa at 40
Nkrumah - an African visionary with feet of clay
Kwame Nkrumah's dream of a free, united and prosperous Africa made him an icon of the post-colonial era.
Generations of policiticians have claimed to be inspired by his Pan African ideals - though some have not always put them into practice.
They will get the chance to examine his vision afresh at the Africa at 40 conference called to consider their progress since the milestone of Ghanaian independence.
However, Dr Nkrumah was not without faults.
And not all of his ideas - such as his desire for a kind of United States of Africa - remain in fashion.
Hero of independence
Dr Nkrumah became an international symbol of freedom as the leader of the first black African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule.
As midnight struck on March 5, 1957 and the Gold Coast became Ghana, Dr Nkrumah declared: "We are going to see that we create our own African personality and identity.
"We again rededicate ourselves in the struggle to emancipate other countries in Africa; For our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent."
But over the next few years he was increasingly regarded as an authoritarian and remote leader.
In 1964 he declared himself president for life and banned opposition parties.
Justifying his actions he wrote: "Even a system based on a democratic constitution may need backing up in the period following independence by emergency measures of a totalitarian kind."
Many Ghanaians celebrated when their former hero was overthrown by the police and military while he was on a visit to China in 1966.
There was little response to Dr Nkrumah's broadcasts calling for the nation to rise against the coup leaders. He died in exile in Romania in 1972.
An end to colonialism
Dr Nkrumah was born Kwame Francis Nwia Kofie in the south-west of the Gold Coast in 1909.
In 1939 he left to study economics and sociology in America.
There and in London he was active in the Pan African movement which was demanding freedom and independence for the colonies.
Dr Nkrumah returned to his homeland in 1947 and became Secretary General of the United Gold Coast Convention which was campaigning to end British rule.
However, in 1948 he was expelled from the organisation for leading a campaign of civil disobedience.
He responded by founding the Convention People's Party in 1949, the first mass political party in black Africa.
Dr Nkrumah during his year in jail
Imprisoned by the British in 1950, he was released the next year after the CPP's landslide election victory. In 1952 Dr Nkrumah became the country's first prime minister.
After independence in 1957 Ghana became a republic in 1960.
But while Dr Nkrumah worked to improve living standards at home his ambitions extended beyond national boundaries to the creation of a federal union of African states.
United for the good of all
Explaining his vision in his 1961 book, I Speak of Freedom, he wrote: "Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.
" I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a Great Power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind."
However, few of the newly independent African countries were persuaded of the need to give up some of the power they had recently won, to a central parliament for the continent.
Ghana was one of 30 nations that founded the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. The OAU remains the leading mouthpiece for African opinion.
But Dr Nkrumah regarded it as inadequate as it was not the United States of Africa he longed for.
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Which band had hits in the 1990's with 'The Riverboat Song', 'You've Got It Bad' and 'The Day We Caught The Train'? | Ocean Colour Scene | Biography & History | AllMusic
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Artist Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Falling between the energetic pop/rock of mod revival and the psychedelic experimentations of Traffic , Ocean Colour Scene came to be one of the leading bands of the traditionalist, post- Oasis British rock of the mid-'90s. Although they had formed in the late '80s and had several hits during the height of Madchester in the early '90s, the band didn't earn a large following until 1996, when their second album, Moseley Shoals , became a multi-platinum success story in the U.K. Their ascent was greatly aided by Paul Weller and Oasis ' Noel Gallagher , who both publicly praised Ocean Colour Scene for keeping the flame of real rock & roll burning during the '90s. And, according to one specific definition, they were right, since Ocean Colour Scene was nothing if not rock & roll traditionalists, drawing heavily from British Invasion pop, psychedelia, soul, R&B, and blues-rock to create a reverential homage to classic rock. Their devotion to trad rock may have earned them decidedly mixed reviews, but that was the very thing that earned them a sizable following.
Ocean Colour Scene is comprised of Steve Cradock (lead guitar, keyboards, vocals), Simon Fowler (lead vocals, guitar), Damon Minchella (bass), and Oscar Harrison (drums). Prior to forming in 1990, the members of the band had played in a variety of other groups. During the late '80s, Cradock played in a mod revival band called the Boys. Though they released an independent EP called Happy Days and supported former Small Faces frontman Steve Marriott , the band never gained much of an audience. At the same time the Boys were active, Fowler and Minchella were in a Velvet Underground -influenced group called Fanatics , who released an EP, Suburban Love Songs, on the independent label Chapter 22 in the spring of 1989. Following the release of the single, the group's original drummer, Caroline Bullock, was replaced by Harrison , who had previously played with a reggae/soul band called Echo Base . Shortly after Harrison joined Fanatics , the group split up. Several months after their disbandment, Fowler , Minchella , and Harrison formed Ocean Colour Scene with Cradock , whom they met at a Stone Roses concert.
Appropriately, Ocean Colour Scene was initially heavily influenced by the Stone Roses . After performing a few concerts, the group built a small fan base and signed with a local indie label, !Phfft. Shortly after signing with !Phfft, Ocean Colour Scene became hyped as "the next big thing" by the British music weekly press, as their live shows and debut single, "Sway," earned extremely positive reviews during the first half of 1990. In the spring of 1991, they headed into the studio to record the debut album with Jimmy Miller , who worked on the Rolling Stones ' classic albums of the late '60s and early '70s. Instead of concentrating on work, the band essentially drank away their hours in the studio, resulting in a batch of uneven recordings. Unsatisfied by the tapes, the band headed back into the studio with Hugo Nicolson , who had previously worked with Primal Scream .
By the time they completed the record, !Phfft had been acquired by Fontana Records, who bought the indie with the intent of owning the rights to Ocean Colour Scene . Despite their enthusiasm for the band, the label's head of A&R, Dave Bates , rejected the group's first attempt at the album and asked them to re-enter the studio to re-record most of the album with another producer, Tim Palmer , who had previously worked with Tin Machine . Palmer also remixed the remaining cuts, resulting in a slick, over-produced debut album that was delivered belatedly in the spring of 1992. By that time, the music press had abandoned the Madchester scene that the Stone Roses spawned and, in turn, they rejected the return of Ocean Colour Scene . The public also refused to buy the record and it sank upon its release. The band made some headway on an American tour, but tensions with Fontana continued to increase throughout the year.
Ocean Colour Scene returned to England halfway through the year, planning to record a new album quickly, but Bates rejected their new material. Soon, the band sued to get out of its Fontana contract. By the time it was settled in early 1993, the group owed hundreds of thousands of pounds to the label and they were back on the dole. Ocean Colour Scene continued to rehearse, often supported by their manager (and Steve 's father), Chris Cradock, who put the family house up for mortgage. The band converted their rehearsal space into a recording studio and began recording constantly, but their break didn't arrive until they played a gig supporting Paul Weller 's new band in early 1993. Weller was impressed with Steve Cradock 's playing, and asked him to play on his forthcoming single, "The Weaver." Cradock gradually became part of Weller 's backing band, performing on much of Weller 's second solo album, Wild Wood . However, the guitarist didn't abandon Ocean Colour Scene -- all the money he was making was funneled back into the band, and he landed Fowler a gig as a backing vocalist for Weller . By the end of the 1993, Cradock , Fowler , and Minchella were all playing in Weller 's band.
The next break for Ocean Colour Scene arrived in late summer of 1994, when Noel Gallagher , the leader of Oasis , heard the band's tape in the offices of his record label. Gallagher offered OCS the opening slot for Oasis ' breakthrough fall 1994 tour, which provided the group with needed exposure. Soon, the group was subject to a bidding war among several major labels, all of whom wanted the band to change their name. Eventually, the band signed with MCA in the summer of 1995; they were one of the few labels not to insist that the group change their name.
During early 1996, the hype machine began to go into overdrive for Ocean Colour Scene , as Gallagher proclaimed them the best band in Britain in several interviews and Chris Evans, a DJ on BBC's Radio 1, constantly played OCS 's comeback single, "The Riverboat Song," essentially using it as his theme song. "The Riverboat Song" entered the charts at number 15 early in 1996. Moseley Shoals , the band's second album, was released in April of 1996, unexpectedly entering the charts at number two. The album was a fixture in the British Top Ten throughout 1996, spending six months total in the upper regions of the charts. Two subsequent singles from the record, "You've Got It Bad" and "The Day We Caught the Train," reached the Top Ten and the album continued to sell strongly throughout 1996, going multi-platinum in the U.K. Ocean Colour Scene also became a popular live attraction in Britain, selling out concerts during their summer tour. Moseley Shoals was released in America during the summer, but it failed to make much of an impact in the U.S.
As they were working on their third album, Ocean Colour Scene released the rarities compilation B-Sides: Seasides & Freerides in March 1997. By the late summer they had completed the album and had released "Hundred Mile City" as a single; it debuted at number two on the U.K. charts. Marchin' Already , OCS ' third album, was released in September 1997 and debuted at number one in the U.K., knocking Oasis ' Be Here Now off of the top slot. One from the Modern arrived in 1999, followed by Mechanical Wonder and the greatest-hits collection Songs for the Front Row: The Very Best of Ocean Colour Scene in 2001. North Atlantic Drift was released in 2003, followed by Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad in 2005. Live Acoustic: At the Jam House arrived in 2006, followed by a collection of all-new material, On the Leyline , in 2007. On February 1, 2010, to mark the 21st anniversary of the band, Ocean Colour Scene released an all-new collection of studio recordings called Saturday , which was followed later in the year by the box set retrospective 21. OCS spent a fair chunk of 2011 celebrating the 15th anniversary of Moseley Shoals -- their 1996 breakthrough that saw a double-disc deluxe reissue in 2011 -- and then in the next year they started work on a new album called Painting , which was released in February 2013.
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Who was the President of Germany who resigned in May 2010 after being accused of 'Gunboat Diplomacy' following comments in which he suggested that Germany's military missions abroad also served to secure trade? | Ocean Colour Scene - Music on Google Play
Ocean Colour Scene
About the artist
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What is the name of the Mexican forward that Manchester United have signed this summer from Chivas de Guadalajara for £6 million? | Manchester United to sign Chivas striker Javier Hernandez - ESPN FC
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Apr 8, 2010
United agree deal to sign Chivas striker
Manchester United have announced a deal to sign striker Javier Hernandez from Mexican side Chivas for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £6 million.
• Hernandez deal a milestone for Mexico
Hernandez, 21, has agreed personal terms and passed a medical but is still awaiting a work permit. Should a permit be granted, he will join United in July after the Mexico international returns from the World Cup.
As part of the deal, United will play a friendly at the Chivas Stadium ahead of the 2010-11 season.
Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website: "I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country.
"He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer. We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July."
Chicharito, or "Little Pea", as he is known, has scored four goals in his first four games for Mexico.
The deal will represent a first for United, who have never signed a Mexican player before or played in the country, which they will do in July as part of the deal. Hernandez has spent just two seasons in the first team at Chivas which represents a meteoric rise to prominence.
"I feel like I am living a dream," he told MUTV. "All the impressions I have of the club are good and Sir Alex Ferguson is a great person, maybe the best coach in the world."
Hernandez was at Old Trafford on Wednesday to watch the Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich. While he was disappointed at the outcome, he marvelled at the atmosphere, which he hopes to experience for himself next term.
Before that, Hernandez must secure a place in Mexico's World Cup squad, which he is tipped to do. And that will confirm a quick return to England as Mexico will tackle Fabio Capello's men at Wembley on May 24.
"I hope to be at the World Cup," he said. "I have to work hard to win a place in the national team, then I might get a chance to play against England."
| Javier Hernández |
Which legendary American Football player, who played his entire 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams and | Javier Hernandez: The ‘Little Pea’ with so little time
EPL
Javier Hernandez: The ‘Little Pea’ with so little time
Javier Hernandez has been linked away from Manchester United thanks to a lack of appearances. Is it time for him to move on?
Opinion 13 Mar 2014, 13:06 IST
Javier Hernandez
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, a name that resembles one of the biggest coups in footballing history. Back in April 2010, Sir Alex Ferguson snapped the unknown forward up from Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara for a mere fee reported to be around £6 million pounds. The world cup that followed that summer immediately put the player into the world’s spotlight and almost four years later the ‘little pea’ has cemented himself as a firm crowd favourite at the home of England’s greatest ever football team.
The 25 year old’s path to success has been a fairytale story, from the lower divisions of Mexico to becoming the proud owner of two Premier League winners medals. Dreams cannot last forever however, and sadly this one could well be nearing the end.
The first nail in the coffin for Hernandez was undoubtedly the arrival of the Dutchman, Robin Van Persie last summer. After two highly successful seasons in a United shirt, knocking up 32 goals in the process and forcing the club’s then record signing Dimitar Berbatov onto the sidelines, the Mexican was a regular started for Ferguson’s side. All be it the striker had started to face increased competition from local lad Danny Welbeck , but Van Persie’s arrival became the catalyst for the player’s new nickname as ‘super-sub’.
The fact of the matter is, from that date of the 15th August 2012 until the present day, the partnership of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney when the pair are fit, has not, and will not, be broken up.
With a strike rate of a goal every 2.5 games, there is no doubt Chicharito would be starting regularly for most European clubs. His main problem though has always been his lack of other qualities apart from the art of goal scoring. To be brutally honest, he hasn’t got the greatest first touch in the world, his hold up play is non-existent and his passing game, well he just doesn’t have a passing game.
In fairness to the Mexican; his presence and movement does help stretch a defence unlike any other United player, this quality is also his fatal flaw however as this attribute is far better utilised later in a game of football, especially when chasing a game. Ferguson opted to use him more and more in this way towards the end of his reign, although he did still start his fair share of games, not something the player has had the luxury of experiencing since the retirement of the Scotsman.
This leads us on to the present day under the guidance of a certain David Moyes. Hernandez is simply not a Moyes type forward. It is crystal clear Moyes favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, or a glorified 4-4-2 some critics may call it. Whatever it is, it relies on a striker with a good all round game, something even Hernandez’s biggest fans can’t argue his case for. If Robin Van Persie isn’t fit or firing, Danny Welbeck weighs up with the next the biggest case for a place in the team.
The reds faced a hectic Christmas period this season with the absence of both Van Persie and Rooney due to injury, Welbeck started every game whilst Hernandez still remained sat on the bench. sadly, if the Mexican couldn’t get a game then under Moyes, then he isn’t going to full stop.
Reports have now started to circle that the striker is indeed set for a summer exit, Inter Milan one of the suitors being mentioned to secure the poachers talents. Take a second to imagine the player in Italy, his pace and movement against the sluggish Serie A defences, a move that would most certainly help reinvigorate the player’s career and boost his stalling international exploits. Coming into the prime of his career, the little forward quite simply needs to play.
Nobody can question the player’s admirable passion he shows when pulling on the famous Manchester United jersey, but he too has become despondent with life as a fourth choice forward. This has become evident with a few questionable statements on social media. There’s no point digging into that any further as it’s all ifs and buts, would it have happened under Ferguson though?
United will most certainly be losing a good player if reports are to be believed. Despite very limited chances this campaign the striker has still bagged a respectable 7 goals. Late goals against Stoke City and Sunderland convey the players talents and that quality goal scoring instinct he adds to the side. Hernandez offers something different in simple terms and whether you rate his actual footballing ability or not, goal scoring is not an easy talent to both find or replace.
Nothing can take away the memories ‘the little pea’ has brought to Manchester United football club, nor too his enthralling story as he rose from the unknown. It does seem on all accounts though, the curtain is drawing on Javier Hernandez ’s Manchester United career.
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Which chemical element is named after the Danish physicist who developed the theory that electrons travel in discrete orbits around the atom's nucleus? | Niels Bohr
Niels Bohr
Considered one of the best physicists of the Twentieth Century.
Niels (Henrik David) Bohr (October 7, 1885 � November 18, 1962) was a Danish physicist who made fundamental contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1922. He was also part of the team of physicists working on the Manhattan Project. Bohr married Margrethe N�rlund in 1912, and one of their sons Aage Niels Bohr grew up to be an important physicist, who like his father received the Nobel prize. Niels Bohr is the best physicists of the Twentieth Century. Bohr is frequently taught in online schools and colleges around the world. Niels Bohr is one of the most important scientists from Denmark; he is depicted on the front of the 500 Danish Kroner banknote and the Institute of Physics, founded by Bohr himself, at the University of Copenhagen is named after him. CONTRIBUTIONS TO PHYSICS Bohr's model, The theory that electrons travel in discrete orbits around the atom's nucleus, with the chemical properties of the element being largely determined by the number of electrons in each of the outer orbits, The idea that an electron could drop from a higher-energy orbit to a lower one, emitting a photon (light quantum) of discrete energy (this became the basis for quantum theory), Much work on the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics., The principle of complementarity: that items could be separately analyzed as having several contradictory properties., He received the Nobel Prize for Physics for this work in 1922. BIOGRAPHY Niels Henrik David Bohr was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1885. His father, Christian Bohr, a devout Lutheran, was professor of physiology at the University of Copenhagen, while his mother, Ellen Adler Bohr, came from a wealthy Jewish family prominent in Danish banking and parliamentary circles. His brother was Harald Bohr, a mathematician and Olympic soccer player who played in the Danish national team. Niels Bohr was a passionate soccer player as well, and the two brothers played a number of matches for Akademisk Boldklub. Niels played in goal. Bohr was an undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge and then received his doctorate from Copenhagen University in 1911 under Christian Christiansen. He then studied under Ernest Rutherford in the University of Manchester in England. On the basis of Rutherford's theories, Bohr published his model of atomic structure in 1913, introducing the theory of electrons traveling in orbits around the atom's nucleus, the chemical properties of the element being largely determined by the number of electrons in the outer orbits. Bohr also introduced the idea that an electron could drop from a higher-energy orbit to a lower one, emitting a photon (light quantum) of discrete energy. This became a basis for quantum theory. In 1916, Niels Bohr became a professor at the University of Copenhagen, and director of the newly constructed "Institute of Theoretical Physics" in 1920. In 1922, Bohr was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics "for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them". Bohr's institute served as a focal point for theoretical physicists in the 1920s and '30s, and most of the world's best known theoretical physicists of that period spent some time there. Bohr also conceived the principle of complementarity: that items could be separately analyzed as having several contradictory properties. For example, physicists currently conclude that light is both a wave and a stream of particles � two apparently mutually exclusive properties � on the basis of this principle. Bohr also found philosophical applications for this daringly original principle. Albert Einstein much preferred the determinism of classical physics over the probabilistic new physics of Bohr (to which Max Planck and Einstein himself had contributed). He and Bohr had good-natured arguments over the truth of this principle throughout their lives (see Bohr Einstein debate). One of Bohr's most famous students was Werner Heisenberg, a crucial figure in the development of quantum mechanics, who was also head of the German atomic bomb project. Niels Bohr and his wife Margrethe N�rlund had six children. Two died young, and most of the others went on to lead successful lives. One, Aage Niels Bohr, also became a very successful physicist; like his father, he won a Nobel Prize. In 1941, during the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, Bohr was visited by Heisenberg in Copenhagen (see next section). In 1943, shortly before he was to be arrested by the German police, Bohr escaped to Sweden, and then traveled to London. He worked at the secret Los Alamos laboratory in New Mexico, USA, on the Manhattan Project, where, according to Richard Feynman, he was known by the assumed name of Nicholas Baker for security reasons. His role in the project was important. He was seen as a knowledgeable consultant or "father confessor" on the project. He was concerned about a nuclear arms race, and is quoted as saying "That is why I went to America. They didn't need my help in making the atom bomb." Bohr believed that atomic secrets should be shared by the international scientific community. After meeting with Bohr, J. Robert Oppenheimer suggested Bohr visit President Franklin Roosevelt to convince him that the Manhattan Project should be shared with the Russians in the hope of speeding up its results. Roosevelt suggested Bohr return to England to try to win British approval. Churchill disagreed with the idea of openness towards the Russians to the point that he wrote in a letter: "It seems to me Bohr ought to be confined or at any rate made to see that he is very near the edge of mortal crimes". After the war he returned to Copenhagen, advocating the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He died in Copenhagen in 1962. He is buried in the Assistens Kirkeg�rd in the N�rrebro section of Copenhagen. The element bohrium is named in his honor. He is pictured on the 500 kr. Danish bank note. In 1965, three years after Bohr's death, the Institute of Physics at the University of Copenhagen changed its name to the Niels Bohr Institute.
By: jwspackerfan - 2007-05-23 15:13:33
| Bohrium |
Which chemical element is named after the German physicist who discovered X-Rays? | Niels Henrik David Bohr
Niels Henrik David Bohr
Niels (Henrik David) Bohr [nels ˈb̥oɐ̯ˀ] (October 7, 1885 November 18, 1962) was a Danish physicist who made fundamental contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics. Bohr is widely considered one of the greatest physicists of the twentieth century.
Bohr's contributions to physics
Niels Henrik David Bohr, Physicist / Astronomers Stamps
Bohr's model of atomic structure.
The electron's orbital angular momentum is quantized; L=nħ.
The theory that electrons travel in discrete orbits around the atom's nucleus, with the chemical properties of the element being largely determined by the number of electrons in the outer orbits.
The idea that an electron could drop from a higher-energy orbit to a lower one, emitting a photon (light quantum) of discrete energy (this became the basis for quantum theory).
The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
The principle of complementarity: that items could be separately analyzed as having several contradictory properties.
He received the Nobel Prize for Physics for this work in 1922.
Biography
Early years
Niels Bohr was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1885. His father, Christian Bohr, was professor of physiology at the University of Copenhagen, while his mother, Ellen Adler Bohr, came from a wealthy Sephardic Jewish family prominent in Danish banking and parliamentary circles. His brother was Harald Bohr, a mathematician and Olympic soccer player who played in the Danish national team. Niels Bohr was a passionate soccer player as well, and the two brothers played a number of matches for Akademisk Boldklub. Bohr played in goal.
Bohr was an undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge and then received his doctorate from Copenhagen University in 1911 under Christian Christiansen. He then studied under Ernest Rutherford in the Victoria University of Manchester in England. On the basis of Rutherford's theories, Bohr published his model of atomic structure in 1913, introducing the theory of electrons traveling in orbits around the atom's nucleus, the chemical properties of the element being largely determined by the number of electrons in the outer orbits. Bohr also introduced the idea that an electron could drop from a higher-energy orbit to a lower one, emitting a photon (light quantum) of discrete energy. This became a basis for quantum theory
Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein Foto by Paul Ehrenfest (1880-1933).
In 1916, Niels Bohr became a professor at the University of Copenhagen, and director of the newly constructed "Institute of Theoretical Physics" in 1920. In 1922, Bohr was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics "for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them". Bohr's institute served as a focal point for theoretical physicists in the 1920s and '30s, and most of the world's best known theoretical physicists of that period spent some time there.
Bohr also conceived the principle of complementarity: that items could be separately analyzed as having several contradictory properties. For example, physicists currently conclude that light is both a wave and a stream of particles two apparently mutually exclusive properties on the basis of this principle. Bohr also found philosophical applications for this daringly original principle. Albert Einstein much preferred the determinism of classical physics over the probabilistic new physics of Bohr (to which Max Planck and Einstein himself had contributed). He and Bohr had good-natured arguments over the truth of this principle throughout their lives (see Bohr Einstein debate). One of Bohr's most famous students was Werner Heisenberg, a crucial figure in the development of quantum mechanics, who was also head of the German atomic bomb project.
Niels Bohr and his wife Margrethe Nørlund had six children. Two died young, and most of the others went on to lead successful lives. One, Aage Niels Bohr , also became a very successful physicist; like his father, he won a Nobel Prize.
In 1941, during the German occupation of Denmark in World War II, Bohr was visited by Heisenberg in Copenhagen (see next section). In 1943, shortly before he was to be arrested by the German police, Bohr escaped to Sweden, and then traveled to London.
He worked at the secret Los Alamos laboratory in New Mexico, USA, on the Manhattan Project, where, according to Richard Feynman , he was known by the assumed name of Nicholas Baker for security reasons. His role in the project was important. He was seen as a knowledgeable consultant or "father confessor" on the project. He was concerned about a nuclear arms race, and is quoted as saying "That is why I went to America. They didn't need my help in making the atom bomb."[1]
Bohr believed that atomic secrets should be shared by the international scientific community. After meeting with Bohr, J. Robert Oppenheimer suggested Bohr visit President Franklin Roosevelt to convince him that the Manhattan Project should be shared with the Russians in the hope of speeding up its results. Roosevelt suggested Bohr return to England to try to win British approval. Churchill opposed the idea.[2]
After the war he returned to Copenhagen, advocating the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He died in Copenhagen in 1962. He is buried in the Assistens Kirkegård in the Nørrebro section of Copenhagen.
The element bohrium is named in his honor. He is pictured on the 500 kr. Danish bank note. In 1965, three years after Bohr's death, the Institute of Physics at the University of Copenhagen changed its name to the Niels Bohr Institute.
Margrethe and Niels Bohr
Kierkegaard's influence on Bohr
It is generally accepted that Bohr read the 19th century Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. In 1909, Bohr sent his brother Kierkegaard's Stages on Life's Way as a birthday gift. In the enclosed letter, Bohr wrote, "It is the only thing I have to send; but I do not believe that it would be very easy to find anything better.... I even think it is one of the most delightful things I have ever read." Bohr enjoyed Kierkegaard's language and literary style, but mentioned that he had some "disagreement with [Kierkegaard's ideas]".[3]
Given this, there has been some dispute over whether Kierkegaard influenced Bohr's philosophy and science. David Favrholdt argues that Kierkegaard had minimal influence over Bohr's work; taking Bohr's statement about disagreeing with Kierkegaard at face value, while Jan Faye argues the opposing point of view; by arguing that one can disagree with the content of a theory while accepting its general premise and structure.[4]
Relationship with Heisenberg
Bohr and Werner Heisenberg enjoyed a strong mentor/protégé relationship up to the onset of World War II. At that point, the relationship became somewhat strained because Bohr, with his Jewish heritage, remained in occupied Denmark, while Heisenberg remained in Germany. Heisenberg made a now-famous visit to Bohr in September 1941, and during a private moment, began to discuss nuclear weapons and the war effort. Michael Frayn's play Copenhagen, which was performed at the National Theatre in London and on Broadway, explores what might have happened at the 1941 meeting between Heisenberg and Bohr. This is still a matter of scholarly debate, as neither Bohr nor Heisenberg spoke about it in any detail, and they were alone in the woods. While some suggest that the relationship became somewhat strained at this meeting, other evidence suggests that the fracture occurred much later. In correspondence to his wife, Heisenberg described the final visit of the trip: "Today I was once more, with Weizsaecker, at Bohr's. In many ways this was especially nice, the conversation revolved for a large part of the evening around purely human concerns, Bohr was reading aloud, I played a Mozart Sonata (A-Major)."[5]
In 1957, while the author Robert Jungk was working on the book Brighter Than a Thousand Suns, Heisenberg wrote to Jungk explaining that he had visited Copenhagen to communicate to Bohr his view that scientists on neither side should help develop the atomic bomb, that the German attempts were entirely focused on energy production, and that Heisenberg's circle of colleagues tried to keep it that way.[6] However, Heisenberg acknowledged that his cryptic approach of the subject had so alarmed Bohr that the discussion failed. Heisenberg nuanced his claims, though, and avoided implication that he and his colleagues had purposely sabotaged the bomb effort. However, this nuance was lost in Jungk's original publication of the book, which strongly implied that the German atomic bomb project was rendered purposely stillborn by Heisenberg.
When Bohr saw this erroneous depiction in the Danish translation of Jungk's book, he disagreed wholeheartedly. He said that while Heisenberg had indeed discussed the subject of nuclear weapons in Copenhagen that Heisenberg never alluded to the fact that Heisenberg might be resisting efforts to build such weapons. He dismissed the idea of any pact as an after-the-fact construction. He drafted several letters to inform Heisenberg about this but never sent any of them.[7]
Quotations
"And anyone who thinks they can talk about quantum theory without feeling dizzy hasn't yet understood the first thing about it."
"If quantum mechanics hasn't profoundly shocked you, you haven't understood it yet."
"Nothing exists until it is measured."
"A triviality is a statement whose opposite is false. However, a great truth is a statement whose opposite may well be another great truth."
"Your theory is crazy, but it's not crazy enough to be true."
"How wonderful that we have met with a paradox. Now we have some hope of making progress!"
"Einstein, stop telling God what to do." Sometimes quoted including: "...with his dice."
Alternate version: "Don't you think caution is needed when using ordinary language to ascribe attributes to God?"
"The complement of truth is clearness."
"It is very difficult to make an accurate prediction, especially about the future."
"An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field."
"Never talk faster than you think."
"There are some things so serious you have to laugh at them."
Trivia
On The Simpsons episode "I Am Furious Yellow," when When Dinosaurs Get Drunk gets cancelled, it is replaced by The Boring World of Niels Bohr much to Homer's discontent.
Around 1999, Niels Bohr and the University of Copenhagen began appearing as parts of "The Barometer Problem" [1], an unverified urban legend illustrating lateral thinking.
Niels Bohr was featured in the video game Secret Weapons Over Normandy by Lucasarts.
Bohr has an Erdos number of 5.
Fellow of American Philosophical Society (1940)
Nobel Prize (1922), Hughes Medal (1921), Matteucci Medal (1923), Copley Medal (1938)
Wife: Margrethe Nørlund (m. 1912)
Son: Aage Niels Bohr
Bohr was left handed
On a Space Ghost Coast to Coast episode entitled "Captain & Tennille" Space Ghost babbles: "What in the name of the coefficient of the speed of light, multiplied by the red shift to the hypotenuse of the nth root, hypotenuse, hypotenuse..." Niels Bohr is mentioned as being the only person who "gets" him.
Books about Bohr
Bohr, N. (1913). On the Constitution of Atoms and Molecules, Philosophical Magazine, Series 6, Bol. 26. pg. 1-25.
Niels Bohr: The Man, His Science, and the World They Changed, by Ruth Moore; ISBN 0-262-63101-6
Niels Bohr's Times, In Physics, Philosophy and Polity, by Abraham Pais; ISBN 0-19-852049-2
Suspended In Language: Niels Bohr's Life, Discoveries, And The Century He Shaped by Jim Ottaviani (graphic novel); ISBN 0-9660106-5-5
Harmony and Unity : The Life of Niel's Bohr, by Niels Blaedel; ISBN 0-910239-14-2
Note
^ Long, Doug. Niels Bohr - The Atomic Bomb and beyond. Hiroshima - was it necessary?. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
^ Richard Rhodes, The Making of the Atomic Bomb, (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1986.), pgs. 528-531.
^ Register, Bryan (1997-12-01). Complementarity: Content, Context and Critique. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
^ Mark Richardson, et al. Religion & Science: History, Method, Dialogue. Routledge 1996, pg.289
^ Heisenberg, Werner. Letter from Werner Heisenberg to his wife Elisabeth written during his 1941 visit in Copenhagen. Heisenberg, Jochen. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
^ Heisenberg, Werner. Letter From Werner Heisenberg to Author Robert Jungk. The Manhattan Project Heritage Preservation Association, Inc.. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
^ Aaserud, Finn (2002-02-06). Release of documents relating to 1941 Bohr-Heisenberg meeting. Niels Bohr Archive. Retrieved on 2006-12-21.
Related
Bohrium (a chemical element, atomic number 107) is named in honour of Niels Bohr.
Asteroid 3948 Bohr is named after him.
Planck, Einstein, Bohr
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Which river has its source in Zambia and flows through Angola, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe before emptying into the Indian Ocean in Mozambique? | Heavy Metals, Mining, General Industry in LusakaZambia | Kafue River Basin
Heavy Industry, Fertilizers, General Industry, Mining
The problem
The Kafue River Basin in the Chingola District, Zambia has experienced heavy polluting over the past several decades. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is the primary source of this pollution, disposing of industrial waste products and various bio-chemical substances directly into the reservoirs. They are not the only polluters, however, as the region is home to roughly 40% of the nation’s socio-economic activity; a range of other industries are also at fault for the current state of the river basin: pulp-and-paper mills, fertilizer factories, granulation plants, abattoirs, textile manufacturers, and more. More than 93,000 tons of industrial waste are produced annually, most of which finds it way into the Kafue River. From there it flows into the Zambezi River – Africa’s fourth largest – that claims Zambia as its source and winds through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before eventually emptying out into the Indian Ocean.
As a result of the pollution, the steadily increasing population in the Chingola District face severe water shortages. The full extent of the environmental impact has not yet been determined, but because of significant habitat destruction and land/soil degradation, the cost to local ecosystems is likely quite high. The color of the brilliantly blue Kafue River has slowly turned green. Indigenous fish have developed an unusual and unpleasant odor. Aquatic weeds dumped by some facilities into the river system, combined with nitrogen and phosphate waste from other facilities, together degrade biodiversity.
Both aquatic life and human health are in danger. High incidences of environmentally mediated disease, such as gastro-enteritis, intestinal worms, and diarrhea diseases mostly in children have been reported from communities around the river and have been linked to drinking water from certain parts of the river. The raw sewer pollution of Kafue River could inadvertently lead to outbreaks of epidemics like cholera.
Current Activity
Our strategy involved a three-pronged approach: extensive surveys of current pollution levels, strategic monitoring of KCM and other industrial waste disposal, and the development of novel weed control technologies.
The first stage involved surveying the most dramatically polluted sites along the Kafue River basin. Once the sites were identified, they were brought to the attention of stakeholder groups (including the local communities and polluting companies) and policy makers, methods were suggested to treat or reduce pollution levels and a dialogue was promoted between our team and interested parties at all levels of the existing socio-economic framework. Data dissemination was facilitated through workshops and community meetings. Essentially, the primary focus of this first stage was awareness and education.
The second phase of our strategy focused on GPS monitoring systems. We demonstrated how GPS can be used as a cost-effective method of tracking pollution and polluters, that additionally could be made available to much of sub-Saharan Africa. We also promoted a physical inspection timeline where the resources necessary to acquire GPS systems were not available.
Although law enforcement is poor and institutional systems are weak, the third stage of our approach called for management protocols that addressed weed control and other forms of pollution in the Kafue river basin. By involving the stakeholder groups, we sought to prioritize the long-term effects of environmentalists working to improve the river’s quality and develop a form of systematic follow-up.
Outcome
ARE is focusing its efforts on compelling the Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant, the Bata Tannery, Kafue Nitrogen Chemicals, and Lee Yeast to establish cleaner production and waste treatment methods that will minimize harmful discharge into the river. ARE is currently lobbying the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the National Water and Sanitation Council, and multilateral cooperating partners to bring about a stop to the dumping. Recently, ARE has worked with the local administration and industry to bring about production process improvements in Bata Tannery, such as reduction and reuse of effluent streams and more thorough wastewater treatment.
Future Plans: ARE continues to work on advocating for improvements in operation at Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant, in addition to participating in various African networks on water quality. ARE continuously monitors pollution streams from industrial plants.
Blacksmith is working with NGOs, the local administration and industry to reduce pollution of the Kafue River from copper mines, metallurgical plants, textile plants, fertilizer factories, sugar processing plants, cement factories, various agricultural activities, and the Kafue Sewage Treatment Plant (KSTP). The Kafue River, part of the Zambezi basin, is a source of potable water for over forty percent of Zambia's population. For decades, Mineral deposits, chemicals, and suspended solids have led to overgrowth of aquatic weeds, choking river life. By helping the coalition to implement the reduction and reuse of effluent streams and more thorough wastewater treatment, the river is on its way to recovery.
| Zambezi |
In terms of population, which is the largest city in Devon? | A Safari on the Zambezi River - Luxury Safari Holidays
Home > Blog > A Safari on the Zambezi River
Back 07 / 12 / 2011
A Safari on the Zambezi River
The Zambezi River is a magical place that conjures up images of mystery and adventure. The river has remained untouched for centuries and is largely unexplored, making it a great destination for safari enthusiasts that are looking for an authentic and private adventure. For centuries wild animals have roamed the Zambezi river banks – stamping their tracks deep in the sandy beaches and wallowing in the calm, shallower waters.
The Zambezi measure 3500 kilometres in length – with its source in Zambia, it flows across the continent through Angola and along the borders of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique before emptying in the Indian Ocean. The landscape is spectacular and varied and includes dense woodlands, riverine forests and savannah grassland. The wildlife is equally impressive with animals like elephant, buffalo, hippo, kudu, impala, zebra, waterbuck as well as good numbers of predators like lion, cheetah and spotted hyena.
There is a good choice of luxury accommodation on the Zambezi and camps like Old Mondoro, Chiawa Camp, Tongabezi Lodge and Waterberry Lodge offer authentic Zambian experiences. Activities available include traditional game drive safaris, walking safaris, fishing and boating safaris. If you are planning to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls, you will be able to enjoy a greater variety of activities that include bungee jumping, white water rafting, steam train journeys, sunset river cruises, helicopter trips, horse riding, quad biking and elephant back safaris.
A Zambia safari combines well with some time in Botswana South Africa safari, followed by a lazy beach break in Mauritius. If you are thinking about taking a visiting Zambia, give us a call. One of our highly experienced safari designers would love to chat to you.
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With 53 tries from 77 caps, who is the leading try scorer for the Welsh national Rugby Union team? | Top 10 Rugby Players Of All Time | Terrific Top 10
Counting down to the BEST
Top 10 Rugby Players Of All Time
by Kyle
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports, despite only becoming professional in the 90’s. It has produced many great players throughout the years, and here are the ten I feel are the best. Several outstanding players had to be left out, because I just couldn’t find a place for them.
Honorable Mentions:
Bryan Habana, Joost van der Westhuizen, George Gregan, Francois Pienaar, Matt Giteau, Gareth Edwards, Gavin Hastings
#10. Shane Williams
Arguably Wales’ greatest ever player, Shane Williams has scored more tries, and had more appearances than any other Welsh player in history. His breakthrough was in the 2005 Six Nations, where Wales won every single match (a Grand Slam), largely thanks to his tries. He also led Wales to another Grand Slam in 2008. That year, he was awarded the IRB rugby player of the year award, the first Welshmen to win the honor. In his final match, a friendly against Australia in 2011, Shane Williams scored his 58th try with final touch of the ball. Williams was famous for his acceleration, and his small size, being nicknamed “Little Shane Williams.”
#9. Naas Botha
Despite playing during the time when South Africa was almost completely banned from international rugby for Apartheid, Naas Botha was still able to leave his mark on the game. He was an excellent kicker, who was famous for his ability to score drop-goals under pressure. In only 28 caps for South Africa, Botha was able to score 312 points, a South African record for decades. Towards the end of his career, Botha was able to see South Africa rejoin the international fold. If only his team hadn’t been banned, Botha may have been very near the top of this list.
#8. Percy Montgomery
The all-time record holder in both caps and points for South Africa, Percy Montgomery was one of the sport’s greatest kickers. He was the top points scorer in both the 2004 and 2005 Tri Nation tournaments. However, his finest moment came in the 2007 World Cup, when his accurate kicking led South Africa to the title of the most prestigious rugby tournament. Montgomery started off being extremely erratic, as he could play brilliantly one match and then be very poor the next. However, he was able to sort that out to become one of the sport’s greats.
#7. Brian O’Driscoll
O’Driscoll holds the record for the most tries for any centre, his position, in history. He is also the most capped Irish player, with 83 of his 120 Irish caps being as captain. In fact, he is the second most-capped player ever. O’Driscoll was named the player of the tournament at three separate Six Nations – 2006, 2007, and 2009. In the 2009 edition, he led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years, and scored a try in every match except one. He has played for Ireland in the last three World Cups, leading them to the quarterfinals in 2011.
#6. Jonny Wilkinson
Wilkinson began his rise in 2001, but really burst onto the scene in 2003. In one of the most famous World Cup moments, he scored a drop-goal in the last minute of extra time in the final to give England the win against Australia, their only World Cup title. He suffered a series of injuries in the next few years, and critics argued his best form was behind him. However, Wilkinson proved them wrong by leading England to the final of the 2007 World Cup, where they lost a close match to South Africa. He was rugby’s highest point scorer in history, until New Zealand’s Dan Carter surpassed him in mid-2011.
#5. Richie McCaw
McCaw was surprisingly chosen for New Zealand’s end-of-2001 tour, despite his inexperience. But in his debut match against Ireland, he was named man of the match after a brilliant performance. McCaw became a key part of the New Zealand side, and was named captain in 2006. He was criticized after New Zealand underperformed at the 2007 World Cup, falling in the quarterfinals. However, he silenced his critics in the 2011 World Cup, when he brilliantly led his team to the title. He is a three-time IRB Player of the Year (2006, 2009, and 2010). Up until 2012, when Carter won his second, no player had won the award more than once.
#4. David Campese
One of the most entertaining players to grace rugby, David Campese was capped 101 times for Australia, and held the world record for the most tries in test rugby until 2006. He was named player of the tournament at the 1991 World Cup, where Australia defeated England in the final. He was famous for playing to entertain the crowd, while still being able to rack up tries. Campese was outspoken throughout his career, describing himself as “rugby’s first millionaire”, at a time when players were banned from profiting from rugby. However, his brilliant play spoke louder than his words, and he still remains an Australian great.
#3. Dan Carter
Dan Carter is arguably the greatest kicker in the history of rugby. He holds the world record for points, which he took from Jonny Wilkinson. He is the highest point scorer in the history of the Tri Nations (now the Rugby Championship), and has scored 1,381 points in his history. In 2005, Carter scored 33 points against the British and Irish Lions. This was nearly double the previous record for a New Zealander in one match. His performance was called one of the greatest in rugby history. He has also scored 29 tries, and New Zealand have won every single match he scored a try in.
#2. Martin Johnson
In 1993, Martin Johnson was supposed to play a match for his club, but England suddenly needed him after one of their starters had been injured, so he was dramatically thrown on for his debut. However, he played well as England defeated France. After that match, Johnson became a regular starter, helping England win the Grand Slam in 1995. He became captain four years later, and led England to the World Cup title in 2003. Johnson was appointed English manager in 2008, three years after he had retired. He was in charge until after the 2011 World Cup, where England underperformed.
#1. Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu combined speed and power to dazzle opponents. He is recognized as rugby’s first true superstar, and helped grow the sport during the early 90’s. Lomu only had two caps entering the 1995 World Cup, but stunned the rugby world by scoring seven tries in five matches. His tries helped New Zealand to the final, where they lost to South Africa in a historic match. He remains the highest try scorer in World Cup history, with 12 tries. He was also crucial to New Zealand winning the first Tri Nations tournament, in 1996. Throughout his career, Lomu struggled with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder. The disease often left him bedridden on days he wasn’t playing, although he kept it a secret for most of his career.
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No he wasn’t ! He ain’t do ish brah !!!!!!!
LOMU hands down. Ur the best LOMU
| Shane Williams |
In terms of population, which is the largest city in Lancashire? | Top 10 Rugby Players Of All Time | Terrific Top 10
Counting down to the BEST
Top 10 Rugby Players Of All Time
by Kyle
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports, despite only becoming professional in the 90’s. It has produced many great players throughout the years, and here are the ten I feel are the best. Several outstanding players had to be left out, because I just couldn’t find a place for them.
Honorable Mentions:
Bryan Habana, Joost van der Westhuizen, George Gregan, Francois Pienaar, Matt Giteau, Gareth Edwards, Gavin Hastings
#10. Shane Williams
Arguably Wales’ greatest ever player, Shane Williams has scored more tries, and had more appearances than any other Welsh player in history. His breakthrough was in the 2005 Six Nations, where Wales won every single match (a Grand Slam), largely thanks to his tries. He also led Wales to another Grand Slam in 2008. That year, he was awarded the IRB rugby player of the year award, the first Welshmen to win the honor. In his final match, a friendly against Australia in 2011, Shane Williams scored his 58th try with final touch of the ball. Williams was famous for his acceleration, and his small size, being nicknamed “Little Shane Williams.”
#9. Naas Botha
Despite playing during the time when South Africa was almost completely banned from international rugby for Apartheid, Naas Botha was still able to leave his mark on the game. He was an excellent kicker, who was famous for his ability to score drop-goals under pressure. In only 28 caps for South Africa, Botha was able to score 312 points, a South African record for decades. Towards the end of his career, Botha was able to see South Africa rejoin the international fold. If only his team hadn’t been banned, Botha may have been very near the top of this list.
#8. Percy Montgomery
The all-time record holder in both caps and points for South Africa, Percy Montgomery was one of the sport’s greatest kickers. He was the top points scorer in both the 2004 and 2005 Tri Nation tournaments. However, his finest moment came in the 2007 World Cup, when his accurate kicking led South Africa to the title of the most prestigious rugby tournament. Montgomery started off being extremely erratic, as he could play brilliantly one match and then be very poor the next. However, he was able to sort that out to become one of the sport’s greats.
#7. Brian O’Driscoll
O’Driscoll holds the record for the most tries for any centre, his position, in history. He is also the most capped Irish player, with 83 of his 120 Irish caps being as captain. In fact, he is the second most-capped player ever. O’Driscoll was named the player of the tournament at three separate Six Nations – 2006, 2007, and 2009. In the 2009 edition, he led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years, and scored a try in every match except one. He has played for Ireland in the last three World Cups, leading them to the quarterfinals in 2011.
#6. Jonny Wilkinson
Wilkinson began his rise in 2001, but really burst onto the scene in 2003. In one of the most famous World Cup moments, he scored a drop-goal in the last minute of extra time in the final to give England the win against Australia, their only World Cup title. He suffered a series of injuries in the next few years, and critics argued his best form was behind him. However, Wilkinson proved them wrong by leading England to the final of the 2007 World Cup, where they lost a close match to South Africa. He was rugby’s highest point scorer in history, until New Zealand’s Dan Carter surpassed him in mid-2011.
#5. Richie McCaw
McCaw was surprisingly chosen for New Zealand’s end-of-2001 tour, despite his inexperience. But in his debut match against Ireland, he was named man of the match after a brilliant performance. McCaw became a key part of the New Zealand side, and was named captain in 2006. He was criticized after New Zealand underperformed at the 2007 World Cup, falling in the quarterfinals. However, he silenced his critics in the 2011 World Cup, when he brilliantly led his team to the title. He is a three-time IRB Player of the Year (2006, 2009, and 2010). Up until 2012, when Carter won his second, no player had won the award more than once.
#4. David Campese
One of the most entertaining players to grace rugby, David Campese was capped 101 times for Australia, and held the world record for the most tries in test rugby until 2006. He was named player of the tournament at the 1991 World Cup, where Australia defeated England in the final. He was famous for playing to entertain the crowd, while still being able to rack up tries. Campese was outspoken throughout his career, describing himself as “rugby’s first millionaire”, at a time when players were banned from profiting from rugby. However, his brilliant play spoke louder than his words, and he still remains an Australian great.
#3. Dan Carter
Dan Carter is arguably the greatest kicker in the history of rugby. He holds the world record for points, which he took from Jonny Wilkinson. He is the highest point scorer in the history of the Tri Nations (now the Rugby Championship), and has scored 1,381 points in his history. In 2005, Carter scored 33 points against the British and Irish Lions. This was nearly double the previous record for a New Zealander in one match. His performance was called one of the greatest in rugby history. He has also scored 29 tries, and New Zealand have won every single match he scored a try in.
#2. Martin Johnson
In 1993, Martin Johnson was supposed to play a match for his club, but England suddenly needed him after one of their starters had been injured, so he was dramatically thrown on for his debut. However, he played well as England defeated France. After that match, Johnson became a regular starter, helping England win the Grand Slam in 1995. He became captain four years later, and led England to the World Cup title in 2003. Johnson was appointed English manager in 2008, three years after he had retired. He was in charge until after the 2011 World Cup, where England underperformed.
#1. Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu combined speed and power to dazzle opponents. He is recognized as rugby’s first true superstar, and helped grow the sport during the early 90’s. Lomu only had two caps entering the 1995 World Cup, but stunned the rugby world by scoring seven tries in five matches. His tries helped New Zealand to the final, where they lost to South Africa in a historic match. He remains the highest try scorer in World Cup history, with 12 tries. He was also crucial to New Zealand winning the first Tri Nations tournament, in 1996. Throughout his career, Lomu struggled with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder. The disease often left him bedridden on days he wasn’t playing, although he kept it a secret for most of his career.
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No he wasn’t ! He ain’t do ish brah !!!!!!!
LOMU hands down. Ur the best LOMU
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With 41 tries from 109 caps, who is the leading try scorer for the Irish national Rugby Union team? | Saracens - Senior Squad
Senior Squad
Saracens - Senior Squad
Chris Ashton
Previous Clubs: Wigan Warriors; Northampton Saints
Honours: England, England Saxons, England Rugby League
Debut: vs London Irish (01.09.12)
Total Appearances: 97
Player Sponsor: Smart IPX/Franke Coffee
Bio:
A prolific try scorer, Chris Ashton’s performances in a Saracens shirt since his arrival from rivals Northampton Saints in the summer of 2012 have underlined his reputation as one of European rugby’s deadliest finishers.
Heading into the 2016/17 season, only Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll (33) and Toulouse stalwart Vincent Clare (36) are ahead of Ashton in the pantheon of European try scorers, with the Sarries wing racing to 31 tries in just 50 games.
In Saracens journey to their first ever European final in the 2013/14 Heineken Cup Ashton scored a record 11 tries, scoring two tries in his side’s demolition of ASM Clermont Auvergne in April 2014 to eclipse the 17-year record of 10 tries in a season set by Brive wing Sebastien Carrat in 1996-97.
A deadly poacher, Ashton has played a key role in Saracens Premiership wins in 2015 and 2016, and the club’s maiden Champions Cup title.
A career that began in Rugby League with his hometown club Wigan Warriors, Ashton switched codes in 2007 to join the Saints where he broke the Championship try scoring record (39 tries in 25 games) in his first season in the 15-man game.
He was voted Premiership Player of the Year in 2010, and has won 39 England caps, scoring 19 tries.
Richard Barrington
Player Sponsor: John Anderson Hire
Bio:
Richard Barrington arrived as a virtual unknown, leaving Championship basement dwellers Jersey in the summer of 2013 to link up with Saracens.
In that time, Barrington has carved out a reputation as a fine scrummager, and dependable prop forward with a bourgeoning potential in the game.
Having shared the loosehead duties with Mako Vunipola and Rhys Gill in previous seasons, Barrington will have more responsibility within the Double Champions’ squad with Gill’s move to Cardiff Blues over the summer.
A former Gloucester Academy player, Barrington started his career with Channel Island outfit Jersey RFC. A series of fine performance for the Championship side saw him catch the eye of the Saracens coaching staff and he has already pulled on a Sarries shirt having been part of the club’s squad for the LV=Cup clash against Worcester Warriors in 2012.
Since then, ‘Bazza’ as he is affectionately known within the Saracens camp, career has kicked on and has appeared in five finals for the Men in Black, collecting two Aviva Premiership medals and an LV=Cup and Champions Cup medal in the process.
Brad Barritt
Player Sponsor: FLEXISEQ
Bio:
Now in his ninth season in Saracens colours, centre Brad Barritt will captain Saracens as they defend both the Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup titles.
Granite like toughness, miserly in defence and possessing great vision, Barritt is a key component of the Sarries ‘Wolf-pack’ defence that has dominated European and English rugby in recent seasons.
He arrived at Saracens from The Sharks in 2008 on the back of a last-minute loss to The Bulls in the 2007 Super Rugby Grand Final. Since then he has been one of the mainstays of the Saracens squad and was also named the club’s Player of the Season in the 2009/10 campaign. He was also nominated for the Aviva Premiership Player of the Year Award in 2012. In an eight year period he has won 26 England caps, toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2013, won three Premiership titles and led the club to their maiden European Champions Cup title.
On the international stage, his performances for Saracens quickly caught the eye of the national selectors and he was part of the England Saxons touring squad in the summer of 2009 and he went on to produce two excellent displays for the Saxons in friendlies in early 2010.
He was called up for England’s tour to Australia and New Zealand later that summer where he played the midweek match against New Zealand Moari before getting his full honours in 2012, and was a key component of Stuart Lancaster’s England team with his Man of the Match display against Australia at Twickenham in 2014 a stand-out memory.
In Sarries colours, Barritt’s performances have been inspirational, with the centre captaining the side on multiple occasions in the absence of Alistair Hargreaves. Barritt, who skippered Sarries in 2016 Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup finals, has been confirmed as permanent captain ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.
Marcelo Bosch
Player Sponsor: Yourstaff Solutions
Bio:
A classy, elegant outside centre, with a monster boot from the kicking tee, Bosch has quickly established himself as a fans favourite at Allianz Park.
His nerveless last-gasp penalty goal against Racing Metro 92 in the 2015 Champions Cup quarter final in Paris is a memory that will live long with Saracens fans, as the Argentine sent over a trademark long-range effort to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for the Men in Black in a memorable European tie.
Bosch, who can also fill-in at fly-half, or full-back, is a highly experienced international, with the former Belgrano Athletic Club midfielder having represented Los Pumas on 39 occasions before retiring from the national team as Argentina began to enforce a domestic player policy after the 2015 World Cup.
He has played a key role in two Rugby World Cup’s (2011 & 2015) for Argentina and has featured heavily in the Rugby Championships.
He left Argentina to move to Biarritz in 2006. He made more than 100 appearances for the Basque club before his move to north London in October 2013.
Kelly Brown
Player Sponsor: Chase & Partners LLP
Bio:
As a former Scotland captain, Kelly Brown brings a wealth of experience to the Saracens squad.
An industrious back row forward renowned for his work-rate and resilience Brown has enjoyed a highly successful period with Saracens since he departed Glasgow Warriors in the summer of 2010.
In his first season at the club he picked up his first Aviva Premiership winners medal, and was a member of the Saracens squad in both the 2015 and 2016 triumphs.
As one of the mainstays of the Scottish back row since being named as the SPRA Player of the Season in 2007, his impressive performances for both club and on the world stage saw Saracens move quickly to sign him at the start of the 2010/11 campaign.
He made his Scotland debut in 2005 and has been a regular on the international stage ever since having represented his country at U18. U19 and U21 levels. His pace and power were also evident when he helped Scotland to reach the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup 7s in 2005.
He represented Scotland in the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was then made captain of his national team in 2012.
Schalk Brits
Player Sponsor: Smart IPX/Franke Coffee
Bio:
Over the last seven seasons Schalk Brits has cemented his reputation as one the Aviva Premiership’s finest ever imports.
The inimitable front rower has wowed English rugby ever since his arrival at the beginning of the 2009/10 season, with his caviller approach in the Sarries number two jersey winning him many admirers. Brits, who combines his natural flair with an abrasive approach in the middle of the Saracens pack, and has helped the Men in Black secure three Premiership titles and a maiden Champions Cup win during a highly successful period in north London.
Known for his laid back and amiable approach to life, Brits has dovetailed with England hooker Jamie George in recent seasons. He signed for Saracens at the start of the 2009/10 season, bringing with him a wealth of talent and experience at Super 14 and international level.
He joined from The Stormers franchise where he was a regular in the then Super 14s and has also been a mainstay of the Western Province side in the Currie Cup. Brits made his Springbok debut in 2008 and won his last cap in the Green and Gold in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Neil De Kock
Player Sponsor: Stephen Thomas
Bio:
Evergreen scrum half Neil de Kock’s contribution to Saracens since his arrival in the summer of 2006 means the classy halfback will go down as one of the club’s most legendary players.
In his first full season with Saracens, Neil de Kock captained the side to a semi-final place in the Heineken Cup and his performances have been just as impressive ever since.
It didn’t take the South African international scrum half long to make his mark at Saracens and already he is regarded by many supporters to have been one of the club’s most successful overseas signings.
An example of that came in the 2006/07 season – his first with Saracens – when only a few months into his spell he was offered an extended contract. He made an instant impression on the side following his arrival from Western Province in October of that season.
Such was his impact in his first year that he was the players’ choice to lead the side as captain for the 2007/08 season.
He was a regular with the South African province and also with the Super 14 side The Stormers and is widely regarded as one of the most talented scrum halves in South Africa where his passing, kicking game and all round awareness saw him win 10 caps for the Springboks after making his debut in 2001 against Italy. He was also part of the country’s 2003 World Cup squad.
Petrus Du Plessis
Player Sponsor: Collect Services
Bio:
Du Plessis arrived at Saracens from Nottingham in March 2009 as a relative unknown following a string of stand-out performances for the Championship side that caught the eye of the Saracens coaching staff. He has since gone on to make his name as one of the country’s finest scrummagers and the cornerstone of the Saracens pack.
The South African born, but now English qualified prop served his rugby apprenticeship by playing his way up the lower leagues of English rugby. He arrived in England as a 19 year-old to take up an offer from Liverpool-St Helens Rugby Club before moving on to a number of traditional Northern clubs in the lower leagues years whilst studying for a 1st Class Honour degree in Physiotherapy at Salford University.
His impressive performances at every level earned him a move to Saracens after an injury crisis to the Saracens’ front row forced them to bring him in as cover. He showed his worth straight away becoming first choice starter and an essential part of the Saracens pack ever since. In his time at Saracens he has been at the heart of three Premiership Championships and one European Championship.
Nathan Earle
Player Sponsor: Smart IPX/Franke Coffee Systems
Bio:
Having been with Saracens since the age of 14, Nathan is the next talent in line to graduate from the Saracens academy and make an impression on the senior squad. With his Sarries debut coming in 2012 as an academy player, he has progressed to a full time member of the senior squad for the 2016/17 season.
Following his starring role in England U20s successful Junior World Championship in 2014, which saw him score 6 tries in 5 games, he was nominated for the 2014 IRB Junior Player of the Year award. Unfortunately he was side-lined for the following season after rupturing his Achilles in the season opener of his loan move to Bedford Blues.
The electric winger recovered fantastically and is now quicker than ever. Recently back from a successful loan spell at London Scottish he is determined to follow in the footsteps of his academy peers by making an impression on the senior squad in the coming season. He is currently on loan with Canterbury in New Zealand.
Will Fraser
Player Sponsor: Learmonth Family
Bio:
Having first joined Saracens at just 14 years-old, Will Fraser is yet another product of the Saracens academy that has gone on to excel at the senior level. Fraser is another player who has benefitted from being dual registered with Championship side Bedford Blues and also had a spell with the Western Province Academy in 2009.
He first made the step up in the 2011/12 season following a series of international call-ups and injuries, but took the chance with both hands and ended the season as a regular in the back row. In that time he has been feature of the Sarries back row through some of their most successful seasons.
A fan favourite, not only on the pitch, but off it as well for his inspirational charity fundraising endeavours. Most notable of these is the £10,000 he raised for Great Ormond Street Hospital by shaving off his infamous beard following 2016 Premiership Final.
On the pitch he is firmly on the England radar having played for the Saxons. Only a series of unfortunately times injuries have kept him from full England honours but he is becoming harder and harder to ignore as one of England’s genuine number 7 options.
Jim Hamilton
Player Sponsor: Bernard, Kathryn and Ciara King
Bio:
Born in England with a Glaswegian father, the proudly Scottish second row is a natural leader who has represented Scotland 63 times despite playing for England at U19s level.
Educated in Coventry, he only started to play rugby from the age of 15 when he joined the Barker’s Butts club that helped launch the careers of former Saracens, Bath, England and British & Irish Lions lock Danny Grewcock and Leicester Tigers, England and British & Irish Lions flanker Neil Back.
Jim has become an experienced Premiership campaigner having made his professional debut for Leicester Tigers in 2003, as well as having a three year spell at Gloucester. His illustrious career has also seen him play North of the border for Edinburgh, as well as across the channel for Montpellier.
His first cap for Scotland came in November 2006, where he came off the bench in a 48-6 victory over Romania and in doing so became the 1,000th player to represent Scotland. Since his debut he has been a mainstay of the Scottish pack, representing his country in both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.
His retirement from international rugby in 2015 has allowed him to focus on Sarries, where he plays a vital role in one of the most squad dominant second rows in Europe.
Matt Hankin
Player Sponsor: Rift Group
Bio:
A key member of the 2013 England U20s team who beat Wales in the JWC Final, Hankin is yet another product of the Saracens Academy which he graduated from in 2014.
Having been encouraged to play rugby by his brother and grandfather as a 10 year old, he made his senior debut for Saracens in 2014. His real breakthrough came in 2014/15’s victorious LV= Anglo-Welsh cup campaign where his performances saw him nominated for the breakthrough player of the year award in the competition. His aim now is to push on from this and make his mark on the Premiership squad.
Maro Itoje
Player Sponsor: Cavendish Brooke
Bio:
The rise of Maro Itoje between 2014 and 2016 has been meteoric. In 2014 the lock captained England U20s to only their second ever Junior World Championship, whilst also making his senior debut for Saracens later that season. All the while he has had the added distraction of studying for a degree in Politics alongside his rugby.
Since his debut, the natural leader has captained Saracens to victory in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, whilst becoming a key member of the first team for both Saracens and England. During his time as a regular starter he has also won two Premiership titles, one European Champions Cup and a Six Nations Grand Slam with England. After playing a key role in England’s victorious tour on Australia in 2016 he has amassed a 28 game, and counting, streak of winning every match he has started in for both Saracens and England, extending back to May 2015.
As a graduate from the Saracens Academy he had the benefit of learning his trade from his hero, Steve Borthwick. Since Borthwick’s retirement in 2014, the apprentice has surely become the master with Itoje emerging as one of the premier players in World rugby in 2016. The season saw him win accolades such as Land Rover Discovery of the season, Man of the Match in the European Champions Cup final and European Player of the Year.
Michael Rhodes
Player Sponsor: Duncan Sinclair
Bio:
South African loose forward Michael Rhodes impressed in his first season with the Men in Black after joining the north Londoners in the summer of 2015 from South African Super Rugby franchise, Stormers.
A tough tackling and durable back rower, Rhodes made 27 appearances for Saracens in his first season with the north Londoners, and played a key role in the club’s double winning campaign - starting in the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup finals.
Rhodes started his professional career with the Sharks in Durban, and played for the Lions before joining the Stormers. He signed a three year contract with Saracens in the summer to remain at Allianz Park until 2019.
Player Sponsor: Steve & Jane Greaves
Bio:
Hard hitting hooker Jared Saunders is entering his eighth season with Saracens. A product of the club’s famed academy, the South African front rower is vying for a spot with Schalk Brits, Jamie George and Scott Spurling.
Jared arrived at Saracens in 2010 from the Johannesburg outfit, Lions. Having spent time at Old Albanians, Plymouth Albion and Bedford Blues, Saunders was a key member of the victorious 2014/15 Anglo-Welsh Cup triumph.
Saunders was converted into a loosehead early into his career with the Club, but reverted back to his accustomed role of hooker to bolster Saracens ranks for the No2 jersey.
Committed, abrasive and feisty around the park, Saunders is an important squad player for the Club.
Ben Spencer
Player Sponsor: Neil & Alison Pearson
Bio:
Ben Spencer is undoubtedly one of the games brightest prospects. A metronomic goal kicker, the Stockport born halfback is a scrumhalf who loves to dictate the tempo of a game.
Since arriving at the club in 2011 as a relative unknown from Cambridge RFC, Spencer quickly established himself as a name for the future with a series of composed displays for the club with experienced duo Neil de Kock and Richard Wigglesworth side-lined with injuries.
He impressed in pre-season with performances against Toulon and Bedford Blues to earn a full time contract and he continued to perform at the highest level in both the Premiership and Heineken Cup.
It was a whirlwind year for the young scrum half who made 21 appearances and also featured for England Saxons and was part of England’s Junior World Championship squad in 2012.
An England Saxons call-up duly followed and since Spencer has been a key player in Saracens' LV= Cup campaigns. This season he has broken into the senior squad and was included in Eddie Jones' England EPS squad for the first time.
Spencer is a product of Devon college Ivybridge, which has produced players such as ex-Saracens lock and Bath captain Stuart Hooper, Pau flank Steffon Armitage and Exeter Chiefs duo Dave Ewers and Sam Hill.
Scott Spurling
Player Sponsor: The Donner Family
Bio:
Scott Spurling is looking to kick on in the 2016/17 season after an injury hit period has side-lined the promising hooker.
An England U20s JWC winner in 2013 alongside fellow Academy forward Matt Hankin, Scott has been regular within the Saracens Storm side as his development continued at partner club Bedford Blues as well as making a series of appearances for the Club in the 2013/14 LV=Cup.
Spurling announced himself on the big stage during a Help for Heroes Charity match at Twickenham, where the fleet footed hooker raced away for a 60m try rounding former Wallaby back Joe Roff in the process. Immediate comparisons to Sarries hooker Schalk Brits followed after his wonder try, and his style of play is very much akin to the Men in Black’s star Springbok hooker.
Tim Streather
Player Sponsor: The Goods
Bio:
Prolific try scorer Tim Streather joined Saracens in the summer of 2013 from Championship club Nottingham where he scored 32 tries in 69 games
In his first season Streather made 13 appearances scoring a try against Clermont Auvergne at Twickenham Stadium in the Heineken Cup semi-final.
At home at either centre of the wing, he made his Nottingham debut in 2009 and went on to be named the club’s Player of the Year in his debut season.
He joined Saracens in the summer of 2013 and made his debut for the Club against London Wasps at Adams Park in the LV=Cup.
He was a key member of the Club’s A-League success in 2014/15 and was also at the heart of the Anglo-Welsh triumph that year.
Streather kicked off the 2015/16 season with a try against Sale Sharks in the opening round of the Premiership, and remains a dependable option for Mark McCall for the outside back places.
Duncan Taylor
Player Sponsor: The Haslam Family
Bio:
During Saracens’ double-winning season, Scotland international Duncan Taylor firmly established himself as one of Europe’s finest outside backs.
Winning the Club’s Players Player of the Season award in 2015/16 underlined the all-action centres standing within the squad as one of Saracens most potent attacking options.
The versatile back, who has featured for Saracens at centre, wing and full back, joined the club from Bedford Blues as a dual registered player at the start of the 2011/12 season. He continued his impressive form for Saracens during the 2013/14 season, with the rangy midfielder continuing to excel at both domestic and international level.
The centre had an impressive 2012/13 season for Saracens that saw him initially make his international debut for Scotland A before being awarded a full cap for his country on their summer tour to South Africa.
Since then, Taylor has cemented himself as a Scotland regular, with his 2016 Six Nations form receiving high praise from Scotland Head Coach, Vern Cotter.
Taylor is used to flying under the radar. His childhood was split between England, Scotland and Australia following his father, pharmaceutical salesman. He never made it on to a county representative team let alone the books of a professional club. He took the long way round into professional rugby. Playing at Olney, Taylor was invited to train by Bedford. That led to a contract and another invitation, this time to train at Saracens and he hasn’t looked back since.
Nick Tompkins
Player Sponsor: Charles Taylor InsureTech
Bio:
The summer of 2016 saw Nick Tompkins excel for the England Saxons during their tour of South Africa.
Tompkins has been stranger to representing his country at age-group level as he was a key member of England’s U20 Junior World Championship success in 2014 and helped the U20s to the final in 2015.
A flanker as a youngster, Tompkins made the move to centre in age-group rugby. He made his first team debut for Saracens against Leicester Tigers in the LV= Cup in October 2012 and two months later he played in the Aviva A League final against Harlequins, but started his first game for the north London Club against London Wasps at Adams Park in 2013 in what was a try scoring performance for the Sidcup-born midfielder
Jackson Wray
Player Sponsor: Ken & Sheila Gooding
Bio:
A key member of the Saracens squad, back row Jackson Wray is knocking on the door of Eddie Jones’ England set-up after a series of fine performances in Saracens pack of forwards.
A member of the Class of 2008 academy that includes Owen Farrell, Will Fraser, Jamie George and George Kruis, Wray’s development from promising youngster to top class Premiership player has been expedient.
A graduate of the Saracens Academy and Oaklands College programme, Wray burst on to the scene in the first half of the 2010/11 season with a man of the match performance in front of the TV cameras at Bath.
The same season, he was dual registered with Bedford Blues and he benefited from the club’s partnership with the championship club and gained valuable experience.
Since his time at Goldington Road Wray has become a vital member of Saracens squad, with the No.8 or blindeside flanker a fixture in Mark McCall’s side throughout the 2013/14 season.
Wray’s fine form in both the Aviva Premiership and in Europe saw the Essex-raised back-rower called up to Stuart Lancaster’s 55-man England training squad in the summer of 2014.
Owen Farrell
Player Sponsor: Emma, Adam & Dani Berg
Bio:
As the son of a rugby league great and former England centre Andy, there were always expectations that Owen would have a successful rugby playing career. However, few could have predicted just how successful it would be as he has gone on to be a crucial player for club and country with his game management and goal-kick prowess, as well as becoming a British and Irish Lion in 2013.
He first made his debut for Saracens in 2008 he was just 17 years old, which at the time made him the youngest ever player to appear in English professional rugby.
His real breakthrough at Saracens happened in the 2010/11 season when he was rushed back from a dual contract agreement with Bedford Blues as injury cover at fly half. He took his chance in the first team and never looked back, ending his debut season with a flawless kicking display over Leicester Tigers to inspire his side to their first ever Premiership title. His performances during the season saw him nominated for Young Player of the Season by both the Premiership and RPA.
A senior England call up became inevitable and in 2012 he was named the England squad for that year’s Six Nations. He started every game for England in that tournament with his versatility enabling him to cover both inside centre and fly half in the starting 15. Owen’s performances that year led to him being nominated, alongside Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, for 2012 IRB Player of the Year.
Since that time he has been virtually an ever-present in the England team amassing 43 caps and counting, whilst becoming England’s second top point scorer of all time at just the age of 24.
His continued excellence for both club and country has seen him win almost all major titles. Following the 2015/16 season where Owen was crucial in both England’s Six Nations Grand Slam victory, and Saracens’ Premiership and European triumphs, the only thing now missing from his illustrious collection is a World Cup. He has become one of the greats of world rugby and a key cog in Saracens’ current period of success.
Juan Figallo
Previous Clubs: Jockey Club de Salta, Montpellier
Honours: Argentina (22 caps), Argentina U20s, Argentina U19s
Debut: vs Harlequins 2nd November 2014
Total Appearances: 18
Player Sponsor: Collect Services
Bio:
The Argentine prop joined Saracens from French side Montpellier in the summer of 2014 following a neck injury meaning he was no longer allowed to play in the French league. He has recovered well from his injury at Saracens and has regained his form that had him known as one of the best scrummagers in world rugby.
2016 has been an eventful year for Juan both on the field, with Sarries’ double triumph, and off it. He signed a new long-term contract with Saracens in January 2016 before giving birth to his first child a month later. He celebrated the birth of his son by starring in Saracens’ backs against the wall defeat of Gloucester just 3 hours later, after gaining permission from his wife of course!
Jamie George
Player Sponsor: Duncan Sinclair
Bio:
Having made his debut for Saracens late in 2009, Jamie really forced his way into being a first team regular in the 2010/11 season where he played an integral part of the squad that won the club’s first ever Premiership title. He is another product of the Saracens academy, having joined at the age of 14, and like many of his peers has now gone on to represent his country.
Jamie’s progression into the first team has been aided by sharing the number 2 shirt with the experience of Schalk Brits. The two hookers dovetail together perfectly in a rotation system that gets the very best out of both players.
Having come from a rugby playing family, he has gone on to exceed the achievements of his father, a former Northampton Saints, London Welsh and Barbarians scrum half, by becoming a regular for his country. He made his test debut in 2015, earning a call up to the World Cup squad, and went on to star in England’s victorious tour of Australia in 2016 where he made match winning impacts off the bench.
Alex Goode
Player Sponsor: MBN Events
Bio:
The extremely versatile back, who is equally comfortable playing a full back or fly half, has developed into a star for Saracens over the past few seasons. His excellence saw him awarded the 2013/14 Saracens Richard Hill Players’ Player of the Year award. Then in 2015/16 his standout performances throughout Sarries’ triumphant Premiership title defence saw him named Premiership Player of the Season.
Alex’s sporting background also features appearances in National Schools athletics finals, playing county level tennis and being part of the Ipswich Town FC Academy, but luckily it was rugby that most grabbed his attention. Having been a part of the Saracens academy he made his first team appearance at the end of the 2007/08 season, but really broke into the first team the following year.
Having played for England at U18, U19, U20 and Saxons levels, his first senior cap finally came in 2012 on England’s tour of South Africa. He showed his international class early on with his playmaking ability earning him Man of the Match on his first appearance at Twickenham for England later 2012.
Due to the high levels of competition in his position in the England squad he hasn’t been capped as many times as his ability deserves. But his performances for Sarries are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore and Alex is sure to be a regular for England in the near future.
George Kruis
Player Sponsor: Martin & Anne Flower
Bio:
Alongside Maro Itoje, George forms one half of the second row partnership that dominated the 2015/16 season both domestically for Saracens and internationally for England. At the heart of the engine room for each, he is a sizeable contributor both with his line out expertise and all-round excellence.
Like his partner-in-crime, he came through the Saracens academy where he had a chance to learn from one of England and Saracens’ great second rowers in Steve Borthwick. George dovetailed with Borthwick towards the end of the latter’s career after forcing his way into first team reckoning in 2009. George’s excellence meant that the hole left by Borthwick’s retirement was filled in straight away.
After being a successful performer at age group level and the Saxons for England, he finally earned his first senior England cap in the 2014 QBE Internationals. He was also named in the England squad for the 2015 World Cup amongst a strong contingent locks. Since then he has gone on to cement his place in the starting tight five for England following his contribution in the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam.
Billy Vunipola
Player Sponsor: Peter Rabin Dental Surgery
Bio:
Since arriving at Saracens in the summer of 2013, Viliami ‘Billy’ Vunipola has developed into one of the worlds most talented and respected players.
Appointed one of England’s vice-captains in 2016, Billy has taken on a leadership role for both Club and country and alongside his brother Mako, committed his future to Saracens in the summer of 2016 signing a ‘multi-year’ deal to remain at the Club.
An impressive first season in Saracens colours saw him awarded the Premiership Land Rover Discovery of the season award, in a season where Saracens broke the Aviva Premiership record for points accumulated in a regular season.
A last-minute try on his Test debut for England’s in their 32-3 triumph over Argentina in Salta was a sign of things to come for the bulldozing back-rower, with Billy becoming forts choice for England at No.8.
His display away to Ulster in the 2013/14 Henieken Cup quarter-final at a raucous Ravenhill Stadium typified his growing maturity and influence as player.
Also capped at England U18 and U20 levels, Billy is part of a distinguished Tongan rugby dynasty, his brother Mako is also an England international and their father Fe’ao, a hooker won 32 caps for his country, figured in the 1995 and 1999 World Cups and played for Pontypool.
Six of Billy’s uncles and his grandfather represented Tonga. The two brothers previously played alongside each other in the England U18 team and their careers have progressed from there.
Player Sponsor: Gfinity
Bio:
Italian international Samuela Vunisa arrived at Saracens in the summer of 2015. The Fijian born back row is a strong ball carrier with an eye for the try-line.
Samu played underage rugby for both the Fijian National Under-19 and Under-20 teams and began his professional career in 2009 at New Zealand side Taranaki.
Ex-Saracens hooker Fabio Ongaro signed Samu Vunisa when he was team manager at the Pro12 club Zebre in 2013, and Vunisa qualified for the Italy national rugby union team in Autumn 2014 under the IRB 3-year residency rule, winning his first cap for the Azzurri on 22 November 2014 against South Africa.
He went on to make his first Six Nations appearance for Italy in the defeat against England at Twickenham on February 14th 2015.
Vunisa has played twice against Saracens in his career. Both matches were won by Saracens in the Heineken Cup last season. However, Vunisa did score Zebre’s only try over the two games.
Richard Wigglesworth
Player Sponsor: The Domoney Family
Bio:
Richard Wigglesworth is now in his seventh season with Saracens having joined from Sale Sharks at the start of the 2010/11 campaign.
His 2013/14 form for Saracens saw him earn a recall to the England set-up where he toured New Zealand with Stuart Lancaster’s squad and was a key member of England’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
One of the finest exponents of the box-kick in world rugby, Wigglesworth was one of his most memorable performances in Saracens colours was his display in the 2016 European Rugby Champions Cup final, where he showed all of his tactical nous to steer his side to their maiden European Cup in monsoon conditions in Lyon.
Wigglesworth is an inductee of the Saracens 100 Club and has captained the team on numerous occasions.
Chris Wyles
Player Sponsor: Worldwide Currencies
Bio:
The USA international is no stranger to Saracens having followed the club as a youngster growing up in Harpenden.
Born in America, the young Wyles then moved back to the UK with his English parents and developed his rugby skills at Haileybury College in Hertford.
While at university in Nottingham, he also played for the Championship side before a brief spell with Northampton Saints.
He returned to the US but while at the 2007 world cup in France, his performances impressed the then Saracens Head Coach Eddie Jones and he joined the club on secondment from USA Rugby.
He quickly adapted to the pace of the Premiership and he signed a permanent deal with the club at the start of the 2009/10 campaign – a season which was to see him become one of the club’s and Premiership’s most consistent performers.
Having made over 200 appearances for the Club, Wyles has demonstrated his versatility by plying his trade in five different positions in the Saracens backline and continues to be one of Mark McCall’s most dependable players.
Mako Vunipola
Player Sponsor: Cavendish Brooke
Bio:
Mako Vunipola has developed into one of European Rugby’s leading lights. Since arriving from Bristol in 2011, Mako has gone from strength to strength in a Saracens jersey and has gone on to excel for both England and the British & Irish Lions.
He joined Saracens at the start of the 2011/12 season from Bristol as an England U20 international but injury hampered his first season with the club.
He also featured at England 18 level alongside his brother Billy and comes from a rugby dynasty with their father Fe’ao, a hooker, emigrated to Wales to play for Pontypool in 1998 and won 32 caps for Tonga, including appearances in the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups.
The 2012/13 season proved to be a whirlwind year for the prop after not only cementing a regular starting place for Saracens, but also making his full England debut in the Autumn internationals and he carried his fine form into the Six Nations. The year was to end on an even greater note following his selection for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Mako is now regarded as one of the world’s finest looseheads, and is a regular in Eddie Jones’ England squad.
Mike Ellery
Player Sponsor: Cabana Brasilian Barbeque
Bio:
Mike Ellery first made his name in the championship as a powerful number 8 for Moseley, where his pace and running style caught the eye of the England 7s team selectors. He spent 2 years playing and making headlines in the 7s circuit as he got to travel the world representing England in the HSBC Sevens World Series. He and sister Megan achieved a unique double when they both played for England sevens teams at the Dubai Sevens in November 2013 — the first time England teams had featured a brother and sister.
With his strength, skill and speed he was identified as a player of enormous potential by the Saracens coaching team. He joined Sarries after the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow where his talents and Sevens experience saw a change of position to the wing.
He couldn’t have landed at a better club in which to learn his new craft as he got to learn from the experience of David Strettle and Chris Ashton during his first season at the club. He learned quickly and since the departure of Strettle before the 2015/16 season, he has seamlessly helped to fill the void to play an important part in the Sarries back line.
Schalk Burger
Player Sponsor: Worldwide Currencies
Bio:
World class Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger is new-face in the Saracens squad this season, with the legendary loose forward joining the reigning English and European champions.
Renowned as one of world rugby’s finest back row forwards, Burger has captained South Africa during his stellar 12-year international career and is a former IRB World Player of the year. In an illustrious career he was won 86 caps for the Springboks and holds the record for the most tries (14) for a back row forward for his country.
The sight of Schalk Burger in the famous green Springbok jersey has been one that has dominated South African rugby for the majority of the 21st century. Since his debut for the Boks against Georgia in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, the blond haired loose forward has gone on to win 86 caps for his country, has played in four Rugby World Cup’s, winning the tournament in 2007.
He won the SA Rugby Player of the Year (2004 & 2011) and the Young SA Rugby Player of the Year nominee (2003 & 2004) and was the IRB Player of the Year in 2004.
Burger made his Super Rugby debut for the Stormers in 2004 and his Currie Cup bow for Western Province the same year. His father, also called Schalk Burger, gained international honours for South Africa during their years of isolation in the 1980s.
Burger links up with Saracens after a spell with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath and Super Rugby’s Stormers.
Joel Conlan
Player Sponsor: Old Grovewood Properties
Bio:
The English Junior World Championship winning back row forward joined the Saracens in the summer of 2015, reuniting with a number of his England U20s team mates in the Saracens Senior Academy.
The talented back rower made his debut for Exeter in November 2012 and went on to make 9 appearances for the South coast club, including an appearance against Saracens in 2015’s Anglo-Welsh Cup final.
During a loan spell at Bedford Blues in the 2015/16 season he managed to impress despite suffering an injury setback in pre-season. This has earned him a call up to the senior squad at Saracens for the 2016/17 season which began with a starting spot in the pre-season victory over Bedford Blues.
Mark Flanagan
Player Sponsor: Flyte - Scooter/Bag/Backpack All in One
Bio:
The talented Lock has represented Ireland at U18, U19 and U20 levels, but is also English qualified. Mark made his senior debut for Leinster in 2010, where he made 9 appearances, before moving to France to play in the Pro D2 for Stade Montois.
Following his stay in France, the imposing six feet seven inches tall second row moved to Bedford Blues for the 2015/16 season. He played a huge part of the Blues’ pack during their run to the Greene King IPA Championship semi-final, proving himself one of the most impressive lock forwards in the Championship. His impressive season in the Championship earned Mark a move the Saracens to help bolster options in a second row that is bound to be affected by international call-ups.
Vincent Koch
Player Sponsor:
Bio:
The South African international prop joined Saracens from Cape Town Super Rugby franchise The Stormer in the summer of 2016. He’ll join a growing group of former Stormers at Allianz Park along with Schalk Burger, Neil de Kock, Schalk Brits and Michael Rhodes.
Koch was identified by Saracens as a player with enormous potential who could make a significant contribution to the squad at tighthead prop. Known as a powerful scrummager with great ability around the park, he is knocking on the door for a regular spot in the Springbok front row having made his debut in the 2015 Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand.
Titi Lamositele
Player Sponsor: Soteryan Cyber Security
Bio:
The Washington-born prop was a high school American Football star before turning his attention to rugby. Though his family is Samoan and each of his brothers and sisters played rugby, he didn’t play rugby himself until he was encouraged to by the coach of local Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club.
When he was called up to play for the USA in a World Cup qualifier against Canada in 2013, he became the youngest ever player to play for the Eagles. Following his first start later that year, he was eligible for a Visa and signed a contract with Sarries.
The talented front row has found a home as Saracens and considers it the perfect place to really develop his game. As a player he is part of a great core of young players at Sarries who will develop and play together for some time.
Alex Lozowski
Player Sponsor: Chase & Partners LLP
Bio:
Saracens announced the signing of exciting fly-half Alex Lozowski from rivals Wasps for the beginning of the 2016/17 season.
A classy playmaker who attended Watford Grammar School he is the son of former Wasps and England centre Rob Lozowski.
After Charlie Hodgson hung up his boots Mark McCall wasted little time in swooping for the Wasps fly-half to bolster his playmaking options for the upcoming season.
After a fine season for Yorkshire Carnegie in 2013/14, Lozowski won the club’s Young Player of the Season for his fine form in the No10 shirt. Having previously been part of Wasps’ academy, he returned to Twyford Avenue for the beginning of the 2014/15 season.
After then Wasps N01o Ruaridh Jackson suffered an ACL injury, Lozowski was entrusted with sharing fly-half duties with former Sarries playmaker Andy Goode at the Ricoh Arena. His performances for Wasps that season highlighted his undoubted promise.
He is known for his prowess on the rugby field but Lozowski was equally adept at football, having been a member of Chelsea FC’s academy until he was 16-years old.
Sean Maitland
Player Sponsor: Eden Private Staff
Bio:
Wing or full-back Sean Maitland joined Saracens from relegated side London Irish in the summer of 2016.
The New Zealand-born Maitland who has been capped by Scotland and also toured Australia with the British & Irish Lions in 2013 strengthens Sarries back division for their double title defence.
Maitland was part of the New Zealand under-19 team that won the World Cup in 2007, and the under-20 side that scooped the 2008 IRB Junior World Championship. He signed for the Crusaders and featured in every game as they powered their way to the Super 12 title in 2008. He followed Super Rugby success with domestic silverware as he helped Canterbury claim the Air New Zealand Cup in 2009. He amassed 50 caps and 24 tries for the franchise, including a record-equalling four tries against the Brumbies in 2011.
He moved to Glasgow Warriors in 2012 scoring ten tries in 39 games in a three year spell at Scotstoun Stadium. Sean qualifies for Scotland via his paternal Grandparents. His Grandfather Stan was a welder from Glasgow.
He scored on his Scotland debut against England at Twickenham Stadium in February 2013
Maitland is the cousin of Australian star Quade Cooper and is a close relative of the Stanley family that also includes former All Blacks Joe Stanley, Jeremy Stanley, Benson Stanley plus Kiwi RL star Chase Stanley.
He studied at Hamilton Boys' High School whose notable sporting Alumni includes Black Caps cricketing legend Scott Styris, current All Black scrum half Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Wales, British and Irish Lions coaching guru, Warren Gatland.
Henry Taylor
| Brian O'Driscoll |
Which river has its source in Guinea and flows through Mali, Niger and Benin before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria? | Top 10 Rugby Players Of All Time | Terrific Top 10
Counting down to the BEST
Top 10 Rugby Players Of All Time
by Kyle
Rugby is one of the world’s most popular sports, despite only becoming professional in the 90’s. It has produced many great players throughout the years, and here are the ten I feel are the best. Several outstanding players had to be left out, because I just couldn’t find a place for them.
Honorable Mentions:
Bryan Habana, Joost van der Westhuizen, George Gregan, Francois Pienaar, Matt Giteau, Gareth Edwards, Gavin Hastings
#10. Shane Williams
Arguably Wales’ greatest ever player, Shane Williams has scored more tries, and had more appearances than any other Welsh player in history. His breakthrough was in the 2005 Six Nations, where Wales won every single match (a Grand Slam), largely thanks to his tries. He also led Wales to another Grand Slam in 2008. That year, he was awarded the IRB rugby player of the year award, the first Welshmen to win the honor. In his final match, a friendly against Australia in 2011, Shane Williams scored his 58th try with final touch of the ball. Williams was famous for his acceleration, and his small size, being nicknamed “Little Shane Williams.”
#9. Naas Botha
Despite playing during the time when South Africa was almost completely banned from international rugby for Apartheid, Naas Botha was still able to leave his mark on the game. He was an excellent kicker, who was famous for his ability to score drop-goals under pressure. In only 28 caps for South Africa, Botha was able to score 312 points, a South African record for decades. Towards the end of his career, Botha was able to see South Africa rejoin the international fold. If only his team hadn’t been banned, Botha may have been very near the top of this list.
#8. Percy Montgomery
The all-time record holder in both caps and points for South Africa, Percy Montgomery was one of the sport’s greatest kickers. He was the top points scorer in both the 2004 and 2005 Tri Nation tournaments. However, his finest moment came in the 2007 World Cup, when his accurate kicking led South Africa to the title of the most prestigious rugby tournament. Montgomery started off being extremely erratic, as he could play brilliantly one match and then be very poor the next. However, he was able to sort that out to become one of the sport’s greats.
#7. Brian O’Driscoll
O’Driscoll holds the record for the most tries for any centre, his position, in history. He is also the most capped Irish player, with 83 of his 120 Irish caps being as captain. In fact, he is the second most-capped player ever. O’Driscoll was named the player of the tournament at three separate Six Nations – 2006, 2007, and 2009. In the 2009 edition, he led Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years, and scored a try in every match except one. He has played for Ireland in the last three World Cups, leading them to the quarterfinals in 2011.
#6. Jonny Wilkinson
Wilkinson began his rise in 2001, but really burst onto the scene in 2003. In one of the most famous World Cup moments, he scored a drop-goal in the last minute of extra time in the final to give England the win against Australia, their only World Cup title. He suffered a series of injuries in the next few years, and critics argued his best form was behind him. However, Wilkinson proved them wrong by leading England to the final of the 2007 World Cup, where they lost a close match to South Africa. He was rugby’s highest point scorer in history, until New Zealand’s Dan Carter surpassed him in mid-2011.
#5. Richie McCaw
McCaw was surprisingly chosen for New Zealand’s end-of-2001 tour, despite his inexperience. But in his debut match against Ireland, he was named man of the match after a brilliant performance. McCaw became a key part of the New Zealand side, and was named captain in 2006. He was criticized after New Zealand underperformed at the 2007 World Cup, falling in the quarterfinals. However, he silenced his critics in the 2011 World Cup, when he brilliantly led his team to the title. He is a three-time IRB Player of the Year (2006, 2009, and 2010). Up until 2012, when Carter won his second, no player had won the award more than once.
#4. David Campese
One of the most entertaining players to grace rugby, David Campese was capped 101 times for Australia, and held the world record for the most tries in test rugby until 2006. He was named player of the tournament at the 1991 World Cup, where Australia defeated England in the final. He was famous for playing to entertain the crowd, while still being able to rack up tries. Campese was outspoken throughout his career, describing himself as “rugby’s first millionaire”, at a time when players were banned from profiting from rugby. However, his brilliant play spoke louder than his words, and he still remains an Australian great.
#3. Dan Carter
Dan Carter is arguably the greatest kicker in the history of rugby. He holds the world record for points, which he took from Jonny Wilkinson. He is the highest point scorer in the history of the Tri Nations (now the Rugby Championship), and has scored 1,381 points in his history. In 2005, Carter scored 33 points against the British and Irish Lions. This was nearly double the previous record for a New Zealander in one match. His performance was called one of the greatest in rugby history. He has also scored 29 tries, and New Zealand have won every single match he scored a try in.
#2. Martin Johnson
In 1993, Martin Johnson was supposed to play a match for his club, but England suddenly needed him after one of their starters had been injured, so he was dramatically thrown on for his debut. However, he played well as England defeated France. After that match, Johnson became a regular starter, helping England win the Grand Slam in 1995. He became captain four years later, and led England to the World Cup title in 2003. Johnson was appointed English manager in 2008, three years after he had retired. He was in charge until after the 2011 World Cup, where England underperformed.
#1. Jonah Lomu
Jonah Lomu combined speed and power to dazzle opponents. He is recognized as rugby’s first true superstar, and helped grow the sport during the early 90’s. Lomu only had two caps entering the 1995 World Cup, but stunned the rugby world by scoring seven tries in five matches. His tries helped New Zealand to the final, where they lost to South Africa in a historic match. He remains the highest try scorer in World Cup history, with 12 tries. He was also crucial to New Zealand winning the first Tri Nations tournament, in 1996. Throughout his career, Lomu struggled with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney disorder. The disease often left him bedridden on days he wasn’t playing, although he kept it a secret for most of his career.
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No he wasn’t ! He ain’t do ish brah !!!!!!!
LOMU hands down. Ur the best LOMU
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Which internet company was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998? | Company – Google
Google Inc.
Larry and Sergey named the search engine they built “Google,” a play on the word “googol,” the mathematical term for a 1 followed by 100 zeros. Google Inc. was born in 1998, when Sun co-founder Andy Bechtolsheim wrote a check for $100,000 to that entity—which until then didn’t exist.
Out of the office
The first “Google doodle” in 1998 was intended to let visitors to the homepage know that Google’s minders were offline at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada. There’s now a team of “doodlers” and we’ve posted more than 2,000 different doodles on homepages worldwide.
Do-It-Yourself ads
In 2000, we introduced AdWords, a self-service program for creating online ad campaigns. Today our advertising solutions, which include display, mobile and video ads as well as the simple text ads we introduced more than a decade ago, help thousands of businesses grow and be successful.
| Google |
'Night Train' was a 2010 UK number one album for which band? | The Google Boys - Top Documentary Films
Top Documentary Films
Google has been estimated to run over one million servers in data centers around the world, and process over one billion search requests and about twenty-four petabytes of user-generated data every day.
Google's meteoric rise to Internet stardom is one of the great business sagas of our time.
The sons of college professors, Larry Page and Sergey Brin - two brainy Stanford University grad students who founded the company - say their goal was to make the entire world's information searchable and instantly accessible.
Google was co-founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were students at Stanford University and the company was first incorporated as a privately held company on September 7, 1998.
Google’s first public offering took place on August 19, 2004, raising $1.67 billion, making it worth $23 billion.
Through a series of new product developments, acquisitions and partnerships, the company has expanded its first search and advertising business into other areas, including web-based email, online mapping, office productivity, and video sharing, among others.
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Sharing it with the surname of a well known football pundit, what is the SI unit of absorbed dose? | Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 31 - StateUniversity.com
Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 31
gout - Signs and symptoms, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Stages of gout, Treatment, Diet, Suggestions for pain relief, Additional observations
A disorder arising from a raised concentration of uric acid in the blood, which is deposited in the joints and soft tissues leading to recurrent acute attacks of arthritis, classically affecting the big toe, and accumulations of uric acid in the fingers, ear lobes, and kidneys. The cause is unknown, but affected individuals are typically overweight males. Gout (also called metabolic arthrit…
Gouverneur Morris - Political career, Personal life and legacy, Sources
US statesman and diplomat, born in Morrisania (now part of New York City), New York, USA. Fundamentally conservative, he nevertheless served as a New York delegate to the Continental Congress (17779) and supported the move for independence. Failing to be re-elected, he moved to Philadelphia where he became assistant superintendent of finances under Robert Morris (no relation) and helped plan the…
Gozo - Geography, Connection to the Maltese 'Mainland', History, Ecclesiastical history, Sources and external links
36°00N 14°13E; pop (2000e) 28 000 (with Comino); area 67 km²/26 sq mi. Island in the Maltese group, often called the Isle of Calypso; 6 km/4 mi NW of the main island of Malta; coastline, 43 km/27 mi; chief town, Victoria (Rabat); largely given over to agriculture; prehistoric temples, Ta' Pinu church a centre of pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary. Gozo is an island of the Maltese…
grace - Religion, Title, Names, Music, Other
In Christianity, the free and unmerited assistance or favour or energy or saving presence of God in his dealings with humankind through Jesus Christ. The term has been understood in various ways, eg as prevenient (leading to sanctification), or actual (prompting good actions). Sacraments are recognized as a means of grace, but the manner of their operation and the extent to which humans co-ope…
Grace (Anna) Coolidge - Reference
US first lady (19239), born in Burlington, Vermont, USA. She taught at a school for deaf children before she married Calvin Coolidge in 1903. Socially active and a lively personality, she was a great asset to her taciturn husband. She was a popular first lady but suffered personally from the tragedy of the death of her younger son from blood poisoning. Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge (January…
Grace (Patricia) Kelly - Early life, Career, Life as Princess, Filmography, Trivia
Film actress and princess, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, she acted in television and on Broadway, and made her film debut in 1951. Her short but highly successful film career as a coolly elegant beauty included such classics as the Western High Noon (1952), Rear Window (1954), The Country Girl (1954, Oscar), To Catch a Thief (1955)…
Grace Abbott
Social worker and activist, born in Grand Island, Nebraska, USA. She studied at the universities of Nebraska and Chicago, and in 1908 went to live at Chicago's Hull House to head the Immigrants' Protective League. A writer of forceful articles exposing the exploitation of immigrants, she also campaigned for child labour laws, and as director of the federal Children's Bureau (from 1919) she adminis…
Grace Darling - Further Reading
Heroine, born in Bamburgh, Northumberland, NE England, UK. She lived with her father, William (17951860), the lighthouse keeper on one of the Farne Islands. On 7 September 1838, she braved raging seas in an open rowing boat to rescue the survivors of the Forfarshire steamboat, which was stranded on one of the other islands in the group. Grace Darling (November 24, 1815–October 20, 1842)…
Grace Hartigan - Bibliography
Painter, born in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Based in New York City until 1960, she then settled in Baltimore, MD. She was an abstract painter who focused on the human figure, as in River Bathers (1953), and also depicted urban landscapes, as seen in City Life (1956). …
Grace Moore - External Links
Soprano, born in Jellico, Tennessee, USA. After vocal studies in Maryland, she appeared in musical comedy in New York during the 1920s, then pursued further studies in France before making her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1928. She went on to a celebrated international career and appeared in several films. She died in a plane crash near Copenhagen. Mary Willie Grace Moore (December 5, 1898
Grace Paley - Early life, The Little Disturbances of Man, Political activism
Writer, born in New York City, New York, USA. She studied at Hunter College (19389) and New York University, then taught at Columbia and Syracuse universities during the 1960s, and became a teacher at Sarah Lawrence College. Early in her career she was a poet, but she is most noted for her mastery of the short-story form, as in Enormous Changes at the Last Minute (1974) and Later the Same Day (1…
gradient - Interpretations of the gradient, Formal definition, Linear approximation to a function, The gradient on manifolds
A measure of the inclination of a straight line to a fixed straight line. In mathematical terms, the gradient of a straight line, in a rectangular co-ordinate system, is the tangent of the angle made by the straight line and the positive x-axis. The gradient of a curve at a point P is the gradient of the tangent to the curve at the point P. In vector calculus, the gradient of a scalar field…
Graeme Le Saux
Footballer, born in Jersey, Channel Is. A left back defender, he played in Jersey, then joined Chelsea, later moving to Blackburn Rovers, and returning to Chelsea in 1997. He joined England in 1995, and though hampered by injuries, he won 36 international caps. He transferred to Southampton (20035), then retired and became a television football pundit. Graeme Pierre Le Saux (born October …
Graeme Murphy
Ballet dancer, choreographer, and ballet director, born in Melbourne, Victoria, SE Australia. He trained at the Australian Ballet School in New York City, and at Sadler's Wells in London, then worked as a freelance choreographer before rejoining the Australian Ballet Company as dancer and resident choreographer. Appointed director of the Sydney Dance Company in 1976, he gained international stardo…
graft (botany)
The portion of a woody plant inserted into a slot cut in the stem or rootstock of another plant, so that the vascular tissues combine and growth continues. Successful only between closely related species, grafting is widely used in horticulture to combine desirable but weak-growing varieties with vigorous or disease-resistant ones. Sometimes the rootstock donor breaks out, producing suckers bearin…
graft (medicine)
A tissue or organ that can be used for transplantation. An allograft (homograft) is taken from a member of the same species but one that is genetically dissimilar. An autograft is taken from the animal's or the patient's own body or a genetically identical individual (eg an identical twin). A xenograft (heterograft) is taken from a species different to that of the host. Graft may refer to: …
Graham (Alan) Gooch
Cricketer, born in Leytonstone, E Greater London, UK. He began his career playing for Essex. His Test Match cricket debut in Australia (1975) was a failure, and prompted him to participate in an unofficial tour of South Africa (1982), resulting in his ban from international cricket for three years. A change of fortune brought him the England captaincy (198893) and a notable victory over the West…
Graham (Vivian) Sutherland
Artist, born in London, UK. He studied at London, worked mainly as an etcher until 1930, then made his reputation as a painter of Romantic, mainly abstract landscapes. He was an official war artist (19415), and later produced several memorable portraits, including Maugham (1949), and Beaverbrook (1951). His Churchill (1955) did not find favour with Lady Churchill and was never seen b…
Graham McNamee
Broadcaster, born in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. A pioneer radio sportscaster, he covered the World Series as early as 1923, and in 1927 he was the announcer for the first coast-to-coast broadcast of the Rose Bowl. He also covered the Republican national convention (1924), the first national political convention ever broadcast. Graham McNamee (July 10, 1888 - May 9, 1942) was a p…
Graian Alps - Passes
N division of the W Alps in SE France and NW Italy, on FrenchItalian border; extending in an arc from the Alpes Cottiennes at Mont Cenis to the St Bernard Pass and Dora Baltea valley; highest peak, Gran Paradiso/Grand Paradis (4061 m/13 323 ft). The main passes of the Graian Alps are shown in the table below. …
grammar - Grammatical devices, Grammatical terms
The study of the structure of words (also known as morphology), phrases, clauses, and sentences (also known as syntax). At word level, the grammarian is concerned with the changes in form that signal such features as case and number (eg mouse/mice, cat/cats); at phrase level, with the structure of such units as the very tall building (noun phrases) and may have been running (verb phrases);…
grammar school - Origins, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, United States
In the UK, a selective school choosing usually the most able 1525% of 11-year-olds on the basis of the eleven-plus examination. The oldest schools date back to mediaeval times, and were originally established to teach Latin. During the 1960s and 1970s many were reorganized, along with local secondary modern schools, and became comprehensive schools. The term is also used in the USA, but referrin…
Gran Canaria
28°00N 15°35W; area 1532 km²/591 sq mi. Volcanic Atlantic island in the Canary Is; highest point, Pozo de las Nieves (1980 m/6496 ft); steep cliffs in N and W; wide beaches in S, with tourist facilities; chief town, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; sugar cane, distilling, tobacco, chemicals, light engineering; airport on the E coast. Gran Canaria, rarely Grand Canary (archaic), is the th…
Gran Chaco - Provinces/departments in the Gran Chaco, Indigenous peoples of the Gran Chaco
Lowland plain covering part of N Argentina, W Paraguay, and S Bolivia; consists of Chaco Boreal in the N (250 000 km²/100 000 sq mi), Chaco Central (130 000 km²/50 000 sq mi), and Chaco Austral in the S (250 000 km²/100 000 sq mi); drained chiefly by Paraná, Paraguay, and Pilcomayo rivers; scrub forest and grassland, with a tropical savannah climate and sparse population; cattle…
Granada - History, After the fall of Granada, Architecture
37°10N 3°35W, pop (2000e) 257 000. Capital of Granada province, Andalusia, S Spain; on R Genil, 434 km/270 mi S of Madrid; average altitude 720 m/2360 ft; founded by the Moors, 8th-c; capital of the Kingdom of Granada, 1238; last Moorish stronghold in Spain, captured in 1492; archbishopric; airport; railway; university (1531); textiles, paper, soap, tourism; cathedral (16th-c), with tombs …
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) - History, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
An organization of veterans of the Union side in the American Civil War. Established in 1866, the GAR became an important force in post-war politics. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who had served in the American Civil War. The successor organization is the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). …
Grand Bahama
pop (2000e) 47 400; area 1372 km²/530 sq mi. Island in the NW Bahamas; fourth largest island in the group; length 120 km/75 mi; chief town Freeport-Lucaya; popular tourist resort; home of the Underwater Explorers' Club; International Bazaar; oil transshipment at South Riding Point. Grand Bahama is one of the northernmost of the islands of the Bahamas, and the closest major island to…
Grand Banks
A major fishing ground in the N Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, formed by an extensive submarine plateau on the continental shelf. The plankton-rich shallow waters are an important breeding area for fish. The Grand Banks are a group of underwater plateaus southeast of Newfoundland on the North American continental shelf. The mixing of these waters and the …
Grand Canyon - Geography, Geology, Human history, Recent history, Activities, Grand Canyon Visitors, Grand Canyon Fatalities
Enormous gorge in NW Arizona, USA; 349 km/217 mi long; 825 km/515 mi wide from rim to rim; maximum depth c.1900 m/6250 ft; the result of large-scale erosion by the Colorado R, exposing hundreds of millions of years of geological formations; parts of the side walls have formed isolated towers (temples) due to stream erosion (best known are Vishnu Temple, Shiva Temple, Wotan's Throne);…
Grand Coulee - Geological history, Modern Uses
Valley in Douglas County, NE Washington, USA; the Grand Coulee Dam is a major gravity dam on the Columbia R, impounding L Franklin D Roosevelt; built 193342; height 168 m/550 ft; length 1272 m/4173 ft; can generate 6180 megawatts of hydroelectricity. The Grand Coulee is an ancient river bed in the U.S. state of Washington. The Grand Coulee is part of the Columbia River Pla…
Grand Guignol
Short sensational shows, in vogue in Paris in the late 19th-c, which depict violent crimes in a style designed to shock and titillate. Guignol was originally a puppet in the French marionette theatre, the French eqivalent of the British Punch and the German Hanswurst or Kasperle. Performances may still be seen in the small theatres of Montmartre. The Grand Guignol (Grahn Geen-YOL) was a the…
Grand National
The most famous steeplechase in the world, first held at Maghull near Liverpool in 1836. The race moved to its present course at Aintree in 1839. Racing over 4 mi/855 yd (7·2 km), the competitors have to negotiate 30 difficult fences, including the hazardous Becher's Brook. There is also a greyhound Grand National. …
Grand Ole Opry - History, Impact and economics, Grand Ole Opry Members
Country-music radio show broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry House theatre in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Begun in 1925, it is the nation's longest continuously running radio show and the last survivor of the big country music shows of radio's golden age. The Grand Ole Opry is a weekly Saturday night country music radio program broadcast live on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, and telev…
Grand Remonstrance
The statement of Charles I of England's abuses, and of reforms made by the Long Parliament in 16401; passed by 11 votes in the House of Commons (22 Nov 1641), and thereafter published as an appeal for support. The close vote reflected the formation of roughly equal parties of royalists and parliamentarians. The Grand Remonstrance was a list of grievances presented to King Charles …
Grandma Moses
Artist, born in Greenwich, New York, USA. She grew up on a farm, married farmer Thomas Salmon Moses in 1887 and had 10 children, five of whom died in infancy. Afflicted with arthritis in her 70s, she was forced to give up sewing and began to paint colourful childhood country scenes in a primitive style, such as Catching the Thanksgiving Turkey (c.1938), Over the River to Grandma's House (c…
granite - Mineralogy, Occurrence, Origin, Uses
A coarse-grained, acid (high in silica) igneous rock containing orthoclase feldspar, quartz, and mica (and/or hornblende); pale pink or grey in colour, its durability makes it an important building stone. Granite (IPA: /ˈgranɪt/) is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granites are usually a white, black or buff color and are medium to coarse …
Grant Johannesen
Pianist, born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. One of the leading American pianists of his time, he made his New York debut in 1944 and thereafter performed internationally, particularly with the New York Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra. He taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music from 1974 to 1985. Grant Johannesen (July 30, 1921 – March 27, 2005) was an American concert pianist.…
Grant Tinker
Television producer, born in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. After working in advertising, he became a National Broadcasting Company (NBC) programmer (19617), moving to Universal Studios to be near his then wife, Mary Tyler Moore. Together they formed MTM productions in the 1970s, producing comedy shows. As NBC chairman (19816), he pulled the network from last to first place. After resigning, he f…
Grant Wood
Painter, born in Anamosa, Iowa, USA. After working as a farmer, silversmith, and designer, he made four trips to Europe in the 1920s, where he was exposed to the late mediaeval primitive painting style that would later influence his work. He settled back in Cedar Rapids, IA, becoming a painter who captured the idiosyncratic aspects of the people and landscape there, thus becoming a founder of the …
grant-maintained school
A school, established by the 1988 Education Act, which is independent of the local education authority and receives its annual grant directly from the government. In order to opt out of local authority control a majority of parents must vote in favour by secret ballot. In England and Wales, a grant-maintained school is a state school that opted out under local control as allowed for by …
Granville (France) - Earls of Granville, People called Granville, Locations named Granville, Rail and metro stations, Brands
48º50N 1º35W, pop (2001e) 14 000. Seaport in Manche department, Normandy, W France; on the Golfe de San Malo; picturesque fortified town; health spa resort; birthplace of Christian Dior and Christophe Auguin; railway; regional water sports centre; Musée de Christian Dior; wax museum; church of Notre-Dame (originally 15th-c); Grand Pardon de la Mer religious festival (Jul); regular ferry servi…
Granville (USA) - Earls of Granville, People called Granville, Locations named Granville, Rail and metro stations, Brands
40º07N 82º50W, pop (2000e) 3200. Town in Licking Co, Ohio, USA; located 40 km/25 mi E of Columbus, near R Licking and L Buckeye; founded (1805) by settlers from Granville, MA and Connecticut; incorporated, 1832; adopted municipal charter (1964) for council-manager form of government in use today; birthplace of Hubert Howe Bancroft; Denison University (1831); Avery-Downer House (1842) houses t…
grape hyacinth
A bulb native to Europe and the Mediterranean region; leaves grass-like, semi-cylindrical; flowers in a dense spike-like inflorescence, drooping, urn-shaped with six small lobes; the blue upper flowers often sterile, brighter-coloured, acting as an extra attractant. It is cultivated for ornament. (Genus: Muscari, 60 species. Family: Liliaceae.) …
grapefruit - Colors and flavors, Medicinal effects
A citrus fruit (Citrus paradisi) 1015 cm/46 in diameter; usually globose with thick, pale, yellow rind; some varieties may be slightly pear-shaped or have thin or pinkish rind. (Family: Rutaceae.) The grapefruit is a sub-tropical citrus tree grown for its fruit which was originally named the "forbidden fruit" of Barbados. Grapefruit comes in many varieties, determinable by…
grapevine
A deciduous woody climber (Vitis vinifera), entering cracks and swelling to form a sticky mass which provides support; leaves palmately 35-lobed, toothed; flowers numerous, in drooping inflorescences, tiny, green; ripe fruits sweet, yellowish or purple, often with a waxy, white bloom; tendrils negatively phototropic. Probably native to E Asia, many varieties are now cultivated in most temperate …
graph
A diagram illustrating the relationship between two sets of numbers, such as the relationship between the height of a plant in centimetres and the time in days since germination. The sets of numbers may be purely algebraic; for example, described by the equation y = x ? 1. Although the scales on the axes are usually constant, that is not necessary. Logarithmic graph paper is so calibrated that…
graph theory - History, Drawing graphs, Graph-theoretic data structures, Problems in graph theory, Applications
The study of networks - systems of points joined by lines. A famous unsolved problem is the travelling salesman problem: given a number of towns and the roads between them, what is the shortest route that enables a salesman to visit every one? This exemplifies the way problems in graph theory are not amenable to the calculus, and defy even the largest computers when the number of possible routes b…
graphic design - Principles and elements of design, Graphic design theory, Graphic design history
A set of skills and techniques employed in the design of all printed matter. The major skills include typography, photography, illustration, and printmaking. These disciplines, formerly taught and practised more or less in isolation, have been successfully brought together through the dominance of offset lithography as the most popular printing method and the development of allied photographic tec…
graphics tablet - History and background, Uses, Manufacturers, Similar devices
A device by which the movements of a pen over a special surface can be translated into digital input for a computer. This provides a means of converting two-dimensional information, such as maps and drawings, into computer-readable form. It is very widely used in engineering and design applications. A graphics tablet is a computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and graphic…
graphite
A mineral form of carbon, found in metamorphic rocks; black, soft, and greasy to the touch. It is a very good electrical conductor and dry lubricant. Mixed with clay, it is used in pencil leads. Graphite (named by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1789, from the Greek γραφειν: "to draw/write", for its use in pencils) is one of the allotropes of carbon. The bond betwee…
graphology (linguistics) - Basic tenets, Vocabulary, Validity, Legal considerations, Applications of graphology, Forensic document examination, Graphology in court testimony
The study of the writing system of a language; also the writing system itself. The system is analysed into a set of graphemes, most of which have a more-or-less systematic relationship with its sounds (as with those in dog). Other types of grapheme include those which indicate punctuation conventions (?, , !, etc) and those which refer to whole words (eg &, +, ?). Graphology is the study …
graphology (psychology) - Basic tenets, Vocabulary, Validity, Legal considerations, Applications of graphology, Forensic document examination, Graphology in court testimony
The analysis of handwriting as a guide to the character and personality of the writer. It was introduced during the late 19th-c by the French abbot, Jean Hippolyte Michon (180681). Graphologists study such factors as the size, angle and connection of letters, line direction, shading of strokes, and layout, and interpret these with reference to a wide range of psychological and physiological stat…
graptolite - Taxonomy, Graptolites as zone fossils, Morphology, Preservation
An extinct marine animal (a hemichordate), mostly found in surface plankton, living in colonies; known from the Cambrian to the Carboniferous periods; individual polyps of colony lived in chitinous tubes arranged in single or double rows along the main axes. (Class: Graptolithina.) Graptolites (Graptolithina) are fossil colonial animals known chiefly from the Upper Cambrian through the Miss…
grass - Plants called grass, Work with grass, Grass and society
A member of one of the largest flowering plant families, with over 9000 species distributed worldwide, including the Arctic and the Antarctic, where they are the only flowering plants to survive. They are monocotyledons, ranging from tiny annuals to perennials over 30 m/100 ft high. Most are herbaceous; a few are woody shrub- or tree-like in form; but all show great uniformity of structure. A ty…
grass snake
A harmless snake native to the Old World from Europe to SE Asia, and to North America; lives near water; swims well; eats mainly frogs; anal gland emits foul-smelling secretion when alarmed; often called water snake in the USA - a name also used for snakes of other groups. (Genus: Natrix, many species. Family: Colubridae.) The Grass Snake, sometimes called the Ringed Snake or Water Snake (N…
grasshopper - Characteristics, Families, Biology, Other information, Source, Gallery
A medium to large, terrestrial insect with hindlimbs adapted for jumping; forewings leathery; hindwings forming membranous fan, or reduced; feeds mostly on plants; many produce sound by rubbing together forewings or hindlimbs, or rubbing forewings against hindlimbs; antennae may be long (as in the family Tettigoniidae) or short (as in the family Acrididae). (Order: Orthoptera.) Grasshoppers…
Gratian - Life
Roman emperor from 375, the son of Valentinian I, born in Sirmium, Italy. In 367 his father made him Augustus in Gaul, and on Valentinian's death he became emperor of the West, which he shared with his brother Valentinian II. He appointed Theodosius emperor in the East on the death of his uncle Valens (378). He was much influenced by St Ambrose, and dropped the phrase Pontifex Maximus (Supreme P…
Gratian - Life
Italian jurist and Carmaldulensian monk of Bologna. Between 1139 and 1150 he compiled the collection of canon law known as the Decretum Gratiani, which became the basic text for all studies of canon law, and remained the first part of the traditional body of canon law in the Roman Catholic Church until 1917. Flavius Gratianus Augustus (April 18/May 23, 359-August 25, 383), known as Gratian,…
gravel - Types of gravel
Unconsolidated deposits of rock in the form of pebbles (260 mm/0·082·5 in in size) laid down by rivers or along seashores. It may be mined for alluvial mineral deposits, but is most commonly used as an aggregate in concrete. Gravel is an important commercial product, used in many applications. Some important types of gravel include: In Britain, gravel always refers to sm…
gravitation - History of gravitational theory, Specifics, Applications, Alternative theories
The mutually attractive force between two objects due to their masses; expressed by Newton's law of gravitation F = Gm1m2/r2, where F is the force between objects of mass m1 and m2 separated by distance r, and G is the gravitational constant. The direction of force is along a line joining the two bodies. It is the weakest of all forces, important only on a large scale. The form of Newton's law w…
gravitational collapse - Catastrophic gravitational collapse toward a black hole
A phenomenon which occurs when the supply of nuclear energy in the core of a star runs out, and the star cools and contracts; a prediction of general relativity. This disturbs the precise balance inside the star between the inward pull of gravity and the star's gas pressure. Once the star radius is less than a critical value (Schwarzschild radius, R = 2MG/c², value 3 km/2 mi for the Sun), the…
gravitational lens - Description, History, Cosmological applications, Astronomical applications
A phenomenon resulting from Einstein's general theory of relativity. The theory showed that light follows a curved path when it passes close to massive objects, and thus presented the possibility that galaxies can focus the light of more distant objects along the same line of sight. This lensing effect has been observed around certain massive galaxies and clusters of galaxies. A gravitation…
gravitational radiation - Introduction, The effects of a passing gravitational wave, Sources of gravitational waves, Gravitational wave detectors
Very weak gravity waves produced when a massive body is disturbed or accelerated. The phenomenon is predicted by the general theory of relativity, but not yet observed with certainty. In physics, a gravitational wave is a fluctuation in the curvature of spacetime which propagates as a wave. Gravitational radiation results when gravitational waves are emitted from some moving object or…
gravitational redshift - Definition, History, Important things to stress, Initial verification, Application, Exact Solutions
A frequency shifting of light to lower frequencies for sources emitting light in a relatively strong gravitational field; also called the Einstein shift. It means that light travelling away from a massive body appears at a lower frequency (redshifted) than expected. The redshift of light travelling away from Earth was first measured in 1961 by Robert Pound and Glen Rebka using the Mössbauer effec…
graviton - Gravitons and models of quantum gravity, Gravitons and experiments
A hypothetical quantum of gravitation whose role is the mediation of gravitational force between masses; mass 0, spin 2, charge 0. Gravitons are the quanta of gravitational waves, as photons are the quanta of electromagnetic waves; but, unlike photons, gravitons will interact with one another, one reason why quantum gravity is hard to formulate. In physics, the graviton is a hypothetical el…
gray
In radioactivity, the unit of absorbed dose, ie the energy deposited in an object by radiation, divided by the mass of the object; SI unit; symbol Gy; 1 Gy defined as 1 J/kg. Two colors are called complementary colors if grey is produced when two colors are combined. Consequently, grey remains grey when its color spectrum is inverted, and therefore has no opposite, or alternately is…
Graz - History, Transportation
47°05N 15°22E, pop (2000e) 242 200. Capital of Steiermark state, SE Austria; on the R Mur, at the foot of the Schlossberg (473 m/1552 ft); second largest city in Austria; airport; railway; two universities (1585, 1811); outskirts heavily industrialized; iron, steel, coal, paper, textiles, chemicals, vehicles; opera house, Renaissance Landhaus (155765), Landeszeughaus (Provincial Arsenal), …
Grazia Deledda - Fundamentals of her work, Main works
Writer, born in Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy. She had no formal education, and took inspiration from Sardinian life for her novels and short stories, including Elias Portolu (1903), Cenere (1904), L'edera (1906), Canne al vento (1913), and Marianna Sirca (1915). They combine elements from both the verismo and decadents movements and from popular literature to create an ambience infused with strong passi…
Great Australian Bight
Area of the Southern Ocean off the S coast of Australia between Cape Pasley (W) and Port Lincoln (E) (1450 km/900 mi); depth 70 m/230 ft over the continental shelf to c.5600 m/18 400 ft over the Great Bight abyssal plain. The Great Australian Bight is a large bight, or open bay, encompassing an area of the Southern Ocean located off the central and western portions of the southern co…
Great Awakening - Patterns defining a Great Awakening, American Great Awakenings
A widespread 18th-c Christian revival movement in North America, which reached its high point in the 1740s in New England. Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield were among its leaders. The Great Awakenings refer to several periods of dramatic religious revival in Anglo-American religious history. There are four generally accepted Great Awakenings in American history: …
Great Barrier Reef - Geology and Geography, Species of the Great Barrier Reef, Human use of the Great Barrier Reef
Coral reef in the Coral Sea off the NE coast of Australia, part of the Coral Sea Islands Territory; 50150 km/3090 mi offshore and 2000 km/1200 mi long; the largest accumulation of coral known, yielding trepang, pearl-shell, and sponges to divers; the surf is violent and dangerous, but the intervening channel, clustered with atolls, forms a safe, shallow passage connected by several navigab…
Great Basin - Geology, Flora and Fauna, History, Present Habitation
Vast interior region in W USA, between (W) the Sierra Nevada and the Cascade Range and (E) the Wasatch Range and Colorado Plateau; area c.500 000 km²/200 000 sq mi; covers parts of Oregon and Idaho, most of Nevada, W Utah, and part of SE California; rugged NS mountain ranges; semi-arid climate; the few streams (largest are the Humboldt and Carson Rivers) drain into saline lakes or sinks; b…
Great Bear Lake - Climate, Note
Lake in Northwest Territories, NW Canada, on the Arctic Circle; 320 km/200 mi long; 40177 km/25110 mi wide; maximum depth 413 m/1356 ft; area 31 153 km²/12 025 sq mi; drained SW by the Great Bear R; navigable for only four months each year because of ice. Between 1950 and 1974, this climatic data was collected at Port Radium: …
great circle - Resources
A circle described on the surface of a sphere with its plane passing through the centre of the sphere. The shortest distance between any two points on a sphere lies along a great circle. On the Earth, lines of longitude lie on great circles. A great circle is a circle on the surface of a sphere that has the same circumference as the sphere, dividing the sphere into two equal hemispheres. Eq…
Great Dane - History, Appearance, Temperament, Health, Miscellaneous
One of the largest breeds of dog (height, 0·75 m/2½ ft), perfected in Germany from a mastiff-like ancestor; used for hunting; long powerful legs; square head with deep muzzle and pendulous ears; coat short, pale brown with dark flecks. The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its large size and gentle personality. Some sources state that dogs similar to Great Danes were kn…
Great Depression - Suggested causes of the depression, Effects, Responses in the United States, Keynesian models, Gold standard
The worldwide slump in output and prices, and the greatly increased levels of unemployment, which developed between 1929 and 1934. It was precipitated by the collapse of the US stock market (the Wall Street crash) in October 1929. This ended American loans to Europe and greatly reduced business confidence worldwide. A major Austrian bank also collapsed, producing destabilization in much of C and E…
Great Dividing Range
Mountain range in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, Australia; extends 3600 km/2200 mi from Cape York Peninsula to the VictoriaSouth Australia border; includes the McPherson and New England Ranges, the Australian Alps, the Blue Mts and the Grampians; rises to 2228 m/7310 ft at Mt Kosciuszko. The Great Dividing Range, also known as the Eastern Highlands, is Australia's most su…
Great Lakes - Lakes, Geologic pre-history, Economy, Political issues, Important cities along the lakes
The largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, in C North America, on the CanadaUSA border; drained by the St Lawrence R; consists of Lakes Superior, Michigan (the only one entirely in the USA), Huron, Erie, Ontario; sometimes L St Clair is included; water surface c.245 300 km²/94 700 sq mi, c.87 270 km²/33 700 sq mi in Canada; connected by navigable straits and canals (St Mary'…
Great Leap Forward - Historical background, The Great Leap Forward, Climate conditions and famine, Consequences
A movement in China, initiated by Mao Zedong in 1958, which aimed at accelerating industrial expansion through mass participation in industrial activities such as iron smelting. Simultaneously, agricultural production was to increase following socialistic reorganization into communes. Both initiatives seriously impaired China's economic well-being. The Great Leap Forward (Simplified Chinese…
Great Northern War - Swedish victories, Russian victories, The Fall of Stralsund, Conclusion
(170021) A war between Russia and Sweden for the mastery of the Baltic coastal region. Charles XII of Sweden defeated Peter I of Russia's army at Narva in 1700, but failed to pursue his advantage. Peter introduced sweeping military reforms, and later defeated Sweden at the battle of Poltava (1709). The war was finally concluded by the Treaty of Nystadt. The Great Northern War was the war …
Great Plains - Subdivisions, History
Region of C North America; a sloping plateau, generally 650 km/400 mi wide, bordering the E base of the Rocky Mts from Alberta (Canada) to the Llano Estacado in New Mexico and Texas; includes parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, the E parts of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico, and the W parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; limited rainfall, short gr…
Great Red Spot - Convergence
The largest, best-known, and probably longest-lived storm feature of Jupiter's atmosphere; a reddish oval feature in the S hemisphere, about 30 000 km/19 000 mi across, first noted 300 years ago. It was observed in detail by Voyager spacecraft cameras for many days, and determined to be a region high in atmosphere exhibiting a counter-clockwise rotation lasting about six days. Similar but …
Great Salt Lake - Origin, Geography, Ecosystem, Commerce, Miscellanea
Large inland salt lake in NW Utah, USA, NW of Salt Lake City; length 120 km/75 mi; width 80 km/50 mi; maximum depth 11 m/36 ft; average depth 4 m/13 ft; fed by the Jordan, Weber, and Bear Rivers; has no outlet and fluctuates greatly in size; includes Antelope I and Fremont I; its water is 2027% saline; commercial salt extraction; crossed by a railway (completed 1903); a remnant of the en…
Great Salt Lake Desert
Arid region in NW Utah, USA, to the W of the Great Salt L; extends 177 km/110 mi S from the Goose Creek Mts; c.10 000 km²/4000 sq mi; Bonneville Salt Flats near the Nevada border, where world speed car records were established in the 1930s. The Great Salt Lake Desert is a large playa in northern Utah, located west of the Great Salt Lake. It is an arid region extending west from the G…
Great Sandy Desert
N belt of the Western Australian Desert; consists mostly of sand dune, scrub and salt marsh; area c.450 000 km²/175 000 sq mi; extends W as far as the Indian Ocean. The Great Sandy Desert is a 360,000 km² (223,700 mi²) expanse in northwestern Australia. The Great Sandy Desert is a flat area between the rocky ranges of the Pilbara and the Kimberley. To the southeast is the Gibs…
Great Slave Lake - General Information
Lake in W Northwest Territories, C Canada; 480 km/300 mi long; 50225 km/30140 mi wide; maximum depth over 600 m/2000 ft; area 28 570 km²/11 030 sq mi; contains numerous islands; drained W by the Mackenzie R; town of Yellowknife on N shore. Great Slave Lake (French: Grand lac des Esclaves) is the second largest lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada (behind Great Bear La…
Great Smoky Mountains - Name, Peaks, Flora and fauna, Water, Culture and tourism
Mountain range, part of the Appalachians, on the TennesseeNorth Carolina state frontier, USA; a national park, protecting the largest tract of red spruce and hardwood in the USA; rises to 2025 m/6644 ft at Clingmans Dome. The Great Smoky Mountains are a major mountain range in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains, the second ridge line forming a north-south running mountain ch…
Great Society - Economics and social conditions, Ann Arbor Speech, The 1965 legislative program and presidential task forces
An American political term for the domestic programme of President Johnson (in office 19639). It was characterized by strong government programmes intended to secure social justice. The Great Society was a set of domestic programs proposed or enacted in the United States on the initiative of President Lyndon B. Two main goals of the Great Society social reforms were the elimination …
Great Trek - Further reading
The movement of parties of Boers (Voortrekkers) which made them the masters of large tracts of the interior of S Africa. They began to leave Cape Colony in 1836 in separate trekking groups. Two parties were wiped out by African resistance and malaria when they headed for Delagoa Bay in Mozambique. Some settled in the Transvaal, where they were threatened by the Ndebele. A party in Natal was massac…
Great Wall of China - Characteristics of the Wall, Condition, Watchtowers and barracks, Recognition, From outer space, Further reading, Gallery
The defensive and symbolic frontier stretching 4100 km/2550 mi across N China from the Yellow Sea to the C Asian desert; a world heritage site. Under Qin Shihuangdi, using 300 000 troops, the earliest connected wall was built from 221 BC to repel attacks from the Jung and Ti nomads to the N. It was improved during later dynasties, notably during the Han (202 BCAD 220), by extension to Yumen i…
Great Zimbabwe - Name, Description, Image gallery
A group of drystone enclosures near Fort Victoria, SE Zimbabwe, capital of a powerful African chiefdom in the 14th15th-c, its prosperity based on cattle-herding, gold production, and trade; a world heritage site. The largest valley enclosure, internally subdivided, is 244 m/800 ft long, up to 5 m/16 ft thick and 10 m/33 ft high; it contains c.5150 cu m/6750 cu yd of stonework, and inco…
Grebbelinie - Early history, World War II
A defensive line in the Gelder valley, which was swampy. It proved useful in 158290, 1629, 1672, and 1701 to protect Holland and Utrecht from the E, although it started only as an earth dyke and was often in an unfinished state. It was strengthened in 1742 by built defences and planned inundations, and again in the 20th-c by tank traps and concrete blockhouses, but in 1940 the Germans broke thro…
grebe - Species in taxonomic order
An aquatic bird, native to temperate regions or high tropical lakes worldwide; swims underwater using feet; toes lobed and slightly webbed; inhabits fresh or shallow coastal waters. Some species are small and eat invertebrates; others are large and eat fish; fish eaters eat large numbers of their own feathers. (Family: Podicipedidae, 22 species.) Grebes are members of the Podicipediformes o…
Greece - History, Politics, Administrative divisions, Geography, Economy, Science and technology, Demography, Education, Culture, Photo Gallery, Further reading
Official name The Hellenic Republic, Gr Elliniki Dimokratia Greece (Greek: Ελλάδα [eˈlaða] or Ελλάς [eˈlas]), officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία [eliniˈci ðimokraˈtia]), is a country in south-eastern Europe, situated on the southern end of the Balkan peninsula. Greece lies at the juncture of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Re…
Greek art - Modern Period
The art associated with classical Greece, which can usefully be divided into four periods: Geometric (11th8th-c BC), known mainly through painted pottery; Archaic (late 8th-c480BC), when oriental influences were absorbed, and the human figure emerged as a central theme; Classical (480323BC), the zenith of ancient civilization, when architecture, sculpture, and painting achieved an ideal beau…
Greek language
An Indo-European language, spoken by c.11·5 million people in Greece and nearby areas, in the Greek part of Cyprus, and as an immigrant language in several other countries. The language is known from around the 14th-c BC in the Cretan inscriptions called Linear B. Mycenaean Greek of this period is distinguished from later Classical or Ancient Greek of the 8th-c BC and after, when texts came to be…
Greek literature - Ancient Greek literature (before AD 300), Byzantine literature (AD 300-1453)
The earliest works belong to the oral tradition; the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer come down from c.8th-c BC. Lyric poetry was written from the 6th-c BC (elegiac by Archilochus, erotic by Sappho), and reached perfection with Pindar. The great moment of Greek drama came in the 5th-c BC, with the verse tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, and the comedies of Aristophanes. Most of these pla…
Greek Orthodox Church
The self-governing (autocephalous) Orthodox Church of Greece. After the schism of 1054, the Orthodox Church in Greece remained under the patriarch of Constantinople, but was declared independent in 1833. The governing body is the Holy Synod, which comprises 67 metropolitan bishops, presided over by the archbishop of all Greece in the head see of Athens. In doctrine, it shares the beliefs of Orthdo…
Greek philosophy - Pre-Socratic philosophers, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, Schools of thought in the Hellenistic period
Western philosophy began with the Greeks, though philosophy originally embraced much of natural science too. Four main periods span over 1000 years. The Presocratics (c.600400 BC) speculated (often very imaginatively) about the natural world - its origins, dynamics, and ultimate constituents. The 5th-c and 4th-c are dominated by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who continue to be hugely influ…
green algae
A large and diverse group of alga-like plants characterized by the photosynthetic pigments, chlorophylls a and b, which give them their green colour; typically storing food as starch in chloroplasts; found predominantly in fresh water; many have motile stages (zoospores) that swim using flagella. (Class: Chlorophyceae.) The Green algae (singular: Green Alga) are the large group of algae fro…
green belt - Notable Greenbelts
In the UK, a planning measure in which areas are designated free from development to prevent urban sprawl encroaching into the countryside, and the merging of neighbouring towns. It surrounds existing major urban areas, not necessarily continuously. It provides open land for recreation, and protects agricultural land. The concept is incorporated into garden cities and new towns. A Green Bel…
green manure - Green manure crops, Green manures in organic farming
A crop which is ploughed into the soil when green to improve its humus content and water-retaining capacity. Mustard and grass can be used in this way, as can shrubs, herbs, and the branches of certain trees. Historically, the practice of green manuring can be traced back to the fallow cycle of crop rotation, which was used to allow soils to recover. Organic farming relies on so…
Green Mountain Boys
In the American Revolution, an insurrectional group of settlers, led by Ethan Allen, which created the state of Vermont from territory disputed between New York and New Hampshire. Of many rural insurrections in early America, the Green Mountain Boys was the only one that succeeded. They helped capture the British fort at Ticonderoga, on L Champlain (1775). The cannon taken were important in the su…
Green Revolution - History, Agricultural production and food security, Social changes, Ecological change, Legacy of the Green Revolution
A description for the phenomenal increase in cereal output and cash returns which occurred in some developing countries during the 1960s and 70s. This was made possible by Borlaug's plant breeding research in Mexico, which produced high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties, and by work at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, which did the same for rice varieties. Success with th…
greenhouse effect - Runaway greenhouse, Anthropogenic greenhouse effect, Real greenhouses
A planetary atmosphere warming phenomenon, resulting from the absorption of infrared radiation by atmospheric constituents. Radiant energy arrives at the planetary surface mainly as visible light from the Sun, which is then re-emitted by the surface at infrared wavelengths as heat. Carbon dioxide and water vapour in the atmosphere absorb this infrared radiation and behave as a blanket, with the ne…
Greenland - History, Sovereignty, Politics, Geography, Natural history, Economy, Demographics, Culture, Sport
Local names Kalaalit Nunaat (Greenlandic), Grønland (Danish), Kalâtdlit-Nunât (Inuit) Greenland (Greenlandic: Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning "Land of the Kalaallit (Greenlanders)"; Danish: Grønland, meaning "Greenland") is a self-governed Danish territory. Greenland was home to a number of Paleo-Eskimo cultures in prehistory, the latest of which — the Early Dorset culture — d…
Greenpeace - Early history, Greenpeace Ships, Activities, Criticisms
An international environmental pressure group which began in Canada and the USA in 1971, and was set up in the UK in 1976. It campaigns by direct action (non-violent, passive resistance) against commercial whaling and seal culling, the dumping of toxic and radioactive waste at sea, and the testing of nuclear weapons. Greenpeace is an international environmental organization founded in Vanco…
Greens
A label applied to members of political parties and social movements which espouse ideologies having as a central tenet a concern over the damaging effect human activity is having on the environment. The first green party (the Values Party) was formed in New Zealand in 1972, to be followed in the UK in 1974 by People. Since then, almost all advanced industrial countries have seen the formation of …
Greenwich - Geography, Sites of interest, Famous residents, Transport
51°28N 0°00, pop (2001e) 214 500. Borough of EC Greater London, UK; S of R Thames; site of the original Royal Greenwich Observatory; meridians of longitude reckoned from this point; also the source of world time standard, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT); birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I; railway; Greenwich Hospital (1694), Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum, including Ini…
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) - Time zone, Anomalies
The basis for world time zones, set by the local time at Greenwich, near London. This is located on the Greenwich Meridian, longitude 0°, from which other time zones are calculated. It was originally established within the UK to regularize railway timetables nationally, and later adopted internationally. It is now known as co-ordinated universal time. "Greenwich Mean Time" (GMT) is a term …
Greenwich Village - Location, Layout, History, Present day, In fiction
A district of Manhattan, New York City, USA, which became famous during the 20th-c as the quarter of writers, intellectuals, and bohemians. It has recently developed into a more fashionable residential area. Greenwich Village (IPA pronunciation: [ˌgrɛnɪtʃ 'vɪlɪdʒ]), also called simply the Village, is a largely residential area on the west side of downtown (southern) Manhattan in New …
Greet Hofmans
A faith healer consulted by Queen Juliana for the eye problems of Princess Marijke (later Christina) c.1948. It was alleged that she exerted political influence on the Queen and there was alarm in some NATO circles that she was a pacifist. Some people clamoured for abdication. The Queen and Prince Bernhard appointed a three-man commission (Beel, Gerbrandy, and Tjarda van Starkenborgh Stachouwer) t…
Greg Rusedski - Grand Slam singles finals, Masters Series singles finals, Singles Record
Tennis player, born in Montreal, Quebec, SE Canada. A prominent junior player in Canada, winning six junior titles (198590), he then turned professional, winning tournaments at Newport (1993), Seoul (1995), and Beijing (1996). He became a British subject in 1995, and the first British player to finish in the world's top 50 since John Lloyd in 1985. A left-handed player, known for his very fast s…
Gregor (Johann) Mendel - Biography, Rediscovery of Mendel's work, Mendel, Darwin and Galton, Trivia
Biologist and botanist, born in Heinzendorf, N Austria. Entering an Augustinian cloister in 1843, he was ordained a priest in 1847. After studying science at Vienna (18513), he became abbot at Brno (1868). He researched the inheritance characters in plants, especially edible peas, and his experiments in hybridity in plants led to the formulation of his laws of segregation and independent assortm…
Gregor Piatigorsky
Cellist, born in Dnepropetrovsk (formerly Yekaterinoslav), EC Ukraine. He gave concerts throughout Russia at the age of nine, and studied at the Moscow Conservatory. He was principal cellist of the Moscow Imperial Opera (191921), first cellist with the Warsaw (19213) and Berlin (19248) Philharmonic Orchestras, then embarked on a solo career. After touring internationally, he made his US debu…
Gregor Strasser - Life
German politician, born in Geisenfeld bei Manching, SE Germany. A member of the Nationalsozialistiche Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP) (192132), he participated in the Hitler-Putsch of 1923. He expanded the party organization after the reorganization of the NSDAP (1925) in N Germany and particularly in Prussia, and became Reichspropagandaleiter (19267) and Reichsorganisationsleiter (192832). …
Gregorian calendar - Proleptic Gregorian calendar, Difference between Gregorian and Julian calendar dates, Months of the year, Accuracy
A calendar instituted in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, and now used in most of the world. Its distinguishing feature is that a century year is a leap year if, and only if, divisible by 400. This gives a year of 365·2425 days when averaged over 400 years, very close to the actual value 365·2422 days. When introduced, a discrepancy of 10 days had built up, which was eliminated by jumping straight fro…
Gregorian chant - History, Musical form, Performance, Liturgical functions, Influence
The monophonic and (in its purest form) unaccompanied chant of the Roman Catholic liturgy. The earliest musical sources date from the late 9th-c and 10th-c, but the compilation of the repertory has been credited to Pope Gregory the Great. Its rhythmic interpretation has been the subject of much controversy, since the sources do not indicate note lengths. Gregorian chants are organized into …
Gregory (Goodwin) Pincus
Endocrinologist, born in Woodbine, New Jersey, USA. He taught at four Massachusetts universities, Harvard (19318), Clark (193845), Tufts (194650), and Boston (195067). In 1944 he co-founded the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, one of the first laboratories set up expressly to channel scientific discoveries directly into commercial development. He concentrated on studying horm…
Gregory (Nunzio) Corso - Life, Poetry, Quotes, Bibliography
Poet, born in New York City, USA. He spent three years in prison as a juvenile, then worked as a manual labourer, reporter, and merchant seaman (19503). Based in New York City, he was a central member of the Beat poetry movement (1960s), as seen in The Happy Birthday of Death (1960). Important volumes include Elegiac Feelings American (1970), dedicated to Jack Kerouac, and among later works are …
Gregory Bateson - Biography, Epigrams coined by or referred to by Bateson, Terms used by Bateson
Anthropologist, born in Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, EC England, UK, the son of biologist William Bateson. He studied physical anthropology at Cambridge, but made his career in the USA. With Margaret Mead he was involved with the culture-and-personality movement, publishing Balinese Character in 1942. Influenced by cybernetics, he went on to study problems of communication and learning among aqua…
Gregory Breit
Physicist, born in Nikolaev, the Ukraine. He went to the USA in 1915, joined the Carnegie Institution (19249), then taught at several American universities before moving to the State University of New York, Buffalo (196876). A major contributor to the fields of nuclear physics and quantum electrodynamics, he theorized that the hydrogen bomb would not engender an uncontrolled chain reaction res…
Grenada - History 1498-1877, History 1958 - 1984 (Independence and Revolution), 21st Century History, Politics
Local name Grenada Grenada is an island nation in the southeastern Caribbean Sea including the southern Grenadines. Main article: History of Grenada The recorded history of Grenada begins in 1498, when Christopher Columbus first sighted the island and gave it the alias Conception Island, and later called it Granada. The island was a province of the short-…
Grenoble - Geography, Transport, Main sights, Education and research in the city, Sources and External links
45°12N 5°42E, pop (2000e) 157 000. Ancient fortified city and capital of Isère department, E France; at confluence of rivers Isère and Drac, in a striking Alpine setting; Mont Blanc to the NE; prospered during French colonial period; railway; bishopric; university (1339); electro-metallurgy, chemicals, plastic products, electrical engineering, nuclear research, glove manufacturing, walnuts; …
Greta Garbo - Becoming an actress, Life in Hollywood, Later career, Personal life, Secluded retirement, Trivia, Filmography, Further reading
Film actress, born in Stockholm, Sweden. A shop-girl who won a bathing beauty contest at age 16, she made some publicity short films and studied acting before gaining international recognition in Mauritz Stiller's Swedish film, The Story of Gosta Berling (1924). She went to Hollywood (1924) with Stiller, her mentor and companion, and they worked together on The Torrent (1926), but he soon returned…
Grete Waitz - Background, Career, After Retirement, Legacy
Athlete, born in Oslo, Norway. Formerly a track champion at 3000 m, at which she set world records in 1975 and 1976, she was later one of the world's leading female road athletes. The world marathon champion in 1983, and the Olympic silver medallist in 1984, she four times set world best times for the marathon. She won the London Marathon in 1983 and 1986, and the New York marathon a record nine …
greyhound - Temperament, History, Welfare, Veterinary Care, Miscellaneous
A breed of dog, now raced for sport, but used thousands of years ago for hunting hares, foxes, and deer; thin with short coat; long legs, tail, and muzzle; the Italian greyhound is a miniature breed developed in Italy. Greyhound racing takes place on an enclosed circular or oval track, round which dogs are lured to run by a mechanical hare. The first regular track was at Emeryville, CA, in 1919. B…
greywacke
A type of impure sandstone, composed of angular grains in a matrix of clay. It is deposited in areas of rapid fluid flow, specifically turbidity currents formed in tectonically active, mountain-building regions. Greywacke (German grauwacke, signifying a grey, earthy rock) is a variety of sandstone generally characterized by its hardness, dark color, and poorly-sorted, angular grains of …
gribble
A small wood-boring crustacean that burrows into boat hulls and other submerged timber, causing extensive damage. (Class: Malacostraca. Order: Isopoda.) A gribble is any of about 56 species of marine isopod from the family Limnoriidae. There are three genera, Paralimnoria (two species wood boring), Limnoria (about 28 species wood boring, 20 species algal boring, and 3 species seagrass…
grid reference
A unique set of numbers locating any place on a map onto which a grid of numbered squares has been imposed. References in the UK are based on the National Grid. The distance eastwards (easting) is always given before the distance northwards (northing) when giving a National Grid reference. Grid systems vary, but the most common is a square grid originating at the bottom left of the map. The…
Gridley J(ames) F(ox) Bryant
Architect, born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The son of railroad pioneer Gridley Bryant, his Boston practice prefigured the large architectural firm and designed primarily commercial and public buildings. He rebuilt 110 of his 152 buildings destroyed in the 1872 Boston fire. Gridley James Fox Bryant (August 29, 1816 – June 8, 1899) was a famous 19th century Boston architect and builder.…
Grimoald
King of the Lombards, born in Friuli, NE Italy. The son of Gisulf, Duke of Friuli, he became Duke of Benevento in 647. He took advantage of discord between Aripert's heirs to take possession of the Lombard crown (66371). He managed to repel the attempts by the Byzantines to reconquer Benevento and the Franks, and suppressed a revolt in Friuli with the help of the Avars. He also added a number of…
Grimsby - History, Economy, Places of interest and landmarks, Shopping facilities, Transport, Redevelopment and regeneration, Media, Notable connections
53°35N 0°05W, pop (2000e) 90 900. Port town in North East Lincolnshire, NE England, UK; on the S side of the R Humber estuary; railway; largest fishing port in England; fertilizers, chemicals, engineering; trade in fish, coal, grain, timber; football league team, Grimsby Town (Mariners). Grimsby, or Great Grimsby, is a seaport on the river Humber in Lincolnshire in the north of England,…
Grinling Gibbons
Sculptor and woodcarver, born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He moved to England, UK, where he was appointed by Charles II to the Board of Works, and employed in the chapel at Windsor and in St Paul's London. At Chatsworth, Burghley, and other mansions he executed an immense quantity of carved fruit and flowers, cherubs' heads, and other typical Baroque embellishment. Master wood carver Gri…
Griqua - Griqualand
People of mixed race who spoke Dutch and established stock-raising, hunting, and trading communities under patriarchal leadership on the frontier of Cape Colony in the late 18th-c and early 19th-c. Their peoples are now integrated into the Cape Coloured community. The Griqua (Afrikaans Griekwa) are a subgroup of South Africa's heterogeneous and multiracial Coloured people. The G…
grisaille - In Enamel and Stained Glass
A painting executed entirely in shades of grey. This may be done for its own sake, or to look like sculpture as part of a decorative scheme. A reduced grisaille copy of a painting was often made for an engraver to work from. Many Renaissance painters began their pictures with a grisaille underpainting. Mediaeval stained-glass windows, normally richly-coloured, were sometimes executed in grisaille …
Gro Harlem Brundtland
Norwegian stateswoman and first woman prime minister of Norway (1981, 19869, 19906), born in Bærum, SE Norway. She studied medicine at Oslo and Harvard, qualifying as a physician. In 1960 she married a leader of the Opposition Conservative Party, Arne (Olav) Brundtland, and they have four children. She joined the Labour Party and entered politics (1969), after working in public medicine servi…
Grock
Clown, world-famous for his virtuosity in both circus and theatre, born in Reconvilier, NW Switzerland. He was particularly known for his clowning with musical instruments, especially using the violin and piano, in which he managed to fail in everything he attempted (though in fact he could play 24 instruments expertly). He wrote several books, including his autobiography, Die Memoiren des Kö…
Groningen
53°13N 6°35E, pop (2000e) 177 000. Capital of Groningen province, N Netherlands; at the confluence of the Drentse Aa (Hoornse Diep) and Winschoter Diep; bishopric; most important city in N Netherlands; connected to its outer port, Delfzijl, by the Eems Canal; airport; railway; university (1614); large market, dealing in cattle, vegetables, fruit, and flowers; headquarters of the Dutch Grain Ex…
grosbeak
A name applied to birds of several unrelated groups, all with a large, stout bill: the finch family Fringillidae (1232 species); the weaver family Ploceidae (1 species); and the cardinal grosbeaks of the family Emberizidae (14 species). The following is a list of grosbeak species - note that the groups of species are not each other's closest relatives - they share the name grosbeak purely…
gross domestic product (GDP) - Measurement, Cross-border comparison, GDP and standard of living, Criticisms and limitations
A measure of national income, calculated in any of three ways. The output method is the total of selling prices less the cost of bought-in materials. The income method is the total of wages, rents, dividends, interest, and profits. The expenditure method is the national expenditure on goods and services (known as GDP at factor cost). The last method is the one most used by economists in foreca…
Grote Reber - Honors
Radio astronomer, born in Wheaton, Illinois, USA. An amateur ham radio operator, he was so intrigued by reports of Karl Jansky's cosmic static that he built a parabolic dish, the first radio telescope, in his yard in Wheaton (1937). As the world's first radio astronomer, he published a radio map of the sky in 1944. He moved to Tasmania (1954), where he presided over a field of dipoles (antenna…
grotesque - In art history, In typography, In literature, In architecture, In chess, On the Internet, Etymology
In art, a form of decoration derived from antiquity and revived during the Renaissance. Human and animal forms are mixed fancifully with plants and abstract shapes to create a bizarre kind of decorative pattern. When commonly used in conversation, grotesque means strange, fantastic, ugly or bizarre, and thus is often used to describe weird shapes and distorted forms such as Halloween masks …
Groton
41º22N 72º05W, pop (2000e) 39 900. Town in New London Co, SE Connecticut, USA; on the R Thames near Fishers Island Sound, across the river from New London; incorporated, 1705; birthplace of Mother Bailey; regional centre for commerce and industry; shoreline location and historic sites attract tourists; US Naval Submarine School; Mystic Seaport living museum. Groton is the name of severa…
Ground Zero - Hiroshima and Nagasaki, The Pentagon, World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina
The name given to the site of the former World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, New York City, USA, where rescue teams worked to clear the wreckage and debris left after the terrorist attack on 11 September 2001. The term was originally used with reference to the part of the ground situated immediately under an exploding bomb (especially an atomic bomb). The term may also be used to describ…
Groundhog Day - Famous prognosticating groundhogs, Past predictions, In fiction
A day (2 Feb) recognized in US popular tradition when the groundhog (or woodchuck), an American marmot, is supposed to appear from hibernation; it is said that if the groundhog sees its shadow, it goes back into hibernation for six more weeks, thereby indicating six weeks of winter weather to come. The tradition derives from similar beliefs in England concerning the weather at Candelmas. Th…
groundsel
A very variable annual (Senecio vulgaris) growing to 45 cm/18 in, native to Europe, Asia, and N Africa, and widely introduced elsewhere; leaves slightly succulent, oblong with irregular toothed lobes; flower-heads numerous, cylindrical, surrounded by narrow black-tipped bracts; florets yellow; fruit with a parachute of hairs. Flowering all year round, it is a common and often problematic weed of…
groundwater - Aquifers, Groundwater in the water cycle, Problems
Water which is present in porous rocks such as sandstones and limestones. It may originate from percolated surface waters (meteoric water), from water present when the sedimentary rock was originally deposited (connate water), or from igneous intrusions (juvenile water). The water table is the level below which the rocks are saturated, and springs develop where this reaches the Earth's surface. …
group (mathematics) - History, Definitions, Basic concepts in group theory, Notation for groups, Examples of Groups
In mathematics, a set of elements S under an operation *, if (1) S is closed under *; (2) the operation * is associative over S, ie a*(b*c) = (a*b)*c for all a,b,c in S; (3) there is an identity element e in S, ie an element e such that a*e = e*a = a for all a in S; and (4) every element a in S has an inverse, a?1 in S, where a*a?1 = a?1*a = e. If in addition the operation * is commutati…
group therapy - Current Trends in Group Therapy
The interaction of several individuals on a cognitive and emotional level, as part of a therapeutic programme. It incorporates the sharing of personal experiences and feelings, with the purpose of increasing self-understanding and the treatment of psychological problems. This form of treatment is attributed to US physician Joseph Hersey Pratt (18721942). It came into widespread use after World W…
grouper
Large, heavy-bodied fish with mottled cryptic coloration, common around reefs, rocks, and wrecks but also found in open water; prized as a sport fish and food fish; Indo-Pacific grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, may reach 3·7 m/12 ft, weight 270 kg/600 lb. (Family: Serranidae.) Groupers are fish of any of a number of genera in the subfamily Epinephelinae of the family Serranidae, in th…
grouse
A plump, ground-dwelling bird of the family Tetraonidae (19 species); inhabits high latitudes of the N hemisphere; camouflaged coloration; short curved bill; nostrils covered by feathers; legs feathered; eats vegetation and insects. Many (possibly millions) are killed annually by hunters. The name is also used for the sandgrouse of the family Pteroclididae. Grouse are from the order Gallifo…
Grove (Karl) Gilbert
Geologist, born in Rochester, New York, USA. He became chief geologist of the US geological survey (1889), and formulated many of the laws of geological processes. His report on the Henry Mts became the foundation of many modern theories of denudation and river-development. He also published a history of the Niagara R, and introduced such technical terms as laccolith and hanging valley. Gro…
Grover (Cleveland) Alexander - Legacy
Baseball player, born in Elba, Nebraska, USA. One of baseball's great (righthanded) pitchers, he won 373 games and pitched 90 shutouts during his Hall of Fame career with the Philadelphia Phillies (191117, 1930), Chicago Cubs (191826), and St Louis Cardinals (19269). His 373 wins was a National League record (shared with Christy Mathewson). An epileptic and admitted alcoholic, his life was p…
Grover (Michael Aloysius) Whalen
Promoter, merchant, and public official, born in New York City, New York, USA. His long business career included positions at John Wanamaker (191434), Schenley, and Coty. As the city's official greeter (191953), he originated ticker-tape parades in staging welcoming ceremonies for, among others, Charles Lindbergh, the Prince of Wales, and returning soldiers from both World Wars. He was a membe…
Grover Loening
Aircraft designer, born in Bremen, Germany (where his father was US consul). He held three degrees from Columbia University, including the first ever awarded in aeronautics. As owner of two different companies, he made a variety of contributions to aviation, such as the creation of the rigid strut bracing system and the retractable undercarriage. Asked how to say his name, he told The Liter…
growth hormone (GH) - Terminology, Structure and gene of the human GH molecule, Secretion of GH, Functions of GH
A hormone (a polypeptide), secreted by the front lobe of the pituitary gland in vertebrates with jaws, which stimulates body growth through its effects on protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism; also known as somatotrophin or somatotrophic hormone. It is species-specific in its actions. Its abnormal secretion may result in dwarfism, gigantism, or acromegaly (the abnormal enlargement of the fa…
Grozny - Name, History, Features
43°21N 45°42E, pop (2003e) 80160 000 (estimates affected by refugee and militia movements). Capital city of Chechnya, SE European Russia; on a tributary of the R Terek, in the N foothills of the Greater Caucasus; founded as a fortress, 1818; airfield; railway; university (1972); major damage and disruption during war with Russia, 1995; virtually totally destroyed in renewed fighting, 19992…
grunion
Slender-bodied fish (Leuresthes tenuis) confined to inshore waters of the Californian coast; length up to 18 cm/7 in; body with silvery side-stripe. Communal spawning occurs intertidally on the spring tide, the eggs being buried in moist sand near the high-water mark. (Family: Atherinidae.) For the submarine, see USS Grunion (SS-216). …
grunt
Any of the family Haemulidae (formerly Pomadasyidae, 5 genera) of mainly tropical fishes common in shallow coastal waters and around coral reefs. They are so called because they produce audible sounds by grinding their pharyngeal teeth. The term grunt is slang for an infantryman in the U.S. military and some of the other armed forces of the English speaking world, and both Army and Marine i…
Guadalcanal - Overview, History
pop (2000e) 76 000; area 5302 km²/2047 sq mi. Largest of the Solomon Is, SW Pacific; length, 144 km/89 mi; maximum width, 56 km/35 mi; rises to 2477 m/8126 ft at Mt Makarakomburu; capital, Honiara; airport; copra, rubber, rice, oil palms, gold; scene of the first World War 2 Allied Pacific invasion northward (1942). Guadalcanal is a 2,510 square mile (6 500 km²) island in the P…
Guadeloupe
pop (2000e) 425 000; area 1779 km²/687 sq mi. Overseas department of France, a group of seven islands in the C Lesser Antilles, E Caribbean; capital, Basse-Terre; largest town, Pointe-à-Pitre; timezone GMT ?4; 90% black or mulatto population, with several minorities; chief religion, Roman Catholicism; official language, French; unit of currency, the euro; main islands of Grand-Terre and Bas…
Guadix - Description, History, Ecclesiastical history, Sources and references
37º18N 3º08W. Large town in Granada province, Andalusia, S Spain; originally a Roman colony, it became an episcopal see under the Visigoths; many inhabitants live in modernized caves in the S part of town; birthplace of Pedro Antonio de Alarcón; cathedral (1594); ruins of Moorish citadel; Cave Museum; pottery. Guadix, a city of southern Spain, in the province of Granada; on the left …
Guam - Geography, Government and politics, Administrative divisions, Economy, Education
(USA Formal Dependencies) Guam (Chamorro: Guåhån), officially the U.S. Territory of Guam, is an island in the Western Pacific Ocean and is an organized unincorporated territory of the United States. Most early Chamorros take on the likeness of peoples from this origin, however, more and more, the people of Guam are becoming racially-mixed. Guam's economy is mainly supported by touri…
Guanajuato
21º00N 101º16W, pop (2001e) 73 400. Capital of Guanajuato state, SC Mexico; in the Sierra Madre Occidental; 355 km/221 mi NW of Mexico City; officially founded, 1570; received charter from King Philip V in 1741; historic town with cobblestone streets and alleys; former silver mining region; birthplace of Lucas Alamán and Diego Rivera; railway; university (1732); Church of Our Lady of Guanaj…
Guangzhou - History, Education, Twin cities
23°08N 113°20E, pop (2000e) 4 387 000, administrative region 6 299 989. Capital of Guangdong province, S China, on Pearl R delta; founded in 200 BC; forcibly opened to foreign trade after Opium War, 1842; revolutionary centre, 191011; rival capital to Beijing, 191720, 19218; power centre of Sun Yixian; seat of first national Guomindang conference, 1924; occupied by Japan, 193845; ra…
guanine - Basic principles, Syntheses, Other uses
C5H5N5O. One of the purine bases in DNA, normally paired with cytosine. Guanine, along with adenine and cytosine, is present in both DNA and RNA, whereas thymine is usually seen only in DNA and uracil only in RNA. Guanine has two tautomeric forms, the keto form and enol form. Guanine has a group at C-6 that acts as the hydrogen acceptor, while the group at N-1 and the amino group at C…
guano
An accumulation of animal droppings, typically of birds but also of mammals such as bats. Guano deposits build up beneath breeding colonies, and are a rich source of phosphates and nitrates. They are often used as a fertilizer. The ideal type of guano is found where there is little rainfall and exceptionally dry climates, as the rainwater drains the guano of nitrates. Guano is harvested on …
guarana - Uses, Composition, External resources
A woody liane (Paullinia cupana) with coiled tendrils, fern-like leaves and clusters of small, 5-petalled flowers; native to tropical America, cultivated in Brazil. The seeds are rich in caffeine, and it is used like cacao to produce a drink called guarana. (Family: Sapindaceae.) Guarana or Guaraná (IPA: [gu̯a.ra.'na], [gu̯a.ɾa.'na] or [gu̯a.ɹa.'na]), Paullinia cupana (syn. …
guardian
A person who by right or appointment acts on behalf of another, taking care of that person's interests in full (or some cases to a limited or specified degree) as a result of the other's inability, either due to youth or (in some jurisdictions) mental incapacity. In the case of a child, the parents are normally the guardians, having full parental rights and duties. The parents may arrange for the …
Guarnieri
Celebrated violin maker from Cremona, N Italy. His byname came from his practice of signing IHS (Jesu hominum salvator) after his name on his labels. His instruments are noted for their tonal qualities. He was the nephew of Andrea Guarnieri (fl.162898) who, with his two sons Giuseppe Guarnieri (fl.16901730) and Pietro Guarnieri (fl.16901725), also made quality instruments. Bartolomeo …
Guatemala - History, Politics, Administrative divisions, Geography, Economy, Demographics, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Miscellaneous topics
official name Republic of Guatemala, Span República de Guatemala Guatemala, officially the Republic of Guatemala (Spanish: República de Guatemala, IPA: [re'puβlika ðe ɰwate'mala]), is a country in Central America, in the south part of North America, bordering Mexico to the northwest, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, and Honduras a…
Guayaquil - History, Safety, Religious Structures, Universities, Sights, Sister cities
2°13S 79°54W, pop (2000e) 1 861 000. Capital of Guayas province, W Ecuador; largest city, major seaport and commercial city, on W bank of R Guayas; founded, 1537; birthplace of Frederick Ashton; airport; railway; four universities (1867, 1958, 1962, 1966); banana trade (world's chief exporter), mining (sand, clay), food processing, textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, oil r…
Gudrun - Norse Mythology
In Norse mythology, the wife of Sigurd the Volsung. After his death she married Atli (the legendary Attila) who put her brothers to death; in revenge she served up his sons in a dish, and then destroyed him by fire. In the similar German story she is known as Kriemhild. In Norse mythology, Gudrun, who is called Kriemhild in the Nibelungenlied, was the sister of Gunnar. Later, when he was so…
guenon
An Old World monkey native to Africa S of the Sahara; round head with beard, and whiskers at side of face; slender, with long hind legs and tail; some species with colourful coats. The name red guenon is used for the patas monkey; pygmy guenon for the talapoin. (Genus: Cercopithecus, c.17 species.) …
Guernsey - History, Politics, Geography, Economy, Education, Culture, Sport in Guernsey, Famous Guernsey people
pop (2000e) 66 200; area 63 km²/24 sq mi. Second largest of the Channel Is, NW of Jersey and W of Normandy; rises to c.90 m/300 ft; airport; ferries to the UK and France; forms the Bailiwick of Guernsey with Alderney, Sark, and some smaller islands; chief town, St Peter Port; horticulture, dairy farming (Guernsey cattle), tourism. The Bailiwick of Guernsey (French: Bailliage de Guer…
Guglielmo Marconi
Physicist and inventor, born in Bologna, N Italy. He studied at the Technical Institute of Livorno, and started experimenting with a device to convert electromagnetic waves into electricity. His first successful experiments in wireless telegraphy were made at Bologna in 1895, and in 1899 he erected a wireless station at La Spezia, and formed the Marconi Telegraph Co in London. In 1899 he transmitt…
Guglielmo Oberdan
Italian patriot, born in Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, NE Italy. An irredentist, he went into exile in Rome in 1878. In 1882 he was captured while attempting to re-enter Trieste with a friend to make an attempt on Emperor Francis Joseph's life, and was hanged soon after. Guglielmo Oberdan (this name is an italinization of the original name Wilhelm Oberdank) (1858 - 1882), an Italian natio…
Guglielmo Pepe - Biography, Works
Italian patriot, born in Squillace, Campania, S Italy. He fought for the Parthenopean Republic (1799) with brother Florestano and cousin Gabriele. After its fall he went with them to France and returned with Napoleon in 1800. He took part in the 18201 risings in Naples, and went abroad after defeat at Rieti. In 1848 he returned to Naples and led the Neapolitan troops in the 1st Italian Independe…
guide dog - History, Breeds, Guide dog training, Guide dog accessibility
A dog trained to assist the blind in finding their way, notably in urban traffic and crowded areas. The dogs are selectively bred, and include labradors, often crossed with golden retrievers, and German shepherd dogs. Guide dogs are assistance dogs trained to lead blind or visually impaired people around obstacles. The name of one of the more popular training schools for such dogs, Seeing E…
guided missile - Basic roles, Guidance systems
A weapon system (ranging in size from a small portable antitank missile to an intercontinental ballistic missile) which has the ability to fly towards its target under its own power. Its progress is directed either by an external source of command or by an internal computer which sends electronic guidance instructions to the missile's control surfaces. The first missiles to be used operatio…
Guido Calabresi - Works
Legal scholar, born in Milan, Italy. He studied in the USA and England, then joined the faculty of Yale University Law School (1959), serving as dean from 1985. He was an expert in liability law, including medical malpractice and property, and his publications include The Costs of Accidents (1970), Tragic Choices (1978), and Ideals, Beliefs, Attitudes and the Law (1985). Calabresi joined th…
Guido Cavalcanti - Poetry
Poet, born in Florence, NC Italy. A friend of Dante, he came from an influential family, and was the leader of the white Guelph faction. In 1300 he married the daughter of Farinata degli Uberti, the leader of the rival, Imperial Party (the Ghibellines), and was banished to Sarzana, returning to Florence only shortly before his death. A leading exponent of the dolce stil novo (new style), h…
Guido Gezelle - Works
Flemish poet, born in Bruges, NW Belgium. He became a priest in 1854, took up teaching, and from 1865 contributed to several local newspapers and magazines. His poetry was ahead of its time and is seen as one of the inspirations of the Movement of the Eighties (Beweging van Tachtig). He wrote impressionist poetry, showing a remarkable sensitivity to nature, which was religious at heart. He was a g…
Guido Guinizelli
Poet, born in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, N Italy. He was a judge and Castelfranco's podestà, but was forced into exile by the defeat (1274) of the Ghibelline faction he supported. All that remains of his work is 20 sonnets and canzones, among them the famous Al cor gentil rempaira sempre Amore. He is considered a forerunner of the dolce stil novo, whose main motifs - the woman-angel and references …
Guido Pontecorvo
Geneticist, born in Pisa, W Italy. He studied at the universities of Pisa, Edinburgh, and Leicester. At the Institute of Animal Genetics in Edinburgh (from 1938), he co-discovered the parasexual cycle in fungi (1950), which allows genetic analysis of asexual fungi. Soon afterwards he proposed that the gene is the unit of function in genetics. He was appointed to the first chair of genetics at Glas…
Guido Reni - Biography, Partial anthology of works
Baroque painter, born near Bologna, N Italy. He studied in Bologna, and worked both there and in Rome. The fresco painted for the Borghese garden house, Aurora and the Hours (161314) is usually regarded as his masterpiece, but some critics rank higher the unfinished Nativity in San Martino, Naples. He later settled again in Bologna. He was born in Bologna into a family of musician…
Guildford - History, Town, Politics, Leisure and Sport, Transport, Notable residents (past and present), Emergency Services
51°14N 0°35W, pop (2001e) 129 700. Town in Surrey, SE England, UK; on the R Wey, 45 km/28 mi SW of London; originally a ford over the R Wey; University of Surrey (1966); burial place of Lewis Carroll; railway; vehicles, engineering, plastics, pharmaceuticals; Royal King Edward VI Grammar School (1557), cathedral (completed in 1964), Archbishop Abbot's Hospital, Women's Royal Army Corps museu…
Guildford Four - Background, Further evidence and a final appeal, After the appeals
Three men and a woman who were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in England in 1975 for the bombing of two Guildford public houses in which seven people died, as well as for a bombing in Woolwich. The four were freed in 1989 after the Court of Appeal quashed their convictions. Three of the policemen involved in the original case were subsequently prosecuted for conspiracy to pervert the…
Guillaume Amontons - Life, Work, Honours
Physicist, born in Paris, France. He improved the design of various scientific instruments, including the hygrometer, the barometer, and the constant-volume air thermometer. His chief discovery (though disregarded at the time) was that equal changes in the temperature of a fixed volume of air result in equal variations in pressure. Guillaume Amontons (August 31, 1663 - October 11, 1705) was…
Guillaume Apollinaire - Life, Works, Bibliography, Selected references
Poet and art critic, born in Rome, Italy. He settled in Paris in 1900, and became a leader of the movement rejecting poetic traditions in outlook, rhythm, and language. His work, bizarre, Symbolist and fantastic, is expressed chiefly in L'Enchanteur pourissant (1909, The Decaying Enchanter), Le Bestiaire (1911, The Bestiary), Les Alcools (1913, The Spirits) and Calligrammes (1918). Wounded in Worl…
Guillaume Bri
Prelate, born in Paris, France. Influenced by his teacher Jacques Lefèvre and the ideas of Erasmus, after becoming bishop of Meaux (151634) he set up the cénacle de Meaux, composed of theologians and humanists, in order to reform the Catholic Church in France. Guillaume Briçonnet (c 1472 - 24 January 1534) was the Bishop of Meaux from 1516 until his death in 1534. Briç…
Guillaume de Machaut - Life, Poetry, Music, References and further reading
Poet and musician, born possibly in Reims, NE France. He worked successively under the patronage of John of Luxemburg and John II of France. One of the creators of the harmonic art, he wrote a Mass, motets, songs, ballads, and organ music. His poetry greatly influenced Chaucer. Guillaume de Machaut, sometimes spelled Machault, (born about 1300 – died 1377), was an important Medieval Frenc…
Guillaume du Vair - Reference
Writer and thinker, born in Paris, France. A lawyer, he held important positions under Henry IV and was famed for his oratorical skills. In his important work De la constance et consolation ès calamités publiques (1593) he proposed a fusion of Christianity and Stoicism which was very appealing in those troubled times. His doctrines were adopted by François de Malherbe and others. Guillau…
Guillaume Dubois
French statesman, cardinal, and prime minister (1722), born in Brives-la-Gaillarde, SC France. He was first tutor and then secretary to the Duc de Chartres (16741723); and when the latter (as Duke of Orléans) became regent in 1715, Dubois was virtually all powerful. He was appointed foreign minister, Archbishop of Cambrai (both in 1720), and a cardinal (1721), before becoming prime minister. …
Guillaume Dufay - Life, Music and influence, Trivia, Sound samples
Composer, probably born in Cambrai, N France. By 1420 he was in Italy and sang in the papal choir (142833, 14357). He was later a canon at Cambrai (143950, 145874), and also employed for lengthy periods at the courts of Ferrara and Savoy. During a year spent in Florence he wrote one of his most famous motets Nuper rosarum flores, for the dedication of the dome of Florence Cathedral (1436).…
Guillaume Groen van Prinsterer - Overview, Publications, Thoughts
Dutch politician and historian, born in Voorburg, W Netherlands. He studied law and classics at Leiden University. In 1827 he was employed in the King's cabinet, and as secretary from 1829, but resigned in 1833 because of increasing doubts about government policy. In 1828 while in Brussels he had been persuaded to join the Protestant revival movement Réveil. He entered parliament in 1840 and …
guillemot - Systematics
An auk with a long pointed bill, also known as tystie or (in the USA) murre; eats larger fish than other auks; nests in colonies on cliffs. (Genera: Uria, 2 species, or Cepphus, 4 species. Family: Alcidae.) The Guillemots comprise two genera of auks: Uria and Cepphus. The former are relatives of the Razorbill, Dovekie and the extinct Great Auk and together make up the tribe Alcini, wh…
Guillermo Cabrera Infante - Life, Works, Critical Bibliography
Writer, born in Gibara, SE Cuba. He studied at Havana University, and emigrated to England, UK in 1966, later taking British citizenship. Film critic, journalist, and translator of Joyce's Dubliners (1972), he is known chiefly for his fiction, particularly Tres tristes tigres (1967, Three Trapped Tigers), an evocation of seedy nightlife in pre-revolutionary Havana. He returned to the same themes a…
guillotine - Development, The guillotine in France, The guillotine outside of France, Living heads
In the UK, a parliamentary device whereby debate on particularly contentious items of government business can be limited by fixing the times at which various parts must be voted on, so that those opposing the business cannot instigate tactics designed to filibuster. It is used by all governments, usually on major pieces of legislation, and its imposition is itself subject to debate in the House of…
Guinea - Politics, Administrative divisions, Geography, Demographics, Culture, Miscellaneous topics, Language, Notables
Official name Republic of Guinea, Fr République de Guinée Guinea, officially the Republic of Guinea (French: République de Guinée), is a nation in West Africa, formerly known as French Guinea. Guinea is divided into seven administrative regions and subdivided into thirty-three prefectures. The highest point in Guinea is Mont Nimba at 5,748?feet (1,752?m). …
Guinea-Bissau - Politics, Administrative Divisions, Geography, Economy, Demographics, Culture, Miscellaneous topics, Reference
Official name Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Port Republica da Guiné-Bissau, formerly Portuguese Guinea (to 1974) Guinea-Bissau, officially the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (pr. An armed rebellion beginning in 1956 by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) gradually consolidated its hold on the country. Guinea-Bissau has a multi-party Natio…
Guinevere - Guinevere's character, The abduction of Guinevere, In current pop culture
King Arthur's queen; originally Guanhamara in Geoffrey of Monmouth's History, and there are other spellings. In later romances, much is made of her affair with Sir Lancelot (an example of courtly love). In Malory's epic poem she survives Arthur's death and enters a nunnery. Guinevere was the queen consort of King Arthur. The name Guinevere may be an epithet—the Welsh form Gwenhwyfar can b…
Guise
French ducal house of Lorraine, named after the town of Guise, whose members were prominent as staunch leaders of the Catholic Party during the 16th-c civil wars, through their relationship with the Stuart and Valois royal houses. The first duke was Claude de Lorraine (14961550), who served under Francis I in Italy and was given the ducal title in 1528. Henry, the third duke, instigated the murd…
guitar - History, Types of guitar, Parts of the guitar, Tuning, Guitar terminology, Further reading
In its modern form, a musical instrument with a wooden, waisted body, flat back, fretted neck, and six strings which are plucked (usually by fingers or fingernails) or strummed. Before the late 18th-c, most guitars had four or five courses (a course being one or more strings tuned to a single pitch). Since its earliest days the guitar has been associated with folk and popular music, especi…
Gujarat - History, Geography, Economy, Government and politics, Education, Tourism
pop (2001e) 50 597 000; area 195 984 km²/75 650 sq mi. State in W India, bounded N by Pakistan, SW, S and SE by the Arabian Sea; independent sultanate, 1401; part of Mongol Empire, 1572; retained its own princely rulers under British control; part of Bombay state, 1947; created in 1960 from the N and W Gujarati-speaking areas of Bombay state; capital, Gandhinagar; governed by a 182-member…
Gujranwala - Economy
32°06N 74°11E, pop (2000e) 1 069 000. City in NE Punjab province, Pakistan, 67 km/42 mi NW of Lahore; Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh born there, 1780; former Sikh capital; railway; copper and brass handicrafts, grain trade, textiles, ceramics. Gujranwala (Urdu: گجرانوالہ) is a city in Punjab, Pakistan with a population of more than 4 million. The city contains a number of important…
Gujrat - Location, History, Political Importance, Gates of Gujrat, Sites of interest, Economy, Culture, Education, Transport
32°35N 74°06E, pop (2000e) 209 000. City in Punjab province, E Pakistan; 109 km/68 mi N of Lahore, between the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers; founded, 16th-c; railway; gold and silver crafts, trade in wheat, millet, cotton, rice. Gujrat (Urdu/Punjabi: گجرات) is a city in Pakistan located in Gujrat District in the Punjab Province. Gujrat is situated 120 km north of Lahore. …
gulag - Terminology, Variety, History, Conditions, Geography, Influence, Latest developments, Wikisource
Acronym for Glavnoye Upravleniye Ispravitelno-Trudovykh Lagerey (Main Administration of Corrective Labour Camps), the Soviet Union's secret police department which administered the system of forced labour for those found guilty of crimes against the state. Forced labour was the punishment of many Soviet dissidents. Gulag (pronunciation?(help·info), Russian: ГУЛАГ) is an acronym fo…
Gulf Stream - Normal behaviour of the Gulf Stream, Localised effects, The effect of global warming
Ocean current named after the Gulf of Mexico; flows past Florida and along the E coast of the USA until deflected near Newfoundland NE across the Atlantic Ocean (the N Atlantic Drift); its warm water has an important moderating effect on the climate of NW Europe. The Gulf Stream, together with its northern extension, the North Atlantic Drift, is a powerful, warm, and swift Atlantic ocean cu…
Gulf War (Jan - Naming the conflict, Causes, Pre-war Iraqi-American relations, Diplomacy/Operation Desert Shield
A war caused by the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq (Aug 1990). Iraq failed to comply with a UN resolution calling on it to withdraw, which resulted in the formation of a 29-member coalition, led by the USA, launching an air attack against Iraq (Operation Desert Storm) on 16 January 1991, followed by a ground war (Operation Desert Sabre) on 24 February. Kuwait was liberated two days later, and hostilit…
gull - Reference
A medium or large bird, found worldwide, usually near water; feet webbed; plumage white, grey, and black; wings long and slender; bill long, stout; omnivorous, often scavenging; related to terns and skuas. (Family: Laridae, 44 species.) Gulls are birds in the family Laridae. Two terms are in common usage among gull enthusiasts for subgroupings of the gulls: Hybridisa…
gum arabic - Terrorist rumors, Witchcraft, Effect on surface tension in liquids
A resin which exudes from the branches of several species of Acacia, particularly Acacia senegal, a shrub or small tree native to dry areas of Africa, from Senegal to Nigeria. It provides the gum arabic of commerce. The gum is harvested during the dry season, and is used as an adhesive, and in ink and confectionery manufacture. (Family: Leguminosae.) Gum arabic, a natural gum also called gu…
Gunnar Gunnarsson - Biography, Gunnarsson Institute, Nobel Prize nomination, Bibliography
Novelist, born in Valthjófsstadur, E Iceland. He went to Denmark in 1907 and wrote Af Borgslægtens Historie (191214, From the Annals of the House of Borg), which became a best-seller, and was the first Icelandic work to be turned into a feature film. A prolific writer, his acknowledged masterpiece was the autobiographical novel, Kirken paa Bjerget (5 vols, 19238, The Church on the Mountain, …
gunpowder - History and origins, Composition, Characteristics and use
The oldest known explosive, a mixture of sulphur, charcoal and saltpetre (nitre, potassium nitrate). Invented in China in the 9th-c, the Chinese had guns by 900, rockets and grenades by 1042, and cannon by 1259. Gunpowder was first used in Europe in 1325. Gunpowder mixtures have a range of properties, depending on formulation and granulation. It was the principal military explosive until late in t…
Gunpowder Plot - Origins, Planning, Discovery, Interrogation and torture, Trial and executions, Historical Impact, Commemoration, Conspiracy theories
A conspiracy by Catholic gentry, led by Robert Catesby, to blow up the English Houses of Parliament. It failed when Guy Fawkes, who placed the explosives, was arrested (5 Nov 1605). The plot failed because one conspirator, Francis Tresham, warned his brother-in-law, Lord Monteagle, not to attend the parliamentary sitting; and Monteagle reported the matter to the government. The scheme reflected Ca…
Gunther Schuller - Awards and recognition
Composer, French hornist, educator, and jazz scholar, born in New York City, New York, USA. He became first chair of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at age 19. He left that post to pursue composition and teach at Yale (19646), and was president of the New England Conservatory (196677). Meanwhile, he taught at Tanglewood in the summer and directed the music school there (197484). A prolific …
guppy - Taxonomy, Ecology and behaviour, Reproduction
Small, freshwater fish (Poecilia reticulata) native to South and Central America but now widespread through the aquarium trade; feeds on invertebrates and algae; length up to 3 cm/1¼ in; males with metallic blue-green coloration. Captive breeding has produced a considerable variety of forms and colours. (Family: Poecilidae.) The guppy (Poecilia reticulata), also commonly known as guppie …
Gupta Empire - Origins, The Guptas ascendant, Main Gupta rulers, Military organization, Huna invasions and the end of empire
(320540) A decentralized state system covering most of N India, with provinces (desa) and districts (pradesa). It was materially prosperous, especially in urban areas, and is known as India's Classical or Golden Age, when norms of Indian literature, art, architecture, and philosophy were established, and Hinduism underwent revival. The Gupta Empire was one of the largest and stron…
gurdwara - Visiting a Gurdwara
A Sikh temple, or any place where the scripture is installed. In addition to a worship area housing the scripture, it should include a hostel and a place for serving meals. A Gurdwara (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ, gurdu'ārā or ਗੁਰਦਵਾਰਾ, gurdvārā), meaning "the doorway to the Guru", is the Sikh place of worship and may be referred to as a Sikh temple. In the e…
guru - Guru in Buddhism, Guru in Sikhism
In Hinduism, a spiritual teacher or guide who gives instruction to a disciple or pupil, who in return is required to render reverence and obedience. In Sikhism, it is identified with the inner voice of God, of which the 10 Gurus were the human vehicles. The term has developed a more general sense in recent years, referring to anyone who comes to be recognized as leader or originator of a cult or i…
Gus Hall - Background, The 'Little Steel' Strike, Indictment during the 'Red Scare', Later years
Communist Party leader, born in Iron, Minnesota, USA. His parents were Finnish immigrants and charter members of the Communist Party, USA. He worked as a lumberjack and steelworker, then went to Russia and studied at the Lenin Institute (19313). In 1934 he joined the Communist Party, USA, later serving in the US Navy (19426). During 19517 he went to federal prison for conspiring to teach and…
Gussie Busch
Brewer, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA. He joined the family business, Anheuser-Busch, as a young man, and as president (194675) he built this small company into the world's largest brewer through massive national advertising. Among his showiest promotional ploys were his introduction of the Budweiser Clydesdale horse team and his acquisition of the St Louis Cardinals baseball team (1953). …
Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt - Career, Diplomacy, Military service, In Russian service, View of Armfelt, Family
Swedish soldier and statesman, born near Turku, SW Finland. In the service of Gustav III, he fought in the war against Russia (178890) and negotiated the peace. He became Gustav IV's ambassador to Vienna (18024) and his army commander in Pomerania against Napoleon (18057). After the deposition of Gustav in 1809 he was expelled from Sweden, and entered the service of Tsar Alexander I. …
Gustav (Ludwig) Hertz
Physicist, born in Hamburg, N Germany, the nephew of Heinrich Hertz. He studied at Göttingen, Munich, and Berlin, then taught physics at Berlin (191325), where he worked with James Franck on experiments supporting quantum theory, and they shared the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1925. After World War 2 he went to the USSR to become head of a research laboratory (194554), and returned to East Ger…
Gustav (Robert) Kirchhoff
Physicist, born in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia). After lecturing at Berlin (1847), he became professor of physics at Wroc?aw, Poland (formerly Breslau, Prussia) (1850)) and Heidelberg (1854), and of mathematical physics at Berlin (1875). He formulated the laws involved in the mathematical analysis of an electrical network (Kirchhoff's laws, 1845). He also investigated heat, and w…
Gustav (Theodor) Fechner - Works, Modern discussions
Physicist, philosopher, anthropologist, and psychologist, born in Gross Särchen, E Germany. His interest in mind-body relationships led to his book Elemente der Psychophysik (1860, Elements of Psychophysics), in which he developed the ideas of Ernst Heinrich Weber on the measurement of sensory thresholds, and laid the foundations for psychophysics. He was also the founder of experimental aestheti…
Gustav (Theodore) Holst - Life, Media, Selected Works
Composer, born of Swedish origin in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, SWC England, UK. He studied at the Royal College of Music, London, but neuritis in his hand prevented him from becoming a concert pianist. From 1905 he taught music at St Paul's School, Hammersmith, and from 1907 at Morley College. He emerged as a major composer with the seven-movement suite The Planets (191416), and gave up most o…
Gustav Bauer - Cabinet June 1919 - March 1920
German politician and trade union leader, born in Darkehmen, Germany (now Osyorsk, Kaliningrad, Russia). A member of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), he briefly served as premier (JunAug 1919), after which he immediately became chancellor (until Mar 1920), in which capacity he signed the Treaty of Versailles. Gustav Adolf Bauer (6 January 1870 – 16 September 1944) was a German …
Gustav Frenssen
Writer, born in Barlt, N Germany. A Protestant priest until 1902, he became one of the most popular novelists at the turn of the century with his descriptions of the people and landscapes of rural N Germany. His novels include Die Sandgräfin (1896), Jörn Uhl (1901), which depicts a farmer's efforts to save his farm, and Hilligenlei (1905). His essay Der Glaube der Nordmark (1936) is an expressio…
Gustav Freytag - Biography, Works
Writer and historian, born in Kreuzburg, Silesia. After teaching philology he devoted himself to literature in the broadest sense, and made his mark not just as a Realist writer but as a formative force in bourgeois culture. Besides significantly influencing dramatic theory through Die Technik des Dramas (1863), he also founded a new type of contemporary comedy with plays such as Die Journalisten …
Gustav Heinemann
West German statesman and president (196974), born in Schwelm, W Germany. He studied at Marburg and Münster, practised as an advocate from 1926, and lectured on law at Cologne (19339). After the war he was a founder of the Christian Democratic Union, and was minister of the interior in Adenauer's government (194950), resigning over a fundamental difference over defence policy. Heinemann, a …
Gustav Klimt - Life and art, Selected works, Sources
Painter, born in Vienna, Austria. The leading master of the Vienna Sezession, he began with a firm of decorators, painting nondescript murals for museums and theatres, but in 19003 he painted some murals for the University of Vienna in a new and shocking Symbolist style which caused great controversy. His portraits combine realistically painted heads with flat abstract backgrounds. Gustav…
Gustav Mahler - Biography, Music, Legacy, Works
Composer, born in Kalit?, C Czech Republic (formerly Bohemia, Austrian Empire). He studied at the Vienna Conservatory, and worked as a conductor, becoming artistic director of the Vienna Court Opera in 1897. He resigned after 12 years to devote himself to composition and the concert platform. His mature works consist entirely of songs and nine large-scale symphonies, with a 10th left unfinished.…
Gustav Meyrink - Childhood, Prague, Early works, Fame, Death, Bibliography
Writer, born in Vienna, Austria. He translated Dickens and wrote satirical novels with a strong element of the fantastic and grotesque. Among the best known are Der Golem (1915) and Walpurgisnacht (1917). Gustav Meyrink (January 19, 1868 – December 4, 1932) was an Austrian author, storyteller, dramatist, translator, banker and Buddhist, most famous for his novel The Golem. Gus…
Gustav Noske
German politician and journalist, born in Brandenburg/Havel, E Germany. He joined the Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands (SPD) and was a member of the Reichsrat (190618). As governor of Kiel he suppressed the sailors' revolt (Matrosenaufstand) in December 1918 in the name of the Reichsregierung and, as Reichswehrminister, a number of other rebellions/uprisings in early 1919 elsewhere within…
Gustav Radbruch - Life, Work
German politician and legal scientist, born in Lübeck, N Germany. Professor in Heidelberg, Königsberg, and Kiel, he became Reichsjustizminister (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands) (19212, 1923). He was the first German professor to be dismissed from office (1933) and spent the years 193345 with scientific and literary work, after which he was again professor at Heidelberg (19458). Th…
Gustav Ritter von Kahr
Bavarian politician, born in Weißenburg, Bavaria. He became president of Upper Bavaria and Bavarian prime minister (191724). In his capacity as Generalstaatskommissar, he initially participated in the abortive Hitler Putsch (8 Nov 1923) and ordered it to be quashed the following day by police and army. In 19247 he was president of the Bavarian Court of Administrative Justice. He was murdered …
Gustav Schwab - Works
Writer and scholar, born in Stuttgart, SW Germany. In 18338 he worked with Chamisso on the Deutsche Musenalmanach, before taking up clerical and academic posts, including that of Oberstudienrat. His retellings of legends in Sagen des klassischen Altertums (183840) and Deutsche Volksbücher (c.1836) are still read today, and he was popular for his folk and student songs, romances and ballads, n…
Gustav Stickley
Furniture craftsman, designer, and editor, born in Osceola, Wisconsin, USA. The son of a stonemason, he learned and practised the trade until c.1875, when he went to work in an uncle's chair factory in Brandt, PA. By 1880 he had taken over the firm, and with his younger brothers, Charles Stickley and Albert Stickley, formed Stickley Brothers, a furniture manufacturing firm, which they moved to Bin…
Gustav Stresemann - Biography, In the Weimar Republic, First Cabinet, August - October 1923
German statesman and chancellor (1923), born in Berlin, Germany. Entering the Reichstag in 1907 as a National Liberal, he became leader of the Party, and later founded and led its successor, the German People's Party. He was briefly chancellor of the new German (Weimar) Republic, then minister of foreign affairs (19239). He pursued a policy of conciliation, helped to negotiate the Locarno Pact (…
Gustave Caillebotte - Biography, Caillebotte's Collection, Works by Caillebotte, Bibliography
Painter, born in Paris, France. He trained as an engineer and attended the École des Beaux-Arts. A gifted painter, he was also wealthy and gave generous support to the Impressionists, many of whom were his friends. He helped to organize the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874 and exhibited in the later shows. He painted some 500 works, mainly of contemporary urban life, which were characterize…
Gustave Charpentier - Opera
Composer, born in Dieuze, NE France. He studied at the Lille Conservatory, and the Paris Conservatoire under Massenet. He founded a free school of music for the poor, the Conservatoire Populaire de Mimi Pinson, wrote dramatic and choral works, and composed both the music and libretti for the operas Louise (1900) and Julien (1913). Gustave Charpentier (June 25, 1860 - February 18, 1956) was …
Gustave Courbet - Realism, Burial at Ornans, Notoriety, Sources
Painter, born in Ornans, E France. He was sent to Paris to study law, but turned to painting. The founder of Realism, in 1844 he began exhibiting pictures in which everyday scenes were portrayed with complete sincerity and absence of idealism, such as Burial at Ornans (1849, Musée d'Orsay, Paris). His best-known work is the large Studio of the Painter: an Allegory of Realism (1855, Musée…
Gustave Flaubert - Life, Work and legacy, Bibliography
Novelist, born in Rouen, NW France. He studied law at Paris, then turned to writing. His masterpiece was Madame Bovary (1857), a portrait of a young woman who cannot come to terms with the limitations of provincial life, which was condemned as immoral and its author (unsuccessfully) prosecuted. His other works include Salammbô (1862), and La Tentation de St Antoine (1874, The Temptation of St Ant…
Gustave Kahn - Principal works
Poet, literary theorist, and self-proclaimed inventor of vers libre, born in Metz, NE France. Returning to Paris after four years in North Africa, he collaborated on a number of literary reviews. He advocated abandoning the alexandrine line and making rhythm match the poets' thought movements. His poems include Les Palais nomades (1887), Domaine de fée (1895), and Premiers poèmes (1897). He …
Gustave Moreau
Painter, born in Paris, France. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he was appointed professor of painting in 1892. He was an eccentric Symbolist who painted colourful but usually rather sinister scenes from ancient mythology and the Bible, as in Salome (1876). Gustave Moreau (April 6, 1826 – April 18, 1898) was a French Symbolist painter. Moreau's main focus was…
Gustavus Franklin Swift - Early life, Chicago and the birth of the meat-packing industry
Meat packer, born near Sandwich, Massachusetts, USA. He worked in the butcher trade from age 14 in his brother's shop. By 1859 he was purchasing, slaughtering, dressing, and peddling his own steer to Cape Cod residents. His reputation as a shrewd judge of beef grew, and he became partners with a renowned Boston meat dealer (1872). As a buyer, he followed the cattle market, moving steadily W until …
Guy (Alcide) Mollet - Mollet's Ministry, 1 February 1956 - 13 June 1957
French politician and prime minister (19567), born in Flers-de-l'Orne, NW France. An English teacher, he was a member of the resistance in World War 2. In 1946 he became Mayor of Arras, an MP, secretary-general of the Socialist Party, and a cabinet minister in the Léon Blum government. In 1949 he became a delegate to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, and its president in 1955.…
Guy (Francis de Moncy) Burgess - Biography, Chronology
British traitor, born in Devonport, Devon, SW England, UK. He studied at Eton, Dartmouth, and Cambridge, where he became a communist. Recruited as a Soviet agent in the 1930s, he worked with the BBC (1936-9), wrote war propaganda (193941), and again joined the BBC (19414) while working for MI5. Thereafter, he was a member of the Foreign Office, and second secretary under Philby in Washington…
Guy (Penrose) Gibson - Early life and career, Operation Chastise, Victoria Cross, After the Dams Raid, Return to Operations, Other
British airman, born in Simla, NE India. As a wing-commander in the RAF he led the famous dambusters raid on the Möhne and Eder dams in 1943, an exploit for which he received the VC. He was killed during a later operation. Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson VC DSO and bar DFC and bar RAF (12 August 1918 – 19 September 1944), was the first CO of the RAF's 617 Squadron, which he led in …
Guy Fawkes - Early life, Gunpowder Plot, Literature, Popular culture
Conspirator and soldier, born in York, North Yorkshire, N England, UK. Of Protestant parentage, he became a Catholic at an early age. He was serving with the Spanish army in The Netherlands (15931604), and had no share in originating the Gunpowder Plot (1605). He crossed to England at Catesby's invitation and was deputed to fire the gunpowder under the Houses of Parliament. Discovered and arrest…
Guy Forget - Career
French tennis player, born in Casablanca, Morocco. He became world junior champion in 1982 and world doubles champion in 1986. His achievements include 11 singles victories, Davies Cup winner (1989, 1996), and winner of Roland-Garros in the 1996 doubles event with Hasek. In 1991 he was ranked fourth in the world. He became captain of the French team in the Davis Cup and had a memorable success ove…
Guy Laroche - Citations, Reference
Fashion designer, born in La Rochelle, W France. He worked in millinery, first in Paris, then in New York City, before returning to Paris. In 1957 he started his own business and showed a small collection. By 1961 he was producing both couture and ready-to-wear clothes, achieving a reputation for skilful cutting. From 1966 his designs included menswear. Guy Laroche, French haute couture des…
Guy Lombardo - Other pursuits, Tributes
Bandleader, born in London, Ontario, Canada. His band began performing in the USA in 1923, and as Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, they went to New York (1929) and were featured at the Roosevelt Grill for 33 years. In addition to touring extensively and making many successful recordings, the band appeared on radio, television, and in films and appeared live on television every New Year's Eve …
Guy of Dampierre - Family and Children
Count of Flanders from 1278. On the death of his elder brother he became co-regent of Flanders with his mother, Margaret of Constantinople, in 1251. He became count in 1278, acquired Bethune and Dendermonde by his first marriage, and bought Namur in 1265. He quarrelled with his feudal suzerain Philip IV (the Fair) of France, and appealed for support to Edward I, betrothing his daughter to Edward's…
Guy Verhofstadt - Early career, Verhofstadt I, Verhofstadt II
Belgian prime minister (1999 ), born in Termonde, Belgium. Educated at Gand, he practised law before serving in a variety of roles within the PVV (Partji voor Vrijheid en Vooruitgang), including the party presidency twice (1982, 1989). He was elected first as deputy, and served as minister of the budget and deputy prime minister (19858), then as a senator, where he became the vice-president of…
Guyana - Biodiversity, Military, Human Rights
Official name Co-operative Republic of Guyana, formerly (to 1966) British Guiana Politics of Guyana takes place in a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Guyana is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly of Guyana. Guy…
Guyenne or Guienne
A mediaeval duchy, including Gascony, in SW France, bounded W by the Bay of Biscay. The rump of Aquitaine, it remained a possession of the English crown after Normandy and other French territories were lost in 12045. The claim of the kings of England to be independent rulers of Guyenne was one of the causes of the Hundred Years' War. It was finally conquered by the French in 1453. The area is no…
Gwalior - Figures, The Old Town, Lashkar, Morar, Schools, Colleges and universities
26°12N 78°09E, pop (2000e) 814 000. City and former princely state in Madhya Pradesh, C India; founded, 8th-c; famous cultural centre, 15th-c; Mughal city, 15th16th-c; taken by the British, 1780; railway; commercial centre; fort on Gwalior Rock, with several palaces, temples, and shrines. Gwalior pronunciation?(help·info) is a city in Madhya Pradesh in India. Gwalior occu…
Gwen Harwood - Bibliography
Poet, born in Brisbane, Queensland, NE Australia. She started writing in her late 30s, publishing Poems (1963), Selected Poems (1975), The Lion's Bride (1981), and Bone Scan (1990). She wrote under a wide range of pseudonyms, but wrote librettos for Larry Sitsky's operas under her own name. She spent much of her adult life in Tasmania, and many of her poems are set there. Her work, which was influ…
Gwen Verdon - Filmography
Dancer and stage actress, born in Culver City, California, USA. Remembered for singing and dancing Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets) in Damn Yankees (1955), she also starred in a number of other Broadway musicals. After her dancing career ended, she turned to acting in television and motion pictures, including the two Cocoon films (1985, 1988) and Alice (1990). She was married to Bob Fosse (1960…
Gwendolyn (Elizabeth) Brooks - Legacy, Works
Poet, born in Topeka, Kansas, USA. Based in Chicago, she graduated from Wilson Junior College there (1936) and was publicity director for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Chicago (1930s). She taught at many institutions, and succeeded Carl Sandburg as poet laureate of Illinois (1968). Her verse narrative, Annie Allen (1949), won the first Pulitzer Prize awarded to …
Gweru - Railway, Road
19°25S 29°50E, pop (2000e) 115 500. Capital of Midlands province, Zimbabwe, 155 km/96 mi NE of Bulawayo; airfield; railway; important communications and administrative centre; shoes, glassware, metal alloys, dairy products, batteries. Gweru (formerly Gwelo) is a city near the centre of Zimbabwe at 19°25′S 29°50′E. It is also home to Thornhill Air Base, an army garris…
Gwynedd - History
pop (2001e) 116 800; area 3869 km²/1494 sq mi. County in NW Wales, UK, bounded NW by the Menai Strait and Anglesey, N and W by the Irish Sea; created in 1996; formerly (197496) a wider area, including Anglesey, now consists only of Caernarfonshire and Merionethshire; rises to 1085 m/3560 ft at Snowdon in Snowdonia National Park; drained by the R Conwy; bilingual language policy; administ…
Gwyneth Paltrow - Career, Filmography
Film actress, born in Los Angeles, California, USA. Brought up in a show business family, she abandoned her art history studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, to pursue an acting career. Her films include Hook (1991), Malice (1993), and Seven (1995). It was her 1996 performance in the title role of Emma Woodhouse, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen, that led to her being offere…
Gyles (Daubeney) Brandreth - Career, Personal life, Trivia
British writer, broadcaster, and politician. He studied at Oxford, where he became president of the Oxford Union, and editor of Isis. He worked as a freelance journalist from 1968, and as a columnist for several magazines, including the TV Times. He founded the National Scrabble Championships in 1971, and has on three occasions held the world record for length of after-dinner speech. Long interest…
gymkhana
A mixed sports meeting in a public place, especially one involving a range of horse-riding skills for young riders. Gymkhanas originated in India in 1860, where horse and pony races were introduced for British soldiers' entertainment. Over the years athletic events and other competitions (eg model aeroplane flying) have been introduced. In the USA, the term is often used for an obstacle competitio…
gymnastics - Disciplines
A series of physical exercises now used primarily for sporting contests. The ancient Greeks and Romans performed such exercises for health purposes. Modern techniques were developed in Germany towards the end of the 18th-c. In competition, gymnasts perform exercises which are subsequently marked out of a score of 10 by a series of judges. Men compete on the parallel bars, pommel horse, horizontal …
gypsum - Chemical structure, Uses
A mineral of calcium sulphate (CaSO4.2H2O) found in evaporite deposits as crystals (selenite) or fine-grained masses (alabaster). When partly dehydrated, it forms plaster of Paris, a fine, quick-setting, white powder. Gypsum is a very soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO4·2H2O. Heating gypsum to between 100°C and 150°C (302°F) pa…
gypsy moth - North American Introduction, Hosts, Effects of defoliation on trees, Factors that affect gypsy moth populations
A medium-sized tussock moth; rare in Britain but a pest of fruit trees in North America; wings whitish with dark zigzag markings; caterpillar greyish with tufts of brown hair; pupates in a loose cocoon. (Order: Lepidoptera. Family: Lymantridae.) The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a moth in the family Lymantriidae of Eurasian origin. The egg is the overwintering stage. Gypsy mo…
Gypsy Rose Lee - Rose Louise, The Advent of Gypsy, Love, Marriage, and Goodbye, Mother, Filmography, Television
Stripper, actress, and writer, born in Seattle, Washington, USA. Starting as a four-year-old in vaudeville with her sister, she became the best-known stripper of the 1930s. She made some films (at first as Louise Hovick), and wrote two mystery stories as well as an autobiography that was the basis of the musical, Gypsy. Stylish and witty, she was briefly (1966) a talk-show host. Gypsy Rose …
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The fashion designer Philip Treacy is best known for designing which item of clothing? | SourceBase / Mailing Lists
[Sourcebase-devel] [SPAM] To user, sourcebase-devel. Special -77% offer Ypufixiz
From: #1 MedStore <sourcebase-devel@li...> - 2010-03-31 05:23:59
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All rights reserved.<br /> CN and CPR operate a combined 2,439kilometres (1,516mi) of track in Manitoba. Eugene has <h2>a community</h2> <h5>of some 140 <h2>Sikhs,</h2> <p align="center">who have established a Sikh temple. Dizon</p> never forgot</h5> <br>to extend his blessings to the less fortunate. Now the jury decides this <br>question after legal advice from the judge, but the "not <h2>proven" verdict</h2> lives on. The city-owned golf course at Torrey Pines hosts the annual Buick Invitational tournament on the PGA Tour. However, after then, territories continued to change but since the Wars of the Roses <center>held</center> England weak, France won back that territory and the last territory England held in France was Calais, but after Henry VIII this was lost to the Spanish Netherlands. The architecture associated <p>to this era</p> <div>is</div> named Second <b>Empire in</b> the English speaking world, the term being taken from <strong>the Second French Empire.</strong>Estimates of the number <p>of Muslims</p> in France vary widely. Generation of hydroelectric power changes the <p align="right">downstream river environment.</p> Soul <p>food, developed <p align="right">by</p> African slaves, is <em>popular around the South and</em> among many African Americans elsewhere.</p> The concept of Manifest Destiny was popularized during this time. In 2007 <strong>China</strong> was accused of <p>using</p> its political influence to stop a meeting between the Pope and the <br>Dalai Lama. 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The cost of a clearance searches may not prove to be cost effective to businesses <p align="left">with <p align="right">smaller budgets or</p> individual</p> inventors.An exception to this is the northern tropical regions.Between 1960 and 1975 Rio was a <div>city-state</div> under the name <div>State of</div> Guanabara (after the bay it borders). Virginia Woolf, Simone de <em>Beauvoir,</em> Doris Lessing, Elfriede Jelinek became prominent female and feminist voices. Though these free publications are only overviews <p>of the raw</p> <p align="center">data,</p> which can <em>often be only available under CANSIM, a fee based <p align="center">service. <h5>The</h5> Spanish Government took the censuses</p> from 1765 to 1887. Manitoba is home</em> to diverse species of animals.Other recognized national parties. Post-synodal apostolic <div>exhortation.<em>Official Boston neighborhoods, defined here.</em> Later</div> Greek philosophy introduced the idea that all mortals <h5>are judged</h5> after death and <p align="center">are either</p> rewarded or cursed. This is related to different conceptions in the two communities, one focusing more on the communities and the other more on the regions, causing an asymmetrical federalism. Major tabloid newspapers in the city include. Often copyright infringement is <div>relatively easy to determine.</div> Directory of libraries in Manitoba [cited 2009-10-29]. Ohio County, Breckinridge County, and Daviess County.It has been calculated that the sale of electricity from the Three Gorges Dam will cover the construction costs <center>after</center> 5 to 8 years of full generation. Women in Hellenistic <h5>Egypt</h5> By Sarah B.Wolf Pure metal for true bastards. International Service <br>for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications. 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During the Second Balkan <p align="right">War,</p> Romania joined Greece, Serbia, Montenegro and Turkey against Bulgaria, and in the peace Treaty of Bucharest (1913) Romania gained Southern Dobrudja. Saw the first professional Sunday matches of rugby league played. Poetik, <br>Funktion und Rezeption einer niederen <p align="center">Gattung</p> im Frankreich des 17. Greek mythology in popular culture.GDP per capita is determined by (i) productivity per hour worked, which in France is the highest <p align="right">of the G8</p> countries in 2005, <p align="center">according to the OECD, [63] (ii) the</p> number of hours worked, which is one the lowest of developed countries, [64] and (iii) the employment rate. New York City Department of Finance. Collection of free educational textbooks and <h2>learning materials.It</h2> offers views second only to Corcovado mountain. Trucking industry in the United States.In 2002 Finland introduced the single <center>European currency,</center> the euro. Approximately two thirds of native speakers of English live in the United States. The oldest, Gurdwara Sahib Guru Granth Sahib, is managed by the Shromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee. <br /> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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All rights reserved.<br /> The family then returned to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Approximately 1 in 4 Finns live in the Greater Helsinki area. When a German U-boat sank the British liner Lusitania in 1915, <b>with 128</b> Americans aboard, U. Limoncelli, Christine Hogan and Strata R. After <p align="center">the Battle <center>of Vimy Ridge, where the Canadian divisions</center> fought together for</p> the first time as a single corps, Canadians began to refer to theirs as a nation "forged from fire". Evidence <p align="left">that</p> sexual orientation is biologically determined (and therefore perhaps immutable in the legal sense) would strengthen the legal case for heightened scrutiny <b>of laws discriminating on that</b> basis. Greenland Guide - The Official Travel Index. North American Journal of Welsh <div>Studies</div> Volume 1, <h2>Number 1-2 (Winter-Summer 2001).Wisconsin Evangelical</h2> Lutheran <center>Synod</center> beliefs of the Bible. Crime is prevalent among lower educational groups and is often committed by <strong>intoxicated persons. Music is composed and performed</strong> for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace.The King had decided on war reluctantly. Superficial inguinal lymph nodes.Involvement of other countries and nationals. Isaiah 7 Hebrew (Masoretic Text)-English (JPS 1917 Edition) Bible, Mechon-Mamre website.The central portion contains Dieppe Gardens, Civic Terrace <strong>and Festival Plaza,</strong> and the eastern portion is home to the Bert Weeks Memorial Gardens. Many were in search of food and water that were not available to them through any other means, as well as non-essential items. The sudden stop was also a result of the four Australian Imperial Force (AIF) divisions that were "rushed" down, thus doing what no other army had done and stopping the German <center>advance in its</center> tracks. Australian citizenship is acquired automatically <p align="center">on</p> adoption in the following circumstances. Hurricane Katrina <center>batters western Cuba. Further</center> east, <p align="right">teams of</p> Einsatzgruppen tracked down Romani <p>encampments <b>and murdered the inhabitants</b> on the</p> spot, leaving no records of the victims.The 100 Top Brands 2006, Businessweek. <center>The</center> Greek of the New Testament often preserves non-Greek semiticisms, including transliterations of Semitic words. She also wrote a nonfiction book, "Killers of <center>the</center> Dream," which examined the effect of race, sex, and religion on the Southern psyche, <center>both white and</center> black. Although The Netherlands is a secular state, in some municipalities where the Christian parties have the majority the council practices religion by praying before a meeting. Media scholar Lev Manovich says that such archives exemplify the database form, allowing users to navigate the materials in many ways (Manovich 220). Note that the actual rotational period varies on unpredictable factors such as tectonic motion and has to <b>be observed</b> rather than computed. The Mass is a liturgical representation of a sacrifice that makes present what it represents through the action of God.The text of this speech was not known at the time of their trials.Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts. American Red Cross nurses tend to Spanish flu patients in temporary wards set up inside Oakland Municipal Auditorium, 1918. The Essex County Medical Society lists family doctors accepting patients. Fine Feathered Friend at the Big Cartoon DataBase. The government-in-exile then lost control of its major colonial stronghold, the Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia), to Japanese forces in March 1942. Free learning materials and activities. Secure access to basic file system operations can be based on a scheme of access control lists or capabilities. India under British rule contributed greatly to the British war effort <em>by providing men</em> and resources. In the West, nearly all music except Traditional music has a fusional origin. Afterwards, rebels raised the Bear Flag (featuring a bear, a star, a red stripe and the words "California Republic") at Sonoma. Inter play their home games at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza stadium, also known as the San <p>Siro. Teams have the ability</p> to assign players with less than two years of experience to the NBA development league.The windmills were later used to drain lakes, creating the famous polders. Th Fighter Aviation Wing - headquartered at Payerne. Some students also take private music lessons with a teacher.The sow shrieks in pain and leaps into the air. The following luthiers are notable for <h2>the</h2> <center>cellos</center> they have produced. In East Timor right-hand traffic was introduced <p align="center">in</p> 1928, but changed back by Indonesia in 1975. Federal Research Division, <div>Library of Congress. A "left-handed compliment" is considered</div> one that is unflattering or dismissive in meaning. They were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the first round after finishing third in the group. For example, the famous Bordeaux region in France is part of the political and tourism region of Aquitaine while the Mosel wine region of Germany is located in the Rhineland-Palatinate state and extends far to the northeast of the Moselle <p align="center">and Saar tourism region. In some states a <div>decision to submit</div> an amendment to</p> the electorate must first be taken by the legislature. There were 23 cities with more than one million people each in the Soviet Union in 1989. Roman Catholics, <p align="left">Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans apply this term</p> not to <b>the Eucharistic</b> rite as <strong>a</strong> whole, but only to the partaking of the consecrated bread and wine, and to these consecrated elements themselves. The Labour Party abolished this opt-out immediately after coming to power in the 1997 general election. The Liberal and Conservative parties, founded in 1848 and 1849 respectively, are two of the oldest surviving political parties in the Americas. <br /> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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All rights reserved.<br /> State-owned MediaCorp <center>operates all</center> <p align="center">seven free-to-air terrestrial</p> local <br>television channels licensed to broadcast in Singapore, as well as 14 radio channels. The mayor is not a part of the Richmond City Council. An 1880s <p align="left">lithograph of the</p> original California State Normal School campus in San Jose. The city of Nri is considered to be <h2>the</h2> foundation of Igbo culture. And international stories <p align="left">of the</p> day. Please help improve this article by expanding it. European Parliament constituency. CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE. The <em>Confederacy never surrendered Fort Sumter, but General William <div>T.There</div> also may be more than one</em> group identifier used in a country. <p>The</p> high number of white blood cells are apparent when a blood sample <br>is viewed <p align="right">under</p> a microscope. Land Rover <p align="center">followed</p> suit in 1970 by releasing the Range <b>Rover</b> and the more popular Freelander in Britain. Issues member states with recommendations that, if adopted, would further the cause of human rights protection. On the reverse is the Royal Cypher in gold upon a red enamelled ground, within a wreath of laurel, enamelled <h2>green. Illinois</h2> 49 runs for its length entirely as an undivided surface highway.In the state <br>championship game her <p>sophomore season,</p> she scored a record 37 points.Domestic automakers from foreign light truck production and reduced pressure on Detroit to introduce vehicles that polluted less or offered increased fuel economy. Some pictures of the station shortly before demolition. The <center>trend</center> continued with other competitors adding comfort features to <p align="right">their</p> rudimentary <h2>and</h2> truck-based models. After taking the <center>fort,</center> the army <p align="right">prepared to move inland, later</p> capturing the native kings of Tenerife and <h5>presenting</h5> them to Ferdinand and Isabella. Films such as Sleeping Dogs and Goodbye Pork Pie achieved local success and launched the careers of actors and directors including Sam Neill, <strong>Geoff Murphy and Roger</strong> Donaldson.Tenerife is the only Spanish island that has two airports and two ports (the others have only one each).Unification of Southern and Northern Nigeria by <p align="left">Frederick</p> Lugard. On 1 January 2002, Spain ceased to use the peseta as currency replacing it with the euro, which it shares with 15 other countries in the <p align="right">Eurozone.</p> Communes of the Maine-et-Loire department.His work on <h2>moral sentiments sought</h2> to explain social bonds outside the economic sphere. <em>Production of ozone is one of the potential</em> dangers of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. Paige and Cooper blackmail Justin into doing them little favors because they found out about him and Rebecca. Western Europe helped Eastern Europe by forming economic ties with it. A transport of 3,087 predominantly Polish men, women, and children from Warsaw arrive in Auschwitz in retribution for Warsaw uprising. <strong>The band reunited for</strong> a single concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 1, 2007. Long-bodied <p>decapod crustaceans such as</p> shrimp, prawns, crayfish and lobsters are alone in having reflecting superposition eyes, which also has a transparent gap but uses corner mirrors instead of lenses. It <p>is bordered <strong>by the</strong> states of Veracruz to</p> the west, Chiapas to the south, and Campeche to the north-east.Confucian political <p align="right">ideas also</p> deeply influenced and were expounded upon by scholars in Korea <em>and Japan.</em><br>Even land ownership disputes were decided based solely on oral testimony. Traverses, Civil War Fortifications dictionary.Larry Sanger describes the Citizendium project as a "progressive or gradual fork", with the major difference that experts have the final say over <p align="left">edits. The highest North Island</p> mountain, Mount Ruapehu (2797m, 9177ft), is an active cone volcano. The next, heavily planned incarnation of the city prospered and superseded Colchester as the capital of the Roman province of Britannia in 100. >From northeast to southwest, Morocco, Western Sahara <p>(annexed and occupied</p> by Morocco), and Mauritania make up the roughly 2,000 kilometers of Arab Atlantic coastline. Reinforces the sinlessness <center>of Christ, especially as it relates</center> to Christ being outside the sin of Adam (original sin).Chicago Bears 1941 NFL Champions.In 580 <p align="center">AD,</p> China was reunited under the Sui. <center>UK Local Government Information. Post</center> and laundrette services are all located on the site just over the road.Ontario Plaques - Newmarket Radial Railway Arch.The global warming potential (GWP) depends on both the efficiency of the molecule as a greenhouse gas and its atmospheric lifetime. The result appeared to be very successful Retrieved 2 January 2008. Though early navigators thought of the sea as a flat surface that could be used as a vertical datum, this is far from reality. November 9 - Yves Montand, actor. The Annual Safety Review presents <b>statistics</b> on European and worldwide civil aviation safety. The climate is mostly temperate throughout the country. Unless the batter gets a hit off the play. Winning, for example, the Silver Medal Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence in 2001. When the <em>Assyrians conquered the Kingdom</em> of Israel in 722 BCE, Jerusalem was strengthened by a great influx of refugees from the northern kingdom. 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All rights reserved.<br /> In February, <p align="left">1989</p> Loveless and her <div>producer, Emory Gordy,</div> Jr. All <center>of them were an</center> improvement over the three-strip negatives since <b>the</b> negative print-downs generated sharper and finer grain dye transfer copies. Some of these blended Gaelic and <br>Anglian styles, such as the <h5>Lindisfarne Gospels and Vespasian Psalter.There are some restrictions based</h5> on advertising, especially in relation to <br>the advertising of alcohol. And then <br>this designer would likewise need a designer, and so on ad infinitum. The Image of the City, Kevin Lynch, 1960. This resulted in the Balfour <p align="center">Declaration 1926, which</p> announced the equal status <p>of</p> all members of the British Commonwealth (as it was known <strong>then), including</strong> Britain. Archived from the <center>original</center> on 2008-01-12. A <br>Japanese puppet state in Burma was then formed on August 1 under <h2>the Burmese nationalist leader</h2> Ba Maw. The Foo protocol specification should explicitly name one set of encoding rules to use, so that users of the Foo protocol know they should use DER. He used mirror-drum scanning to transmit simple geometric shapes to the CRT. A cargo ship navigating the mouth of the Cape Fear River at Southport. These are movements within Islam, rather than an attempt at schism.List of hospitals in Portland, Oregon. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. This method creates high redundancy and <h2>does</h2> not allow holding metadata together. An ATP synthase enzyme uses the chemiosmotic potential <p align="right">to</p> make ATP during photophosphorylation, whereas NADPH is a product of the terminal redox reaction in <b>the</b> Z-scheme. Inspection of Cassini spacecraft <p align="center">RTGs before launch. 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Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus).<center>This</center> (with reference to perception) is the claim that sensations are, by themselves, unable to <p align="right">provide</p> a unique description of the world.The Hellenes had similar customs.Regional Languages Gaelic, <b>French.</b> Smaller figure excludes data for disputed territories of Jammu and Kashmir that are disputed with India. Most birds are highly adapted <p align="center">for <p align="right">rapid</p> digestion to aid with flight. Upali,</p> foremost disciple in knowledge of the Vinaya.Citizens, such as Alan Green to <b>join Team America. The cabinet meets not</b> only in Canberra but also in various other Australian state capitals, most <p align="right">frequently Sydney</p> and Melbourne. In practice, however, the government differed markedly from Western systems. National Geographic Seconds From Disaster episodes. In these circumstances, Parliament chose to act as an authority above the King. Hume also proposed <p align="right">a theory of beneficial inflation. <center>A</center> b Saguaro Road Records - Future</p> Releases. The Depression ended when World War II started in 1939.It is expected that a processor works in the service of an application. The Nationalists were supported <p align="right">by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany.</p> Al also has great acting talent, and does a fantastic job. <br>The free encyclopedia that anyonecanedit. The code can thus extract information from the document <center>as it traverses it.</center>The terms of this agreement are embodied in the Australian Constitution, which was drawn up at a Constitutional Convention and ratified by the people of the colonies at referenda. Her late-1980s records were generally quite popular, earning her comparisons to Patsy Cline, but most critics agreed that she truly came into her own as an artist in the early 1990s. <h5>The plane had, however,</h5> exceeded its V 1 speed [15]. The balance of power tipped significantly towards the republics. Chain of events leading to disaster. Modern Nova Scotia is a mix of many cultures.Distinct characteristics of urban planning from remains of the cities of Harappa, Lothal and Mohenjo-daro in the Indus Valley Civilization (in modern-day northwestern India and Pakistan) lead archeologists to conclude that they are the <em>earliest examples of deliberately</em> planned and managed cities. Bursts into the United States Capitol and opens fire, killing 2 police officers. Other major <p align="center">beer festivals throughout the calendar year</p> include the Spring Beer and Wine Festival in April, the North American Organic Brewers Festival in June, the Portland International Beerfest in July, [42] and the Holiday Ale Festival in December. Anti-British sentiments were widespread in Iraq prior to 1941. In the Church of England, the Bishop <p>of Hereford</p> defended his decision to ordain a transsexual woman as a priest. 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All rights reserved.<br /> Gallinarum is geographically distributed worldwide commonly found in chickens, turkeys, and many other species, primarily poultry. The result of this behavior is that a flock will <p align="center">use only a few preferred locations,</p> rather than having a different nest for every bird. Jeyakumar Devaraj, after the 2008 general election. Accepting, Rejecting, <p align="left">and Using Gifts.</p> In addition, scholarly critics <em>of the <b>Soviet Union, <b>such as</b> economist</b> Friedrich Hayek were commonly cited as critics</em> of socialism. Billy Hughes - Secretary, Sydney Wharf Labourers Union and Waterside Workers Federation.<p align="center">Utopian</p> socialists establish a set of ideals or goals and present socialism as an alternative to capitalism, with subjectively better <p align="left">attributes. The</p> Platform provides the policy foundation from which we can continue to <center>work</center> towards the election of a federal Labor Government. They argue that through either state directed administration or economic planning, the state can allocate resources more effectively than the market. Socialist-inspired groups played an <h5>important</h5> role in these new movements, which nevertheless <em>embraced much</em> broader layers of the population, and <strong>were championed by</strong> figures such <h5>as Noam Chomsky. After bitter</h5> public dispute many Groupers were expelled from the ALP and formed the Democratic Labor Party (DLP) whose <strong>intellectual leader was B. Economic activity is still organised through</strong> the use of incentive systems <div>and social classes</div> would still exist but <h2>to a lesser and diminishing</h2> extent than under capitalism. Polite North Americans often wait silently for service if the wait staff is breaching etiquette. The AWU and the NUW, for example, are bitter rivals and the NUW sometimes aligns itself with the left to further its <h2>conflict</h2> with the AWU. Engels, Frederick, Preface to the 1888 English Edition of <p align="left">the Communist Manifesto, p.</p>One is supposedly sharing the celebration of a rather <p align="left">personal occasion.</p> One exception to accepting gifts graciously is when a gift has an expectation associated with it, i. Although scientific management is based on technocratic organization, elements of democracy can be present in the system, such as having democratically decided social goals that are executed by a technocratic state.Labor Prime Minister Billy Hughes supported the introduction of conscription, while the <em>majority of his colleagues in the</em> ALP and trade union movement opposed it.In Sweden, the Social Democratic Party held power from 1936 to 1976 and then again from 1982 to 1991 and from 1994 to 2006. Wedding gifts are not excepted <br>from this rule, though there are common misconceptions that waiting for matching cards, photographs, or for the ceremony to pass are valid excuses to delay thanking people. >From 1945 onward, staunchly anti-Communist Roman Catholic members (Catholics being an important traditional support base) in opposition to communist infiltration of unions, formed Industrial Groups to gain control of them, fostering intense internal conflict. Miss Manners Guide to Rearing Perfect Children, by Judith Martin, Athenum, NY, 1984. Phoenicians spread chickens along the Mediterranean <br>coasts, to Iberia. Archived <p>from the</p> original on 2009-10-31. Under War Communism, private business was outlawed, strikers could <strong>be shot,</strong> the white collar classes were forced to work manually and peasants <center>could be forced</center> to provide to workers in cities. Asking for the receipt when receiving a gift. The prices of producer goods <p align="left">would</p> <div>be determined</div> through trial and error. While gifts are customarily given, they are not to be expected by the recipient [78] [79]. Shaking hands <em>while wearing</em> gloves is widely considered impolite. Miss Manners on Painfully Proper Weddings. See also <h2>Leader of the Australian Labor</h2> Party in <h2>New South Wales.</h2>Early socialism was seen as an extension of classical liberalism <p>by extending</p> liberty and rights to the industrial economic aspect of life, <center>so that these</center> values were compatible with the then-emerging industrial society. Peter Brook profile by Experimental Theatre Organization. While commonly seen <strong>in</strong> reception rooms, a cash bar indicates that the host believes the guests should have access to drinks, but is not willing to pay for them. Though etiquette rules may seem arbitrary at times, these are the situations in which a common set of accepted customs <p align="center">help</p> to <center>eliminate awkwardness. Workers would</center> be remunerated solely according to effort and sacrifice, so that those engaged in dangerous, uncomfortable, and strenuous work would receive the highest incomes and could thereby work less. Personal matters should not be brought up except to those with whom one is highly familiar. States with socialist economies have largely moved away from centralised economic <div>planning</div> in the 21st century, <h5>placing a</h5> greater emphasis on markets, in the case of the Chinese Socialist market economy and Vietnamese Socialist-oriented market <br>economy, worker cooperatives as in <br>Venezuela, and utilising state-owned corporate management models as opposed to modeling socialist enterprise off traditional management styles employed by government agencies. First mourning for the immediate family is now considered to be the time between the death and the end of the funeral. Gurdjieff [4] and the works of Edward Gordon Craig and Stuart Davis, [citation needed] as well as Matila Ghyka [5]. Araucanas, some of which are tailless and some of which have tufts of feathers around their ears, lay blue-green eggs. At-home cards may be included with wedding invitations. The party was historically committed to socialist economic policies, but this term was <div>never</div> clearly defined, and no Labor <h5>government ever</h5> attempted to implement "socialism" in any <p align="left">serious sense. The Second International expelled individuals</p> and member organisations that it considered to have an anarchist outlook, most <div>notably Swiss, Italian, and</div> French anarcho-syndicalists such as Errico Malatesta and Mikhail Bakunin. In Greece, in the general <center>election on 4 October 2009, the Panhellenic</center> Socialist Movement (PASOK) <p>won the <p align="right">elections with</p> 43. <center>They cause infection that</center> is mildly pathogenic. The</p> Bolshevik Russian <h5>Revolution</h5> of January 1918 engendered Communist parties worldwide, and their concomitant revolutions of 1917-23.A good host never requests help and offers mild resistance if it is wanted, but firm resistance if it is not. The 2003 invasion of Iraq led to a significant anti-war movement in which <p align="right">socialists argued their case.</p> The term market socialism <em>has</em> also been applied to Soviet-style planned systems that try <h5>to</h5> organize themselves partially along market principles <h2>while retaining centralized</h2> state ownership of capital (New Economic Mechanism, Goulash Communism). In practice only a <br>dedicated minority regularly attend meetings.Makoto Itoh, Political Economy of Socialism.The vast majority of poultry are raised using intensive farming techniques. Brook was <em>born</em> in London in March 1925, the son of Simon Brook and his wife Ida <div>(Jansen). While brooding,</div> the hen <b>maintains the nest at a constant temperature and humidity, as well</b> as turning the eggs regularly during the first part of the incubation. <br /> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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All rights reserved.<br /> <b>The</b> central plateau is characterized by a continental climate, with hot summers and cold snowy winters.This <br>was because of the destruction of the "grand coalition" of Western socially conservative populists, Quebec nationalists, and fiscal conservatives from Ontario that had supported the Progressive Conservatives in 1984 and <h2>1988. German airline Lufthansa announces its</h2> takeover of Swiss Airlines. Olson, Arthur David (1986-12-16).Karl Jaspers, the German historical philosopher, proposed that the ancient civilizations were affected greatly by <em>an Axial</em> Age in the period between 600 BC-400 BC during which a series of male sages, prophets, religious reformers and philosophers, from <center>China, India, Iran, Israel and Greece, changed the</center> direction of civilizations <b>forever [22].</b> According the police, the attempt was led by imprisoned members of Abu Sayyaf. 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The format went on sale in Japan in November 1996, in the United States in <p align="center">March</p> 1997, in Europe in October 1998 and in Australia in <p align="left">February 1999. Younghusband,</p> Francis <em>(July 1931). His</em> <p>alma <p>mater</p> Wheaton College has</p> an archive of his papers at the Billy Graham <div>Center. The</div> New Hall building, previously named Palace of Beaulieu [31] has great history <em>including</em> that of Henry <p align="left">VII.</p> Ohio has an estimated 11 billion short tons <h2>of recoverable coal resources. New</h2> England Patriots current roster. Norman Itzkowitz, Ottoman Empire and Islamic Tradition p. No state currently allows full freedom of movement across its borders, and international human rights <p align="center">treaties do not confer</p> a general right to enter another state. Following the lead of first-wave British punk bands Cock Sparrer and Sham 69, in the late 1970s second-wave units like Cockney Rejects, Angelic Upstarts, The Exploited, and The <strong>4-Skins sought to</strong> realign punk rock with a working class, street-level following. There are more reserves in Canada than there are First Nations, <p align="right">which were</p> ceded <p align="right">multiple reserves by treaty. Between 1974 and 1986 the county</p> had a two-tier system of local government with the five boroughs sharing power with the Merseyside County Council.Later in the year, it moved onto the World Wide Web (a network in its infancy back then) under the name of Cardiff Internet Movie Database. Jordana was a journalist <center>who had a</center> one-night stand with Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker). The main festival is Naadam, which has been organised for centuries, consists of three Mongolian traditional sports, archery, horse-racing (over long stretches of open country, not the short racing around a track practiced in <h2>the West),</h2> and wrestling. The Adriatic Sea between Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania .The irony of the entire story was that the man they were hunting for was nowhere <center>around the <p align="center">area on the day of the <br>operation. For example, in this philosophy,</p> the</center> particular effects of the method as described by Dr. He attempted to back <p align="right">out</p> of his agreement to marry Angelique, after she cured his sister of her illness. Satellite image showing the core of the New York metropolitan area. See server layout diagrams <center>on Meta-Wiki.</center>The Ottoman Peoples and the <h2>End</h2> of Empire. Conspirators rarely consummate their conspiracy. See also Wade, Nicholas (2006-01-18). The NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. In Switzerland, Spanish is the mother tongue of 1. The Strait of Otranto, between Italy and Albania. Fire management focuses on monitoring dead and down wood quantities, soil and tree moisture, and the weather, to determine those areas most vulnerable to fire should one ignite.Parlett, David (1990), The Oxford Guide to Card Games, Oxford University Press, ISBN 0-19-214165-1. <br /> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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All rights reserved.<br /> Development from a laboratory demonstration to a commercial entity spanned several decades and required the efforts of many practitioners. <div>She shared her Death Row cell</div> at the Gatesville Unit with her friend Pam Perillo, whose own sentence was eventually commuted to life in prison. The CIA has varying amounts of Congressional oversight, <div>although that is principally a guidance role. A</div> b <p>c Miller, Tracy, ed (10</p> <center>2009)</center> (PDF).The aquaculture sector adds to this pressure, requiring areas of high water quality to set up <h5>farms.<p align="right">The Debate about Adventist <b>Identity. His</b> other</p> notable writings were the Chakeresvaracharita <h2>and the <b>Parashuramacharitha. Jasmer RM, Nahid P,</b> Hopewell</h2> PC (December 2002). Lava</h5> flows are widespread and forms of volcanism not present on Earth occur as well. In baseball, by contrast, every <div>player is more or less on</div> his own....Graham Leader, Ross <center>Katz, Todd Field. This changed after</center> large amounts of tin were found <em>in the Bolivian tin belt</em> and the east Asian tin belt, stretching from China through Thailand and Laos to Malaya and Indonesia.While services account for between sixty and seventy percent of GDP, <b>legislation in the area</b> is not as developed as <p align="left">in</p> other areas. <h2>A</h2> small number of high rise <p align="right">developments</p> have been built in the area as well, to encourage a concentration of residence in a bid to stimulate the economy of local business, and the local population, with more high rise developments planned.Won the Best Film in the BAFTA, Golden Globe and New York Film Critics Circle Award.The term subwavelength <br>is used to describe an object having one or more dimensions smaller than the length of the wave with which the object interacts. Representing the collective voice of OSCE parliamentarians, these resolutions and recommendations are meant to ensure that all participating States live up to their OSCE commitments.Antonia may have <p>had two other children</p> who died young, as well. Sixty Dome Mosque in Mosque city of Bagerhat was built in the 15th century and is the largest historical mosque in Bangladesh, as well as a World Heritage site. Partially or entirely in Asia, depending on the border definitions. Cranfills Gap was first contacted by the LVCVA in October 2008 when the town was placed on the list of ten candidate communities. Second of only two trilogies to have all three films nominated for <p align="right">Best Picture.</p> Significant numbers of non-Spanish immigrants have arrived in Chile, from various countries and regions, including Italy, Ireland, France, Greece, Germany, England, the Netherlands, Scotland, Croatia, and Palestine. Four years later, it barred participation by African Americans. Wikibooks has a book on the topic of. The municipality <h2>was</h2> founded in 1863 and <div>was named</div> in honour of the Greek city of Corinth.Eliminated in second group stage. <b>Jasenovac</b> Jewish Virtual Library. In matches where a fourth official is appointed, toward the <h2>end</h2> of the <strong>half</strong> the referee signals how <p>many</p> minutes of stoppage <strong>time he intends to</strong> add. Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex p. They are <b>common on commercial ships and long-distance commercial aircraft. For example, the</b> strophe, antistrophe and epode of the ode form are often separated into <h5>one or <br>more stanzas. Bitumen</h5> layers are baked onto the outside of high end dishwashers to provide sound insulation. He says art is not part of human <h2>nature, but</h2> our appreciation of art is.Leptodactylus lauramiriamae Heyer and Crombie, 2005. The official name of the award has changed several times over the years. The important city of Thessaloniki was captured from the Venetians in 1387. The thick layers of peptidoglycan in the "Gram-positive" cell wall stain purple, while the thin "Gram-negative" cell wall appears pink. However, the Senate rejected a cloture motion on the bill in June 2008. Brigham Young University Education and Law Journal 3. He gives the yearning of Radha a distinctly Bengali rendition, and in the process capturing much <p align="right">of the social conditions of the day. Further refined as a</p> lightning detector, it was <p align="center">presented to</p> the Russian Physical and Chemical Society on May 7, 1895. How much MSA versus colloquial <h2>is</h2> used depends on the speaker, the topic, and the situation - amongst other factors. Except for the French acquisition of Tobago, sovereignty in the West Indies was returned to the status quo ante bellum in the peace of 1783. <em>Although</em> some professional Nicaraguan baseball teams have folded in the recent past, Nicaragua enjoys a strong tradition of American-style Baseball. At the same <center>time the</center> British received the province of Benares from Awadh.Corn is used in many of the widely consumed dishes, such as the nacatamal, and indio viejo. Early Canadian Radio Station Lists. In the United States, the individual states incorporate most businesses, and some special types are incorporated by the federal government. Gaspari, A Ditadura Envergonhada, pp. <p align="right">On</p> issues <p>of faith, science, religious</p> tolerance or inter-faith dialogue. Henry Fonda, James Cagney, <p align="center">William Powell, Jack</p> Lemmon. Population of Chile from 1820, projected up to 2050. Following a 2005 stint as Lecturer in Law at Brunel University, Chartier was promoted to the rank of <p align="right">Associate Professor and tenured at La Sierra in</p> 2008. Despite this apparent equivalence between array and pointer variables, there is still a <h2>distinction</h2> to be made between them. Brazil went on beating all <p>three</p> opponents, scoring 11 goals and conceding only three, and topping the group. <br /> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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The Singapore government argues that Singapore has the sovereign right to determine its own judicial system and impose what it sees as an appropriate punishment, including capital punishment (hanging) for first-degree murder and drug trafficking. Map of Castle Island and Fort Orange in 1629. The area is now home to a variety of fast food restaurants and a shopping center.Sculptures of a Calusa family stand on the mound next <h5>to</h5> a palm-thatched house, suggesting that the visitor is looking outside and into the past. The Lepidoptera have, over millions of years, evolved a wide range <b>of</b> wing patterns and coloration ranging from drab moths <p align="right">akin</p> to the related order <h2>Trichoptera to</h2> the brightly colored and complex-patterned butterflies. In 2009 another molecular <h5>phylogeny</h5> study, using a combination of genes from mitochondria and the cell nucleus, concluded that Bryozoa is a monophyletic phylum, in other words includes all the descendants of a <p>common <br>ancestor that is <b>itself</b> a bryozoan.Look up misdemeanor in <strong>Wiktionary, the</strong> free dictionary.</p>It is hard for us today to understand the great change that took place as the early Justices of the Supreme Court set <p align="right">the</p> tone and thus the course of their adjudicatory process, a process much envied and emulated throughout the world today. <b>Ogiwara Hiroshi</b> (2004) (in (Japanese)). Aggarwal BB, Harikumar KB (January 2009). History of the early years of tango music citing key examples.And when you do, <h2>you</h2> can do anything you <em>want,</em> and I mean professionally, anything you want. La Scala operahouse in Milan is also renowned as one of the best in the world. Until 2006 the Lord Chancellor was the highest paid member of the government ahead of the Prime Minister. A November 1993 survey by the Cultural Affairs Agency found that more Japanese had sung karaoke that year than had participated <h5>in traditional</h5> cultural pursuits such as flower <em>arranging or</em> tea ceremonies. <em>The</em> town had been started in 1856 by abolitionists, Wyandots, free blacks and settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company, come from Massachusetts and other northeast states to help Kansas become a free state. An aerial view <em>of</em> the UW campus, dating from 1922 or before. The aircraft is destroyed by fire and causes disruption to mainline train <center>services between Manchester</center> and London for a number of days. The current number of counties mostly resembled <div>that of the later years</div> of Qing Dynasty. Denmark <p align="left">has qualified for the 2010 FIFA World</p> <strong>Cup by</strong> winning their group.On August 1, 1989, <p>through Republic Act</p> No. Reunited, the four board a steamer taking them across the Pacific to San Francisco. Supplemental sales tax in Grand <center>Forks. In</center> May 2006, Konami acquired entire stake in Combi Wellness Corporation and made it a subsidiary. During the Mughal rule, Madrasahs were introduced in India to educate the children of Muslim parents. Hampshire at the Open <p align="center">Directory</p> Project. With the help of computers, it <br>has recently <p align="left">become possible to analyze complete sets of</p> games played. Within Scotland, the arms of the Duke of Rothesay, which quarters the arms of the Great Steward and of the Lords of the Isles, placing the arms of the heir apparent to the Scots throne on an inescutcheon in the centre, are used. 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All rights reserved.<br /> During the 2003-2004 season, the company performed <h5>the world</h5> premiere of Nicholas and Alexandra, with music composed by Deborah Drattell and text by Nicholas von Hoffman.Tribune Company was rumored to be interested in buying Telefutura.Could no longer be considered a static condition, a product of a <div>creative</div> past, and became instead a continuing dynamic process. In some spider species, males and <p align="center">females</p> mimic different ant species, as female spiders are usually much larger than males.Million people, government is the leading field of employment. The nephridium also plays an important role in maintaining water balance in freshwater and terrestrial species. They soon confessed their love for each other, and pledged to leave their respective spouses and start a new life together. Many railway stations date from the 19th century and reflect the grandiose architecture <strong>of the time, lending prestige to the city as</strong> well <h5>as to railway operations.Ahern</h5> hoped to win a third general election in 2007 while opinion polls, in April 2007, suggested that this was improbable. Efforts to <div>accurately measure and assess public <em>and group</em> views and interests on these and other issues are fraught</div> with problems, however, such as political bias and the use of unscientific methodologies. National Museum of Natural History - Geologic Time. While Cinecolor used the same duplitized stock method as <b>Prizma and Multicolor, its main advantage was inventing processing</b> machines that could do larger quantities of <b>film</b> in a shorter time. The ABC openings and closings of these telefilms were never <p align="left">seen</p> on other stations, nor were they included on the DVD set of the series.That Konstantin Bozveliev became the first socialist to be elected mayor in Bulgaria in 1908. Under the reforms introduced by Secretary of State for War <b>Hugh Childers in <p align="right">1881, the remaining</p> militia</b> infantry regiments were redesignated as numbered battalions of <em>regiments of</em> the line, ranking after the two regular battalions. <em>In the</em> economic <p align="right">sphere, India</p> has close relationships with other developing nations in South America, Asia and Africa. Later in 2000, Caldera acquired several UNIX properties from the <p align="right">Santa</p> Cruz Operation, including OpenServer and UnixWare, proprietary operating systems for PCs that would be expected to compete directly with Linux.Profiles and portraits of Neilson and <p>her</p> daughter. The phylum is typically divided into nine or ten taxonomic classes, of which two are extinct. In 1984, the Japanese Language Proficiency <h5>Test was devised to</h5> meet increasing demand. Kankavli, Kudal, Vijaydurg, Vaibhavwadi, Devgad, Malvan, Savantwadi, Vengurla. By 1929, most movie studios had revamped this format using their own house aperture plate size to try to recreate the older screen ratio of 1. A care-free hippie throughout his teen and young adult years, he was an avid <strong>reader,</strong> enjoying The Lord of the Rings and philosophical, political and poetic books. Shughni is one of the Pamir <strong>languages of the Southeastern</strong> Iranian <h2>language group. The</h2> list fails to include Taipei. This Neftchala Rayon location article is a stub. The Star Wars saga has inspired many fans to create their own apocrypha set in the Star Wars galaxy. It would contain geometry, viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information. May 22 is the 142nd day of the year (143rd in leap years) in the Gregorian <em>calendar. The Routledge Atlas</em> of the Holocaust. The United States largely developed the ARPANET and its successor, the Internet. Film industry has largely been based in and around Hollywood, <em>California. A passenger train</em> brakeman <p align="center">was not exposed</p> to the weather. Rangitata Orogeny begins <h2>in New Zealand. The London Philharmonic</h2> Orchestra, as it was named, consisted of 106 players, including a few young players straight from music college, many established players from provincial orchestras and some poached from the LSO. Like most fish, the females grow larger than the males, with males over 300 lb (135kg) being rare. A minor penalty will be assessed if the goaltender does so. Modern Standard German is mostly based on Central German, but it should be noted that the common (but not linguistically correct) German term for modern Standard German is Hochdeutsch, that is, High German. Slugs in this family make and use love darts made of chitin. But they were not prepared for the harsh conditions brought on by the first blizzards of winter and in the days that followed, Soviet forces drove them back over <br>320 kilometers <b>(200 miles).</b> The language of Western-Aramaic-speaking Christians is evidenced from the sixth <div>century, but probably existed two centuries earlier. A gold rush began</div> in Australia in the early 1850s, and the Eureka Stockade rebellion against mining licence fees in 1854 was an early expression of civil disobedience. In 1951 its headquarters were moved from Washington, D.The strength of the nation lies in unity. With Links to the M1 at Junction 30 and the North via the A619. A comparison between the 1864 and 1887 Constitutions is illustrative. This was despite continual warfare with England, <br>the increasing division between Highlands and Lowlands, and a large number of royal minorities. Ravel <br>considered <b>himself in</b> many ways a classicist. The two musicians also appreciated much the same musical heritage and operated in the same artistic milieu, but they differed in terms of personality and their approach to music. Released in July 1967, Triangle only reached number 197 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, [11] but it was <div>praised</div> by critics, including Australian journalist and <p align="center">author</p> Lillian Roxon in her 1969 Rock Encyclopedia. Aspect ratio when projected through an anamorphic lens. Familiarity with the etymology of groups of synonyms can give <p>English speakers</p> greater control over their <center>linguistic register. KMB was founded on 13 April 1933</center> as a result of the reformation of public transport by the Hong Kong Government. Stadionwelt-Stadien - Das Online-Magazin.Under the act, wrecks to be designated as controlled sites must have sunk within the last two hundred years. Kristy Lee Cook founded the Kristy Lee Horse Heaven Foundation, which specializes in caring <p align="center">for,</p> saving and training horses. <br /> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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Alomar was a highly regarded catcher in the San Diego organization after being named Baseball America Minor League Player of <strong>the Year in both 1988 and 1989,</strong> <h2>but he was</h2> stuck behind Benito Santiago at the Major League level. <center>This was backed up by</center> studies of the anatomy and development of these animals, which showed that many of the features <strong>that <p align="left">supported the Articulata hypothesis showed</p> significant differences</strong> between annelids and the <em>earliest Panarthropods in <center>their</center> details, and some were hardly present all</em> in arthropods. 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Each handle value <strong>must</strong> have a data type specified in its "<type>" field, that defines the syntax and semantics of its data. Printed books existed after 1547, but the level of literacy among Lithuanians was low through the 18th century and books were not commonly available. The approach to research tends to be systematic and empirical, and to involve the collection and analysis <strong>of both quantitative</strong> and <div>qualitative</div> data.How the records are handled and the equipment on <p align="left">which</p> they are played as <p align="center">well</p> as the manufacturing process and quality of <p align="right">original</p> vinyl have a considerable impact upon their wear. The name Palestine is <h5>derived from</h5> "Philistia" and "Philistines", via the Greek and Latin languages. 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Bing Crosby National Pro-Am Golf Championship, Phoenix Open, <h2>U.Develop</h2> a global partnership for development.<br>Not all member states are in <h5>agreement as</h5> to which of the over 7000 mandates should be reviewed. This term was intended originally to cover <p>the time before</p> any preserved rocks were deposited, although some zircon crystals from about 4400 Ma demonstrate the existence of crust in the Hadean Eon.As captain-coach he helped them reach the finals for the first time in fifteen years. When a student transfers to a charter school, a certain amount of funding is transferred along with them. Null pointers are useful for indicating special cases such as no next pointer in the final node of a linked list, or as an error indication from functions returning pointers. Of the UK population identifying themselves as mixed race or ethnic minority. A Fortune 500 company, has its headquarters in the downtown area. With 16 other EU member states it forms the Eurozone. Sri Lanka census of population and housing 2001. EP discs were generally used to reissue LP albums <h5>on the smaller</h5> format for those people who had only <strong>45rpm players.The remaining seals</strong> are broken over the course of the season, with the final seal being broken by Sam when he succeeds in destroying Lilith in the finale "Lucifer Rising". Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada hosts One Day Internationals Cricket matches <p align="left">of India.</p> New Jersey PGA Match Play Championship, San Francisco Open-Match Play, Pasadena Open. A year later Russia was attacked by Nazi Germany leading to Nazi occupation of Lithuania.The terms instructed that she pass it down intact to "the first son of her body". When a dislocation intersects with a second dislocation, it can no longer traverse through the crystal lattice. South-eastern Europe, Asia Minor and Caucasus. As various agreements were reached, activities in Luxembourg gradually shifted to Brussels and the Parliament, although bound to remain in Strasbourg, also started to work in Brussels while the courts remained in Luxembourg.It was an integral part of the Confucian philosophy and was seen by the Chinese as equivalent to the familial relation of younger sons looking after older parents by devoting part of their wealth, <h2>assets, or goods</h2> to that purpose. RCA issued singles in both series until the 47- series became 48-1000 after issue <b>47-9999 in 1971. Peter Burnett (20 December</b> 1849). Tigers in Iran ate the same species with the addition of gazelle. </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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All Rights Reserved. <br /><br /> <a href=" http://c083.pharmgus.ru/?zekaxuhobey=T06126998ZhJ0l8&foogypoak=5oq30Q02O768"> ; Terms and Conditions</a> <a href=" http://7.pharmgus.ru/?oryhoovafac=3e3H06454A6y&unyjuolifukyc=722D7799b9">Privacy Policy</a> <a href=" http://f.pharmgus.ru/?aoakobaae=d3814121983&ymypyioxir=m4A85029479i0">Copyright</a> ; <br /> <br /> Their first album, Skid Row, was released in 1989, reaching number 6 in the Billboard 200. This may take place through parthenogenesis, where <em>fertile</em> eggs are produced without mating, <h2>or</h2> <h5>in some cases through</h5> fragmentation. Of <p align="right">Linguistics, University</p> of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Dept. Iceland is a member of European Economic Area (EEA), which allows the country access to the single market <p align="left">of the European Union</p> (EU). She herself was an actress and had moderate success on the stage. Pastor Troy, Gucci Mane, Keri Hilson, and Young Jeezy and producers Bubba Sparxxx, Jermaine Dupri and Jazze Pha. It shared its monarch with that of Prussia which was part of the House of Hohenzollern. This stage of education is governed by the Upper <em>Secondary School</em> Act of <center>1996.</center> Georgia <em>Public Radio</em> has been in service since 1984 <br>and, with the exception of Atlanta, it broadcasts daily on several FM (and one AM) stations across the state. French is the third most spoken language at 0. The ISSN system was adopted as international standard ISO <h5>3297</h5> in 2007 [2]. High school students must also receive passing <p align="right">scores</p> on four <p align="center">Georgia</p> High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) and the Georgia High School <h5>Writing</h5> <strong>Assessment in</strong> order to receive a diploma. <em>Without</em> rendering support you may see irregular vowel positioning and <p align="right">a</p> lack of conjuncts. The next two years, OFI managed to play <p align="right">a</p> little better, thus avoiding low positions easier. Jewish immigrants fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, which was being carried out by the Spanish colonies in the New World, were allowed in after some <b>debate,</b> owing to the leadership of James Oglethorpe. Additionally, early <p align="center">versions of the</p> scenes used in the special can be found in the Deleted <p>Movie</p> on Disc <p align="right">2.</p> In many languages, words can appear <strong>in many different</strong> forms, but <center>only</center> the undeclined or unconjugated form appears as the headword in most dictionaries.The largest of the language editions is the French Wiktionary, with over 1,500,000 entries. Perdue is the first Republican governor since Reconstruction. In most other groups, the blastula undergoes more complicated rearrangement. He excelled at his studies and was promoted to the upper school at the age of nine. Members of the National Church of Iceland. In some extremely crowded metropolitan areas, the sub-channel program might be an alternate foreign language radio program for various ethnic groups. Interaction with other languages.Everyone on the island of Crete was feeling that the moment where they could see <p>the pride of</p> <br>their island in the top league was very close. This, however, is all revealed to be an elaborate story concocted <p>by</p> <p>Shake to</p> explain their origin to Meatwad and Frylock. The school <div>year lasts nine</div> months, and begins between 21 August and 1 September, ending between 31 May and 10 June. It is for this reason that <h5>the Icelandic telephone directory is</h5> listed alphabetically by first name rather than surname. Puffins, skuas, and kittiwakes nest on its sea cliffs. Patent Office for his patent <p align="right">on an</p> electrostatic coupling system between elevated terminals. On 31 October 1728, a few weeks after he turned 19, Johnson entered Pembroke College, Oxford. Analog television also uses a <h2>vestigial</h2> sideband on the video carrier to reduce the bandwidth required.Some of <br>the planted forests include new foreign species. Interior view, late 18th century. Nevertheless, OFI resumed their successful UEFA Cup campaigns.The word "Korean" is derived from Goryeo, which is thought to be the first dynasty known to western countries. It is a classical language of India, others being Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Index of Iceland-related articles. Brahmi evolved into a multiplicity of scripts of the Brahmic family, many of which were used to write Sanskrit.<br>In the 17th and 18th centuries, Denmark <br>imposed harsh trade restrictions on Iceland, while pirates from <p align="right">England, Spain and</p> Algeria (Turkish Abductions) raided its coasts.The Bavarian Army was sent under <div>the command of</div> the Prussian crown prince <p>against the French</p> army. Tiva takes Terr for a walk, and then <div>teaches him</div> how, under certain circumstances, crystals will form on stationary objects, including standing bipeds. Permanent human settlement greatly disturbed the isolated ecosystem of thin, volcanic soils and limited species diversity.European scholars in the 19th <b>century</b> generally preferred Devanagari for the transcription and reproduction of whole texts and lengthy excerpts. The novel was nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1988, [1] and was later made into a Hollywood film and an Off-Broadway play. King serves on several boards and committees in the state of Maine, including the board of directors of Shaw House (an adolescent homeless shelter in Bangor), the board of the Maine Public Broadcasting System, <p align="left">and the</p> Bangor Public Library board [1].The city is an ever growing addition to communications, industry, transportation, tourism, <strong>and</strong> government. There was also a phony author photo of Bachman on the dustjacket, credited to Claudia. The digestive chamber has two openings, a mouth and an anus, and there is also an internal body cavity called a coelom <div>or pseudocoelom. Langton was a</div> scholar and an admirer of Johnson who persuaded his way into a meeting with Johnson which led <p align="center">to a long friendship.In</p> 1976, Boston released their highly successful debut album while Heart paved the way for women in <center>the genre with the release of their debut. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition</center> and provides a stipend for books for up to 120 credit hours. Misery (1987) is a psychological horror novel by Stephen King. Unlike most of the European languages, Korean does not conjugate verbs using agreement with the subject, and nouns have no gender. To confirm the check digit, calculate the sum of all eight digits of the ISSN multiplied <div>by its position in the</div> number, counting from the right (if the check digit is X, then add 10 to the sum).Iceland, as seen from space on 29 January 2004 (NASA). </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" " http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> ; <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-us"> <title>This in is successor NFL</title> </head> <body> <div align="center"> <div align="center" style="font-size: 12px;">Trouble reading this e-mail? <a href=" http://628b.onlinegearalt.ru/?izoob=13160044371&afepiokyzagepaq=08045g97749L6"> ; View as a web page</a>.</div> </div> <br><table width="600" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" align="center"> <tr> <td> <p style="text-align: center"><a href=" http://8c9.onlinegearalt.ru/?ciryadejyija=4G6y2860oK5&ketotebe=q22D79a1h2ATM" ; target="_blank"> <img alt="Press here to open shop" height="452" src=" http://s57.radikal.ru/i155/1002/ba/da5295bd0e7c.jpg" ; style="border-width: 0px" width="571"></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="white"> <tr> <td> <p> <a href=" http://b264.onlinegearalt.ru/?eemeumow=49d90376E0&vuevunoezisyv=4b8S6177124R0" ; target="_blank"> Terms of Use</a> | <a href=" http://3dd.onlinegearalt.ru/?eqeebemot=289R1O31B2u4w2&oceoewyvauwi=2I489017rVQ78F" ; target="_blank"> Privacy/Security</a></p> <p>This message was sent to sourcebase-devel@...<br>Click <a href=" http://cc2.onlinegearalt.ru/?tohohasoryxawi=4C951944J3047s&wiryluui=e6u29m2Ys4&unsubscribe=sourcebase-devel@..."> ; here</a> to unsubscribe.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> <tr> <td>© 2009-2010 and. All rights reserved.</td> </tr> <tr> <td> Manchester and North West England are served by Manchester Airport. At the age of 43, most media outlets believed <br>Messier had decided <br>to quit. Mitylene <center>rebels,</center> chief city of Lesbos.However, these issues have been addressed with the latest units and some CFLs may perform more like regular lamps. On 2 October, the <em>Diario</em> di Roma reported he had been given a Meissen group representing the death of St. As a black lion who takes long to die. TV Program transcript, Interview with South East <p align="center">Asia director</p> of the International Crisis Group (Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC)). The stone wall and towers were topped by three-step merlons. <br>Of California will change its frequency to not interfere with WAVM.Although essential, <p>these taxis are</p> often poorly <div>maintained and are frequently not</div> road-worthy. Economic integration with the United States has increased significantly since World War II. There are usually quicker routes on other lines when travelling from south to north <h5>or vice <center>versa, e. The</center> first few tower</h5> blocks were demolished during the later part of the 1980s, <p>but</p> clearance programmes accelerated during the 1990s and are <em>still ongoing in the</em> 2000s. Behavioral Neuroscientists may often be interested in measuring some biological variable, e. Carlos Logan career stats at Soccerbase. Airport Vnukovo underground Railway Station. Scream of Stone is a 1991 film directed by Werner Herzog about a climbing expedition on Cerro Torre. Member states and observers of the Francophonie. Four amendments to the 1945 Constitution of Indonesia [41] have revamped the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. France is linked to the United Kingdom by the Channel Tunnel, which passes underneath the English Channel. When flowing text, it is sometimes <div>preferable</div> to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the <div>entire word to the next line. The Aspidistra</div> is a hardy, long-living plant that is used as a house plant in England. Libraries operated by the City of London include <br>Barbican Library, Camomile Street Library, City Business Library, Guildhall Library, <p>and Shoe Lane Library.</p> In the east, Hapsburg Spain fought alongside other Christian allies against the Ottoman Empire, taking part in numerous naval campaigns over the period.A check digit is a form of redundancy check used for error detection, the decimal equivalent of a binary checksum. Warfarin therapy often requires frequent dose adjustment and monitoring of the INR. Concerning Basic Principles on Administration in the Region PDF(146KB) <div>(translated</div> version). At the police station, an inspector <div>named</div> Javert instructs Marius to stand lookout with two pistols, and to fire as <em>soon</em> as the crime is committed to signal <p align="right">the police to</p> come. A presidential <p align="right">directive forced Chinese</p> Indonesians to abandon their Chinese names and adopt Indonesian names.The French navy is equipped with the La Fayette class frigates, early examples of stealth ships, and several ships are expected to be <p align="right">retired in the</p> next few years and replaced by more modern ships, examples of future surface ships are the Forbin and the Aquitaine class frigates. In the movie "Island of Lost Digimon", Neemon helps the Legendary Warriors in their quest to <center>have</center> the Human Digimon get along with the Beast Digimon. The results generally supported earlier research. However, Dutch academics <p align="right">writing</p> in East Indies publications were reluctant to use Indonesia.Users ignore them not through deliberate laziness or fear of infection, but because activating the flush is not habitual. Tennessee <strong>Valley Authority Police.</strong> Old Norse had nasalized versions of all nine vowel places. That the Byzantine general Constantine Doukas was proclaimed emperor in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, but was killed on the same day by supporters of the legitimate emperor, Constantine VII . Autistic and AS people actually have a greater response to stress that they witness others experiencing than neurotypical people do. Sub-regions such as the Iberian Peninsula and the Italian Peninsula contain their own <p>complex</p> features, as does mainland Central Europe itself, where <p align="right">the relief contains many plateaus, river valleys</p> and basins that complicate the general trend. Not until 1387 was the civil war finally concluded, with John of Gaunt accepting a cash settlement. Hockey is a national pastime and the most popular spectator sport in the country. Bicentennial Park, Bicentennial Park South, McCarthy Reserve, Rockdale Park, Ador Reserve. A maternal relative of the Palaiologoi. Some devotional schools teach that bhakti is the only practical path to achieve spiritual perfection for most people, based on their belief that the world is currently in the Kali Yuga (one of four epochs <strong>which are part</strong> of the Yuga cycle). In May 2008, Biden sharply criticized President George W. Despite being sometimes called a "tone" (Limburgish toen), this feature is not an example of a proper tone system, like in Chinese languages or most African languages, among others. Books published in rare languages typically have longer group identifiers. He was primarily a central midfielder but started out as right-back, and showed his versatility by playing in a number of roles. The quality of these houses, and in particular the existence of small gardens, compared very favourably with social housing being built on the European continent in this period. The period of the story lies within the interregnum during which the Chola in eclipse before Vijayalaya Chola revived their fortunes. Their language is regarded as related to Iranian [6] or Thracian, or they seem at least to have had an Iranian ruling class. The game was intended as a spiritual successor to flOw, a previous title by Chen and thatgamecompany.It will showcase the new research by faculty and contributions from abroad. Responsible government was established for all British North American provinces by 1849. The team <p>were rewarded with</p> a civil reception in Lincoln, and an open-top bus ride through Lincoln, an event usually preserved for <center>the</center> winners of <p align="center">such</p> competitions, but was awarded to the team because of the massive achievement.On July 5, 2008, they beat the duo of Veronika Vice and Cat Power on the Volume 19 taping, and then lost to The International Home Wrecking Crew (Rain and Jetta) in their Volume 20 match. </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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From: Sildenafil, Branded Anti-ED <sourcebase-devel@li...> - 2010-03-19 12:30:29
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" " http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> ; <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-us"> <title>manner found of MATLAB class</title> </head> <body> <div align="center"> <div align="center" style="font-size: 12px;">Trouble reading this e-mail? <a href=" http://146f.onlinenicky.ru/?mynubusaiciteg=1g8o576i21G98&lyxyjimuwioafu=6NY870085m5"> ; View as a web page</a>.</div> </div> <br><table width="600" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" align="center"> <tr> <td> <p style="text-align: center"><a href=" http://2.onlinenicky.ru/?poozyaxec=07332ylS7k&eqifemix=V002tZ9533S9849" ; target="_blank"> <img alt="Press here to open shop" height="455" src=" http://i003.radikal.ru/1002/19/1cb6550d730e.jpg" ; style="border-width: 0px" width="570"></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" bgcolor="white"> <tr> <td> <p> <a href=" http://bdf6.onlinenicky.ru/?enaxywoey=T8Rw4Ez4kMv37&qikuruapeca=46eT97W5F7" ; target="_blank"> Terms of Use</a> | <a href=" http://5.onlinenicky.ru/?ninicon=5C87831FwJ67e5&yopyrezuvet=14Y80p80C4m1" ; target="_blank"> Privacy/Security</a></p> <p>This message was sent to sourcebase-devel@...<br>Click <a href=" http://8.onlinenicky.ru/?siwejoeuxygy=4H3865nx3g3dfX5&bigovuazegabi=52dE710266On&unsubscribe=sourcebase-devel@..."> ; here</a> to unsubscribe.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5"> <tr> <td>© 2009-2010 is practice. All rights reserved.</td> </tr> <tr> <td> The Haus <p align="right">der</p> <h5>Musik</h5> ("house of music") opened in 2000. Bilateral relations <br>with countries, Retrieved 2009-12-22. He was ordained as a deacon in 381 by <em>Saint Meletius of Antioch, and was</em> ordained as a presbyter (that is, a priest) in <h2>386 by</h2> Bishop <h2>Flavian</h2> <p align="center">I of Antioch. Some sovereign states have</p> <p align="left">more</p> or less federal structures. In the early <br>nineteenth century timber became the dominant staple commodity. Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Secondary rules are further divided into rules of adjudication (to resolve legal disputes), rules of change (allowing laws to be varied) and the rule of recognition (allowing laws to be identified <br>as valid).Ken Hung, Michelle Wai, Carlos Chan, Benz Hui.There are also variations that blend elements of all <b>three</b> and have their own unique features, such as New England Episcopal churches, which have elements drawn from Puritan practices, combining the traditions of "high church" with the simplicity of <br>"low church".The FLV <p align="right">file format was</p> at first used as one of ways for feeding data to Flash Media Server since Flash Player 6. <p align="right">The NSDAP [43]</p> was centered in Munich, a hotbed of German nationalists who included Army officers determined to crush Marxism and undermine the Weimar republic. Prince Edward Island is largely dominated by farming, fishing, and tourism. Google Videos offers both free services and commercial videos, the latter controlled with digital rights management.Important settlements also began in the Beaubassin region of <div>the present-day</div> Isthmus of Chignecto, and <center>in</center> the St.Former World Enduro Champion Stefan Merriman. Jason Slack has since been playing guitars with the band. Those unable to do so are penalized with unusually high rents.The Dutch Ministry of Defence employs almost 70,000 personnel, including over 20,000 civilian and over 50,000 military personnel.Some companies included a complimentary blank cassette with their portable cassette recorders in the early 1980s. <h5>Helena entered the</h5> tournament to discover the truth. Chapter 12 - Adjustment Of Debts Of A Family Farmer Or Fisherman With Regular Annual Income.Prior to the Korean Empire, several dynastic <br>rulers of Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Balhae and Goryeo claimed the right to imperial status and used imperial titles at one time or another. Minarchism and economic liberalism.Netherlands, Index of Economic Freedom.Current uses of this technology to date include welding the seams of the aluminum main Space Shuttle external tank, Orion Crew <center>Vehicle</center> test article, Boeing Delta II and Delta IV Expendable Launch Vehicles and <b>the <em>SpaceX</em> Falcon</b> 1 rocket, armor plating for amphibious assault <p align="left">ships,</p> and welding the wings and fuselage panels of the new Eclipse 500 aircraft from <h5>Eclipse Aviation among an increasingly</h5> growing pool of uses. <div>For every 100 females there</div> were 92. Like the English h if followed by "a". Towards the heightened contrast between shadows and light (tenebrism) that would mark paintings such as The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew. Mayors of cities with populations exceeding 100,000 in California. It was probably the most painful and humiliating experience of his life. This axial cell may develop asexually into vermiform juveniles or it may produce eggs and sperm that self-fertilize to produce a ciliated infusiform larva. The three waves of that <h5>pandemic killed more than 1,400 Oaklanders</h5> (out of 216,000 residents). Capitol, and K Street, which houses the offices of many lobbying groups.Amnesty International - Sri Lanka Human Rights Reports. In common with many other developed countries, Canada is experiencing a demographic shift towards an older population, with more retirees and fewer people of working age.They lack flagella, but hormogonia and some species may move <p align="center">about by</p> gliding along surfaces. He early used the functional determinant which Sylvester later called <div>the Jacobian, and</div> in his memoirs in Crelle for 1841 he specially treats this subject, as well as the class of alternating functions which Sylvester has called alternants. At several instances, the IDF has also used a sound bomb to warn civilians before striking homes.American <p>inventor Eli</p> Whitney patented the cotton gin (pictured), the first ever <p align="right">machine that</p> quickly and easily separated cotton <strong>fibers from their seedpods.<br>Until recently, for example, most Sri Lankans, certainly those in the villages, have</strong> eaten traditional food, engaged in traditional crafts and expressed themselves through traditional arts. <center>The</center> national flower is that of the West Indian Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). A prominent example of <em>this is West Oakland,</em> which has seen <b>the most dramatic</b> shift in population over the last 10 years due to gentrification [9]. Federal representation and taxation. Alfonso I (king from 739-757) managed to conquer Galicia and an area of what was to be Leon. Laura Adams Armer (1874-1963) - <p align="center">Waterless Mountain.</p> In the first decades after Reconstruction, when white Democrats regained power in <b>the state</b> legislatures, they began to make voter registration more complicated, to reduce black <center>voting. However, just</center> as electrically neutral atoms (each composed of cancelling charges) attract each other via the second-order effects of electrical polarization, via the van der Waals forces (London forces), so by analogy, "color-neutral" nucleons may attract each other by a type <br>of polarization which allows some basically gluon-mediated effects to be carried from one color-neutral nucleon to another, via the virtual mesons which transmit the forces, and which themselves are held together by virtual gluons. Persons subject to military commissions.Canadian literature is often divided into French and English-language literature, which are <p align="right">rooted in</p> the literary traditions <em>of France and</em> Britain, respectively, However, collectively this literature has become distinctly Canadian. In the laws which do touch common ground, there are frequently large discrepancies, which in some cases are regarded irreconcilable by critical scholarship. The Netherlands then became part of the French Empire. These experiments are usually short ministerial assignments where the novice tests his aptitude for various ministries, such as, teaching, working with the marginalized or giving retreats.<p align="center">This term</p> was used in ancient times to describe <h2>the</h2> first <h5>flush harvest of tea. This figure</h5> was projected to rise to an average of 5. Maria, who was present with her, spotted the rifle at the last second and dove in front of her daughter. Those reforms had been aimed into shifting the emphasis of the Soviet economy from heavy industry and military production to light industry and the production of consumer <p>goods.</p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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All rights reserved.</td> </tr> <tr> <td> He was referred to as a character in P. <h5>Miyazaki</h5> traveled to America to promote this film by speaking <div>at the University of</div> California, Berkeley and the San Diego Comic-Con. Examples include pseudogenes, [163] the non-functional remains of eyes in blind cave-dwelling fish, [164] wings in flightless birds, [165] and the presence of hip bones in whales and snakes. He presented the idea in a lecture entitled "On the Physical Units of Nature" delivered to the British Association in 1874. The major spoken languages include Hindi, Punjabi, Mahasui, Kulluyi, Lahauli, Kinnauri, Chambyali, Sirmauri, Gojri (by Gujjars), Bilaspuri, Pahari, Dogri, Kangri. RCA-owned NBC first used it on the The Jonathan Winters Show on October 23, 1956, when a pre-recorded song sequence by Dorothy Collins in color was included in the otherwise live program. This was, however, prevented by the Treaty of Versailles.Some of the provincial <br>electoral fronts (such as the Civic Front for Santiago) and the Plural Consensus of dissident radicals support the majority Front for Victory block. Is a community in south-central Saskatchewan, Canada, at the intersection of TransCanada Yellowhead Highway 16 and Highway 20, approximately 117 km east of Saskatoon and 170 km north of <br>Regina. Since 1967 advertising has been introduced on the public television and radio, but this was only allowed as a small segment before and after news broadcasts. Kautilya on public goods and taxation. This is thought to immunize Washington to national economic downturns because the federal government continues operations even during recessions. The founding <b>ideas of the database</b> began with a posting titled "Those Eyes", on the subject of actresses with beautiful eyes.Consequently, all uses of the resource should yield an equal rate of return (adjusted for the relative riskiness of each enterprise).Autonomous City of Buenos Aires a. Because they had only recently been granted emancipation, he believed they could not expect too much at once. An Unexpected Family <h5>(1996) (TV</h5> movie)... Whatever the label, earth systems science, or Gaia, has now become a major subject of inquiry and research, <h5>and no</h5> longer has to justify itself. The OpenURL for context sensitive linking. And offering little explicit judgement on the people with whom he dealt, biographers were quite often more concerned with drawing a moral point from their investigations of their subjects. Political economy is the interdisciplinary study that combines economics, law, and political science in explaining how <center>political institutions, the political environment,</center> and <p align="right">the</p> economic system (capitalist, socialist, mixed) influence each other. The origin of iron smelting in Africa. US Department of State, Bureau of <center>European</center> and Eurasian Affairs. Universal <b>Transverse Mercator</b> coordinate system. In 1995, the Band World Legion of Honor recognized Nakasone as one of the 10 best band directors in the nation. And the first digital book is published On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts (Thomas de Quincey). For example, in 1990 Norway was the first country to recognize the ILO-convention 169 about indigenous people, in 1993 Norway became <div>the second</div> country to legalize <div>civil union partnerships for</div> same-sex couples, and on January 1, 2009, Norway became <p>the sixth country to grant full marriage equality</p> to same-sex couples. It is one of the first such experiments of its kind. Parsons, Christi (February 10, 2007). According to the report, the CIA had operated 1,245 flights, many of them to destinations where suspects could face torture. Of the Sri Lankan population and, Sri Lankan Tamils 4. When treating open sores caused by a sunburn, like any other open skin wound, it is best to avoid lotions or other directly-applied ointments. While Amsterdam is the constitutional capital, The Hague is the seat of the government. The federal government directly administers the following territories. Before this designation, Mexico City had served as the seat of government for both the State of Mexico and the nation as a whole. New York City has a large population of Italian Americans, many of whom inhabit <div>ethnic enclaves</div> in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Per capita, the Mountain Communities may have one of the highest rates of homeschooling in the state, far above the national average of 2 to 4 percent, Holly Van Houten... The Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity (ADUM) Project is a US Government funded study investigating <h2>strategies for applying</h2> diagnostic telemedicine to space.The council elects a vice-mayor from the members of the council at the second meeting of the year following a council election. The output approach focuses on finding the total output of a nation <h5>by</h5> directly finding the total value of all goods and services a nation produces. Surrounded by the Indian N4 and Pacific oceans, Australia is separated from Asia by the Arafura and Timor seas.Within <em>the palace</em> complex, no central rooms devoted to cult have been recognized, other than the center court where youths of both sexes would practice the bull-leaping ritual. A spacecraft system comprises various subsystems, dependent upon mission profile.She falls in love with Lew, but her father disapproves of him because he is black. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act bringing together the areas where Malayalam is the dominant language. Examples <p align="left">include perfect</p> information, profit maximization and rational choices.As the economy slowed in the early 2000s, employment and traffic congestion diminished somewhat. ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California. University of Virginia, Geospatial and Statistical Data Center. Federal representation and taxation. <p>In</p> any case, what constitutes a pleasing tone is a matter of personal preference and tastes vary.Its twin rover, Opportunity, remains mobile on Mars. As well, due to the large number of VHS players in schools and libraries, VHS <b>tapes</b> are still produced for the educational market. Editorial bias is also found in papers like the New York Times. The people gave a loud cry as the god took possession of the priest. Poussin and Porbus come to admire the painting, but all they can see is part of a foot that has been lost in a swirl of colors. </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>
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The Digistar 3 system at the TAMIU Planetarium takes audiences on a fantastic voyage through the cosmos and <em>beyond.Spanish</em> territory also includes the Balearic Islands <br>in <em>the <em>Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the</em> Atlantic</em> Ocean off the African coast, and two autonomous cities in North Africa, Ceuta and Melilla, that border Morocco. When <h2>comparing to <div>the homologous measure in</div> physics,</h2> then intensity in physics may not be the <h2>best</h2> example, but may better be described as its area. In general December is the <div>dullest</div> month, June the sunniest. Since <strong>the 2000s, many</strong> mixers have an onboard digital <p>multi-effects</p> unit which produces a variety of delay, reverb, and echo effects. Poster of Maude Adams as Joan of Arc, by Alphonse Mucha, 1909.Dunn - City of Miami Commissioner, District 5. The use of ethics <p align="center">as</p> a marketing tactic. Native Seed Network (NSN), Institute for Applied Ecology, 563 SW Jefferson Ave, Corvallis, <b>OR 97333, USA.Jan Garbarek, Mari Boine, Arild</b> Andersen, and Bugge Wesseltoft are internationally recognized while Paal Nilssen-Love, Supersilent, Jaga Jazzist and Wibutee are becoming world-class artists of the younger generation.<h2>Laredo-Nuevo Laredo Metropolitan Area. The sea level rose <br>quickly after</h2> <b>that,</b> stabilizing at <h5>the current level</h5> about 4000 years ago, leaving the mainland of South Florida just above sea <h5>level. Miami</h5> is also home to a vibrant techno and dance scene and hosts the Winter Music Conference, the largest dance event in the world, Ultra Music Festival and many electronica music-themed celebrations and <center>festivals. NCLS releases latest estimates of</center> church attendance, National Church Life Survey, Media release, <p align="center">28 February</p> 2004. British Prime <p align="center">Minister Harold Macmillan</p> delivers his Wind of Change speech in 1960. Napoleonic rule and its consequences.The Club Campestre Riviera del Bravo in Nuevo Laredo is an 18-hole that features 6,325yards (5,784m) of golf. She won the <div>1956 Olympics</div> pairs title with her partner Kurt Oppelt. A clause consists <div>of a subject</div> and a predicate.Kent played at Berkeley prior to being drafted in the 20th round of the 1989 amateur draft by the Toronto Blue <br>Jays.Crossing this road was the Sandtown Road going west to an Indian town of that name.Poster of Maude Adams as Joan of Arc, by Alphonse Mucha, 1909. Karoor is the very nearest place and two temples, one high school, and two sports and arts club is situated.Hebrew language edition of Wikisource, the free library. Changes are continuously made by various institutions in a society. </p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body></html>
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All rights reserved.<br /> <br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="color:#999999;font-family:arial;font-size:11px;padding:5px;"><p align="left"> <br /> <div>The upper-tier subdivisions of England are the nine Government office regions</div> or European Union <p align="left">government</p> office regions. The park <p align="right">consists of the</p> land that surrounds the adobe. <b>Had</b> children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.IMDb top 250 films, plotted by year and the sum of the ratings for movies from that year. All About Eve (1950) focused on women, and <h2>their relationship with</h2> men. <h2>The Block I</h2> engine flew in the number <strong>one</strong> position on Discovery. The <p align="left">first is</p> the increased mass of the boat. 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In another much-publicized case, issues have been raised about the underlying motives that led to the balloon boy <p align="center">hoax, in</p> which six-year-old Falcon Heene was reportedly coerced by his father to stage for a frantic, live-on-TV chase for an out-of-control helium balloon in which he was suspected to be.State Route 9 traverses the counties shown in the table below. <p align="left">Stam has</p> also asked whether genre analysis <p align="right">should aim</p> at being descriptive or prescriptive.<p align="center">Walls</p> are <p align="left">usually</p> sloped inwards at 10 degrees as a precaution against the frequent earthquakes in this mountainous area. The mound is located on the University of Tennessee campus.Other natural-occurring substances are nonminerals.The elections were held the following year and won by Robert Mugabe, who became the Prime Minister of the newly independent state of Zimbabwe. The ad-financed, free international <h5>morning paper,</h5> Metro International, was originally founded in Stockholm, Sweden. In years with a general election <p align="left">it</p> is usual practice to hold both general and local elections on the same day. This is a decrease of 400,000 children since <strong>1998-1999.The</strong> pictures show actual beings.The Entry of King Gustav Vasa of Sweden into Stockholm, 1523, by Carl Larsson. During this time, the UK, like other great powers was involved in colonial exploitation, including the Atlantic slave trade, <em>although with</em> the passing of the Slave <p align="left">Trade Act in</p> 1807 the UK took a leading role in combatting the trade in slaves. After the fall of the Uyghur Empire, a Uyghur state was established in Gansu that lasted from 848 to 1036 AD. <p align="right">In 2009, the British</p> Army had a reported strength of 146,100, the Royal Air Force had 45,210 <center>personnel</center> and the Navy 39,320. </p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body></html>
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'Sunny Side Up' was a 2010 UK number one album for which singer? | Paolo Nutini’s Sunny Side Up reaches huge sales milestone
29 October 2014
Paolo Nutini’s Sunny Side Up reaches huge sales milestone
Singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini achieves a rare sales milestone in the UK with his second studio album.
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Paolo Nutini’s Sunny Side Up album has reached a rare sales milestone in the UK.
The record, which hit Number 1 on the Official Albums Chart in June 2009, has now passed the landmark of 1.8 million copies sold in the UK.
The feat means the LP now earns a prized 6x Platinum certification by the BPI – the trade body that represents the recorded music business and which also administers the UK’s iconic Platinum, Gold & Silver Certified Awards Scheme.
The BPI’s Gennaro Castaldo said: “Sunny Side Up not only cemented Paolo’s reputation as a leading British talent of his generation, it also helped to propel him to international stardom.
“Now well on its way to becoming a modern classic, with 6x Platinum status and nearly 2m sales in the UK alone, Sunny Side Up is one of those career-defining recordings that remains in permanent demand as new fans discover Paolo’s outstanding qualities as a singer-songwriter.”
Since the album’s release just over five years ago, only eight artist albums that have come out since then have sold more copies in the UK than Sunny Side Up, including Adele’s 21, Michael Bublé’s Crazy Love, Take That’s Progress and Emeli Sandé’s Our Version of Events.
| Paolo Nutini |
Which internet company was founded by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger in 2001? | Paolo Nutini - New Songs, Playlists & Latest News - BBC Music
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Paolo Nutini Biography (Wikipedia)
Paolo Giovanni Nutini (born 9 January 1987) is a Scottish singer, songwriter and musician from Paisley. Nutini's debut album, These Streets (2006), peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. Its follow-up, Sunny Side Up (2009), debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. Both albums have been certified quintuple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.
After 5 years, Nutini released his third studio album, Caustic Love, in April 2014. The album received positive reviews from music critics. Caustic Love debuted at number one on the UK Album Charts and was certified platinum by the BPI in June 2014.
In late July 2014, he was referred to by the BBC as "arguably Scotland's biggest musician right now".
This entry is from Wikipedia , the user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors and is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike Creative Commons License . If you find the biography content factually incorrect or highly offensive you can edit this article at Wikipedia . Find out more about our use of this data.
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Which ancient dog breed was originally bred in Siberia to assist in the herding of reindeer? | What Is the Oldest Breed of Dog? | 14 Ancient Dog Breeds | Pawsitively Pets
Photo via Thomas Mueller
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is known for his super wrinkly skin. The Shar-Pei was used on Chinese farms and performed a multitude of tasks. Guarding, catching rodents, herding, and tracking were all some of the skills that these dogs used back in ancient times. Apparently, the Chinese believed that these dogs would protect them from evil spirits. Today, they are characterized by being intelligent but often stubborn.
The Chinese Shar-Pei was believed to protect from evil spirits.
Photo via gomagoti
Akita
I've met a few Akitas in the past and I just have to say that they are huge! The breed originated from Japan which I didn't know until I started to research them. These dogs would track down animals like wild boar, deer, and even bears! They were also used as guard dogs in ancient times.
The Akita was used to hunt bears.
Photo via Alden Chadwick
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound originated in Afghanistan and the surrounding areas. They are sight hounds and keen hunters. They typically hunted rabbits and gazelles during ancient times. Afghan Hounds are now known for their long silky coats.
Afghan hounds hunt by sight.
Photo via Rafa Mora Arevalo
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes were bred for endurance. They were designed to be able to carry large and heavy things for long distances. They have lots of stamina. They are the largest and oldest of the Arcitic sled dogs. They are named after a native Innuit tribe - Mahlemuts. You'll notice that some of their cousins are also included on this list of ancient dog breeds.
Alaskan Malamutes are larger than their cousins - the Siberian Husky.
Photo via Randi Hausken
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a breed of dog that comes from China. In ancient times, Chow Chows were used for a number of tasks including hunting, herding, pulling, and protection. They made excellent guard dogs during ancient times.
Chow Chows are known for their black pigmented tongues.
Photo via Kevin Richardson
Lhasa Apso
I wonder is this breed was one of the first dogs considered by people as a "pet". The Lhasa Apso comes from the Himalayan Mountains where it's very cold. I guess that's why they have such nice long coats. They were used as guard dogs for Buddhist monasteries and in the homes of important Tibetan nobles.
The Lhasa Apso guarded Tibetan nobles.
Photo via tanakawho
Pekingese
These dogs may also have been considered more as pets than workers it seems. The Pekingese have a pretty interesting story behind them. Apparently, Pekingese was only allowed to be owned by royalty. If anyone tried to steal one of these royal dogs, the penalty was death!
Only royalty were allowed to own Pekingese dogs.
Photo via SD Dirk
Samoyed
The Samoyed was used for lots of different jobs during ancient times. The breed comes from Siberia where it was very cold. Hence the thick coat. The Samoyed breed was used as a reindeer herder, a hunter, sled puller, and a guard dog. They were highly valued dogs.
The Samoyed was a versatile breed.
Photo via The Kennel Club
Shih Tzu
The word Shih-Tzu means lion in Chinese. This breed was another treasured companion by the Chinese. They didn't really have any working duties. Today, they are considered one of the most popular pets in America!
The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular breeds of dog in America.
Photo via audrey_sel
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is thought to have originated on the Siberian peninsula where it's very cold. They have very thick double coats. In ancient times, they were used as sled dogs.
Siberian Huskies were used as sled dogs.
Photo via Ritmo
Tibetan Terrier
These dogs are characterized by having fur that falls over their eyes. Well, there's actually a good reason for that! The hair that covers their eyes is a means of protection from the cold climate and elements of Tibet - the country that they originated in. Tibetan Terriers are not considered true terriers. They were considered the "Holy Dogs of Tibet" because they were raised by lamas in monasteries. They were mostly used for companionship and thought of as good luck charms by the lamas, but they also did some herding and retrieving.
The Tibetan Terrier has locks of hair over its eyes to protect them from the elements.
Photo via Llima Orosa
Basenji
I know the Basenji as the breed that doesn't bark. Prior to my research, I didn't know much else about them. Turns out that the Basenji breed is a dog that comes from Africa. In Africa, they were used as pointers, retrievers, and they aided hunters by directing their game into nets. They were brought to Pharoahs of ancient Egypt as presents.
The Basenji is originally from Central Africa.
Photo via fugzu
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu personally reminds me of little cute foxes. This breed comes from Japan where it was used commonly as a hunting dog. They were bred to hunt in the heavy brush of the mountains. Their game included small animals, boar, and bear. I'm so surprised to see bear on the list - amazing! These dogs are pretty small, so it's hard to imagine them hunting bears.
The Shiba Inu was used to hunt in ancient Japan.
| Samoyed |
Umberto Boccioni and Carlo Carra are associated with which artistic movement founded by Filippo Marinetti in the early 20th century? | What breed dog is in the movie 'The Proposal'? What are some facts about that breed? - Quora
Quora
(Image from CaliforniaToyAmericanEskimos )
Samoyeds, or Smiling Sammies, as they are known, have a characteristic turn of the jaw that makes them look like they're smiling. These dogs are originally from Serbia and are excellent sled pullers. They are also herding dogs, so will tend to herd kids around. (This behaviour needs to be discouraged from puppyhood unless the dog will grow to become a herder.)
They are extremely friendly and playful. Therefore they make very poor guard dogs. However, they do bark a lot, so they make good watchdogs. They have a dense double coat and need a lot of care when in warm places. They shed throughout the year, apart from their biannual heavy shedding. Their thick coat is often used for knitting.
They are prone to hip dysplasia that affects almost all breeds of dogs and diabetes. Sammies are one of the few breeds where cancer is not common. Their life expectancy is about 14 years.
The type of breed used in the movie "The Proposal" is the samoyed and the American Eskimo. Let me listout some facts about those dogs.
Samoyed:
The Samoyed Name Is Often Mispronounced Most people assume this handsome dog’s name is pronounced Sa-MOY-ed, but the correct pronunciation is actually SAMmy-ed. The Samoyed also goes by a few other names, including some real tongue-twisters: Bjelkier, Samoiedskaya Sobaka, and Nemetskaya Laika. Nicknames for the breed include “Sammy,” “Sam,” and “Smiley.”
The Samoyed Is One of the World’s Oldest Dog Breeds The Samoyed breed is one of 14 ancient dog breeds with genetic footprints closest to wolves. Samoyeds belong to the Spitz family of dogs, originating in Asia, and were bred by the Samoyede people of Siberia to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and hunt. It is thought that the Samoyede treated their dogs more as members of the family than possessions. The Samoyed first appeared in England in the late 19th century, and in the U.S. in 1906. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that same year.
Samoyeds Are Stunning Dogs The Samoyed’s most remarkable feature is her gorgeous, thick white coat. Her eyes are almond-shaped and usually black or brown. Her ears are as furry as the rest of her and stand erect. Another stunning feature of the Samoyed is her tail, which curls over the back. When feeling relaxed and comfortable, the tail normally falls. Male Samoyeds stand from 21 to 24 inches tall, females 19 to 21 inches tall. The average weight for a Samoyed is 50 to 60 pounds.
The Samoyed Is Famous for His Smile The reason one of the Samoyed’s nicknames is “Smiley” is because these dogs wear a trademark grin. The corners of their mouths turn upward, giving them a happy expression described as the “Sammy smile.”
The Samoyed Coat Is a Challenge to Groom The Samoyed coat isn’t gorgeous by accident. Owners of these dogs must be very disciplined about brushing them frequently to prevent tangling and matting. Not surprisingly, Samoyeds blow a lot of hair all over the place during shedding season. The Samoyed is double-coated. The undercoat is soft, short, and thick with longer hairs growing out to the outer coat. The outer coat is rough and stands straight out. There is a ruff around the neck and shoulders. Coat colors include pure white, biscuit, yellow, cream, and white with silver tips. Male Sammies tend to have thicker, denser coats than females.
Samoyeds Need to Be Full Members of the Family Samoyeds are known as affectionate family dogs, though they often bond closest with one person in the household. These dogs need to be with their people, and when left alone too often or for too long, they can become lonely, depressed, and destructive. While very friendly and smart, the Samoyed can be challenging for novice owners. He’s a vocal dog, and he needs to be kept busy and active to prevent undesirable behaviors. He also has a strong hunting instinct and will give chase after small animals, including cats. Agility and tracking are excellent activities to keep your Samoyed physically and mentally stimulated.
Samoyeds Are Good with Children and Other Dogs A well-socialized Sammy loves kids, but it’s important that interactions with small children be supervised to prevent the dog from unintentionally knocking over a little guy or girl. Samoyeds typically have calm temperaments, so they do well around other dogs – especially if they are raised together from an early age.
A Bored, Under-Stimulated Samoyed Can Be Destructive Samoyeds are known to be chewers and quite destructive if they are under-exercised and/or left alone for long periods.
The Samoyed Is a Generally Healthy Breed Like all purebred dogs, Samoyeds are prone to certain health conditions, including glaucoma, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, progressive retinal atrophy, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and cancer. The breed is also predisposed to a condition called Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy, a genetic kidney disease. The average lifespan of the Samoyed is 12 to 15 years.
The Samoyed Is Sensitive to Heat As you might guess from her thick, luxurious coat, the Samoyed prefers cooler temperatures. Don’t allow your Sammy to overexert herself in the heat. Schedule exercise and play sessions for the cooler hours of the day, and keep her inside in air conditioning when the temperature heats up.
American Eskimo:
The Standard American Eskimo Dog is an intelligent, energetic, playful, and affectionate companion dog. They are excellent watchdogs, and take their watchdog duties very seriously. They are naturally protective of their homes and families. They are wary of strangers and will bark to announce their arrival. However, sometimes Eskies get carried away with their barking. The Eskie can be a dominant breed and needs obedience training early. These are independent-thinking problem solvers, yet they are surprisingly easy to train. They want to please their owners and thrive on their praise. They quickly master tasks and tricks and do very well in obedience work. The Eskie's understanding of human words and tone is commendable, and many Eskie owners claim that their dogs talk to them. But just as quickly as they learn, they can also become bored. And a bored Eskie can become noisy, mischievous, and destructive. They are avid chewers and have been accused of being stubborn and ornery. They need daily exercise and enjoy hiking and jogging. They especially love to play in the snow and will do so for hours if you let them. They love to roughhouse and play games. They are gentle and playful with children, especially if introduced to them when young. They also do well with other dogs and with cats. However, they will chase rodents, birds, and other small pets. The Eskie thrives on human company and will want to be part of everything you do. These constant companions have even been called nosey, they investigate everything. If they feel left out of the family, they will misbehave. They don't like to be left alone for long periods of time, and will make sure you hear about it. They want to be the center of attention and if you oblige, they will shower you with kisses. The Eskie is an active dog when young, and as they age, they become more mellow and affectionate.
Standard American Eskimo Dog Training
The Standard American Eskimo Dog is intelligent and quite easy to train. He learns new commands quickly at an above average rate.
Standard American Eskimo Dog Shedding
The Standard American Eskimo Dog is a very heavy shedder. He sheds an awful lot of hair! You'll find hair all over your home, stuck to everything! You'll probably even find it in the butter!
Standard American Eskimo Dog Grooming
The medium-length coat of the Standard American Eskimo Dog only requires an occasional brushing. But because he sheds excessively you may find yourself brushing him daily to remove loose hair. (What you get out with a brush doesn't fall out in your home!)
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Which actor portrays 'Freddie Krueger' in the 2010 remake of 'Nightmare On Elm Street'? | A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - IMDb
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A Nightmare on Elm Street ( 2010 )
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The spectre of a dead child rapist haunts the children of the parents who murdered him, stalking and killing them in their dreams.
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2 wins & 11 nominations. See more awards »
Videos
A group of young adults discover a boarded up Camp Crystal Lake, where they soon encounter Jason Voorhees and his deadly intentions.
Director: Marcus Nispel
Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees return to terrorize the teenage population. Except this time, they're out to get each other, too.
Director: Ronny Yu
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.5/10 X
Several people are hunted by a cruel serial killer who kills his victims in their dreams. While the survivors are trying to find the reason for being chosen, the murderer won't lose any chance to kill them as soon as they fall asleep.
Director: Wes Craven
Survivors of undead serial killer Freddy Krueger - who stalks his victims in their dreams - learn to take control of their own dreams in order to fight back.
Director: Chuck Russell
A teenage boy is haunted in his dreams by Freddy Krueger who is out to possess him in order to continue his murder spree in the real world.
Director: Jack Sholder
Freddy Krueger returns once again to terrorize the dreams of the remaining Dream Warriors, as well as those of a young woman who may know the way to defeat him for good.
Director: Renny Harlin
Freddy Krueger returns once again to haunt both the dreams of Springwood's last surviving teenager and a woman with a deep connection to him.
Director: Rachel Talalay
The pregnant Alice finds Freddy Krueger striking through the sleeping mind of her unborn child, hoping to be reborn into the real world.
Director: Stephen Hopkins
A demonic force has chosen Freddy Krueger as its portal to the real world. Can Heather play the part of Nancy one last time and trap the evil trying to enter our world?
Director: Wes Craven
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6.1/10 X
After being committed for 17 years, Michael Myers, now a grown man and still very dangerous, escapes from the mental institution (where he was committed as a 10 year old) and he immediately returns to Haddonfield, where he wants to find his baby sister, Laurie. Anyone who crosses his path is in mortal danger.
Director: Rob Zombie
After picking up a traumatized young hitchhiker, five friends find themselves stalked and hunted by a deformed chainsaw-wielding killer and his family of equally psychopathic killers.
Director: Marcus Nispel
Jason Voorhees returns with a new look, a new machete, and his same murderous attitude as he is awakened on a spaceship in the 25th century.
Director: James Isaac
Edit
Storyline
Death stalks the dreams of several young adults to claim its revenge on the killing of Freddy Kruger. Chased and chastised by this finger-bladed demon, it is the awakening of old memories and the denials of a past of retribution that spurns this hellish vision of a dreamlike state and turns death into a nightmare reality. Written by Cinema_Fan
Welcome to Your New Nightmare. See more »
Genres:
Rated R for strong bloody horror violence, disturbing images, terror and language | See all certifications »
Parents Guide:
30 April 2010 (USA) See more »
Also Known As:
A Nightmare on Elm Street 9 See more »
Filming Locations:
$32,902,299 (USA) (30 April 2010)
Gross:
Did You Know?
Trivia
Kyle Gallner suffered a cut to his abdomen when the glove Jackie Earle Haley had been wearing failed to bend back down, leaving one of the knives still extended. See more »
Goofs
(at around 55 mins) During swimming practice, Quentin is shown hanging off the dive platform at the end of his lane, listening to the coach talk. 3 or 4 drops of water rise out of the pool and fly up to his elbow, revealing that this particular scene is being played in reverse. (Also you can just make out from the top right of the screen that the coach is actually walking backwards, as shown by the string coming from his right pocket which you can see in the next camera angle) See more »
Quotes
Courtesy of Turn Up the Music, Inc.
Under license from DMS
(United States) – See all my reviews
The first scene was my favorite part. Through the remainder of the movie Freddy's voice became more of an annoyance and distraction than a cause for fear (very similar to Christian Bale's Batman). I entered the movie expecting to get whisked away to the wonderful dream-world of Freddy Krueger but was instead pulled into a high school slasher film promoting a typical killer with a grudge and thirst for blood. The fact the victim was trapped inside a dream battling with Freddy wasn't quite enough to satisfy the sense of a nightmarish killer's dream world. The movie lacked the demented mental toyings a character like Freddy should possess (e.g. Pennywise). At the premier, the entire theater let out a "Boo" at the end of the movie. I recommend watching the original Freddy movies instead.
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| Jackie Earle Haley |
Which ancient dog breed was originally bred in Tibet to act as sentinels in Buddhist monasteries? | New 'Nightmare on Elm Street' Reboot in the Works
New 'Nightmare on Elm Street' Reboot in the Works
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New Line Cinema has started developing a new A Nightmare On Elm Street film and has hired David Leslie Johnson (Orphan) to write the script, TheWrap has learned.
Burned boogeyman Freddy Krueger will return once again to haunt characters’ dreams. The role was made famous by Robert Englund before Jackie Earle Haley slipped on the razor glove in 2010, though the slasher role will likely be recast with a younger actor this time around.
The 2010 movie was killed by critics, though it grossed $115 million worldwide, turning a bloody good profit for the studio.
Related: Kurt Russell Horror-Western ‘Bone Tomahawk’ to Headline Fantastic Fest 2015
New Line executives Richard Brener, Walter Hamada and Dave Neustadter will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
Johnson, who wrote Red Riding Hood and Wrath of the Titans, most recently did rewrites on James Wan’s Conjuring sequel. He’s represented by Paradigm.
The news was first reporting by the Tracking Board.
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Lawrence Atkinson and David Bomberg are associated with which artistic movement founded by Wyndam Lewis in the early 20th century? | Modern Art Movements
Jackson Pollock
This USPS stamp illustrates Pollock's drip technique.
Abstract expressionism was an American post- World War II art movement . It was the first specifically American movement to achieve worldwide influence and also the one that put New York City at the center of the art world, a role formerly filled by Paris .
The term was first applied to American art in 1946 by the critic Robert Coates .
Technically, its most important predecessor is often said to be surrealism , with its emphasis on spontaneous, automatic or subconscious creation. Jackson Pollock 's dripping paint onto a canvas laid on the floor is a technique that has its roots in the work of Max Ernst .
The movement gets its name because it is seen as combining the emotional intensity and self-expression of the German Expressionists with the anti-figurative aesthetic of the European abstract schools such as Futurism , the Bauhaus and Synthetic Cubism . Additionally, it has an image of being rebellious, anarchic, highly idiosyncratic and, some feel, rather nihilistic.
In practice, the term is applied to any number of artists working in New York who had quite different styles, and even applied to work which is not especially abstract nor expressionist. Pollock's energetic " action paintings ", with their "busy" feel, are very different both technically and aesthetically to the rather violent and grotesque Women series of Willem de Kooning (which is not particularly abstract) and to the serenely shimmering blocks of colour in Mark Rothko 's work (which does not seem particularly expressionist), yet all three are classified as abstract expressionists.
That said, abstract expressionist paintings do tend to share certain definite characteristics, such as a fondness for large canvases, an emphasis on the canvas's inherent flatness, and an "all-over" approach, in which all areas of the canvas are treated with equal importance (as opposed to the center being of more interest than the edges, for example).
As the first truly original school of painting in America, abstract expressionism demonstrated the vitality and creativity of the country in the post-war years, as well as its need (or ability) to develop an aesthetic sense that was not constrained by the European standards of beauty.
Articles on two leading abstract expressionists Jackson Pollock (http://www.terraingallery.org/Jackson-Pollock-Ambition-DK.html) and Philip Guston (http://www.aestheticrealism.org/Philip_Guston/Philip_Guston.html), by American artist Dorothy Koppelman, relating their art to their lives from the Aesthetic Realism point of view, can be seen on the Terrain Gallery (http://www.terraingallery.org/Art-Talks-Archive.html) Web site.
Canadian artist, Jean-Paul Riopelle (1923-2002), helped introduce abstract impressionism to Paris in the 1950s.
By the 1960s , the movement had lost most of its impact, and was no longer so influential. Movements which were direct responses to, and rebellions against, abstract expressionism had begun, such as pop art and minimalism . However, many painters who had produced abstract expressionist work continued to work in that style for many years afterwards extending and expanding its visual and philosophical implications .
Abstract expressionism's main representatives were:
William McGregor Paxton
Art Deco
Art Deco was a movement in decorative arts that also affected architecture , deriving its name from the World's fair held in Paris in 1925 , formally titled the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes , which showcased French luxury goods and reassured the world that Paris remained the international center of style. Art Deco did not originate with the Exposition; it was a major style in Europe from the early 1920s, though it did not catch on in the U.S. until about 1928, when it quickly modulated into the Moderne during the 1930s , the decade with which the concept of Art Deco is most strongly associated today.
The term Art Deco was coined during the Exposition of 1925 but did not receive wider usage until it was re-evaluated in the 1960s . Its practitioners were not working as a coherent community. It is considered to be eclectic, being influenced by a variety of sources, to name a few:
early work from the Wiener Werkstätte; functional industrial design
"primitive" arts of Africa, Egypt, or Aztec Mexico
severe forms of Neoclassicism : Boullée, Schinkel
everything associated with Jazz, Jazz Age or "jazzy"
animal motifs and forms; tropical foliage; ziggurats; crystals; stylized fountain motifs
lithe athletic "modern" female forms; flappers' bobbed haircuts
"machine age" technology such as the radio and skyscraper .
The Art Deco spire of the Chrysler Building
Corresponding to these influences, the Art Deco is characterised by use of materials such as sharkskin and zebraskin, zigzag and stepped forms, bold and sweeping curves (unlike the sinuous curves of the Art nouveau ), chevron patterns, sunburst motif, etc. Some of these motifs were ubiquitous- for example the sunburst motif was used in such varied contexts as a lady's shoe, a radiator grille, the spire of the Chrysler Building . Art Deco was an opulent style and this opulence is attributed as a reaction to the forced austerity during the years of World War I. Art Deco was a popular style for interiors of cinema theatres and ocean liners such as the Ile de France and Normandie .
A parallel movement following close behind, the Streamline or Streamline Moderne , was influenced by manufacturing and streamlining techniques arising from science and mass production- shape of bullet, liners, etc., where aerodynamics are involved. Once the Chrysler Air-Flo design of 1933 (date) was successful, "streamlined" forms began to be used even for objects such as pencil sharpeners and refrigerators. In architecture, this style was characterised by rounded corners, used predominantly for buildings at road junctions.
Some historians see Art Deco as a type of, or early form of, Modernism
Though Art Deco slowly lost patronage in the West, and was cut short by the austerities of World War II , in colonial countries such as India, it became a gateway for Modernism, and continued to be used well after, even in the nineteen sixties.
Contents
Alfons Mucha
, lithographed poster, 1898
Art Nouveau (French for "New art") is an art and design style that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century . Other, more localized terms for the cluster of self-consciously radical, somewhat mannered reformist chic that formed a prelude to 20th-century Modernism , included Jugendstil in Germany, named for the snappy avant-garde periodical Jugend ('Youth') or Sezessionstil in Vienna, where forward-looking artists and designers seceded from the mainstream salon exhibitions, to exhibit on their own in more congenial surroundings.
In Italy, Stile Liberty was named for the London shop that had been distributing good modern design emanating from the Arts and Crafts movement , a sign both of the Art Nouveau's commercial aspect and the 'imported' character it always retained in Italy.
In Spain, the movement was centred in Barcelona and was known as modernisme in Catalan and modernismo in Spanish. Antoni Gaudí is the main architect in the movement.
Contents
5 External link
Career of Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau started in the 1880s and had its climax in years 1892–1902. The name 'Art Nouveau' derived from the name of a shop in Paris, Maison de l'Art Nouveau, run by Samuel Bing , who showcased some objects that followed this approach to design.
A high point in the evolution of Art Nouveau was the Universal Exposition of 1900 in Paris, in which the 'Modern Style' triumphed in every medium. In the following decade, the new style was so rapidly commercialized in trivial mass-production that Art Nouveau was looked down upon after about 1907, and the term was ascribed a pejorative meaning.
Character of Art Nouveau
St Louis World's Fair
, 1904: entrance to the "Creation" exhibit
One of the most important characteristics of the style is a dynamic, undulating and flowing, curved 'whiplash' line of syncopated rhythm. Hyperbolas and parabolas were used in art. Conventional moldings seem to spring to life and 'grow' into plant-derived forms.
As an art movement it has certain affinities with the Pre-Raphaelites and the Symbolist painters , and certain figures like Aubrey Beardsley . Alfons Mucha , Edward Burne-Jones , Gustav Klimt , and Jan Toorop could be classed in more than one of these styles. Unlike Symbolist painting, however, Art Nouveau had a distinctive visual look of its own; and unlike the backwards-looking Pre-Raphaelites, Art Nouveau was not shy about the use of new materials, machined surfaces, and abstraction in the service of pure design.
Art Nouveau in architecture and interior design eschewed the eclectic historicism of the Victorian era. Though Art Nouveau designers did select and 'modernize' some of the more abstract elements of Rococo style, such as flame and shell textures, in place of the historically-derived and basically tectonic or realistic naturalistic ornament of High Victorian styles, Art Nouveau advocated the use of highly-stylized Nature as the source of inspiration and expanded the 'natural' repertory to embrace seaweed, grasses, insects.
Correspondingly organic forms, curved lines, especially floral or vegetal, etc., began to be used. Japanese wood-block prints with their curved lines, patterned surfaces and contrasting voids, and flatness of their picture-plane, also inspired Art Nouveau. Some line and curve patterns became graphic clichés that were later found in works of artists from all parts of the world. An important fact is that Art Nouveau did not negate the machine as other movements such as the Arts and Crafts Movement but used it to its advantage. In terms of material usage, the principal ones employed were glass and wrought iron, leading to a very sculpturesque quality even in architecture.
Art Nouveau at its best is considered a total style, meaning that it encompasses a hierarchy of scales in design — architecture , interior design , jewellery , furniture and textile design, utensils and art objects, lighting, etc. Today Art Nouveau is viewed as a forerunner of the most innovative cultural movements of the 20th century , such as expressionism , cubism , surrealism , and Art Deco .
Art Nouveau media
Daum, Nancy circa 1900
Glass making was an area in which the style found tremendous expression— for example, the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany in New York and Émile Gallé and the Daum brothers (see illustration) in Nancy, France .
In jewellery Art Nouveau revitalised the jeweller's art, with nature as the principal source of inspiration, complemented by new levels of virtuosity in enamelling and the introduction of new materials, such as opals and semi-precious stones. The widespread interest in Japanese art and the more specialised enthusiasm for Japanese metalworking skills, fostered new themes and approaches to ornament. For the previous two centuries the emphasis in fine jewellery had been on gemstones, particularly on the diamond, and the jeweller or goldsmith had been principally concerned with providing settings for their advantage. Now a completely different type of jewellery was emerging, motivated by the artist-designer rather than the jeweller as merchant.
It was the jewellers of Paris and Brussels who created and defined Art Nouveau in jewellery, and it was in these cities that it achieved the most renown. Contemporary French critics were united in acknowledging that jewelry was undergoing a radical transformation, and that the French designer-jeweller René Lalique was at its heart. Lalique glorified nature in jewellery, extending the repertory to include new aspects of nature— dragonflies or grasses—, inspired by his intelligent encounter with Japanese art.
The jewellers were keen to establish the new style in a noble tradition, and for this they looked back to the Renaissance, with its jewels of sculpted and enamelled gold, and its acceptance of jewellers as artists rather than craftsmen. In most of the enamelled work of the period precious stones receded. Diamonds were usually given subsidiary roles, used alongside less familiar materials such as moulded glass, horn and ivory.
"O grave where is thy sting,"
Theo Wolvecamp , ( 1925 - 1992 )
The group held two large expositions, one at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam (1949) and the other at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Liège (1951). The primary focus of the group consisted of semiabstract paintings with brilliant color, violent brushwork, and distorted human figures inspired by primitive and folk art and similar to American Action Painting . Cobra was a milestone in the development of European Abstract Expressionism .
External link
Cobra Museum, Netherlands (http://www.cobra-museum.nl)
Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie refers to an artistic style which reflects Chinese influence and is characterized through the use of elaborate decoration and intricate patterns . Its popularity peaked around the middle of the 18th century .
The term is also used in garden design to the type of garden houses, bridges and other structures which became popular in the Western world in the 18th century .
Upscale houses, like the Casa Loma , sometimes feature an entire guest room decorated in the chinoiserie style, complete with Chinese-styled bed, phoenix -themed wallpaper, and china .
Die Brücke
Die Brücke (The Bridge) was a group of expressionist artists formed in Dresden in 1905 . Four Jugendstil architecture students led by Hermann Obrist - Fritz Bleyl ( 1880 - 1966 ), Erich Heckel ( 1883 - 1970 ), Ernst Ludwig Kirchner ( 1880 - 1938 ) and Karl Schmidt-Rofluff ( 1884 - 1976 ) decided to devote themselves to painting. They formed an exhibiting group which lasted until 1913 .
Although they were named for a passage in Friedrich Nietzsche 's Thus Spake Zarathustra that spoke of humanity's potential to be the evolutionary "bridge" to a more perfect future ( Übermensch ), Die Brücke's members demonstrated little interest in advancing the evolutionary process.
Their style was a good example of modernist primitivism - purposefully simple and direct and also quite focused on the female nude .
Fauvism
(1908) by Henri Matisse
Les Fauves ( French for "wild beasts"), a short-lived movement of early Modernist art, emphasized paint itself and the use of deep color over the representational values retained by Impressionism , even with its focus on light and the moment.
The mantra of the Fauves was a quote from Paul Gauguin to Paul Serusier in 1888 to the effect that if the trees looked yellow to the artist then painted a bright yellow they must be. The name, which translates as "wild beasts," was given the group by an art critic following their 1905 seminal show in Paris . The painter Gustave Moreau was the movement's inspirational teacher, a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, who pushed his students to think outside of the lines of formality and to follow their visions.
The leaders of the movement, Moreau's top students, were Henri Matisse and André Derain , friendly rivals of a sort, each with his own followers. The paintings, for example Matisse's 1908 The Dessert or Derain's The Two Barges, use powerful reds or other forceful colors to draw the eye. Matisse became the yang to Picasso 's yin in the 20th century while time has trapped Derain at the century's beginning, a "wild beast" forever. Their disciples included Albert Marquet , Henri Manguin , Charles Camoin , the Belgian painter Henri Evenepoel , Jean Puy , Maurice de Vlaminck , Raoul Dufy , Emile-Othonriesz , Georges Rouault , the Dutch painter Kees van Dongen , and Picasso's soul brother Georges Braque .
See also
History of Painting
Land art
Land art or earth art is a form of art which came to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s primarily concerned with the natural environment . Materials such as rocks , sticks, soil and so on are often used, and the works frequently exist in the open and are left to change and erode under natural conditions. Particularly large works are sometimes known as earthworks .
The movement was inspired mostly by modern and minimal movements such as De Stijl , Cubism , and Minimalism . Perhaps the best known artist who worked in this genre was the American Robert Smithson . His best known piece, and probably the most famous piece of all land art, is Spiral Jetty (1970), for which Smithson arranged rock, earth and algae so as to form a long (1500 feet) spiral-shape jetty protruding into Great Salt Lake in Utah . How much of the work, if any, is visible is dependent on the fluctuating water levels. Since its creation, the work has been completely covered, and then uncovered again, by water.
Smithson's Gravel Mirror with Cracks and Dust (1968) is an example of land art existing in a gallery space rather than in the natural environment. It consists of a pile of gravel by the side of a partially mirrored gallery wall. In its simplicity of form and concentration on the materials themselves, this and other pieces of land art have an affinity with minimalism . There is also a relationship to Arte Povera in the use of materials traditionally considered "unartistic" or "worthless".
Land artists have tended to be American, with other prominent artists in this field including Alice Aycock , Michael Heizer and James Turrell . Turrell began work in 1972 on possibly the largest piece of land art thus far, reshaping the earth surrounding an extinct volcano in Arizona . Perhaps the most prominent non-American land artists are the British Richard Long and Andy Goldsworthy . Some works by Christo , who is famous for wrapping monuments, buildings and landscapes in fabric , are also sometimes considered to be works of land art.
Modernisme
Modernisme (not to be confused with modernism ) is the Catalan variant of Art Nouveau . Antoni Gaudí is the most well-known architect from this movement.
Nazarene movement
The name Nazarene was adopted by a group of early nineteenth century German Romantic painters who aimed to revive honesty and spirituality in Christian art. The name Nazarene came from a term of derision used against them for their affectation of a biblical manner of clothing and hair style.
In 1809 , six students at the Vienna Academy formed an artistic cooperative in Vienna called the Brotherhood of St. Luke or Lukasbund, following a common name for medieval gilds of painters. In 1810 four of them, Johann Friedrich Overbeck , Franz Pforr , Ludwig Vogel and Johann Konrad Hottinger moved to Rome , where they occupied the abandoned monastery of San Isidoro. They were joined by Philipp Veit , Peter von Cornelius , Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld , Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow and a loose grouping of other German artists. They met up with Austrian romantic landscape artist Joseph Anton Koch (1768–1839) who became an unofficial tutor to the group.
The principal motivation of the Nazarenes was a reaction against Neoclassicism and the routine art education of the academy system. They hoped to return to art which embodied spiritual values, and sought inspiration in artists of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance , rejecting what they saw as the superficial virtuosity of later art.
In Rome the group lived a semi-monastic existence, as a way of re-creating the nature of the medieval artist's workshop. Religious subjects dominated their output, and two major commissions allowed them to attempt a revival of the medieval art of fresco painting. Two fresco series were completed in Rome for the Casa Bartholdy (1816-17) (moved to the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin) and the Casino Massimo (1817-29), and gained international attention for the work of the 'Nazarener'. However, by 1830 all except Overbeck had returned to Germany and the group had disbanded. Ironically, many Nazareners returned to teach in German art academies.
Legacy of the Nazarene movement
The artistic achievement of the Nazarenes is difficult to evaluate; their finished paintings appear less impressive with the perspective of history than they did to their contemporaries. Awkward composition, weak colouring and derivative themes detract from the challenge of their work in its time. However, the programme of the Nazarenes - the adoption of honest expression in art and the inspiration of artists before Raphael - was to exert considerable influence in Germany, and in England upon the Pre-Raphaelite movement. In their abandonment of the academy and their rejection of much of the artistic legacy of western art, the Nazarenes can be seen as pioneers of an avant-garde tendency in art which would dominate the late nineteenth century.
Notable members of the Nazarene movement
Ludwig Vogel
Further information
Mitchell Benjamin Frank. 'Romantic Painting Redefined: Nazarene Tradition and the Narratives of Romanticism'. Ashgate Publishing, 2001; ISBN 0754604772
Op art
Op art is a term used to described certain paintings made primarily in the 1960s which exploit the fallibilty of the eye through the use of optical illusions .
Op art works are usually abstract , with many of the better known pieces made in only black and white. When the viewer looks at them, the impression is given of movement, flashing and vibration, or alternatively of swelling or warping.
The term first appeared in print in Time Magazine in October 1964, though works which might now be described as "op art" had been produced for several years previously. It has been suggested that Victor Vasarely 's 1930s works such as Zebra (1938), which is made up entirely of diagonal black and white stripes curved in a way to give a three-dimensional impression of a seated zebra , should be considered the first works of op art.
In 1965, a show called The Responsive Eye, made up entirely of works of op art, was held in New York City . This show did a great deal to make op art prominent, and many of the artists now considered important in the style exhibited there. Op art subsequently became tremendously popular, and op art images were used in a number of commercial contexts. Bridget Riley tried to sue an American company, without success, for using one of her paintings as the basis of a fabric design.
Bridget Riley is perhaps the best known of the op artists. Taking Vasarely's lead, she made a number of paintings consisting only of black and white lines. Rather than giving the impression of some real-world object, however, Riley's paintings frequently give the impression of movement or colour .
Riley later produced works in full colour, and other op artists have worked in colour as well, although these works tend to be less well known. Violent contrasts of colour are sometimes used to produce similar illusions of movement.
Other noted op artists include Jesús-Rafael Soto and Richard Anuszkiewicz .
External links
Optical Illusions: a lesson for computer art in the classroom
Photorealism
This article is about the art movement. In computer graphics, the phrase "photorealism" is used to describe photorealistic rendering of scenes.
Photorealism is the quality of resembling a photograph , generally in a hyperrealistic sense. In art, the term is primarily applied to paintings from the photorealism art movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s .
As a full-fledged art movement, photorealism sprang up in the late 1960s and early 1970s in America and Europe (where it was also commonly labeled superrealism) and was dominated by painters. The first generation of American photorealists includes such painters as [[Richard Estes], Audrey Flack , Robert Cottingham , Don Eddy , Ron Kleemann , Tom Blackwell , Charles Bell , Chuck Close , John Kacere , David Parrish , Robert Bechtle , Ralph Goings , Richard McLean , John Salt and Ben Schonzeit . Duane Hanson was a rare exception of a photorealistic sculptor, famous for his amazingly lifelike painted sculptures of average people, complete with simulated hair and real clothes. Often working independently of each other and with widely different starting points, photorealists often tackled mundane or familiar subjects in traditional art genres--landscapes (mostly urban rather than naturalistic), portraits, and still lifes.
Photorealists very consciously took their cues from photographic images, often working very systematically from photographic slide projections onto canvases and using techniques such as gridding to preserve accuracy. The photorealist style is tight and precisionistic, often with an emphasis on imagery that require a high level of technical prowess and virtuosity to simulate, such as reflections in specular surfaces and the geometric rigor of man-made environs.
20th century photorealism can be contrasted with the similarly literal, hyperrealistic style found in trompe l'oeil paintings of the 19th century. However, trompe l'oeil paintings tended to be carefully designed, very shallow-space still-lifes with illusionistic gimmicks such as objects seeming to lift slightly from the painting. The photorealism movement moved beyond this double-take illusionism to tackle deeper spatial representations (e.g. urban landscapes) and took on much more varied and dynamic subject matter.
Pointillism
by Georges Seurat
Pointillism is a style of painting in which non- primary colors are generated, not by the mixing of pigments in the palette nor by using pigments directly, but by the visual mixing of points of primary colors, placed in close proximity to each other.
When viewed from a distance, the points or dots cannot be distinguished, and blend optically into each other. This means that with the same set of primaries, pointillists generate a different range of colors when compared to artists using traditional colors or color-mixing techniques.
The result is sometimes described as brighter or purer since the eye does the mixing and not the brush. An explanation for this could be sought in the subtractive and additive theories of color.
Usually when colors are produced by pigments being mixed physically, the subtractive color theory is at work. Here the mixing of pigments of the primary colours produces less light; so if we mix red, blue and yellow pigments(subtractive primaries), we get a colour close to black. However when colours are produced by the mixing of light , then the additive color theory is at work. Here the mixing of lights of the three primary colours produces more light; so if we mix red, blue and green light(additive primaries) we get something close to white light. The brighter effect of pointillist colours could rise from the fact that subtractive mixing is avoided and something closer to the effect of additive mixing is obtained even through pigments.
The brushwork used to perform pointillistic color mixing is at the expense of traditional brushwork which could be used to delineate texture . Color television receivers and computer screens, both CRT and LCD, use tiny dots of primary red, green, and blue to render color, and can thus be regarded as a kind of pointillism.
Georges Seurat is generally associated with this Post-Impressionist movement. Other artists influenced by this movement include Paul Signac and Henri-Edmond Cross .
The term pointillism was later borrowed by musicians to describe a style of composition first seen in the works of Anton Webern and used by his followers such as Pierre Boulez through the 1950s and 1960s, in which carefully chosen sounds of different timbres , each apparently standing in isolation rather than linking up to form more obviously melodic relationships, make up the piece.
Pop art
Pop art is an artistic movement that is a rejection of abstract expressionism and aims to return to figurative art while incorporating themes and techniques from mass culture. The term was coined in 1956 by British critic Laurence Alloway but didn't entirely stick until well into the 1960s . In the meantime the movement was being called Neo-dada, a name which reveals some of the thinking behind this type of art. There is a strong influence of Dadaism in Pop art.
Pop art is also to some extent a satire of the philistine acquisitiveness of patrons of art and of official art institutions – for example, early pop artists induced important museums to invest large sums of money in paintings of mundane subjects, done with acrylic paint on plywood, which quickly deteriorated. This movement gained strength in the 1960s and was centered in England and the United States early on.
Notable Pop Artists include:
Vincent Van Gogh
Suprematism
Suprematism means, in Kasimir Malevich 's own words, "supremacy of forms". It is almost a study in "abstract" forms conceived in itself - non-objective and not related to anything except geometric shapes and colors.
Malevich created a type of suprematist grammar of forms that was rooted in squares. In the 0.10 exhibition - also called the "last futurist exhibition" - Malevitch exposed his very first experiments in suprematist painting. The centrepiece of his show was the "Black quadrilateral on white", placed in what was called the "golden corner" in ancient orthodox tradition - the place of the main icon in a house. Malevitch considered this picture the ground zero for suprematism. Suprematism follows the ideas of Non-Euclidean geometry and fourth dimension spread by Russian mathematician Lobachevsky . In this view, each picture is a frozen image of an eternal movement of forms in an ideal space of n dimensions - no up nor down, no left nor right.
The fundamental visual grammar of Suprematism also includes the circle and the cross, made of two elongated squares, forming two rectangles that cross one another. Malevitch always used the symbols of orthodox tradition.
Deprived of the right to paint abstract pictures, Malevich nevertheless retained his main conception. In his self-portrait of 1933 he represents himself in a very traditional way - the only way permitted by Stalinist cultural policy - but signs the picture with a tiny black over white square.
Tachisme
Tachisme (alternative spelling: Tachism, derived from the French word tache - stain) was a French style of abstract painting in the 1940s and 1950s . It is often considered to be the European equivalent to abstract expressionism . Other names for this movements are l'art informel (similar to action painting ) and abstraction lyrique (lyrical abstraction).
Tachisme was a reaction to cubism and is characterized by spontaneous brushwork, drips and blobs of paint straight from the tube, and sometimes scribbling reminiscent of calligraphy .
Artists
Vorticism
Ezra Pound, who gave Vorticism its name and contributed to Blast.
Vorticism was a short lived, British art movement of the early 20th century . It is considered to be the only significant British movement of the early twentieth century but lasted less than three years.
Wyndam Lewis in 1916
The name "Vorticism" was given to the movement by Ezra Pound in 1913, although Wyndham Lewis , usually seen as the central figure in the movement, had been producing paintings in the same style for a year or so previously. The style is said to have grown out of Cubism , but is more closely related to Futurism in its embrace of dynamism, the machine age and all things modern. However, Vorticism diverged from Futurism in the way that it tried to capture movement in an image. In a Vorticist painting modern life is shown as an array of bold lines and harsh colours drawing the viewer's eye into the centre of the canvas.
Other than Lewis, the main figures associated with the movement were William Roberts , Edward Wadsworth , David Bomberg , and the sculptors Jacob Epstein and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska .
The Vorticists had only one exhibition, in 1915 at the Doré Gallery . Following that, the movement broke up, largely due to the onset of World War I and public apathy towards the work. Attempts to revive the movement in the 1920s under the name Group X were unsuccessful.
Blast
The cover of the 1915
Blast wartime number.
The Vorticists had their own journal, BLAST , edited by Lewis. It published work by Ezra Pound and T. S. Eliot as well as by the vorticists themselves. Its typographical adventurousness was cited by El Lissitzky as one of the major forerunners of the revolution in graphic design in the 1920s and 1930s.
Although Lewis is generally seen as the central figure in the movement, it has been suggested that this was more due to his contacts and ability as a self-publicist and polemicist than the quality of his works necessarily. A 1956 exhibition at the Tate Gallery was called "Wyndham Lewis and the Vorticists", highlighting his prominent place in the movement, although this angered some other members of the group. Both Bomberg and Roberts protested strongly over Lewis' assertion in the exhibition catalogue that "Vorticism, in fact, was what I, personally, did, and said, at a certain period."
External links
An example of a Vorticist painting is Workshop (http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/ViewWork?workid=8709) circa 1914-5 by Wyndham Lewis.
Clement Greenberg
Clement Greenberg ( January 16 , 1909 - May 7 , 1994 ) was an influential American art critic who was closely associated with the institutionalization of abstract art in the United States. In particular he promoted the Abstract Expressionist movement led by Jackson Pollock .
Greenberg made his name as an art critic with his essay Avant Garde and Kitsch, published in 1939. In this article Greenberg claimed that avant-garde and Modernist art was a means to resist the 'dumbing down' of culture caused by consumerism . Greenberg termed this ' kitsch ', a word that his essay popularised, though its connotations have since changed. Modern art, like philosophy, explored the conditions under which we experience and understand the world. It does not simply provide information about it — in the manner of an illustratively accurate depiction of the world.
For Greenberg Modernism provided a critical commentary on experience. It was constantly changing to adapt to kitsch culture, which was itself always developing. In the years after World War Two, Greenberg came to believe that the best avant-garde artists were emerging in America rather than Europe. He promoted the work of Pollock and the other Abstract Expressionists as next stage in Modernist art, arguing that Modernist art was moving towards greater emphasis on the 'flatness' of the picture plane.
These views led Greenberg to reject Pop Art in the 1960s, which was influenced by kitsch culture.
Willem de Kooning
Willem de Kooning ( April 24 , 1904 - March 19 , 1997 ) an abstract expressionist painter was born in Rotterdam in The Netherlands . The Rotterdam Academy of Fine Art accepted de Kooning as a student in 1916. In 1926 he stowed away on a boat to New York City.
De Kooning made his living for a time as a house painter. Later, he was a teacher at Black Mountain College with John Cage , Buckminster Fuller and Josef Albers .
In the post World War II era, de Kooning painted in the area of abstract expressionism. Others in this movement include Jackson Pollock , Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still . Later, de Kooning experimented with other art movements.
De Kooning's parents, Leendert de Kooning and Cornelia Nobel, were divorced when he was about five years old, and he was raised by his mother and a stepfather. In 1916 he was apprenticed to a firm of commercial artists and decorators, and, about the same time, he enrolled in night classes at the Rotterdam Academy of Fine Arts and Techniques, where he studied for eight years. In 1920 he went to work for the art director of a large department store.
In 1926 de Kooning entered the United States as a stowaway and eventually settled in Hoboken, New Jersey, where he supported himself as a house painter. In 1927 he moved to a studio in Manhattan and came under the influence of the artist, connoisseur, and art critic John Graham and the painter Arshile Gorky. Gorky became one of de Kooning's closest friends.
From about 1928 de Kooning began to paint still life and figure compositions reflecting schoolof Paris and Mexican influences. By the early 1930s he was exploring abstraction, using biomorphic shapes and simple geometric compositions?an opposition of disparate formal elements that prevails in his work throughout his career. These early works have strong affinities with those of his friends Graham and Gorky and reflect the impact on these young artists of Pablo Picasso and the Surrealist Joan Miró, both of whom achieved powerfully expressive compositions through biomorphic forms.
In October 1935 de Kooning began to work on the WPA ( Works Progress Administration ) Federal Art Project . He was employed by this work-relief program until July 1937, when he was forced to resign because of his alien status. This period of about two years provided the artist,who had been supporting himself during the early Depression by commercial jobs, with his first opportunity to devote full time to creative work. He worked on both the easel-painting and mural divisions of the project (the several murals he designed were never executed).
In 1938, probably under the influence of Gorky, de Kooning embarked on a series of sad, staring male figures, including Two Men Standing, Man, and Seated Figure (Classic Male). Parallel with these works he also created lyrically coloured abstractions, such as Pink Landscape and Elegy. This coincidence of figures and abstractions continued well into the 1940s with his representational but somewhat geometricized Woman and Standing Man, along with numerous untitled abstractions whose biomorphic forms increasingly suggest the presence of figures. By about 1945 the two tendencies seemed to fuse perfectly in Pink Angels. In 1946, too poor to buy artists' pigments, he turned to black and white household enamels to paint a series of large abstractions; of these works, Light in August (c. 1946) and Black Friday (1948) are essentially black with white elements, whereas Zurich (1947) and Mailbox (1947?48) are white with black. Developing out of these works in the period after his first show were complex, agitated abstractions such as Asheville (1948?49), Attic (1949), and Excavation (1950; Art Institute, Chicago), which reintroduced colour and seem to sum up with taut decisiveness the problems of free-associative composition he had struggled with for many years.
In 1938 de Kooning met Elaine Fried , whom he married in 1943. She also became a significant artist. During the 1940s and thereafter he became increasingly identified with the Abstract Expressionist movement and was recognized as one of its leaders in the mid-1950s. He had his first one-man show, which consisted of his black-and-white enamel compositions, at the Charles Egan Gallery in New York in 1948 and taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina in 1948 and at the Yale School of Art in 1950?51.
Mature works
Whereas de Kooning had painted women regularly in the early 1940s and again from 1947 to 1949, and the biomorphic shapes of his early abstractions can be interpreted as female symbols, it was not until 1950 that he began to explore the subject of women exclusively. In the summer of that year he began Woman I (Museum of Modern Art, New York City), which went through innumerable metamorphoses before it was finished in 1952. During this period he also created other paintings of women. These works were shown at the Sidney Janis Gallery in 1953 and caused a sensation, chiefly because they were figurative when most of his fellow Abstract Expressionists were painting abstractly and because of their blatant technique and imagery. The savagely applied pigment and the use of colours that seem vomited on his canvas combine to reveal a woman all too congruent with some of modern man's most widely held sexual fears. The toothy snarls, overripe, pendulous breasts, vacuous eyes, and blasted extremities imaged the darkest Freudian insights. The Woman paintings II through VI (1952?53) are all variants on this theme, as are Woman and Bicycle (1953; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York) and Two Women in the Country (1954). The deliberate vulgarity of these paintings contrasts with the French painter Jean Dubuffet's no less harsh Corps de dame series of 1950, in which the female, formed with a rich topography of earth colours, relates more directly to universal symbols.
By 1955, however, de Kooning seems to have turned to this symbolic aspect of woman, as suggested by the title of his Woman as Landscape, in which the vertical figure seems almost absorbed into the abstract background. There followed a series of landscapes such as Police Gazette, Gotham News, Backyard on Tenth Street, Parc Rosenberg, Suburb in Havana, Door to the River, and Rosy-Fingered Dawn at Louse Point, which display an evolution from compositional and colouristic complexity to a broadly painted simplicity.
About 1963, the year he moved permanently to East Hampton, Long Island, de Kooning returned to depicting women in such paintings as Pastorale and Clam Diggers. He reexplored the theme in the mid-1960s in paintings that were as controversial as his earlier women. In these works, which have been read as satiric attacks on the female anatomy, de Kooning painted with a flamboyant lubricity in keeping with the uninhibited subject matter. His later works, such as ?Whose Name Was Writ in Water and Untitled III, are lyrical, lush, and shimmering with light and reflections on water. He turned more and more during his late yearsto the production of clay sculpture.
In the 1980s de Kooning was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, and a court declared him unfit to manage his estate, which was turned over to conservators. As the quality of his later work declined, his vintage works drew increasing profits. At Sotheby's auctions Pink Lady (1944) sold for $3.6 million in 1987 and Interchange (1955) brought $20.6 million in 1989.
Willem de Kooning has served as inspiration for the Welsh band Manic Street Preachers for three songs: "Interiors (Song for Willem de Kooning)", "His Last Painting", about him suffering from Alzheimer's disease and the song "Door to the River" which is named after the painting.
Jackson Pollock
Jackson Pollock ( January 28 , 1912 - August 11 , 1956 ) was an influential American artist and a major force in the abstract expressionism movement.
He was born in Cody, Wyoming , and later moved to New York in 1929 , where he studied under Thomas Hart Benton . Pollock moved away from figurative art, and developed techniques of splashing and dripping his paint onto canvas ( action painting ). Pollock was dubbed "Jack the Dripper" due to his painting style.
From 1938 to 1942 he worked for the Federal Art Project , in the 1950s Pollock was supported by the CIA via the Congress for Cultural Freedom (CCF).
Pollock's career was cut short when he died in a car crash in 1956 .
He was the subject of the documentaries Jackson Pollock ( 1987 ) and Jackson Pollock - Love & Death on Long Island ( 1999 ) as well as a movie drama called Pollock ( 2000 ) starring Ed Harris . The earlier ten-minute documentary Jackson Pollock (1951) was directed by Hans Namuth and had music by Morton Feldman .
Jackson married Lee Krasner in 1944.
External links
"Jackson Pollock’s 'Number One 1948' or — How Can We Be Abandoned and Accurate at the Same Time?" by Lore Elbel-Bruce (http://www.aestheticrealism.org/Pollock_LS.htm)
Action painting
Action painting, sometimes called gestural abstraction, is a style of painting in which paint is spontaneously dribbled, splashed or smeared onto the canvas, rather than being carefully applied. The resulting works emphasise the physical act of painting itself. The style was particularly widespread in the 1950s and 1960s, and is closely associated with abstract expressionism (some critics have used the terms action painting and abstract expressionism interchangeably). A comparison is often drawn between the American action painting and the French tachisme .
The term was coined by the American critic Harold Rosenberg in 1952, and signaled a major shift in the aesthetic perspective of New York School painters and critics. While abstract expressionists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning had long been outspoken in their view of a painting as an arena within which to come to terms with the act of creation, earlier critics sympathetic to their cause, like Clement Greenberg , had always focused on their works' "objectness." To Greenberg, it was the sheer physicality of the paintings' clotted and oil-caked surfaces that was the key to understanding them as documents of the artists' existential struggle.
Rosenberg's critique shifted the emphasis from the object to the struggle itself, with the finished painting being seen as only the physical manifestation, a kind of residue, of the actual work of art, which was in the act or process of the painting's creation. Over the next two decades, Rosenberg's redefinition of art as an act rather than an object, as a process rather than a product, was very influential, and laid the foundation for a number of major art movements, from Happenings and Fluxus to Conceptual and Earth Art
In an Aesthetic Realism study of Pollock's painting "Number One 1948," (http://www.aestheticrealism.org/Pollock_LS.htm) Lore Elbel-Bruce has shown how the aesthetic effect of this quintessential example of action painting arises from the way it is at once abandoned and accurate - that is, puts together the very opposites (http://www.terraingallery.org/IsBeauty.html) that "struggle" or are in conflict not only in the artist but in every individual.
Antoni Gaudí
View of the Parc Güell , El Carmel , Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet (more widely known in the English speaking world under the Spanish version of his first name, as Antonio Gaudí, or, just simply, Gaudi), ( 25 June 1852 - 10 June 1926 ) was a Catalan architect famous for his unique designs expressing sculptural and individualistic qualities. His works are categorised under the Art Nouveau style of architecture, a precursor to modern architecture
He was born at Reus and educated, and worked all his life in Barcelona , Catalonia , Spain .
His first works were influenced by gothic and Catalan architectural modes but he developed his own distinct sculptural style.
In the first years of his career, Gaudí was strongly influenced by a French architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc who promoted the return to an evolved form of Gothic architecture .
But Gaudí surpassed Viollet-le-Duc, and created buildings and designs that were highly original - irregular, fantastically shaped with intricate patterns. Some of his masterworks, most notably, La Sagrada Família have an almost hallucinatory power.
He brought the parabolic arch , the organic shapes of nature and underwater fluidity into architecture. While arriving at the form of his buildings he used catenary principle using a scaled model and observing the forces of gravity . He also used the Catalonian trencadís technique of broken tiles to decorate surfaces.
He was ridiculed by his contemporaries, at his beginning being supported only by the rich industrialist Eusebi Güell . His fellow citizens referred to the Casa Milá as La Pedrera ("the quarry"). George Orwell , who stayed at Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War , very much disliked his work.
As time passed, though, his work became recognised and he is considered one of Catalonia's best and brightest .
Politically, he was a fervent Catalan nationalist. (He was once arrested for speaking in Catalan in a situation considered illegal by authorities.) In his later years, he left secular work and devoted all his time to Catholic religion and his Sagrada Familia.
He was run down by a tramway and his corpse was thought a tramp's because of his careless attire and the obscurity of his last years.
Though acknowledged as a genius, there is a theory that Gaudí was color blind and that it was only in collaboration with Josep Maria Jujol , an architect 27 years his junior whom he acknowledged as a genius in his own right, that he produced his greatest works.
Gaudi's major works in chronological order :
Bauhaus
Alternate use: There is also a British rock band named Bauhaus .
Bauhaus is a short name for the Staatliches Bauhaus, an art and architecture school in Germany operational from 1919 to 1933 . It was one of the most influential strands that constitute what is known as Modernism in architecture.
The school was founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar in 1919 , by merging the Grand Ducal School of the Plastic Arts with the Kunstgewerberschule . Most of the contents of the workshops had been sold off during the war. The early intention was that the Bauhaus should be a combined architecture school, crafts school, and academy of the arts. This was a basis of much internal and external conflict that followed.
Gropius felt that a new period of history had begun with the end of World War I , and wanted to create a new architectural style to reflect this new era. His style for architecture as well as consumer goods was to be functional, cheap and intended for mass production. For that purpose Gropius wanted to re-unite art and craft to arrive at high-end functional products with artistic pretensions. He was the head of the school from 1919- 1928 , followed by Hannes Meyer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe .
The Bauhaus was largely subsidized by the early Weimar Republic . After a change in government, the school moved to Dessau in 1925 , where the Bauhaus University was built. In 1927, the Bauhaus style and its most famous architects influenced heavily the exhibition "Die Wohnung" ("The flat" ) organized by "Deutscher Werkbund" in Stuttgart . A major component of that exhibition was the Weissenhof Estate .
Bauhaus School in Dessau
Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart (1927)
The Bauhaus was moved again in 1932 to Berlin .
The school was closed on the orders of the Nazi regime in 1933. The Nazis had been opposed to the Bauhaus throughout the 1920s , as had other right-wing political groups. The Bauhaus was considered by them to be a front for communists, especially because many Russian artists were involved with it. Nazi writers such as Wilhelm Frick and Alfred Rosenberg felt that the Bauhaus was "un-German," and did not approve of its modernist styles. However, the Bauhaus had a major impact on art and architecture trends in western Europe and the United States in the following decades, as many of the artists involved were exiled under the Nazi regime.
The school was mainly concerned with architecture , and often built affordable public housing for the Weimar government, but also dealt with other branches of art. The Bauhaus issued a magazine called "Bauhaus" and a series of books called "Bauhausbücher". Its head of printing and design was Herbert Bayer .
One of the main objectives of the Bauhaus was to unify art, craft and technology. The machine was considered a positive element and therefore industrial and product design were important components. Vorkurs – literally 'before course' – was taught; this is the modern day Basic Design course that has become one of the key foundational courses offered in architectural schools all over the world. There was no teaching of history in the school because everything was supposed to be designed and created by first principles rather than through precedent.
The most important contribution of Bauhaus is in the field of furniture design . The world famous and ubiquitous Cantilever chair by designer Mart Stam , using the tensile properties of steel, is an example.
The Bauhaus school inspired the International movement for an imaginist Bauhaus which existed from 1953 to 1957 .
In 1999 Bauhaus-Dessau Collage started to organize postgraduate programs with participants from all over the world by the support of Bauhaus-Dessau Foundation which was founded in 1994 as a public institution.
Some other outstanding artists of the times were lecturers at the Bauhaus :
Weissenhof Estate Stuttgart (http://www.weissenhofsiedlung.de/)
De Stijl
Dutch De Stijl (pr. duh-steil), English : The Style - was an art movement (also known as "neoplasticism"- the new plastic art) of the 1920s that sought to express a new Utopian ideal of spiritual harmony and order. It advocated pure abstraction and universality by a reduction to the essentials of form and colour - the vertical and the horizontal directions and the primary colors of red , blue and yellow along with black and white .
Piet Mondriaan ( Dutch , 1872 - 1944 ), the group's most renowned artist, published a manifesto titled Neo-Plasticism in 1920 . Painter Theo van Doesburg (Dutch, 1883 - 1931 ) published a journal named De Stijl from 1917 to 1928 , spreading the theories of the group, which also included the painter George Vantongerloo ( Belgian , 1886 - 1965 ) and the architects J.J.P. Oud (Dutch, 1890 - 1963 ) and Gerrit Rietveld (Dutch, 1888 - 1965 ).
In many of the works under this movement, the vertical and the horizontal lines tend to slide past each other and do not intersect- for example some of Mondriaan's paintings, Rietveld's Schröder House and the Red and blue chair .
The movement was influenced by the neoplatonic philosophy of the mathematician M. H. J. Schoenmaekers and his books. The term Neo-Plasticism was also his.
The work of De Stijl exerted tremendous influence on the Bauhaus and the International style as well as clothing and interior design .
Neoplasticists include:
Georges Vantongerloo 1886-1965
Der Blaue Reiter
Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) was a group of expressionist artists that was established in Munich in 1911 . Wassily Kandinsky was one of the founders. Other well-known artists that were part of it were Franz Marc , August Macke , Gabriele Münter and Paul Klee . The members were interested in European medieval art and primitivism as well as the contemporary, non-figurative art scene in France .
The name of the movement comes from a painting of a blue knight that was used on the front of an almanac edited by its members.
An extensive collection of paintings by the Blaue Reiter group is exhibited in the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus in Munich.
New Objectivity
The New Objectivity, or neue Sachlichkeit (new matter-of-factness), was an art movement which arose in Germany during the 1920's in opposition to expressionism . It is thus post-expressionist.
civilized
(Kaes et al, 1994)
The New Objectivity is similar to neoclassicism , and compared to expressionism, is realism . Painters include George Grosz and Otto Dix , and also Max Beckmann . Composer Paul Hindemith may be considered both a New Objectivist and an expressionist, depending on the composition, throughout the 1920s.
External link
Source
Kaes et al., eds (1994). The Weimar Republic Sourcebook, p.493. Berkeley: University of California Press. Cited in:
Albright, Daniel (2004). Modernism and Music: An Anthology of Sources. University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0226012670 .
Modern art
Modern Art is a general term, used for most of the artistic production from the late 19th century until approximately the 1970s . (Recent art production is more often called contemporary art ). Modern art refers to a new approach to art where it was no longer important to literally represent a subject (through painting or sculpture) -- the invention of photography had made this function of art obsolete. Instead, artists started experimenting with new ways of seeing, with fresh ideas about the nature, materials and functions of art, often moving towards further abstraction .
The notion of modern art is closely related to modernism .
Contents
4 See also
History
During its first decades, modern art was an exclusively European phenomenon. The first seeds of modern ideas in art came from artists working in the romantic and realist movements. Next, representatives of impressionism and post-impressionism started experimenting with new ways of representing light and space through color and paint. In the pre- WWI years of the 20th century , a creative explosion took place with fauvism , cubism , expressionism and futurism .
World War I brought an end to this phase, but indicated the beginning of a number of anti-art movements, such as dada and the work of Marcel Duchamp , and of surrealism . Also, artist groups like de Stijl and Bauhaus were seminal in the development of new ideas about the interrelation of the arts, architecture, design and art education.
Modern art was introduced to America during World War I when a number of the artists in the Montmartre and Montparnasse Quarters of Paris, France fled the War. Francis Picabia ( 1879 – 1953 ), was responsible for bringing Modern Art to New York City . It was only after World War II , though, that the USA became the focal point of new artistic movements. The 1950s and 1960s saw the emergence of abstract expressionism , pop art , op art and minimal art ; in the late 1960s and the 1970s, land art , performance art , conceptual art and photorealism have emerged.
Around that period, a number of artists and architects started rejecting the idea of " the modern " and created typically postmodern works.
Starting from the postwar period, fewer artists used painting as their primary medium; instead, larger installations and performances became widespread. Since the 1970s, media art has become a category in itself, with a growing number of artists experimenting with technological means -- video art is the most well-known example here.
Chronological list of movements and artist groups, with representatives
End of 19th century
10 External links
History
Dada probably began in the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich in 1916 (by some accounts on October 6), and there were active dadaists in New York such as Marcel Duchamp and the Liberian art student, Beatrice Wood , who had left France at the onset of World War I . At around the same time there had been a dadist movement in Berlin . Slightly later there were also dadaist un-communities in Hanover ( Kurt Schwitters ), Cologne , and Paris. In 1920 Max Ernst , Hans Arp and social activist Alfred Grunwald set up the Cologne Dada group.
The French avant-garde kept abreast of Dada activities in Zürich due to the regular communications from Tristan Tzara , who exchanged letters, poems, and magazines with Guillaume Apollinaire , André Breton , Max Jacob , and other French writers, critics and artists. The first introduction of Dada artwork to the Parisian public was at the Salon des Indépendants in 1921. Jean Crotti exhibited works associated with Dada including a work entitled, "Explicatif" bearing the word Tabu.
By the dawn of World War II , many of the European Dadaists had fled or been forced into exile in the United States . The movement became less active as the founders died off and post-World War II optimism led to new movements in art and literature.
The Cabaret Voltaire fell into disrepair until it was occupied by a group claiming to be neo-dadaists in June-August of 2002. After their eviction the Cabaret Voltaire became a museum dedicated to the history of Dada and the Dada movement.
Origins of the word Dada
The origins of the name "Dada" are unclear. Some believe that it is a nonsensical word. Some believe it originates from the Romanian artists Tristan Tzara and Marcel Janco 's frequent use of the words "da, da", meaning "yes, yes" in the Romanian language . Others believe that a group of artists assembled in Zürich in 1916, wanting to form a movement, chose a name at random by stabbing a French - German dictionary, and picking the name that the point landed upon. "Dada" in French is a child's word for " hobby-horse ".
An anti-art movement?
According to its proponents, Dada was not art; it was anti-art. For everything that art stood for, Dada was to represent the opposite. Where art was concerned with aesthetics , Dada ignored them. If art is to have at least an implicit or latent message, Dada strives to have no meaning--interpretation of Dada is dependent entirely on the viewer. If art is to appeal to sensibilities, Dada offends. Perhaps it is then ironic that Dada is a precursor to Modern art. Dada became a commentary on art and the world, thus becoming art itself.
Dada and nihilism
The artists of the Dada movement had become disillusioned by art, art history and history in general. Many of them were veterans of World War I and had grown cynical of humanity after seeing what men were capable of doing to each other on the battlefields of Europe . Thus they became attracted to a nihilistic view of the world and created art in which chance and randomness formed the basis of creation.
The basis of Dada is nonsense. With the order of the world destroyed by World War I , Dada was a way to express the confusion that was felt by many people as their world was turned upside down. There is not an attempt to find meaning in disorder, but rather to accept disorder as the nature of the world. Many embraced this disorder through Dada, using it as a means to express their distaste for the aesthetics of the previous order and carnage it reaped. Through this rejection of traditional culture and aesthetics they hoped to reach a personal understanding of the true nature of the world around them.
Early practitioners
For a list of Neo-Dadaists see List of Neo-Dadaists
A Dada coincidence
Interestingly, at the same time that the Zürich dadaists were busy making noise and spectacle at the Cabaret Voltaire , Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was writing his revolutionary plans for Russia in a nearby apartment. It is known that he was unappreciative of the real revolutionary activity occurring next to him. Tom Stoppard used this coincidence as a premise for his play Travesties , which includes Tzara, Lenin, and James Joyce as characters.
Modern developments
In 1967 , a large Dada retrospective was held in Paris, France .
Bibliography
Richard Huelsenbeck, Memoirs of a Dada Drummer, (University of California Press) (paperback)
See also
Cut & Paste - A History of Photomontage (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davepalmer/cutandpaste/dada.html)
Performance art
Performance art is art where the actions of an individual or a group at a particular place and in a particular time constitute the work. It can happen anywhere, at any time, or for any length of time. Another way of understanding this is to say that performance art can be any situation that involves four basic elements: time, space, the performer's body and a relationship between performer and audience. It is opposed to painting or sculpture , for example, where an object constitutes the work.
A performance artist, with eyes closed, sits motionless for long periods balanced on an uncomfortable railing. Montmartre, Paris, France.
Although performance art could be said to include relatively mainstream activities such as theater , dance , music , and circus -related things like fire breathing , juggling , and gymnastics , these are normally instead known as the performing arts . Performance art is a term usually reserved to refer to a kind of usually avant garde or conceptual art which grew out of the visual arts .
Performance art, as the term is usually understood, began to be identified in the 1960s with the work of artists such as Allan Kaprow , who coined the term happenings , Vito Acconci , Hermann Nitsch and Joseph Beuys . Western cultural theorists often trace performance art activity back to the beginning of the 20th century . Dada for example, provided a significant progenitor with the unconventional performances of poetry, often at the Cabaret Voltaire , by the likes of Richard Huelsenbeck and Tristan Tzara . However, there are accounts of Renaissance artists putting on public performances that could be said to be early ancestors to modern performance art. Some performance artists point to other traditions, ranging from tribal ritual to sporting events. Performance art activity is not confined to European art traditions; many notable practitioners can be found among Asian , Latin American , Third World and First Nations artists.
Fluxus Heidelberg Center
Color Field
Color Field is an art movement characterized by canvases being covered entirely by large fields of solid color . Color Field is related to Suprematism , and Abstract Expressionism . Some important Color Field artists include Mark Rothko , Barnett Newman and Kenneth Noland .
In quantum mechanics , color field is also a whimsical name for some of the properties of quarks .
Cubism
by Georges Braque , 1913
Cubism was an avant-garde art movement that revolutionised European painting and sculpture in the early 20th century . The essence of cubism is that instead of viewing subjects from a single, fixed angle, the artist breaks them up into a multiplicity of facets, so that several different aspects/faces of the subject can be seen simultaneously.
It began in 1906 with two artists -- Georges Braque (French) and Pablo Picasso (Spanish) -- who were living in the Montmartre Quarter of Paris, France . They met in 1907, and worked together closely until World War I broke out in 1914.
The term "cubism" was first used by the French art critic Louis Vauxcelles in 1908. ("bizarre cubiques" = cubes). Afterwards the term was in wide use but the two creators of cubism refrained from using it for a long time.
Picasso and Braque were great innovative artists in search of new ways to express space and form in painting. They were influenced by Paul Cezanne , African tribal art and Iberian sculpture. First they worked alongside one another (1906-1909 pre-cubism) and then started to work hand in hand to further advance their concepts into what was later termed analytical cubism (autumn 1909 - winter 1911/1912), a style in which densely patterned near-monochrome surfaces of incomplete directional lines and modelled forms constantly play against one another.
Violon, verre, pipe et encrier
by Pablo Picasso , 1912
The second phase of Cubism was called synthetic cubism. These works of art were composed of distinct superimposed parts - painted or often pasted onto the canvas.
The Cubism movement, born in the art community of Montmartre and then greatly expanded by the gathering of artists in Montparnasse , was promoted by art dealer Henry Kahnweiler . It became popular so quickly that by 1910 critics were referring to a "Cubist school" of artists influenced by Braque and Picasso. However, many other artists who thought of themselves as 'cubists' went in directions very different from Braque and Picasso, who themselves went through several distinct phases before 1920. Best known cubist artists were:
There were also critics ( Andre Salamon , Guillaume Apollinaire ), poets ( Max Jacob , Pierre Reverdy , Gertrude Stein ) and following Jacques Lipchitz , other sculptors such as Raymond Duchamp-Villon and Elie Nadelman who were soon drawn into the sphere of cubism. Robert Delaunay practiced what he called Orphic Cubism which became an offshoot group known as the Puteaux Group .
Cubism had a major impact on artists of the first decades of the 20th century and it gave rise to development of new trends in art like: futurism , constructivism and expressionism . It remains one of the most famous art forms today.
Pigeons have been trained to correctly distinguish between cubist and impressionist paintings; see discrimination abilities of pigeons for details.
See also
Cubists (http://members.lycos.co.uk/cubist_movement/)
Futurism (art)
Futurism was a 20th century art movement. Although a nascent Futurism can been seen surfacing throughout the very early years of that century, the 1907 essay Entwurf einer neuen Astetik der Tonkunst (Sketch of a New Aesthetic of Music) by the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni is sometimes claimed as its true jumping-off point. Futurism was a largely Italian movement, although it also had adherents in other countries, most notably Russia .
The Futurists explored every medium of art, including painting , sculpture , poetry , theatre , music and even gastronomy . The Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was the first among them to produce a manifesto of their artistic philosophy in his Manifesto of Futurism ( 1909 ), first released in Milan and published in the French paper Le Figaro ( February 20 ). Marinetti summed up the major principles of the Futurists, including a passionate loathing of ideas from the past, especially political and artistic traditions. He and others also espoused a love of speed , technology and violence . The car, the plane, the industrial town were all legendary for the Futurists, because they represented the technological triumph of man over nature .
Marinetti's impassioned polemic immediately attracted the support of the young Milanese painters - Boccioni, Carrà, and Russolo - who wanted to extend Marinetti's ideas to the visual arts (Russolo was also a composer, and introduced Futurist ideas into his compositions). The painters Balla and Severini met Marinetti in 1910 and together these artists represented Futurism's first phase.
The painter and sculptor Umberto Boccioni ( 1882 - 1916 ) wrote the Manifesto of Futurist Painters in 1910 in which he vowed:
We will fight with all our might the fanatical, senseless and snobbish religion of the past, a religion encouraged by the vicious existence of museums. We rebel against that spineless worshipping of old canvases, old statues and old bric-a-brac, against everything which is filthy and worm-ridden and corroded by time. We consider the habitual contempt for everything which is young, new and burning with life to be unjust and even criminal.
Futurists dubbed the love of the past "pastism", and its proponents "pastists" (cf. Stuckism ). They would sometimes even physically attack alleged pastists, in other words, those who were apparently not enjoying Futurist exhibitions or performances.
The Futurists' glorification of modern warfare as the ultimate artistic expression and their intense nationalism allowed those of them who survived World War I to embrace Italian fascism .
Futurism influenced many other 20th century art movements, including Art Deco , Vorticism , Constructivism and Surrealism . Although Futurism itself is now regarded as extinct, having died out during the 1920s , powerful echoes of Marinetti's thought, especially his "dreamt-of metallization of the human body", still remain in Japanese culture and surface in manga / anime and the film works of Shinya Tsukamoto .
Futurist visual artists
| Vorticism |
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Periods of art in Great Britain. Earliest art and medieval, 16th-19th Centuries. Vorticism, pop art, stuckism. Percy Wyndham Lewis, Paul Nash, Billy Childish as famous modern painters. A British comic as a periodical published in the United Kingdom.
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Theatre in British history as an integral part of the cultural heritage. Stages of professional development of the theater from the first theater and the trivial to the most modern experimental projects. Famous people of British theater for centuries.
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Short-story description of public holidays of Great Britain: Christmas, New Year, Easter, spring and summer Bank holidays. Conservative character of Britannic festive traditions. Tradition and organization of celebration of New Year and Christmas.
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Great Britain: the Land of Traditions
Every nation has a stereotyped reputation of some kind or other, partly good or partly bad. Roots of stereotypes. Studying some stereotyped images of the United Kingdom in 3 areas: the political system of the country, clothes, food and eating habits.
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The great places and attractions of London. The Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The Queen of Great Britain. Westminster Abbey - a holy place. The Houses of Parliament. The British Parliament Imperial State Crown. The Beefeaters. Tower Bridge.
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The study brief biography and works of the great artist Isaac Levitan. The most famous artwork is gorgeous landscape. A photographic image of the famous master of nature, landscapes of Russian nature, drawings, watercolors and book illustrations.
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The Renaissance
The "dark" Middle Ages were followed by a time known in art and literature as the Renaissance. The word "renaissance" means "rebirth" in French and was used to denote a phase in the cultural development of Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries.
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Louvre - the biggest and most famous art museum, built in 1190 by King Philippe Auguste as a fortress against the Vikings. The history of the Louvre, the description of the exhibits: paintings, sculptures and artifacts collected over the five centuries.
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The role of the Queen in the modern society. The royal prerogatives and functions. The main sources of income. Principal ceremonials connected with royalty. The coronation of the British monarch. Members of the Royal Family. The Ceremony of the Keys.
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The concept of "intercultural dialogue". The problem of preserving the integrity nations and their cultural identity. formation of such a form of life, as cultural pluralism, which is an adaptation to a foreign culture without abandoning their own.
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Introduction to business culture. Values and attitudes characteristic of the British. Values and attitudes characteristic of the French and of the German. Japanese business etiquette. Cultural traditions and business communication style of the USA.
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Introduction
Art plays an important role in our life. First of all art is a creative activity of humans. Also it is one of the major features which differs us from animals. Art helps us to discover our talents and different, unique and unknown edges of our character. From my point of view if you don't know anything about art you are not an interesting person to be connected with.
In my opinion art and people are inseparable things. Since the beginning of the people art has been going hand by hand with people. People have made rock and cave drawings since prehistoric times. But since that time many ages had passed. In every age the art has progressed and developed. Especially from the 14th century that progress was brighter to emerge. Since the 14th century, each century has produced artists who have created great drawings.
Everything is a bit different nowadays. The word "art" has a special meaning. It means something beautiful. The paintings of skilled painters are appreciated and admired by millions of people today, by those who can see the beauty. Art comprises weaving rugs, tapestries, ceramic work. So there are a lot of types of art. Nevertheless one can trace basic principles in art. All kinds of it require the same characteristics. The separate parts of a work of art should be arranged in pattern. The form itself, a pleasing shape and balance are extremely important.
Everybody knows and is fond of art of 18th and 19th centuries, but the most don't know any painters of the contemporary art. Last year I made a research work about the British art of the 18th -19th centuries this year I'd like to introduce contemporary areas and painters of the 20th -21st centuries of Great Britain. So the aim of the project is to present the most famous British contemporary currents of art. To reach this goal I'm going to investigate the level of art development in Great Britain, to acquaint with the most unforgettable painters of this country.
1. Periods of Art in Great Britain
1.1 Earliest Art and Medieval
The oldest surviving British art includes Stonehenge from around 2600 BC, and tin and gold works of art produced by the Beaker people from around 2150 BC. The La TпїЅne style of Celtic art reached the British Isles rather late, no earlier than about 400 BC, and developed a particular "Insular Celtic" style seen in objects such as the Battersea Shield, and a number of bronze mirror-backs decorated with intricate patterns of curves, spirals and trumpet-shapes. Only on the British Isles can Celtic decorative style be seen to have survived throughout the Roman period, as shown in objects like the Staffordshire Moorlands Pan and the resurgence of Celtic motifs, now blended with Germanic interlace and Mediterranean elements, in Christian Insular art. This had a brief but spectacular flowering in all the countries that now form the United Kingdom in the 7th and 8th centuries, in works such as the Book of Kells and Book of Lindisfarne. The Insular style was influential across Northern Europe, and especially so in later Anglo-Saxon art, although this received new Continental influences. The English contribution to Romanesque art and Gothic art was considerable, especially in illuminated manuscripts and monumental sculpture for churches, though the other countries were now essentially provincial, and in the 15th century Britain struggled to keep up with developments in painting on the Continent. A few examples of top-quality English painting on walls or panels from before 1500 have survived, including the Westminster Retable, The Wilton Diptych and some survivals from paintings in Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster can be seen nowadays.
1.2 British Art in the 16th-19th Centuries
The artists of the Tudor court in the Renaissance and their successors until the early 18th century were mostly imported talents, often from Flanders. These included Hans Holbein the Younger, Van Dyck, Rubens, Orazio Gentileschi and his daughter Artemesia, Sir Peter Lely and Sir Godfrey Kneller. An exception must be made for the portrait miniature, where a strong English tradition began with the Elizabethan Nicholas Hilliard, who had learnt from Continental artists, and continued with Isaac Oliver and many other artists. By the following century a number of significant English painters of fullsize portraits began to emerge, and towards the end of the century the other great English specialism, of landscape painting, also began to be practiced by natives. Both were heavily influenced by Anthony Van Dyck in particular, although he does not seem to have trained any English painters himself, he was a powerful influence in promoting the baroque style. One of the most important native painters of this period was William Dobson. During the 17th century the English nobility also became important collectors of European art, led by King Charles I and Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel in the first half of the century. By the end of the century the Grand Tour had become established for wealthy young English people.
In the 18th century, English painting finally developed a distinct style and tradition again, still concentrating on portraits and landscapes, but also attempting, without much success, to find an approach to history painting, regarded as the highest of the hierarchy of genres. Sir James Thornhill's paintings were executed in the Baroque style of the European Continent and William Hogarth reflected the new English middle-class temperament - English in habits, disposition, and temperament, as well as by birth. His satirical works, full of black humour, point out to contemporary society the deformities, weaknesses and vices of London life.
Portraits were, as elsewhere in Europe, much the easiest and most profitable way for an artist to make a living, and the English tradition continued to draw of the relaxed elegance of the portrait style developed in England by Van Dyck. Leading portraitists were Thomas Gainsborough; Sir Joshua Reynolds, founder of the Royal Academy of Arts. The early 19th century also saw the emergence of the Norwich school of painters. Influenced by Dutch landscape painting and the landscape of Norfolk, the Norwich School were the first provincial art-movement outside of London. Paul Sandby was called the father of English watercolour painting. Other notable 18th and 19th-century landscape painters include Richard Wilson (born in Wales); George Morland; John Robert Cozens; Thomas Girtin; John Constable; J. M. W. Turner; and John Linnell.
1.3 20th Century of British Art
In many respects the Victorian era continued until the outbreak of World War I in 1914, and the Royal Academy became increasingly ossified; the unmistakably late Victorian figure of Frank Dicksee was appointed President in 1924. In photography Pictorialism aimed to achieve artistic indeed painterly effects; The Linked Ring contained the leading practitioners. The American John Singer Sargent was the most successful London portraitist at the start of the century, with John Lavery, Augustus John and William Orpen rising figures. John's sister Gwen John lived in France, and her intimate portraits were relatively little appreciated until decades after her death. British attitudes to modern art were "polarized" at the end of the 19th century. Modernist movements were both cherished and vilified by artists and critics; Impressionism was initially regarded by "many conservative critics" as a "subversive foreign influence", but became "fully assimilated" into British art during the early-20th century. The London-born Irish artist Jack Butler Yeats (1871-1957), was based in Dublin, at once a romantic painter, a symbolist and an expressionist.
Vorticism was a brief coming together of a number of Modernist artists in the years immediately before 1914; members included Wyndham Lewis, the sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein, David Bomberg, Malcolm Arbuthnot, Lawrence Atkinson, the American photographer Alvin Langdon Coburn, Frederick Etchells, the French sculptor Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Cuthbert Hamilton, Christopher Nevinson, William Roberts, Edward Wadsworth, Jessica Dismorr, Helen Saunders, and Dorothy Shakespear. The early 20th century also includes the Bloomsbury Group a group of mostly English writers, intellectuals, philosophers and artists, including painter Dora Carrington, painter and art critic Roger Fry, art critic Clive Bell, painter Vanessa Bell, painter Duncan Grant among others; very fashionable at the time, their work in the visual arts looks less impressive today. British modernism was to remain somewhat tentative until after World War II, though figures such as Ben Nicholson kept in touch with European developments.
Walter Sickert and the Camden Town Group developed an English style of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism with a strong strand of social documentary, including Harold Gilman, Spencer Frederick Gore, Charles Ginner, Robert Bevan, Malcolm Drummond and Lucien Pissarro (the son of French Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro).Where their colouring is often notoriously drab, the Scottish Colourists indeed mostly used bright light and colour; some, like Samuel Peploe and John Duncan Fergusson, were living in France to find suitable subjects. They were initially inspired by Sir William McTaggart (1835 - 1910), a Scottish landscape painter associated with Impressionism.
The reaction to the horrors of the First World War prompted a return to pastoral subjects as represented by Paul Nash and Eric Ravilious, mainly a printmaker. Stanley Spencer painted mystical works, as well as landscapes, and the sculptor, printmaker and typographer Eric Gill produced elegant simple forms in a style related to Art Deco. The Euston Road School was a group of "progressive" realists of the late 1930s, including the influential teacher William Coldstream. Surrealism, with artists including John Tunnard and the Birmingham Surrealists, was briefly popular in the 1930s, influencing Roland Penrose and Henry Moore. Stanley William Hayter was a British painter and printmaker associated in the 1930s with Surrealism and from 1940 onward with Abstract Expressionism. In 1927 Hayter founded the legendary Atelier 17 studio in Paris. Since his death in 1988, it has been known as Atelier Contrepoint. Hayter became one of the most influential printmakers of the 20th century.Fashionable portraitists included Meredith Frampton in a hard-faced Art Deco classicism, Augustus John, and Sir Alfred Munnings if horses were involved. Munnings was President of the Royal Academy 1944-1949 and led a jeering hostility to Modernism. The photographers of the period include Bill Brandt, Angus McBean and the diarist Cecil Beaton.
In the 1950s the London based Independent Group formed; from which pop art emerged in 1956 with the exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts This Is Tomorrow, as a British reaction to abstract expressionism. The International Group was the topic of a two-day, international conference at the Tate Britain in March 2007. The Independent Group is regarded as the precursor to the Pop Art movement in Britain and the United States. The This is Tomorrow show featured Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi, Richard Hamilton, and artist John McHale amongst others, and the group included the influential art critic Lawrence Alloway as well.
In the 1960s Sir Anthony Caro became a leading figure of British sculpture along with a younger generation of abstract artists including Isaac Witkin, Phillip King and William G. Tucker. John Hoyland, Howard Hodgkin, John Walker, Ian Stephenson, Robyn Denny and John Plumb were British painters who emerged at that time and who reflected the new international style of Color Field painting. During the 1960s another group of British artists offered a radical alternative to more conventional artmaking and they included Bruce McLean, Barry Flanagan, Richard Long and Gilbert and George. British pop art painters David Hockney, Patrick Caulfield, Derek Boshier, Peter Phillips, Peter Blake (best known for the cover-art for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band), the sculptor Allen Jones were part of the sixties art scene as was the British based American painter R. B. Kitaj. Photorealism in the hands of Malcolm Morley (who was awarded the first Turner Prize in 1984) emerged in the 1960s as well as the op-art of Bridget Riley. Michael Craig Martin was an influential teacher of some of the Young British Artists and is known for the conceptual work, An Oak Tree (1973).
1.4 Contemporary Art
Post-modern, contemporary British art, particularly that of the Young British Artists, has been said to be "characterised by a fundamental concern with material culture ... perceived as a post-imperial cultural anxiety".The annual Turner Prize, founded in 1984 and organized by the Tate, has developed as a highly publicized showcase for contemporary British art. Among the beneficiaries have been several members of the Young British Artists (YBA) movement, which includes Damien Hirst, Rachel Whiteread, and Tracey Emin, who rose to prominence after the Freeze exhibition of 1988, with the backing of Charles Saatchi and achieved international recognition with their version of conceptual art. This often featured installations, notably Hirst's vitrine containing a preserved shark. The Tate gallery and eventually the Royal Academy also gave them exposure. The influence of Saatchi's generous and wide-ranging patronage was to become a matter of some controversy, as was that of Jay Jopling, the most influential London gallerist.
In 1999, the Stuckists figurative painting group which includes Billy Childish and Charles Thomson was founded as a reaction to the YBAs. The Federation of British Artists hosts shows of traditional figurative painting. Jack Vettriano and Beryl Cook have widespread popularity, but not establishment recognition. Banksy made a reputation with street graffiti and is now a highly-valued mainstream artist. In 2004, the Walker Art Gallery staged The Stuckists Punk Victorian, the first national museum exhibition of the Stuckist art movement.
Antony Gormley produces sculptures, mostly in metal and based on the human figure, which include the 20 metres (66 ft) high Angel of the North near Gateshead, one of the first of a number of very large public sculptures produced in the 2000s, Another Place, and Event Horizon. The Indian-born sculptor AnishKapoor has public works around the world, including Cloud Gate in Chicago and Sky Mirror in various locations; like much of his work these use curved mirror-like steel surfaces. The environmental sculptures of British earth works artist Andy Goldsworthy have been created in many locations around the world. Using natural found materials they are often very emphemeral, and are recorded in photographs of which several collections in book form have been published. Richard Long is another land artist, often working with river mud. Grayson Perry works in various media, including ceramics.
In September 2010 John Hoyland and five other British artists including Howard Hodgkin, John Walker, Ian Stephenson, Patrick Caulfield and R.B. Kitaj were included in an exhibition entitled The Independent Eye: Contemporary British Art From the Collection of Samuel and Gabrielle Lurie, at the Yale Center for British Art.
2. Movements of Modern British Art
2.1 Vorticism
Vorticism, an offshoot of Cubism, was a short-lived modernist movement in British art and poetry of the early 20th century. It was based in London but international in make-up and ambition.
The Vorticism group began with the Rebel Art Centre which Wyndham Lewis and others established after disagreeing with Omega Workshops founder Roger Fry, and has roots in the Bloomsbury Group, Cubism, and Futurism. Lewis himself saw Vorticism as an independent alternative to Cubism, Futurism and Expressionism.
Though the style grew out of Cubism, it is more closely related to Futurism in its embrace of dynamism, the machine age and all things modern (cf. Cubo-Futurism). However, Vorticism diverged from Futurism in the way it tried to capture movement in an image. In a Vorticist painting modern life is shown as an array of bold lines and harsh colours drawing the viewer's eye into the centre of the canvas.
The name Vorticism was given to the movement by Ezra Pound in 1913, although Lewis, usually seen as the central figure in the movement, had been producing paintings in the same style for a year or so previously.
Other than Lewis, the main figures associated with Vorticism were Malcolm Arbuthnot, Lawrence Atkinson, one of the signatories of BLAST. David Bomberg, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Jacob Epstein, Frederick Etchells, Henri Gaudier-Brzeska, Jessica Dismorr, Cuthbert Hamilton, Christopher Nevinson, William Roberts, Helen Saunders, Dorothy Shakespear and Edward Wadsworth were also contributors to the development of the movement . The most recent active participant is the grandson of Lawrence Atkinson, Christian N Atkinson, born November 1939 in Aldeburgh, now residing in Capel St. Andrew. Some of Christian's work can be seen on Saatchi online.
The Vorticists published two issues of the literary magazine BLAST, in June 1914 and July 1915 which Lewis edited. It contained work by Ezra Pound and T. S. Eliot as well as by the Vorticists themselves. Its typographical adventurousness was cited by El Lissitzky as one of the major forerunners of the revolution in graphic design in the 1920s and 1930s.
Paintings and sculpture shown at the Rebel Art Centre in 1914, before the formation of the Vorticist Group was experimental work by Lewis, Wadsworth, Shakespear and others, using angular simplification and abstraction. This work was contemporary with and comparable to abstraction by European artists such as Kandinski, Frantisek Kupka and the Russian Rayist Group. The Vorticists held only one exhibition, in 1915 at the DorпїЅ Gallery, in London. The main section of the exhibition included work by Jessica Dismorr, Frederick Etchells, Lewis, Gaudier-Brzeska, William Roberts, Helen Saunders and Edward Wadsworth. There was a smaller section area titled `Those Invited To Show' that included several other artists. Jacob Epstein was notably not represented, although did have his drawings reproduced in 'Blast!'.
After this, the movement broke up, largely due to the onset of World War I and public apathy towards the work. Gaudier-Brzeska was killed in military service, while leading figures such as Epstein distanced themselves stylistically from Lewis. A brief attempt by Lewis to revive the movement in 1920 under the name Group X proved unsuccessful. Pound, however, through his correspondence with Lewis, was understood to hold a commitment to the goals of the movement as much as forty years after its demise.
While Lewis is generally seen as the central figure in the movement, it has been suggested that this was more due to his contacts and ability as a self-publicist and polemicist than the quality of his works. A 1956 exhibition at the Tate Gallery was called Wyndham Lewis and Vorticism, highlighting his prominent place in the movement. This angered other members of the group. Bomberg and Roberts (who published a series of "Vortex Pamphlets" on the matter) both protested strongly the assertion of Lewis, which was printed in the exhibition catalogue: "Vorticism, in fact, was what I, personally, did, and said, at a certain period." The Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University held an exhibition entitled The Vorticists: Rebel Artists in London and New York, 1914-18 from September 30, 2010 through January 2, 2011. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection (Venice) held an exhibition entitled: The Vorticists: Rebel Artists in London and New York 1914-18 between January 29 and May 15, 2011. Tate Britain held an exhibition entitled The Vorticists: Manifesto for a Modern World, between the 14th of June and the 4th of September 2011.
2.2 Pop Art
Pop art is an art movement that emerged in the mid 1950s in Britain and in the late 1950s in the United States. Pop art challenged tradition by asserting that an artist's use of the mass-produced visual commodities of popular culture is contiguous with the perspective of fine art. Pop removes the material from its context and isolates the object, or combines it with other objects, for contemplation. The concept of pop art refers not as much to the art itself as to the attitudes that led to it.
Pop art employs aspects of mass culture, such as advertising, comic books and mundane cultural objects. It is widely interpreted as a reaction to the then-dominant ideas of abstract expressionism, as well as an expansion upon them. And due to its utilization of found objects and images it is similar to Dada. Pop art is aimed to employ images of popular as opposed to elitist culture in art, emphasizing the banal or kitschy elements of any given culture, most often through the use of irony. It is also associated with the artists' use of mechanical means of reproduction or rendering techniques.
Much of pop art is considered incongruent, as the conceptual practices that are often used make it difficult for some to readily comprehend. Pop art and minimalism are considered to be art movements that precede postmodern art, or are some of the earliest examples of Postmodern Art themselves.
Pop art often takes as its imagery that which is currently in use in advertising. Product labeling and logos figure prominently in the imagery chosen by pop artists, like in the Campbell's Soup Cans labels, by Andy Warhol. Even the labeling on the shipping carton containing retail items has been used as subject matter in pop art, for example in Warhol's Campbell's Tomato Juice Box 1964, (pictured below), or his Brillo Soap Box sculptures.
The origins of pop art in North America and Great Britain developed differently. In America, it marked a return to hard-edged composition and representational art as a response by artists using impersonal, mundane reality, irony and parody to defuse the personal symbolism and "painterly looseness" of Abstract Expressionism. By contrast, the origin in post-War Britain, while employing irony and parody, was more academic with a focus on the dynamic and paradoxical imagery of American popular culture as powerful, manipulative symbolic devices that were affecting whole patterns of life, while improving prosperity of a society. Early pop art in Britain was a matter of ideas fueled by American popular culture viewed from afar, while the American artists were inspired by the experiences, of living within that culture. Similarly, pop art was both an extension and a repudiation of Dadaism. While pop art and Dadaism explored some of the same subjects, pop art replaced the destructive, satirical, and anarchic impulses of the Dada movement with detached affirmation of the artifacts of mass culture. Among those artists seen by some as producing work leading up to Pop art are Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Kurt Schwitters, and Man Ray.
The Independent Group (IG), founded in London in 1952, is regarded as the precursor to the pop art movement. They were a gathering of young painters, sculptors, architects, writers and critics who were challenging prevailing modernist approaches to culture as well as traditional views of Fine Art. The group discussions centered on popular culture implications from such elements as mass advertising, movies, product design, comic strips, science fiction and technology. At the first Independent Group meeting in 1952, co-founding member, artist and sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi presented a lecture using a series of collages titled Bunk! that he had assembled during his time in Paris between 1947-1949. This material consisted of 'found objects' such as, advertising, comic book characters, magazine covers and various mass produced graphics that mostly represented American popular culture. One of the images in that presentation was Paolozzi's 1947 collage, I was a Rich Man's Plaything, which includes the first use of the word "pop?, appearing in a cloud of smoke emerging from a revolver. Following Paolozzi's seminal presentation in 1952, the IG focused primarily on the imagery of American popular culture, particularly mass advertising.
Subsequent coinage of the complete term "pop art" was made by John McHale for the ensuing movement in 1954. "Pop art" as a moniker was then used in discussons by IG members in the Second Session of the IG in 1955, and the specific term "pop art" first appeared in published print in an article by IG members Alison and Peter Smithson in Arc, 1956. However, the term is often credited to British art critic/curator, Lawrence Alloway in a 1958 essay titled The Arts and the Mass Media, although the term he uses is "popular mass culture". Nevertheless, Alloway was one of the leading critics to defend the inclusion of the imagery found in mass culture in fine art.
2.3 Stuckism
Stuckism is an international art movement founded in 1999 by Billy Childish and Charles Thomson to promote figurative painting in opposition to conceptual art. The initial group of 13 British artists has expanded to 220 groups in 50 countries as of July 2011.
They have issued several manifestos, the first one being The Stuckists, consists of 20 points starting with "Stuckism is a quest for authenticity". Remodernism, the other well-known manifesto of the movement is a criticism of postmodernism and aims to get back to the true spirit of modernism, to produce art with spiritual value regardless of style, subject matter or medium. In another manifesto they also define themselves as anti-art which is against anti-art and for art.
After exhibiting in small galleries in Shoreditch, London, the Stuckists' first show in a major public museum was held in 2004 at the Walker Art Gallery, as part of the Liverpool Biennial. The group has demonstrated annually at Tate Britain against the Turner Prize since 2000, sometimes dressed in clown costumes. They have also come out in opposition to the Charles Saatchi-patronised Young British Artists.
Although painting is the dominant artistic form of Stuckism, artists using other media such as photography, sculpture, film and collage have also joined, and share the Stuckist opposition to conceptualism and ego-art.
The name "Stuckism" was coined in January 1999 by Charles Thomson in response to a poem read to him several times by Billy Childish. In it, Childish recites that his former girlfriend, Tracey Emin had said he was "stuck! stuck! stuck!" with his art, poetry and music. Later that month, Thomson approached Childish with a view to co-founding an art group called Stuckism, which Childish agreed to, on the basis that Thomson would do the work for the group, as Childish already had a full schedule.
There were eleven other founding members: Philip Absolon, Frances Castle, Sheila Clark, Eamon Everall, Ella Guru, Wolf Howard, Bill Lewis, Sanchia Lewis (who joined during the first show in September and is unrelated to Bill Lewis), Joe Machine, Sexton Ming, and Charles Williams. The membership has evolved since its founding through creative collaborations: the group was originally promoted as painters, but members work in various other media, including poetry, fiction, performance, photography, film and music.
In 1979, Thomson, Childish, Bill Lewis and Ming were members of The Medway Poets performance group, to which Absolon and Sanchia Lewis had also contributed. Peter Waite's Rochester Pottery staged a series of solo painting shows. In 1982, TVS broadcast a documentary on the poets. That year, Emin, then a fashion student, and Childish started a relationship; her writing was edited by Bill Lewis, printed by Thomson and published by Childish. Group members published dozens of works. The poetry group dispersed after two years, reconvening in 1987 to record The Medway Poets LP. Clark, Howard and Machine became involved over the following years. Thomson got to know Williams, who was a local art student and whose girlfriend was a friend of Emin; Thomson also met Everall. During the foundation of the group, Ming brought in his girlfriend, Guru, who in turn invited Castle.
In August 1999, Childish and Thomson wrote The Stuckists manifest which places great importance on the value of painting as a medium, as well as its use for communication, the expression of emotion and of experience - as opposed to what Stuckists see as the superficial novelty, nihilism and irony of conceptual art and postmodernism. The most contentious statement in the manifesto is: "Artists who don't paint aren't artists".
The second and third manifestos, respectively An Open Letter to Sir Nicholas Serota and Remodernism, were sent to Nicholas Serota which received a brief reply: "Thank you for your open letter dated 6 March. You will not be surprised to learn that I have no comment to make on your letter, or your manifesto 'Remodernism'."
In Remodernism manifesto, the Stuckists declared that they aimed to replace postmodernism with remodernism, a period of renewed spiritual (as opposed to religious) values in art, culture and society. Other manifestos include Handy Hints, Anti-anti-art, The Cappuccino writer and the Idiocy of Contemporary Writing, The Turner Prize, The Decreptitude of the Critic and Stuckist critique of Damien Hirst.
Manifestos have been written by other Stuckists, including the Students for Stuckism group. An "Underage Stuckists" group was founded in 2006 with their own manifesto for teenagers by two 16-year olds, Liv Soul and Rebekah Maybury, on MySpace. In 2006, Allen Herndon published The Manifesto of the American Stuckists, the content of which was challenged by the Los Angeles Stuckists group.
3. Famous Painters of Great Britain
3.1 Percy Wyndham Lewis
Percy Wyndham Lewis (18 November 1882 - 7 March 1957) was an English painter and author (he dropped the name 'Percy', which he disliked). He was a co-founder of the Vorticist movement in art, and edited the literary magazine of the Vorticists, BLAST. His novels included his pre-World War I-era novel Tarr (set in Paris), and The Human Age, a trilogy comprising The Childermass (1928), Monstre Gai and Malign Fiesta (both 1955), set in the afterworld. A fourth volume of The Human Age, The Trial of Man, was begun by Lewis but left in a fragmentary state at the time of his death. He also wrote two autobiographical volumes, Blasting and Bombardiering (1937) and Rude Assignment: A Narrative of my Career up-to-date (1950).
Lewis was reputedly born on his father's yacht off the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. His British mother and American father separated about 1893. His mother subsequently returned to England, where Lewis was educated, first at Rugby School, then at the Slade School of Art, University College, London, before spending most of the 1900s travelling around Europe and studying art in Paris. It was in the years 1913-15 that he developed the style of geometric abstraction for which he is best known today, a style which his friend Ezra Pound dubbed "Vorticism." Lewis found the strong structure of Cubist painting appealing, but said it did not seem "alive" compared to Futurist art, which, conversely, lacked structure. Vorticism combined the two movements in a strikingly dramatic critique of modernity. In his early visual works, particularly versions of village life in Brittany showing dancers (ca. 1910-12), Lewis may have been influenced by the process philosophy of Henri Bergson, whose lectures he attended in Paris. Though he was later savagely critical of Bergson, he admitted in a letter to Theodore Weiss (19 April 1949) that he "began by embracing his evolutionary system."
After a brief tenure at the Omega Workshops, Lewis quarrelled with the founder, Roger Fry, over a commission to provide wall decorations for the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition, which Lewis believed Fry had misappropriated. He walked out with several Omega artists to start a competing workshop called the Rebel Art Centre. The Centre operated for only four months, but it gave birth to the Vorticist group and the publication, BLAST. In BLAST Lewis wrote the group's manifesto, several essays expounding his Vorticist aesthetic (distinguishing it from other avant-garde practices), and a modernist drama, "Enemy of the Stars." The magazine also included reproductions of now lost Vorticist works by Lewis and others.
After the war, Lewis resumed his career as a painter, with a major exhibition, Tyros and Portraits, at the Leicester Galleries in 1921. "Tyros" were satirical caricatural figures intended by Lewis to comment on the culture of the "new epoch" that succeeded the First World War. A Reading of Ovid and Mr Wyndham Lewis as a Tyro are the only surviving oil paintings from this series. As part of the same project, Lewis also launched his second magazine, The Tyro, of which there were only two issues. The second (1922) contained an important statement of Lewis's visual aesthetic: "Essay on the Objective of Plastic Art in our Time". It was during the early 1920s that he perfected his incisive draughtsmanship.
By the late 1920s, he was not painting so much, but instead concentrating on writing. He launched yet another magazine, The Enemy (three issues, 1927-29), largely written by himself and declaring its belligerent critical stance in its title. The magazine, and the theoretical and critical works he published between 1926 and 1929, mark his deliberate separation from the avant-garde and his previous associates. Their work, he believed, failed to show sufficient critical awareness of those ideologies that worked against truly revolutionary change in the West. As a result their work became a vehicle for these pernicious ideologies. His major theoretical and cultural statement from this period is The Art of Being Ruled (1926). Time and Western Man (1927) is a cultural and philosophical discussion that includes penetrating critiques of James Joyce, Gertrude Stein and Ezra Pound that are still read. In the domain of philosophy, Lewis attacked the "time philosophy" (i.e. process philosophy) of Bergson, Samuel Alexander, Alfred North Whitehead and others.
After becoming better known for his writing than his painting in the 1920s and early '30s, he returned to more concentrated work on visual art, and paintings from the 1930s and 1940s constitute some of his best-known work. The Surrender of Barcelona (1936-37) makes a significant statement about the Spanish Civil War. It was included in an exhibition at the Leicester Galleries in 1937 that Lewis hoped would re-establish his reputation as a painter. After the publication in The Times of a letter of support for the exhibition, asking that something from the show be purchased for the national collection (signed by, among others, Stephen Spender, W. H. Auden, Geoffrey Grigson, Rebecca West, Naomi Mitchison, Henry Moore and Eric Gill) the Tate Gallery bought the painting, Red Scene. Like others from the exhibition, it shows an influence from Surrealism and de Chirico's Metaphysical Painting. Lewis was highly critical of the ideology of Surrealism, but admired the visual qualities of some Surrealist art.
Lewis then also produced many of the portraits for which he is well-known, including pictures of Edith Sitwell (1923-36), T. S. Eliot (1938 and again in 1949) and Ezra Pound (1939). The rejection of the 1938 portrait of Eliot by the selection committee of the Royal Academy for their annual exhibition caused a furore, with front-page headlines prompted by the resignation of Augustus John in protest. However, no less an authority than Walter Sickert once claimed that: 'Wyndham Lewis is the greatest portraitist of this or any other time', though it was left to Lewis to make this statement public.
Lewis spent World War II in the United States and Canada. Artistically the period is mainly important for the series of watercolour fantasies around the themes of creation, crucifixion and bathing that he produced in Toronto in 1941-42. He returned to England in 1945. By 1951, he was completely blind. In 1950 he published the autobiographical Rude Assignment, in 1951 a collection of allegorical short stories about life in "the capital of a dying empire," entitled "Rotting Hill," and in 1952 a book of essays on writers such as George Orwell, Jean-Paul Sartre and AndrпїЅ Malraux, entitled "The Writer and the Absolute." This was followed by the semi-autobiograpical novel "Self Condemned" (1954), a major late statement.
3.2 Paul Nash
Paul Nash (11 May 1889 - 11 July 1946) was a British landscape painter, surrealist and war artist, as well as a book-illustrator, writer and designer of applied art. He was the older brother of the artist John Nash.
The son of a successful lawyer and a mentally unstable mother who died in a mental asylum in 1910, Nash was born in London on 11 May 1889. He was educated at St Paul's School, and originally intended for a career in the Navy, like his maternal grandfather. However, he failed his exams, and decided instead to take up art as a career. Studying first at the Chelsea Polytechnic, he went on to the London County Council School of Photo-engraving and Lithography, where his work was spotted and praised by Selwyn Image. He was advised by his friend, the poet Gordon Bottomley, and by the artist William Rothenstein, that he should attend the Slade School of Art at University College, London. He enrolled there in October 1910, though he later recorded that on his first meeting with the Professor of Drawing, Henry Tonks, 'It was evident he considered that neither the Slade, nor I, were likely to derive much benefit'.
The Slade was then opening its doors to a remarkable crop of young talents - what Tonks later described as the School's second and last 'Crisis of Brilliance' (the first had seen such stars as Augustus John and Percy Wyndham Lewis). Nash's fellow students included Ben Nicholson, Stanley Spencer, Mark Gertler, William Roberts, Dora Carrington, Christopher R. W. Nevinson and Edward Wadsworth. However, he struggled with figure drawing, and spent only a year at the School. Influenced by the poetry of William Blake and the paintings of Samuel Palmer and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Nash had shows in 1912 and 1913 (sometimes alone, sometimes with his brother John), largely devoted to drawings and watercolours of brooding landscapes. By the summer of 1914 he was enjoying some success.
At the outbreak of World War I, Nash reluctantly enlisted in the Artists' Rifles and was sent to the Western Front in February 1917 as a second lieutenant in the Hampshire Regiment. A few days before the Ypres offensive he fell into a trench. He broke a rib and was invalided home. While recuperating in London, Nash worked from his front-line sketches to produce a series of drawings of the war. This work, which shows the influence of the literary magazine BLAST and the Vorticist movement of which it was a manifesto, was well-received when exhibited later that year at the Goupil Gallery.
As a result of this exhibition, Nevinson advised Nash to approach Charles Masterman, head of the government's War Propaganda Bureau (WPB). Nash was recruited as an official war artist, and in November 1917 he returned to the Western Front where his drawings resulted in his first oil paintings. Nash's work during the war included The Menin Road, We Are Making a New World, The Ypres Salient at Night, The Mule Track, A Howitzer Firing, Ruined Country and Spring in the Trenches. They are some of the most powerful and enduring images of the Great War painted by an English artist.
Nash used his opportunity as a war artist to bring home the full horrors of the conflict. As he wrote to his wife from the front on 16 November 1917:
"I am no longer an artist. I am a messenger who will bring back word from the men who are fighting to those who want the war to go on forever. Feeble, inarticulate will be my message, but it will have a bitter truth and may it burn their lousy souls."
In the early 1920s, Nash, along with several other artists became prominent in the Society of Wood Engravers and in 1920 was involved in its first exhibition. He became close friends with Eric Fitch Daglish whom he educated in the art of wood engraving and Daglish as a result went on to become a successful engraver.
Nash was also a pioneer of modernism in Britain, promoting the avant-garde European styles of abstraction and surrealism in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1933 he co-founded the influential modern art movement Unit One with fellow artists Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Edward Wadsworth and the critic Herbert Read. It was a short-lived but important move towards the revitalisation of British art in the inter-war period.
During World War II Nash was again employed as an official war artist, this time by the Ministry of Information and the Air Ministry, and paintings he produced during this period include the Battle of Britain and Totes Meer (Dead Sea).
Nash found much inspiration in British landscape, particularly landscapes with a sense of ancient history, such as burial mounds, Iron Age hill forts such as Wittenham Clumps and the standing stones at Avebury in Wiltshire. When in 1932 he was invited to illustrate a book of his own choice Nash unhesitating choose Sir Thomas Browne's Urn Burial and The Garden of Cyrus providing the publisher with a set of no less than 32 illustrations to accompany Browne's Discourses. In his final years, he also returned to the influence of Blake that had so affected his early art, for example in the series of gigantic sunflowers including Sunflower and Sun (1942) and Eclipse of the Sunflower (1945) based on Blake's poem Ah! Sunflower.
3.3 Billy Childish
Billy Childish (born Steven John Hamper, 1 December 1959) is an English artist, painter, author, poet, photographer, film maker, singer and guitarist. He is known for his explicit and prolific work - he has detailed his love life and childhood sexual abuse, notably in his early poetry and the novels My Fault (1996), Notebooks of a Naked Youth (1997), Sex Crimes of the Futcher (2004) - The Idiocy of Idears (2007), and in several of his songs, notably in the instrumental "Paedophile" (1992) (featuring a photograph of the man who sexually abused him on the front cover) and "Every Bit of Me" (1993). From 1981 till 1985 Childish had a relationship with artist Tracey Emin and has also been associated with another British artist Stella Vine.
He is a consistent advocate for amateurism and free emotional expression and was a co-founder of the Stuckism art movement with Charles Thomson in 1999, which he left in 2001. Since then a new evaluation of Childish's standing in the art world has been under way, culminating with the publication of a critical study of Childish's working practice by the artist and writer Neal Brown, with an introduction by Peter Doig, which describes Childish as "one of the most outstanding, and often misunderstood, figures on the British art scene".
As a prospective student lacking the necessary entry qualifications, Childish was accepted into art school four times on the strength of his paintings and drawings. Childish studied foundation at Medway College of Design in 1977-78, and was then accepted onto the painting department of St Martins School of Art in 1978, before quitting a month later. He was reaccepted at St Martins in 1980, but was expelled in 1982 for refusing to paint in the art school and other unruly behaviour. At St Martins, Childish became friends with Peter Doig with whom he shared an appreciation of Munch, Van Gogh and blues music. Doig later co-curated Childish's first London show at the Cubit Street Gallery. In the early/mid 1980s Childish was a "major influence" on the artist Tracey Emin, who he met after his expulsion from St Martins when she was a fashion student at Medway College of Design. Childish has been cited as the influence for Emin's later confessional art. Childish paints in a personal style, which parallels his passion for the elemental in both writing and music. He has exhibited extensively since the 1980s and was featured in the British Art Show in 2000. Since 2002 Childish has been represented in London by the L-13 Gallery, along with Jamie Reid and James Cauty (with whom sometimes collaborates). In 1996 Childish painted "The Drinker", influenced by Hans Fallada's novel of the same title. In 2008 Childish commenced a series of paintings based on the life and death of the Swiss author Robert Walser, whom Childish has also cited as an influence on his prose work. In 2008 Childish made several paintings of the steam paddle tug John H Amos which was moored on a pontoon at Rochester. In 2010 a major exhibition of Childish's recent paintings, writing and music was held at The ICA London, with a concurrent painting show running at White Columns Gallery in NY. Childish is represented by neugerriemschneider Berlin, and Lehmann Maupin, NY.
4. British Comics
4.1 History of British Comics
art struckism british comic
A British comic is a periodical published in the United Kingdom that contains comic strips. It is generally referred to as a comic or a comic magazine, and historically as a comic paper.
British comics are usually comics anthologies which are typically aimed at children, and are published weekly, although some are also published on a fortnightly or monthly schedule. The top three longest-running comics in the world, The Dandy, The Beano and Comic Cuts are all British, although in modern times British comics have been largely superseded by American comic books and Japanese manga.
The description comics derived from the names of popular titles such as Comic Cuts, and from the fact that in the beginning all the titles presented only comic (humorous) content.
British comics typically differ from the American comic book. Although historically they shared the same format size, based on a sheet of imperial paper folded in half, British comics have moved away from this size, with The Beano and The Dandy the last to adopt a standard magazine size in the late 1980s. Until that point, the British comic was also usually printed on newsprint, with black or a dark red used as the dark colour and the four colour process used on the cover. The Beano and The Dandy both switched to an all-colour format in 1993.
Originally aimed at the semi-literate working class, the comic eventually came to be seen as childish, and hence was marketed towards children. In today's market in the UK, comics intended for teenagers or adults are considered to be stretching the medium beyond its primary audience.
Historically, strips were of one or two pages in length, with a single issue of a comic containing upwards of a dozen separate strips, featuring different characters, although strips now last longer and tend to continue over a number of issues and period of time.
Whilst some comics contained only strips, other publications have had a slightly different focus, providing readers with articles about, and photographs of, pop stars and television/film actors, plus more general articles about teenage life, whilst throwing in a few comic strips for good measure.
Since the 1930s, it has been traditional that the most popular comics have annuals, 150 or more pages bound in hardback, usually published just in time for Christmas, and summer special editions of 96 pages or more in softback.
In British comics history, there are some extremely long-running publications such as The Beano and The Dandy published by D. C. Thomson & Co., a newspaper company based in Dundee, Scotland. The Dandy began in 1937 and The Beano in 1938. They are both still going today. The Boys' Own Paper lasted from 1879 to 1967.
The intellectual span of British comics over the years has stretched all the way from the cheerfully moronic obscenities of Viz (adult) to the political awareness of Crisis (adolescent to adult) and the sound educational values of Look and Learn (children's). There has also been a continuous tradition of black and white comics, published in a smaller page size format, many of them war titles like Air Ace inspiring youngsters with tales of the exploits of the army, navy and Royal Air Force mainly in the two world wars, also some romance titles and some westerns in this format.
In the 19th century, story papers (containing illustrated text stories), known as "penny dreadfuls" from their cover price, served as entertainment for British children. Full of close-printed text with few illustrations, they were essentially no different from a book, except that they were somewhat shorter and that typically the story was serialised over many weekly issues in order to maintain sales.
These serial stories could run to hundreds of installments if they were popular. And to pad out a successful series, writers would insert quite extraneous material such as the geography of the country in which the action was occurring, so that the story would extend into more issues. Plagiarism was rife, with magazines pirating competitors' successes under a few cosmetic name changes. Apart from action and historical stories, there was also a fashion for horror and the supernatural, with epics like Varney the Vampire running for years. Horror, in particular, contributed to the epithet "penny dreadful". Stories featuring criminals such as 'Spring-Heeled Jack', pirates, highwaymen (especially Dick Turpin), and detectives (including Sexton Blake) dominated decades of the Victorian and early 20th-century weeklies.
Comic strips-stories told primarily in strip cartoon form, rather than as a written narrative with illustrations-emerged only slowly. Ally Sloper's Half Holiday (1884) is reputed to be the first comic strip magazine to feature a recurring character, and the first British comic that would be recognised as such today. This strip cost one penny and was designed for adults. Ally, the recurring character, was a working class fellow who got up to various forms of mischief and often suffered for it.
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Which South African golfer won the 2010 Open Championship last month? | BBC Sport - Golf - 2010 Open: Oosthuizen cruises to victory at St Andrews
2010 Open: Oosthuizen cruises to victory at St Andrews
FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD (GB & Ire unless stated):
-16 L Oosthuizen (SA) -9 L Westwood -8 R McIlroy, H Stenson (Swe), P Casey
-7 R Goosen (SA) -6 R Rock, S O'Hair (USA), N Watney (USA), M Kaymer (Ger)
The Open 2010: Day four highlights (UK only)
By Rob Hodgetts
BBC Sport at St Andrews
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen turned the Open Championship into a procession as he romped to a seven-stroke victory over Lee Westwood at St Andrews.
The 27-year-old clinched his maiden major title with a composed display of front-running after taking the lead on Friday.
Oosthuizen began the final day four strokes clear of Paul Casey and carded a 71 to finish 16 under around the Old Course.
Westwood picked up two shots in a round of 70 to edge into second on nine under, with Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (68), Sweden's Henrik Stenson (71) and England's Casey (75) in a tie for third on eight under.
World number one Tiger Woods, who was aiming to win a third successive St Andrews Open, was unable to make up any ground and ended well adrift on three under after a level-par 72 that included double bogeys on the fourth and seventh.
Oosthuizen had missed the cut in his previous three Open appearances, but he rarely looked troubled as he cruised to an unexpected victory.
Open triumph yet to sink in for Oosthuizen
"It's unbelievable," he told BBC Sport. "After the 12th it became a bit difficult to keep such a big lead and to remain calm and focused but I kept cool and calm the whole way.
"I'm glad I had eight shots on 18! I think I cramped up a bit with the putter on 18 as well.
"It was a battle for me to keep calm round this course. That was the biggest goal for me, to keep calm. It's probably going to hit me tomorrow or the week after what I did."
Playing in the last group with Casey, Oosthuizen parred the first seven holes as the Englishman dropped a shot at the second before getting it back at the sixth. When the South African from Mossel Bay dragged his tee shot left on the short eighth and made a bogey, the gap was down to three.
606: DEBATE
A great performance from Louis, he performed all week
Baggios_Ponytail
But Oosthuizen hit back immediately with an eagle at the driveable par-four ninth and with Casey only managing to make a birdie, the lead was back up to four.
Oosthuizen forged to 17 under at the 12th as Casey made a triple bogey via the gorse bushes to slide to nine under and from then on the result was virtually a formality.
Oosthuizen, ranked 54th in the world at the start of the week, won his first European Tour title at the Andalucia Open in March and had missed the cut in seven of his eight previous major appearances - including the 2009 Masters and US Open this year.
He becomes the second South African to win the Open at St Andrews after Bobby Locke in 1957. He also joins Locke, Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman on the list of South African major winners.
Consistency not enough for Westwood
Westwood, the world number three, kept plugging away to make it a fourth top-three finish in the last five majors and improve on his third place at Turnberry in 2009.
Sir Nick Faldo remains the last Englishman to win the Open - at Muirfield in 1992 - and the last to win any major - at the Masters in 1996.
"I keep putting myself into contention in these majors and keep finishing in the top three. It's not to be sniffed at," said Westwood. "Hopefully one of these chances will turn into a trophy."
The 21-year-old McIlroy, who led after round one with a stunning 63 before carding 80 in the fierce wind of day two, surged back up the field to demonstrate that St Andrews is a course he could win on in the future.
The world number nine from Holywood matched his third place in last year's US PGA, and despite missing the cut at both the Masters and the US Open earlier this year, he has now had three top-10s in his seven major appearances as a professional.
McIlroy rues poor second round
"I couldn't help but think about Friday going up the last hole," he said. "It's always satisfying to be up there in a major but in these circumstances after starting so well I suppose it's a little bit disappointing."
Stenson, aiming to become the first Swedish male golfer to win a major, made only a single birdie all day, at the seventh, among 17 pars.
World number 10 Casey, his challenge for the title over, dropped a further shot on the 15th, but the 32-year-old ended with his best finish in a major after coming sixth at the Masters on his debut in 2004.
Goosen finished a shot further back in sixth place on seven under after a bogey-free closing round of 70.
GOLF BLOG
Despite winning by seven shots, the man they call "Shrek" .. only relaxed after his drive hit the deck on the 18th
Rob Hodgetta
England's Robert Rock shot a third round in the 60s as he ended in a tie for seventh place with US pair Sean O'Hair, Nick Watney and Germany's Martin Kaymer, who started the day with hopes of victory but five bogeys on the back nine ended his challenge.
Three shots further back was Woods, who is still searching for a 15th major title after falling short in his quest for a third straight Open victory at St Andrews following his win by eight shots in 2000 and five shots in 2005.
The world number one last won a major at the US Open in 2008, but followed that nine months out of the game for knee surgery and then spent five months away at the beginning of this year after a scandal in his private life.
"I feel satisfaction in that I drove it great all week, hit my irons well and did not putt well except for the first day," said Woods, who came fourth in both the Masters and US Open earlier this year. "You can't expect to win golf tournaments if you have nine or 10 three-putts."
Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, the US Open champion, also ended three under.
How Casey's challenge crumbled
| Louis Oosthuizen |
Which American Nobel Laureate wrote 'The Grapes Of Wrath' and 'East Of Eden'? | Louis Oosthuizen News | Quotes | Wiki - UPI.com
Louis Oosthuizen News
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Wiki
Lodewicus Theodorus "Louis" Oosthuizen (Afrikaans pronunciation: , which he pronounced for the American audience in this TV ad; born 19 October 1982) is a South African professional golfer, who won the 2010 Open Championship.
Oosthuizen was born in Mossel Bay, South Africa. His early career was supported financially for three years by the foundation of fellow South African Ernie Els. He won numerous amateur titles before turning professional in 2002 at the age of 19.
He has won five professional tournaments on the Sunshine Tour: the 2004 Vodacom Origins of Golf Tour event at Arabella, the 2007 Dimension Data Pro-Am and Platinum Classic, and the Telkom PGA Championship twice, in 2007 and 2008. He played on the European Challenge Tour in 2003 and has been a member of the European Tour since 2004. In 2009, he finished 31st on the Race to Dubai. He has featured in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License .
It uses material from the Wikipedia article " Louis Oosthuizen ."
Quotes
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The Dove, Derwent, Erewash and Soar are all tributaries of which river, the third longest in the UK? | River Trent Facts for Kids | KidzSearch.com
1,018.35 m³ / s (35,963 cu ft / s ) 1230hrs on 8 November 2000 - highest discharge since 1 September 1958
The drainage basin of the River Trent -->
The River Trent is one of the major rivers of England . It is the third longest river in the United Kingdom . It starts in Staffordshire . It flows through the centre of England until it joins the River Ouse to form the River Humber (estuary) which empties into the North Sea .
The name "Trent" comes from a Celtic word possibly meaning "strongly flooding". More specifically, the name may be a contraction of two Celtic words, tros ("over") and hynt ("way"). [1]
It is unusual amongst English rivers in that it flows north (for the second half of its route), and is also unusual in exhibiting a tidal bore , the "Aegir". The area drained by the river includes most of the northern Midlands.
Contents
| Trent |
How is 'Hanna Glawari' known in the title of an enormously popular Franz Lehar operetta of 1905? | Rivers
Avon (Bristol)
From the Kennet & Avon Canal at Hanham Lock the River Avon runs for 13.75 miles to the Bristol Channel and then into open sea. The wonderful city of Bristol is steeped in maritime and engineering history, much of which is attributable to Isambard Kingdom Brunel .
Brunel's incredible suspension bridge at Clifton is a spectacle never forgotten. Bristol Docks have undergone modernisation and the famous 18th Century statue of Neptune, originally erected in the Temple area, is now part of a pedestrianised city centre.
Avon (Stratford)
Upper Avon or Warwickshire Avon
River in southern England; length 154 km / 96 miles. Sometimes known as the Upper Avon or Warwickshire Avon, it rises in the Northamptonshire uplands near Naseby and flows southwest through Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Evesham, before joining the River Severn near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. One of Britain's most secluded cruising rivers, the Avon meanders past ancient towns and through picturesque countryside.
It flows through Stratford, Evesham and Pershore to Tewkesbury, where it meets the mighty River Severn . Its surroundings have changed little since the days of its most famous son, William Shakespeare.
The Avon is a popular river with motor cruisers and narrowboats, but the wide valley and peaceful villages give it an untroubled air that makes it one of Britain's most relaxing waterways. Though there is no continuous towpath, there are many walking opportunities.
It is often known as Shakespeare's Avon or simply the 'Stratford Avon', because Avon is such a common river name - deriving from Afon, the Welsh for 'river'.
Calder
River in West Yorkshire, England; length 72 km / 45 miles It rises in the Pennine moors northwest of Todmorden, and joins the River Aire at Castleford. Several large reservoirs supplying water to West Yorkshire towns lie within its catchment area.
The Aire and Calder Navigation forms a link in the system of rivers and canals that provides a waterway from the River Mersey to the River Humber.
The Calder valley, via Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, Mirfield, to Wakefield, is one of the main road and rail routes through the Pennines.
Calder
River in Cumbria, England. It flows into the Irish Sea 16 km / 10 miles southeast of Whitehaven.
Calder
River in central Lancashire, England; length 24 km / 15 miles It joins the River Ribble near Whalley.
Cam
River in southeast England. It rises in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, and flows 65 km / 40 miles northwest and northeast through Cambridgeshire, and then into the River Ouse, 6 km / 4 miles south of Ely. The Cam is joined at Hauxton by the River Granta, which rises in Essex, and is known thereafter as either the Cam or the Granta. It is navigable as far as the city of Cambridge.
Dee (Cheshire)
The River Dee passes through magnificent borderland scenery as it tumbles from Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) through Llangollen to Chester and the sea.
Along its way, it passes over Horseshoe Falls and under the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, two landmarks around the charming town of Llangollen.
The Dee can be navigated by all craft from Farndon, in rural Cheshire, through Chester and out to the sea. The upper reaches are prized by canoeists, though access rights are hotly debated.
Dee (Scotland)
The fifth longest river in Scotland, the Dee flows through some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland on its journey from the Cairngorm Mountains to the North Sea at Aberdeen.
Fast-flowing and rocky at times, the River Dee has an abundance of character that is magnificent. It is not uncommon to see canoeists paddling down along the river.
The �Royal Dee' is overlooked, at parts, by the magnificent Balmoral Estate, which offers angling and also some impressive marked walks. Balmoral Castle has been enjoyed by generations of royals since Queen Victoria.
Dove
River in Derbyshire, England, a tributary of the Trent; length 65 km / 40 miles. The Dove rises on Axe Edge, 6 km / 4 miles from Buxton, and forms the southwestern border between Derbyshire and Staffordshire as it flows south to join the Trent near Burton.
The valley of Dovedale, below Hartington, where the river runs through a rocky, wooded gorge some 3 km / 2 miles long, is popular with walkers.
Fal
For more than 2,000 years the River Fal was the life-blood of the Cornish community between Truro and Falmouth.
Today, the tourist town of Falmouth is known as the sailing and yachting capital of the county. Luxury vessels line the Fal Estuary � the third largest natural harbour in the world � and pretty yachts congregate during the Falmouth sailing regatta. Back in the 17th Century, Falmouth was famed for its Post Office Packet sailing boats which carried mail and cargo to and from places as far afield as the East Indies. Boats have travelled up the Fal to the port of Truro since the bygone days of 1170, and vessels approaching 85m in length still regularly sail upstream into the city.
The traditional industries of ship repair, cargo handling and yacht building continue to bring money into Falmouth, and old-fashined oyster boats can still be seen trailing the river and charming onlookers. However, the town and the area surrounding the river are now largely dependent on tourism. Cornwall is an ever popular holiday destination � especially during the summer months � and the Fal's maritime traditions, picturesque harbours and interesting towns win the hearts of visitors year after year.
Great Ouse
River which rises near Brackley in Northamptonshire, central England, and flows eastwards through Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk, before entering the Wash north of King's Lynn; length 250 km / 160 miles. A large sluice across the Great Ouse, near King's Lynn, was built as part of extensive flood-control works in 1959.
The chief tributaries of the Great Ouse are the Ivel, Cam , Lark, Little Ouse, Wissey, and Nar, all of which come from the south or east. The Bedfordshire Ouse was diverted in the 17th century from its devious course through Ely via two new channels called the New and Old Bedford rivers, 32 km / 20 miles long, running in a direct line from Earith near St Ives to Denver Sluice near Downham Market.
Hamble
For 7.5 miles from Botley to Southampton Water, the River Hamble offers facilities for sea-going vessels in scenic surroundings that are very popular especially in the high season. It's known throughout the yachting world as the Heart of British Yachting.
The river's position makes it suited both for weekend trips and as a base for international yachtsmen. There are numerous festivals and regattas throughout the year. The entrance to the River is illuminated with sector lights at Hamble Point and Warsash.
Manifold
River which flows through the Manifold Valley, a limestone gorge situated at the southern end of the Peak District in Staffordshire, England. For a distance of about 1.5 km / 1 miles the river disappears underground in swallow holes for part of the year.
Mersey
River in northwest England; length 112 km / 70 miles. Formed by the confluence of the Goyt and Tame rivers at Stockport, it flows west through the south of Manchester, is joined by the Irwell at Flixton and by the Weaver at Runcorn, and enters the Irish Sea at Liverpool Bay. It drains large areas of the Lancashire and Cheshire plains. The Mersey is linked to the Manchester Ship Canal. Although plans were announced in 1990 to build a 1,800-m / 5,907-ft barrage across the Mersey estuary to generate electricity from tides, these were abandoned in 1992 for financial reasons.
The river lies entirely below 45 m / 150 ft. It is artificially modified (as part of the Manchester Ship Canal) as far as Warrington, where it becomes tidal. The Mersey is polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and chemicals.
The Mersey became an artery of communications from the 18th century. Boats for passengers and goods used the river, with its major tributary the Irwell, between Liverpool and Manchester from 1720; the Bridgewater Canal acquired this traffic in the late 18th century. The Mersey had passenger services until the development of the railway in the middle of the 19th century. In the estuary (which has an area of over 78 sq km / 30 sq miles), steam ferries provided transport for commuters from the residential areas of Cheshire to Liverpool from 1815. In 1934 the first road tunnel under the Mersey was opened. Until the 1920s the river formed the boundary between Lancashire and Cheshire.
Nidd
River in North Yorkshire, England, located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The river flows southeast from the base of Whernside (27 km / 17 miles northwest of Ripon) into the River Ouse near York. Water is supplied to Bradford from a dam above the village of Pateley Bridge. Upper Nidderdale is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Nith
River of southern Scotland, rising in East Ayrshire unitary authority, about 13 km / 8 miles south of Cumnock, and flowing southeast for about 112 km / 70 miles through the valley of Nithsdale in Dumfries and Galloway unitary authority, before entering the Solway Firth 13 km / 8 miles south of Dumfries.
Severn
Welsh Hafren
Longest River in Britain , which rises on the slopes of Plynlimon, in Ceredigion, west Wales, and flows east and then south, finally forming a long estuary leading into the Bristol Channel; length 336 km / 208 miles. The Severn is navigable for 290 km / 180 miles, up to Welshpool (Trallwng) on the Welsh border. The principal towns on its course are Shrewsbury, Worcester, and Gloucester. England and South Wales are linked by two road bridges and a railway tunnel crossing the Severn. A remarkable feature of the river is a tidal wave known as the `Severn Bore� that flows for some miles upstream and can reach a height of 2 m / 6 ft.
The Severn rail tunnel was built in 1873-85. The first of the road bridges to be built opened in 1966, and carries the M4 motorway linking London and South Wales.
A second road bridge was opened in 1996 and carries the M48 motorway.
From its source, the Severn passes east through Powys and enters Shropshire near the Brythen Hills. Southeast of Shrewsbury, the river passes through Ironbridge Gorge, `cradle of the Industrial Revolution� and now a tourist attraction. Thereafter, it runs through Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, widening considerably after it passes Newnham. The Severn is navigable by larger ships (of around 8,000 tonnes) as far as Sharpness, and by smaller vessels (up to 700 tonnes) to Gloucester, while barges of 350 tonnes capacity can negotiate its upper reaches as far as Stourport. The Severn is connected with the rivers Trent and Mersey via the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal , and with the canal network around Birmingham via the Worcester and Birmingham Canal , which joins the Severn at Worcester. Between Gloucester and Sharpness, the treacherous nature of the riverbed necessitated the construction, in 1827, of the 26 km / 16 mile long, lock-free Sharpness and Gloucester Ship Canal. Tributaries of the Severn include the Teme, Stour, Wye , Vyrnwy, Tern, and Avon; in total, the river basin covers an area of 11,420 sq km / 4,409 sq miles. Crossings Between 1873 and 1885, a rail tunnel was dug underneath the Severn near Chepstow, running for a distance of 7.2 km / 4.4 miles, from New Passage to Portskewett; this crossing greatly facilitated travel between Bristol and the Welsh capital Cardiff. A road suspension bridge was opened nearby, from Aust to Beachley, in 1966; this crossing carries the main M4 motorway linking London and South Wales and is subject to payment of a toll by users. Because of the increase in traffic volume, construction of a new road bridge was started in 1992 and completed five years later. Hydroelectric power In 1933, a committee recommended the construction of a hydroelectric power station on a river barrage at English Stones reef, which would utilize the tidal flow of the Severn. This plan, which was interrupted by World War II, was revived in 1945, when engineers confirmed the practicability of the scheme and projected an output of some 2,190,000,000 kWh. However, no tidal power plant has yet been built.
Spey
Second longest river in Scotland. It flows through Highland and Moray, rising 14 km / 8 miles southeast of Fort Augustus, for 172 km / 107 miles to the Moray Firth between Lossiemouth and Buckie. It has salmon fisheries at its mouth. The upper river augments the Lochaber hydroelectric scheme. Whisky is distilled in the Spey valley.
Taf
River in Carmarthenshire, southwest Wales, rising on the eastern side of the Preseli Hills and flowing through Carmarthenshire to Carmarthen Bay; length 50 km / 31 miles Commercial fisheries operate in Carmarthen Bay. The village of Laugharne lies at the mouth of the river.
Tay
Longest river in Scotland ; length 193 km / 120 miles, it flows northeast through Loch Tay, then east and southeast past Perth to the Firth of Tay, crossed at Dundee by the Tay Bridge, before joining the North Sea. The Tay has salmon fisheries; its main tributaries are the Tummel, Isla, and Earn, Braan, and Almond. The drainage basin of the Tay and its tributaries forms one the most fully integrated hydroelectric developments in the north of Scotland.
The first Tay Bridge, opened in 1878, on the then longest span over water in the world, was blown into the river in 1879, along with a train which was passing over it. The bridge was rebuilt in 1883-88, and a road bridge, from Newport-on-Tay to Dundee, was completed in 1966.
Tees
River flowing from the Pennines in Cumbria, northwest England, to the North Sea via Tees Bay, Middlesborough unitary authority, in northeast England; length 130 km / 80 miles. Its port, Teesport, handles in excess of 42 million tonnes per annum, with port trade mainly chemical-related.
Although much of the river nearing the sea is polluted with industrial waste, sewage, and chemicals, the Tees Barrage (opened in 1985, cost of construction �50 million) enables a 16 km / 10 mile stretch of the river to provide clean, non-tidal water. This is used for white - water sports, including canoeing. The Tees rises in the north Pennines at Tees Head, on the easterly reaches of Cross Fell, Cumbria, and flows southeast and then northeast through Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough, entering the Tees Mouth estuary to join the North Sea. It is navigable to Middlesbrough. Its main tributaries are the Lune, Balder, and Greta. The river valley, known as Teesdale, includes Mickle Fell (790 m / 2,326 ft), the highest point in County Durham, and the waterfall of High Force.
The Tees has a unique transporter bridge (a bridge consisting of a movable platform suspended from cables), opened in 1911, which has 49 m / 160 ft clearance above the water. Its central section transports cars and people across the Tees towards Hartepool. It is the sole working example in England.
Teme
The river Teme is the second largest tributary of the River Severn . It rises in the Kerry hills in Mid Wales from a small spring in Bryn Coch quarry on Cilfaesty Hills at 460 metres above sea level. The Teme is a rural river flowing through unspoilt countryside which is regarded as some of the most attractive in Britain. The main town on the Teme is the historic border town of Ludlow in Shropshire. The Teme Valley, running down from Ludlow, comprises of the orchards, woods and countryside of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, to the foothills of the Malverns, the valley of the River Teme is an area of great beauty, interesting architecture, quiet places and rural pursuits. The rural nature of the river is reflected by high quality water with excellent brown trout and grayling fishing, with a challenge for the purist angler willing to accept the rugged conditions.
Thames
River in south England, flowing through London; length 338 km / 210 miles. The longest river in England , it rises in the Cotswold Hills above Cirencester and is tidal as far as Teddington. Below London there is protection from flooding by means of the Thames Barrier (1982). The headstreams unite at Lechlade.
Tributaries from the north are the Windrush, Evenlode, Cherwell, Thame, Colne, Lea, and Roding; and from the south, the Kennet, Loddon, Wey, Mole, Darent, and Medway. Around Oxford the river is sometimes poetically called the Isis. The construction of a 11 km / 7 mile flood alleviation channel between Maidenhead and Eton was approved in 1994. At Gravesend, the head of the estuary, it has a width of 1 km / 0.6 miles, gradually increasing to 16 km / 10 miles at the Nore. Lying some 5 km / 3 miles southwest of the Nore is the mouth of the Medway estuary, at the head of which lie Chatham with important naval dockyards, Gillingham, and Rochester. Gravesend on the south bank of the river, some 40 km / 25 miles from the Nore, developed at a point where vessels used to await the turn of the tide. Tidal waters reach Teddington, 100 km / 62 miles from its mouth, where the first lock from the sea (except for the tidal lock at Richmond) is located. There are in all 47 locks, St John's Lock, Lechlade, being nearest the source.
The normal rise and fall of the tide is from 4.5 m / 15 ft to 7 m / 23 ft at London Bridge and from 4 m / 13 ft to 6 m / 20 ft at Tilbury. Until Tower Bridge was built, London Bridge was the lowest in the course; the reach between these two bridges is known as the `Pool of London�. Tilbury, Fort and Docks, important as the main London container terminal, lies opposite Gravesend on the northern bank. At Woolwich, some 30 km / 19 miles above Tilbury, is the arsenal; Greenwich, a little farther upriver, has the Royal Naval College. Between Tilbury and London Bridge (some 40 km / 25 miles upstream) stretches the London dock System. The Thames has been frozen over at various times, the earliest recorded occasion being AD 1150.
The embankments of the Thames in London were the work of Sir Joseph Bazalgette (1819-91), chief engineer of the Metropolitan Board of Works. The Albert Embankment on the south side was completed in 1869, the Victoria Embankment from Westminster to Blackfriars in 1870, and the Chelsea Embankment from the Royal Hospital to Battersea Bridge in 1874. In January 1949 work was started on a new embankment, designed by J Rawlinson, chief engineer of the former London County Council, on the south side from County Hall to Waterloo Bridge. These embankments were raised after 1974. There are walkways (formerly towpaths) from Teddington to Cricklade.
The Port of London Authority is responsible for the control and conservation of the river below Teddington. Above Teddington the Environment Agency is the responsible authority; there is some barge traffic on this stretch of the river. The Thames is of great importance to the water supply of London, partly because the many springs in the chalk usually maintain a steady flow in summer. Salmon returned to the Thames in 1974.
The river is spanned by 20 road and nine rail bridges between Hampton Court and the Tower of London. These include Tower Bridge (which has a drawbridge mechanism to enable large vessels to pass) and a suspension bridge at Hammersmith. The QEII Bridge opened in 1991 joins the counties of Essex and Kent.
The chief tunnels under the Thames are the Thames Tunnel, completed by Brunel in 1841, now used by the East London Line of the London Underground; the Blackwall Tunnel (1897) from East India Dock Road to East Greenwich, the Rotherhithe Tunnel (1918) from Shadwell to Rotherhithe, and the Dartford tunnel completed in 1963.
There are regular boats from Kingston to Folly Bridge, Oxford, during the summer. There is some beautiful scenery along this part of the river, for example at Cliveden, Cookham, Sonning, and Pangbourne. There are fine bridges at Richmond, Hampton Court, Chertsey, Maidenhead, and Shillingford. Henley , Wallingford, Dorchester, Abingdon, Eton and Windsor are attractive. The Royal Regatta at Henly on Thames is one of the highlights of the British social calander. Along the 80 km / 50 miles from its source beneath a tree in `Trewsbury Mead� to Oxford, the Thames glides through meadows, its course interrupted only by the small towns of Lechlade and Cricklade and the pretty stone-built hamlets of Kelmscott and Ashton Keynes. In these upper reaches there are two medieval bridges New Bridge and Radcot Bridge. Motor launches can reach Lechlade; beyond that point it is possible to canoe up to Cricklade, but the final 16 km / 10 miles to the source of the Thames is best done on foot. One particularly attractive section is the steep-sided valley through the chalk hills between Goring and Reading, known as the Goring Gap.
Trent
Third longest river of England; length 275 km / 170 miles. Rising in the south Pennines (at Norton in the Moors) by the Staffordshire-Cheshire border, it flows south and then northeast through Derbyshire, along the county boundary of Leicestershire, and through Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, joining the Ouse east of Goole to form the Humber estuary, and entering the North Sea below Spurn Head. Its drainage basin covers more than 10,000 sq km / 4,000 sq miles. Main tributaries are the Churnet, Dove , and Derwent. It is navigable by barge for nearly 160 km / 100 miles.
The principal towns and cities along its course are Burton upon Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, and Newark. It is connected with other rivers and with the Birmingham and Lancashire districts by the Trent and Mersey Canal and the Grand Union Canal . The Trent valley includes extensive gravel workings and many electric power stations.
Tweed
River rising in the Tweedsmuir Hills, 10 km / 6 miles north of Moffat, southwest Scottish Borders, Scotland, and entering the North Sea at Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland; length 156 km / 97 miles. It flows in a northeasterly direction, and from Coldstream until near Berwick-upon-Tweed it forms the border between England and Scotland. It is the fourth longest river in Scotland and is one of the best salmon rivers.
Tyne
River of northeast England formed by the union of the North Tyne (rising in the Cheviot Hills) and South Tyne (rising near Cross Fell in Cumbria) near Hexham, Northumberland, and reaching the North Sea at Tynemouth ; length 72 km / 45 miles. Kielder Water (1980) in the North Tyne Valley is Europe's largest artificial lake, 12 km / 7.5 miles long and 0.8 km / 0.5 miles wide, and supplies the industries of Tyneside, Wearside, and Teesside. As well as functioning as a reservoir, it is a major resource for recreational use.
The principal tributary of the Tyne is the River Derwent , and the chief towns and cities along its course are Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Jarrow, and South Shields. Much of the Tyne basin lies within the Northumberland National Park. Along the lower reaches the Tyneside conurbation developed in the 19th century around shipyards, iron works, and chemical industries.
Tywi or Towy
River in Carmarthenshire, southwest Wales; length 108 km / 68 miles It rises in the Cambrian Mountains of central Wales and flows southwest through Carmarthen before entering Carmarthen Bay.
Ure
River in North Yorkshire, northern England; length about 80 km / 50 miles. It rises 10 km / 6 miles northwest of Hawes, near the borders of Cumbria, and joins the River Swale near Boroughbridge to form the Ouse . Flowing through the spectacular Wensleydale countryside, the river drops dramatically at Aysgarth. Aysgarth Force is located alongside the A684 where a beautiful old single arched bridge spans the river close by.
Wear
River in northeast England; length 107 km / 67 miles. From its source near Wearhead in the Pennines in County Durham, it flows eastwards along a narrow valley, Weardale, to Bishop Auckland and then northeast past Durham and Chester-le-Street, to meet the North Sea at Sunderland. Weardale is moorland in its upper reaches at Stanhope and Wolsingham. At Sunderland the Wear cuts a gorge 30 m / 98 ft deep through the local magnesian limestone plateau to reach the North Sea. The city of Durham is built along the Wear, and its castle and cathedral (a World Heritage site) stand 30 m / 100 ft above the river on an incised meander.
Wye
(Welsh Gwy)
River in Wales and England; length 208 km / 130 miles. It rises on Plynlimon in northeast Ceredigion, flows southeast and east through Powys and Hereford and Worcester, and follows the Gwent-Gloucestershire border before joining the river Severn 4 km / 2.5 miles south of Chepstow. It has salmon fisheries and is noted for its scenery particularly at Symonds Yat.
Wye
River of central England; length 15 km / 9 miles. It rises in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire and flows in a southeasterly direction to Bourne End where it meets the Thames .
Wye
River in Derbyshire, central England; length 32 km / 20 miles. It rises near Buxton and flows in a southeasterly direction to meet the Derwent at Rowsley.
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Which American Nobel Laureate wrote 'The Sound And The Fury' and 'As I Lay Dying'? | 1000+ images about William Faulkner on Pinterest | Literature, Novels and Paris
The Sound and the Fury / William Faulkner. A masterpiece of American Southern literature -- a complicated and haunting novel about the four siblings in the Compson family. http://libcat.bentley.edu/record=b1359621~S0
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The Lugg, Marteg, Monnow and Trothy are all tributaries of which river, the fifth longest in the UK? | MWP: William Faulkner (1897-1962)
William Faulkner
William Faulkner
The man himself never stood taller than five feet, six inches tall, but in the realm of American literature, William Faulkner is a giant. More than simply a renowned Mississippi writer, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist and short story writer is acclaimed throughout the world as one of the twentieth centurys greatest writers, one who transformed his postage stamp of native soil into an apocryphal setting in which he explored, articulated, and challenged the old verities and truths of the heart. During what is generally considered his period of greatest artistic achievement, from The Sound and the Fury in 1929 to Go Down, Moses in 1942, Faulkner accomplished in a little over a decade more artistically than most writers accomplish over a lifetime of writing. It is one of the more remarkable feats of American literature, how a young man who never graduated from high school, never received a college degree, living in a small town in the poorest state in the nation, all the while balancing a growing family of dependents and impending financial ruin, could during the Great Depression write a series of novels all set in the same small Southern county novels that include As I Lay Dying, Light in August, and above all, Absalom, Absalom! that would one day be recognized as among the greatest novels ever written by an American. The Early Years
William Cuthbert Falkner (as his name was then spelled) was born on September 25, 1897, in New Albany, Mississippi, the first of four sons born to Murry and Maud Butler Falkner. He was named after his great-grandfather, William Clark Falkner , the Old Colonel, who had been killed eight years earlier in a duel with his former business partner in the streets of Ripley, Mississippi. A lawyer, politician, planter, businessman, Civil War colonel, railroad financier, and finally a best-selling writer (of the novel The White Rose of Memphis), the Old Colonel, even in death, loomed as a larger-than-life model of personal and professional success for his male descendants.
A few days before Williams fifth birthday, the Falkners moved to Oxford, Mississippi , at the urging of Murrys father, John Wesley Thompson Falkner. Called the Young Colonel out of homage to his father rather than to actual military service, the younger Falkner had abruptly decided to sell the railroad begun by his father. Disappointed that he would not inherit the railroad, Murry took a series of jobs in Oxford, most of them with the help of his father. The elder Falkner, meanwhile, founded the First National Bank of Oxford in 1910 with $30,000 in capital.
William demonstrated artistic talent at a young age, drawing and writing poetry, but around the sixth grade he began to grow increasingly bored with his studies. His earliest literary efforts were romantic, conscientiously modeled on English poets such as Burns, Thomson, Housman, and Swinburne. While still in his youth, he also made the acquaintance of two individuals who would play an important role in his future: a childhood sweetheart, Estelle Oldham, and a literary mentor, Phil Stone.
Estelle was a popular, vivacious girl in Oxford with an active social life that included dances and parties. Despite her romance with William, she dated other boys, one of whom was Cornell Franklin, an Ole Miss law student who proposed marriage. She lightheartedly accepted, apparently believing his request insincere since he was going to Hawaii to establish a law practice. When he sent her an engagement ring several months later, however, her parents thought Franklin would be a fine husband for their daughter, and she found herself unable to escape the circumstances. She and Franklin were married in Oxford on April 18, 1918.
Williams other close acquaintance from this period arose from their mutual interest in poetry. When Stone read the young poets work, he immediately recognized Williams talent and set out to give Faulkner encouragement, advice, and models for study.
Like Franklin, Stone was a lawyer, schooled at Ole Miss and Yale. Following Estelles marriage, he invited Faulkner to stay with him in New Haven, where Faulkner first took a job with the Winchester Repeating Arms Company (where, for the first time, his name was spelled Faulkner in employee records, possibly the result of a typing error). But his job did not last long, for in June he accepted an invitation to become a cadet in training in the Royal Air Force in Canada.
Related Links & Info
Estelle Oldham in the 1913 yearbook Ole Miss
Just off the square in Oxford is Phil Stones law office. Now occupied by the Freeland & Freeland, Lawyers law firm, the building is believed to be the oldest law office structure in the state of Mississippi.
Earlier, Faulkner had tried to join the U.S. Army Air Force, but he had been turned down because of his height. In his RAF application, he lied about numerous facts, including his birthdate and birthplace, in an attempt to pass himself as British. He also spelled his name Faulkner, believing it looked more British, and in meeting with RAF officials he affected a British accent.
He began training in Toronto, but before he finished training, the war ended. He received an honorable discharge and bought an officers dress uniform and a set of wings for the breast pocket, even though he had probably never flown solo.
Though he had seen no combat in his wartime military service, upon returning to Oxford in December 1918, he allowed others to believe he had. He told many stories of his adventures in the RAF, most of which were highly exaggerated or patently untrue, including injuries that had left him in constant pain and with a silver plate in his head. His brief service in the RAF would also serve him in his written fiction, particularly in his first published novel, Soldiers Pay, in 1926.
Back in Oxford, he first engaged in a footloose life, basking in the temporary glory of a war veteran. In 1919, he enrolled at the University of Mississippi in Oxford under a special provision for war veterans, even though he had never graduated from high school. In August, his first published poem, LApres-Midi dun Faune [sic], appeared in The New Republic. While a student at Ole Miss, he published poems and short stories in the campus newspaper, the Mississippian, and submitted artwork for the university yearbook. In the fall of 1920, Faulkner helped found a dramatic club on campus called The Marionettes, for which he wrote a one-act play titled The Marionettes but which was never staged. After three semesters of study at Ole Miss, he dropped out in November 1920. Over the next few years, Faulkner wrote reviews, poems, and prose pieces for The Mississippian and worked several odd jobs. At the recommendation of Stark Young , a novelist in Oxford, in 1921 he took a job in New York City as an assistant in a bookstore managed by Elizabeth Prall, who would later be the wife of writer Sherwood Anderson. His most notorious job during this period was his stint as postmaster in the university post office from the spring of 1922 to October 31, 1924. By all accounts, he was a terrible postmaster, spending much of his time reading or playing cards with friends, misplacing or losing mail, and failing to serve customers. When a postal inspector came to investigate, he agreed to resign. During this period, he also served as a scoutmaster for the Oxford Boy Scout troop, but he was asked to resign for moral reasons (probably drinking).
© The Cofield Collection
Faulkner liked to pose for photographs in his RAF uniform, as seen here in the uniform of an RAF lieutenant, a rank he never attained.
The Mississippian, Faulkners earliest forum for publication, continues to be published at Ole Miss as The Daily Mississippian .
The Forrest Lamar Cooper Postcard Collection
The University of Mississippi Post Office as seen in a 1924 postcard, when Faulkner held the position of postmaster.
A Failed Poet
In 1924, his friend Phil Stone secured the publication of a volume of Faulkners poetry, The Marble Faun, by the Four Seas Company. It was published in December 1924 in an edition of 1,000 copies, dedicated to his mother and with a preface by Stone.
In January 1925, Faulkner moved to New Orleans and fell in with a literary crowd which included Sherwood Anderson (author of Winesburg, Ohio) and centered around The Double Dealer, a literary magazine whose credits include the first published works of Hart Crane, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Penn Warren, and Edmund Wilson. Faulkner published several essays and sketches in The Double Dealer and in the New Orleans Times-Picayune; the latter would later be collected under the title New Orleans Sketches. He wrote his first novel, Soldiers Pay, and on Andersons advice sent it to the publisher Horace Liveright. After Liveright accepted the novel, Faulkner sailed from New Orleans to Europe, arriving in Italy on August 2. His principal residence during the next several months was near Paris, France, just around the corner from the Luxembourg Gardens, where he spent much of his time; his written description of the gardens would later be revised for the closing of his novel Sanctuary. While in France, he would sometimes go to the cafe that James Joyce would frequent, but the interminably shy Faulkner never mustered the nerve to speak to him. After visiting England, he returned to the United States in December.
In February 1926, Soldiers Pay was published by Boni and Liveright in an edition of 2,500 copies. Again in New Orleans, he began working on his second novel, Mosquitoes, a satirical novel with characters based closely upon his literary milieu in New Orleans; set aboard a yacht in Lake Pontchartrain, the novel is today considered one of Faulkners weakest. For his third novel, however, Faulkner considered some advice Anderson had given him, that he should write about his native region. In doing so, he drew upon both regional geography and family history (particularly his great-grandfathers Civil War and post-war exploits) to create Yocona County, later renamed Yoknapatawpha. In a 1956 interview, Faulkner described the liberating effect the creation of his fictional county had for him as an artist: Beginning with Sartoris I discovered that my own little postage stamp of native soil was worth writing about and that I would never live long enough to exhaust it, and by sublimating the actual into apocryphal I would have complete liberty to use whatever talent I might have to its absolute top (Lion in the Garden 255).
Faulkner may have been excited by his latest achievement, but his publisher was less thrilled: Liveright refused to publish the novel, which Faulkner had titled Flags in the Dust. Dejected, he began to shop the novel around to other publishers, with similar results. In the meantime, believing his career as a writer all but over, he began to write a novel strictly for pleasure, with no regard, he said, for its eventual publication. As for the earlier novel, Faulkner solicited the help of his friend Ben Wasson, a literary agent in New York, who convinced Harcourt, Brace to publish the novel, but only with extensive cuts from the manuscript. The purged novel, trimmed by about a third, was published in January 1929 under the title Sartoris. (A restored version of the original Flags in the Dust would be published in 1973, more than ten years after Faulkners death.)
Contrary to his earlier opinion, the novel Faulkner had written strictly for pleasure was publishable, though he did have to convince his new publisher, Jonathan Cape and Harrison Smith (formerly of Harcourt, Brace) not to interfere with his manuscript. A revolutionary novel in style and content, it was divided into four discrete sections, the first three of which are told by brothers in a single family. The first section is told by an idiot with no concept of time his narrative slips easily back and forth in time with no warning to the reader except for a usual brief shift to italic typeface. Individually, each section is revealing both stylistically and as an exploration of character; together, however, the four parts operate to reveal the slow demise of a once-prominent southern family, which is demonstrated most explicitly in the gradual decline and disappearance of the brothers sister, Caddy Compson. Taking his title from a soliloquy in Shakespeares Macbeth which refers to life as a tale told by an idiot, Faulkner called the novel The Sound and the Fury.
Jardins et Palais du Luxembourg , from Les Pages de Paris
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The Lafayette County Courthouse with its Confederate monument as it appeared in 1930. In The Sound and the Fury the courthouse and monument play a key role in the novels final scene.
Photo courtesy Aston Holley
A covered bridge over the Yocona River in southern Lafayette County. Old maps depict the river as the Yockney-patafa. The river was the model for the flooded Yoknapatawpha River in As I Lay Dying. ( Click for larger view )
After The Sound and the Fury was published in October 1929, Faulkner had to turn his attention to making money. Earlier that year, he had written Sanctuary, a novel which Faulkner later claimed in an introduction he conceived deliberately to make money. Because of its sordid subject the novel was immediately turned down by the publisher. Faulkners need for income stemmed largely from his growing family. In April, Estelle Oldham had divorced Cornell Franklin, and in June she and Faulkner were married at or near College Hill Presbyterian Church, just north of Oxford. Estelle brought to the marriage two children, Malcolm and Victoria, and after a honeymoon in Pascagoula, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, they lived at Miss Elma Meeks house in Oxford. Faulkner, now working nights at a power plant, wrote As I Lay Dying, later claiming it was a tour de force and that he had written it in six weeks, without changing a word.
Though his hyperbolic claims about the novel were not entirely true, As I Lay Dying is nevertheless a masterfully written successor to The Sound and the Fury. As with the earlier work, the novel focuses on a family and is told stream-of-conscious style by different narrators, but rather than an aristocratic family, the focus here is on lower-class farm laborers from southern Yoknapatawpha County, the Bundrens, whose matriarch, Addie, has died and had asked to be buried in Jefferson, a days hard ride away to the north. The journey to Jefferson is fraught with perils of fire and flood (from the rain-swollen Yoknapatawpha River) as well as the family members inner feelings of grief and loss. The novel would be published in October 1930.
The year 1930 was significant to Faulkner for two other reasons as well, both of which took place in April. First, he bought a decrepit antebellum house in Oxford, which plunged him further into debt but in which he would find comfort and pleasure for the rest of his life. Built originally in 1844 by a Robert Shegogg, Faulkner named the house Rowan Oak, after a Scottish legend alluding to the protective powers of wood from the rowan tree. Also in April, Faulkner saw the first national publication of a short story he had written, A Rose for Emily, in Forum magazine. It would be followed that year by Honor in American Mercury, Thrift, and Red Leaves, both in the Saturday Evening Post. Over the coming years, as sales of his novels sagged, he would write numerous short stories for publication, especially in the Saturday Evening Post, as a principal means of financial support.
That same year, his publisher had a change of heart about publishing Sanctuary and sent galley proofs to Faulkner for proofreading, but Faulkner decided, at considerable personal expense, to drastically revise the novel. The novel, which features the rape and kidnapping of an Ole Miss coed, Temple Drake, by a sinister bootlegger named Popeye, shocked and horrified readers, particularly in Oxford; published in February 1931, Sanctuary would be Faulkners best-selling novel until The Wild Palms was published in 1939.
In January 1931, Estelle gave birth to a daughter, Alabama. The child, born prematurely, would live only a few days. Faulkners first collection of short stories, These 13, would be published in September and dedicated to Estelle and Alabama.
Soon after Alabamas death, Faulkner began writing a novel tentatively titled Dark House, which would feature a man of uncertain racial lineage who, as an orphaned child, was named Joe Christmas. In this, Faulkners first major exploration of race, he examines the lives of outcasts in Yoknapatawpha County, including Joanna Burden, the granddaughter and sister of civil rights activists gunned down in the town square; the Rev. Gail Hightower, so caught up in family pride and heritage that he ignores his own wifes decline into infidelity and eventual suicide; and Lena Grove, a (literally) barefoot and pregnant girl from Alabama whose journey to find the father of her child both opens and closes the novel. At the center of the novel is the orphan, the enigmatic Joe Christmas, who defies easy categorization into either race, white or black. The novel would be published as Light in August in October 1932 by his new publisher of Harrison Smith and Robert Haas.
© The Cofield Collection
Publicity photo for Sanctuary. ( Click for larger view )
The year 1932 would mark the beginning of a new sometime profession for Faulkner, as screenwriter in Hollywood. During an extended trip to New York City the previous year, he had made a number of important contacts in Hollywood, including actress Tallulah Bankhead. In April 1932, Faulkner signed a six-week contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and in May Faulkner initiated what would be the first of many stints as screenwriter in Hollywood. In July, Faulkner met director Howard Hawks, with whom he shared a common passion for flying and hunting. Of the six screenplays for which Faulkner would receive on-screen credit, five would be for films directed by Hawks, the first of which was Today We Live (1933), based on Faulkners short story Turn About.
Faulkner returned to Oxford in August after the sudden death of his father. With the addition of his mother to his growing number of dependents, Faulkner needed money. He returned to Hollywood in October with his mother and younger brother Dean, and sold Paramount the rights to film Sanctuary. The film, retitled The Story of Temple Drake, opened in May 1933, one month after the Memphis premiere of Today We Live which Faulkner attended. That spring also saw the publication of A Green Bough, Faulkners second and last collection of poetry.
Faulkners MGM contract expired in May 1933, and with his temporary windfall he purchased a Waco-210 monoplane. In June, Estelle gave birth to Faulkners only surviving daughter, Jill. The following winter, Faulkner wrote to his publisher that he was working on a new novel whose working title, like Light in August before, was Dark House. Roughly, he wrote, the theme is a man who outraged the land, and the land then turned and destroyed the mans family. Quentin Compson, of the Sound & Fury, tells it, or ties it together; he is the protagonist so that it is not complete apocrypha.
In April 1934, Faulkner published a second collection of stories, Doctor Martino and Other Stories. That spring, he began a series of Civil War stories to be sold to The Saturday Evening Post. Faulkner would later revise and collect them together to form the novel The Unvanquished (1938). In March 1935, he published the non-Yoknapatawpha novel Pylon, which was inspired apparently by the death of Captain Merle Nelson during an air show on February 14, 1934, at the inauguration of an airport in New Orleans. A few months later, in November, his brother Dean was killed in a crash of the Waco which Faulkner had given him. Married only a month before to Louise Hale, Dean would be survived by a daughter (to be born in March 1936), who would be named Dean after her father. Faulkner would take complete responsibility for the education of his niece.
In December, Faulkner began another tour of duty in Hollywood working with Hawks, this time at 20th Century-Fox, where he met Meta Carpenter, Hawks secretary and script girl, with whom Faulkner would have an affair. Late that month, Faulkner and collaborator Joel Sayre completed a screenplay for the film The Road to Glory, which would premiere in June 1936.
Museum of Modern Art / Film Still Archive
Today We Live (1933), starring Franchot Tone, Joan Crawford, and Robert Young, was Faulkners first credited screenplay and the only one he wrote for the big screen based on his own published fiction.
Back in Oxford in January 1936, Faulkner spent what would be the first of many stays at Wrights Sanatarium, a nursing home facility in Byhalia, Mississippi, where Faulkner would go to recover from his drinking binges. Not an alcoholic in a clinical sense, Faulkner nevertheless would sometimes go on extended drinking binges, oftentimes at the conclusion of a writing project; on occasion, he would even plan when to begin and end such binges. The January binge came on as he finished the manuscript of what he had first called Dark House. At the center of the novel is the character of Thomas Sutpen, a mysterious figure who in 1833 had come to Yoknapatawpha County, bought a hundred square miles of virgin timberland, and set out to create a vast design of wealth, power, and progeny in the form of white, male heirs. Set in the present day of 1909-1910, the novels historical past is largely narrated by four characters: Rosa Coldfield, Sutpens sister-in-law, who regarded him as demonic; Jason Compson, a nihilist and fatalist and alcoholic father of Quentin; Quentin Compson, formerly of The Sound and the Fury, and his Harvard roommate, Shreve McCannon, who together try to piece together the discordant fabric of the story of Thomas Sutpen, who had been killed more than forty years earlier. In addition to its focus on family, race, and history, the novels narrative structure also confronts the key issue of reading itself, how readers interpret evidence and construct narratives from it. The novel would be published in October 1936 by the new publisher Random House, which had bought out Smith and Haas. Faulkners new title for the book, alluding to King Davids lament over his dead son in the Old Testament, was Absalom, Absalom!
Faulkner spent much of 1936 and the first eight months of 1937 in Hollywood, again working for 20th Century-Fox, receiving on-screen writing credit for Slave Ship (1937) and contributing to the story for Gunga Din (1939). In April, his mistress, Meta Carpenter, married Wolfgang Rebner and went with him to Germany. Back at Rowan Oak in September, Faulkner began working on a new novel, which would consist of two short novellas with two completely separate casts of characters appearing alternately throughout the book. Faulkners title for the book was If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem, consisting of the novellas The Wild Palms and Old Man.
In the winter of 1937-1938, Faulkner bought Baileys Woods, a wooded area adjacent to Rowan Oak, and Greenfield Farm, located seventeen miles from Oxford, which he would turn over to his brother John to manage. In February 1938, Random House published The Unvanquished, a novel consisting of seven stories, six of which had originally appeared in an earlier form in The Saturday Evening Post. A kind of prequel to Faulkners first Yoknapatawpha novel, The Unvanquished tells the earlier history of the Sartoris family during and immediately after the Civil War, focusing especially on Bayard Sartoris, son of the legendary Colonel John Sartoris who, like Faulkners real-life great-grandfather, was gunned down in the street by a former business partner.
William Faulkner Collections, UVA
William Faulkner in Hollywood.
While in New York in the fall of 1938, Faulkner began writing a short story, Barn Burning, which would be published in Harpers the following year. But Faulkner was not finished with the story. He had in mind a trilogy about the Snopes family, a lower-class rural laboring white family who, unlike the Compsons and Sartorises of other Faulkner novels, had little regard for southern tradition, heritage, or lineage. The Snopes, often regarded as Faulkners metaphor for the rising redneck middle class in the South, more interested in avaricious commercial gain than honor or pride, were to be led in the trilogy by the enterprising Flem Snopes, who in the original story Barn Burning had appeared only briefly as the eldest son of Ab Snopes.
In January 1939, Faulkner was elected to the National Institute of Arts and Letters. That same month, If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem was published under the title The Wild Palms. In April 1940, the first book of the Snopes trilogy, The Hamlet, was published by Random House. Featuring a reworked version of Barn Burning and other stories Faulkner had published, including Spotted Horses, the novel follows Flem Snopes from being the poor son of a barn-burning sharecropper to his securing a storekeepers job, as fire insurance, in the hamlet of Frenchmans Bend (in southeastern Yoknapatawpha County). As Flem rises in stature and responsibility, and all the while bringing more and more Snopeses into the community, thus further elevating himself personally and financially, he eventually agrees to marry the store owners daughter, Eula Varner, who is pregnant by another man.
Throughout 1941, Faulkner spent much of his time writing and reworking stories into an episodic novel about the McCaslin family, several members of whom had appeared briefly in The Unvanquished. Though several stories that would comprise Go Down, Moses had been published separately, Faulkner revised extensively the parts that would comprise the novel, which spans more than 100 years in the history of Yoknapatawpha County. At the physical and psychological center of the book is The Bear, a hunting story that encompasses both the fading wilderness, Native American issues of land ownership and environmental stewardship, and the problems of miscegenation compounded by incest. The book was published in May 1942 as Go Down, Moses and Other Stories, but in subsequent editions, Faulkner had the phrase and other stories omitted, insisting to his publisher that the book was a novel.
© Monterey Movie Company
Barn Burning was made into a short film as part of the The American Short Story Collection. Starring Tommy Lee Jones as Ab Snopes, Shawn Whittington as Sartie, and Jimmy Faulkner, William Faulkners nephew, as Major De Spain, the video is excellent for classroom usage.
Sale of his novels, meanwhile, had slumped, so he returned to California in July 1942 to begin another stint at screen writing, this time for Warner Brothers, who insisted he sign for seven years, which he was told was only a formality. His salary was less than what he had earned as a novice at MGM ten years earlier. The following year, he began to work intermittently on A Fable, a novel whose plot would revolve around a reincarnation of Christ during the First World War. It would take him more than ten years to complete it. Also in 1943, he was assigned to write the screenplay for Hemingways novel To Have and Have Not, but because of an extended vacation, he did not begin work on it until February 1944. The movie, the first film to feature Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall together on screen, would premiere in January 1945. In August 1944, Faulkner began writing a screenplay adaptation of Raymond Chandlers detective novel The Big Sleep. It would premiere, also starring Bogart and Bacall, in August 1946. During this period, Faulkner also collaborated with Jean Renoir on his film The Southerner, but with no screen credit since it would violate his Warner Brothers contract. It would premiere in August 1945. The three films together would represent the pinnacle of Faulkners screen writing career.
© Museum of Modern Art / Film Still Archives
Faulkner contributed to the screenplay for Jean Renoirs film The Southerner (1945). ( Click for larger view )
Nobel Laureate
In 1944, Faulkner began a correspondence with Malcolm Cowley, who at the time was editing The Portable Hemingway for Viking Press. Cowley had in mind a similar collection for Faulkner, whose novels by this time were effectively out of print. Though Faulkners reputation remained high in Europe, especially in France, where Jean-Paul Sartre allegedly said, For the young people in France, Faulkner is a god, in America the public had largely ceased to read his work. Cowleys collection begins with an introductory biographical and critical essay, in which Faulkner had to correct for the first time some of the misconceptions of his war record. The collection itself consists of stories and novel passages that relate, in roughly chronological order, the saga of Yoknapatawpha County. For the book, Faulkner contributed a new Appendix to The Sound and the Fury, in which he examined both the distant past and the near future of the Compson family as told in the novel. Published in April 1946, The Portable Faulkner would mark the beginning of the resurgence in popular and critical interest in Faulkners work. In December, the Modern Library would publish a one-volume edition of The Sound and the Fury and As I Lay Dying, preceded by Faulkners Compson Appendix. Over the coming years, the Modern Library would continue to re-issue Faulkners novels, a practice that continues to this day.
In March 1947, while continuing to work on his Christ fable, he wrote letters to the Oxford newspaper to support the preservation of the old courthouse on the town square, which some townspeople had proposed demolishing to build a larger one. In April, he agreed to meet in question-and-answer sessions with English classes at the University of Mississippi, but he invited controversy when his candid statement about Hemingway he has no courage, has never climbed out on a limb ... has never used a word where the reader might check his usage by a dictionary was included in a press release about the sessions. When Hemingway read the remarks, he was hurt, moved even to write a letter answering the charge that he lacked courage, but when it grew too long, he asked a friend, Brigadier General C.T. Lanham to write and tell Faulkner only what he knew about Hemingways heroism as a war correspondent. Almost immediately, Faulkner replied, apologizing for the misunderstanding and pain caused by his remarks, explaining that it was a garbled, incomplete version of what he had said, but he defended his comment by saying that it referred only to Hemingways craftsmanship as a writer and told how he was judging the quality of writing on its degree of failures, that Hemingway was next to last because he didnt have the courage to risk bad taste, over-writing, dullness, etc. He wrote Hemingway also, including a copy of the letter to Lanham, again apologizing and saying, I hope it wont matter a damn to you. But if or whe[ne]ver it does, please accept another squirm from yours truly.
Photo by Phill Mullen
The only known photograph of William Faulkner (right) with his eldest brother, John, was taken in 1949. Like his brother, John Faulkner was also a writer , though their writing styles differed considerably.
In January 1948, Faulkner put aside A Fable to write a novel he considered a detective story. The central character is Lucas Beauchamp, who had appeared as a key descendant of old Lucius Quintus Carothers McCaslin in Go Down, Moses, upon whose name his own was based. In the novel Beauchamp is accused of murdering a white man and must rely upon the wits of a teenage boy, Chick Mallison, to clear his name before the lynch mob arrives to do its job. In July, MGM purchased the film rights to the novel, and in October, Intruder in the Dust was published. In the spring of 1949, director Clarence Brown and a film crew descended upon Oxford, Mississippi, to film the novel on location, and while the townspeople eagerly welcomed the filmmakers, even playing a number of extra and minor roles in the film, Faulkner was very reluctant to participate, though he may have helped to rework the final scene. In October 1949, the world premiere of Browns Intruder in the Dust took place at the Lyric Theatre in Oxford. Faulkner attended at the insistence of his Aunt Alabama McLean.
In November, Faulkner published Knights Gambit, a collection of detective stories including Tomorrow, Smoke, and the title novella. That same month, in Stockholm, fifteen of the eighteen members of the Swedish Academy voted to award the Nobel Prize for literature to Faulkner, but since a unanimous vote was required, the awarding of the prize was delayed by a year.
© The Cofield Collection
The world premiere of the film version of Intruder in the Dust occurred at the Lyric Theatre in Oxford in 1949.
In the summer of 1949, Faulkner had met Joan Williams, a young student and author of a prize-winning story. In 1950, he began a collaboration with her on Requiem for a Nun, a part-prose, part-play sequel to Sanctuary in which nursemaid Nancy Mannigoe is sentenced to hang for the murder of Temple Drakes infant daughter. Temple, now married to Gowan Stevens, tries to convince her husbands uncle, lawyer Gavin Stevens, to save Nancy from execution. In narrative prose sections preceding each of the plays three acts, Faulkner details some of the early history of Jefferson, Yoknapatawpha County, and the state of Mississippi. His collaboration with Williams would eventually grow into a love affair.
In June 1950, Faulkner was awarded the Howells Medal for distinguished work in American fiction. In August, he published Collected Stories, the third and last collection of stories published by Faulkner. It includes forty-two of the forty-six stories published in magazines since 1930, excluding those which he had published or incorporated into The Unvanquished, The Hamlet, Go Down, Moses, and Knights Gambit. Two months later, Faulkner received word that the Swedish Academy had voted to award him and Bertrand Russell as corecipients of the Nobel Prize for literature, Russell for 1950 and Faulkner for the previous year. At first he refused to go to Stockholm to receive the award, but pressured by the U.S. State Department, the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, and finally by his own family, he agreed to go.
On December 10, he delivered his acceptance speech to the academy in a voice so low and rapid that few could make out what he was saying, but when his words were published in the newspaper the following day, it was recognized for its brilliance; in later years, Faulkners speech would be lauded as the best speech ever given at a Nobel ceremony. In it, Faulkner alluded to the impending Cold War and the constant fear, a general and universal physical fear, whose consequence was to make the young man or woman writing today [forget] the problems of the human heart in conflict with itself which alone can make good writing because only that is worth writing about, worth the agony and the sweat. The artist, Faulkner said, must re-learn the old verities and truths of the heart, the old universal truths lacking which any story is ephemeral and doomed love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice. He concludes on an optimistic note: I decline to accept the end of
man....
I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poets, the writers duty is to write about these
things....
The poets voice need not merely be the record of man, it can be one of the props, the pillars to help him endure and prevail.
Courtesy Faulkner family
On December 10, 1950, Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature for the year 1949. Pictured with Faulkner are Dr. Gustaf Hellström and Envoy Ståhle
At Howard Hawks request, Faulkner returned to Hollywood one last time in February 1951 to rework a script titled The Left Hand of God for 20th Century-Fox. The following month, he was awarded the National Book Award for Collected Stories, and in May, shortly after having delivered the commencement address at his daughters high school graduation ceremony, French President Vincent Auriol bestowed the award of Legion of Honor upon Faulkner. As he completed the writing and revision of Requiem for a Nun, he received several offers to stage the play, both in the United States and in France, but problems of financing prevented any full productions. The book was published in September 1951.
In April 1952, Faulkner attended the ninetieth anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh with fellow Mississippian Shelby Foote , whom Faulkner had met in 1941 when Foote had accompanied Faulkners agent, Ben Wasson, on a visit to Rowan Oak. In May he accepted an invitation to attend the Festival Oeuvres du XXe Siècle in France; while abroad, he also visited England and Norway. Back at home in June, he resumed his relationship with Joan Williams and continued working on A Fable with more and more difficulty. When the intricate plot became too complex for him to keep track of, he wrote outlines of key events in the storys seven days on the walls of his office at Rowan Oak. Suffering from acute back pain, Faulkner was hospitalized twice, in September and October. In November, Faulkner agreed to participate in a short documentary film financed by the Ford Foundation. Essentially re-enacting his own life, Faulkner is depicted at his farm, talking with townspeople on the streets of Oxford, and being cajoled into an interview by Oxford Eagle editor Phil Mullen at Rowan Oak, during which Faulkner says (on camera), Okay, but no pictures. The film was broadcast on CBS-TVs program Omnibus.
Photo by Phill Mullen
Faulkner in the library of Rowan Oak during the filming of the CBS documentary, 1952. ( Click for larger view )
While in New York in January 1953, he adapted his story The Brooch for television while also working on A Fable and suffering bouts of back pain and alcoholism that required hospitalization. In March he was again hospitalized. The following month, Estelle suffered a hemorrhage and heart attack, so Faulkner returned to Oxford. He returned to New York in May, where he met Dylan Thomas and e.e. cummings. In June, he delivered an address to Jills graduating class at Pine Manor Junior College. Following another hospitalization in September, Faulkner was horrified to find his sacrosanct privacy invaded by the publication of a two-part biographical article by Robert Coughlan in September and Octobers issues of Life magazine.
In November, Albert Camus agent wrote Faulkner requesting permission to adapt Requiem for a Nun for the stage, to which Faulkner agreed. At the end of the month, he traveled to Egypt to assist Howard Hawks in the filming of Land of the Pharaohs, their last collaboration. For the next several months, he traveled throughout Europe. He met Jean Stein in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on December 25, and after visits to England and Paris joined Hawks, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in Rome on January 19. In March, he received a letter from Jill, who wrote that she had met Paul D. Summers, a lieutenant at West Point, whom she would like to marry, and asked Faulkner to come home. He returned to Oxford at the end of April 1954, after a six-month absence. That same month saw the publication of Mississippi, a mostly nonfiction article mingling history, his childhood, and his own work against the backdrop of his native state, in Holiday magazine; and The Faulkner Reader, an anthology which includes the complete text of The Sound and the Fury, three additional long stories (or novellas) The Bear from Go Down, Moses, Old Man from The Wild Palms, and Spotted Horses from The Hamlet as well as several other stories and novel excerpts. The three novellas would in 1958 be published together under the title Three Famous Short Novels. In August, after more than ten years of work, Faulkner finally published A Fable, dedicating it to Jill and Estelle. Later that month, Jill and Paul Summers were married in Oxford.
© The Cofield Collection
To keep track of the complex plot in A Fable, Faulkner wrote outlines of the novels seven days on the wall in his office at Rowan Oak.
Statesman to the World
At the end of June 1954, Faulkner had accepted an invitation from the U.S. State Department to attend an international writers conference in São Paulo in August. Now an internationally known public figure, Faulkner no longer refused to appear in public in his own nation, and he usually accepted the increasing requests by the State Department to attend cultural events abroad. In addition, he also began to take a public stand as a moderate, if not liberal, southerner in the growing debate over school integration.
Though A Fable is generally considered one of Faulkners weaker novels, in January 1955, it earned the National Book Award for Fiction and in May a Pulitzer Prize in fiction. In August, Faulkner began a three-month, seven-nation goodwill tour at the request of the State Department, traveling first to Japan, where at Nagano he participated in a seminar whose proceedings, along with two speeches he had delivered, were published as Faulkner at Nagano. He left Japan for Manila and then Italy, where from Rome he wrote a dispatch condemning the murder of Emmett Till, a black teenager from Chicago who had been killed in Mississippi. From Italy he went to Munich, where Requiem for a Nun was playing, and then to Paris for two weeks. In October, he left for London and then for Reykjavik, Iceland, where once again he attended a program of conferences and interviews. Finally he returned to the United States in October, during which month Random House published Big Woods: The Hunting Stories, a collection of four previously published stories about hunting with five interchapters at the beginning and end of the book and between chapters to set or change the mood. He dedicated the book to his editor at Random House, Saxe Commins.
In November, Faulkner condemned segregation in an address before the Southern Historical Association in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, where because of segregation much effort was needed for blacks to be admitted. The speech was published in the Memphis Commercial Appeal under the headline A mixed audience hears Faulkner condemn the shame of segregation. Though Faulkner opposed segregation, however, he opposed federal involvement in the issue, which resulted in his being understood by neither southern conservatives nor northern liberals. Faulkners increasingly vocal stand on the issues of race drew fire from his fellow southerners, including anonymous threats and rejection by his own brother, John . Misunderstanding over Faulkners views increased when in a February 1956 interview with a London Sunday Times correspondent he was quoted as saying that he would fight for Mississippi against the United States, even if it meant going out into the street and shooting Negroes. Faulkner tried to correct the absurd statement in letters to three national magazines that had repeated the initial assertion, but the statements harm could not easily be undone. Two weeks after Life published Faulkners A Letter to the North, in which he pleaded for moderation, warning that one should not expect too much of the South, he had to be hospitalized for nine days after vomiting blood and collapsing into unconsciousness. While he was in the hospital, Faulkners first grandchild, Paul, was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. Soon after, Faulkner would agree to become writer-in-residence at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville for a period of eight to ten weeks every year.
In April 1956, black civil rights legend W.E.B. Du Bois challenged Faulkner to a debate on integration on the steps of the courthouse in Sumner, Mississippi, where the accused in the Emmett Till murder trial had been acquitted by an all-white jury. Faulkner declined in a telegram, stating I do not believe there is a debatable point between us. We both agree in advance that the position you will take is right morally, legally, and ethically. If it is not evident to you that the position I take in asking for moderation and patience is right practically then we will both waste our breath in debate.
In September, Camus adaptation of Requiem for a Nun premiered at the Théâtre des Mathurins. That same month, Faulkner became involved in the Eisenhower administrations People-to-People Program, the aim of which was to promote American culture behind the Iron Curtain. At the end of September a steering committee consisting of Faulkner, John Steinbeck, and Donald Hall drew up several resolutions, including one supporting the liberation of Ezra Pound, but Faulkner would withdraw from the committee three months later.
From February to June 1957, Faulkner was writer-in-residence at the University of Virginia and agreed to a number of question-and-answer sessions with the students, faculty, and faculty spouses. Highlights of the taped sessions would be published in 1959 by Professors Joseph Blotner and Frederick Gwynn under the title Faulkner in the University. In March, while visiting Greece during a leave of absence from Virginia, he received the Silver Medal of the Athens Academy as one chosen by the Greek Academy to represent the principle that man shall be free. Back in Charlottesville, in April he signed a contract with producer Jerry Wald for an option on The Hamlet. The film, made by Martin Ritt and starring Orson Welles, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward (their first on-screen pairing), would be released in 1958 under the title The Long Hot Summer.
© William Faulkner Collections / UVA
Faulkner on the University of Virginia campus. ( Click for larger view )
In May 1957 Faulkner published The Town, the second volume of the Snopes trilogy. Picking up where The Hamlet left off, it depicts Flem Snopes ruthless struggle to take over the town of Jefferson. Now dividing his time between Oxford and Charlottesville, from February to May 1958 he fulfilled his second term as writer-in-residence at Virginia. Also while living in Virginia, he began to relish fox-hunting, and he was invited to join the Farmington Hunt Club, an achievement he displayed proudly by posing for photographs and portraits in his pink membership coat. In December, Jills second son, William, was born, and the following month saw the premiere of Requiem for a Nun on stage at the John Golden Theater in New York, making the United States the thirteenth nation in which the play had been produced.
In March 1959, Faulkner broke his collarbone in a fall from a horse at Farmington, a kind of accident that would continue to plague Faulkner for the remaining years of his life. In June, he transferred his manuscripts and typescripts from the Princeton University Library to the Alderman Library at the University of Virginia. That month, the New York Times reported he had bought a house in Charlottesville, though he would continue to live part of the year in Oxford. In November, The Mansion, the third and final volume of the Snopes trilogy, was published.
Throughout 1960, Faulkner continued to divide his time between Oxford and Charlottesville. On October 16, Faulkners mother, Maud Butler Falkner, died at the age of 88. A talented painter who had completed nearly 600 paintings after 1941, she had remained close to her eldest son throughout her life.
© The Cofield Collection
William Faulkner in 1961, wearing his Farmington Hunt Club riding habit. This and other photographs from the Cofield Collection are part of the Visual Collections and Southern Media Archive at the University of Mississippi Libraries.
In January 1961, Faulkner willed all his manuscripts to the William Faulkner Foundation at the University of Virginia. In February, he accepted an invitation from General William Westmoreland to visit the military academy at West Point. In April, Faulkner went on a final trip abroad for the State Department, this time to Venezuela, where he was the guest of President Rómulo Betancourt. He spent the summer in Oxford, where in August he completed the manuscript for his nineteenth and final novel. Titled The Reivers, an archaic Scottish spelling of an old term for thieves, the novel is a light-hearted romp set at the turn of the century in which Boon Hogganbeck takes eleven-year-old Lucius Loosh Priest and a stowaway, Ned McCaslin, the Priest familys black coachman, on a joyride to a Memphis brothel in Looshs grandfathers Winton Flyer automobile while Boss Priest is away at a funeral. Amid the picaresque novels ludicrous and uproarious antics, which include Neds trading Boss Priests automobile for a racehorse named Lightning, are the serious issues of a childs initiation into moral adulthood and his realization of evil and injustice. Beginning the novel, subtitled A Reminiscence, with the phrase Grandfather said, Faulkner dedicated the novel to Victoria, Mark, Paul, William, Burks, his grandchildren by his two step-children and biological daughter. The novel, published in June 1962, would posthumously earn for Faulkner his second Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
In January of that year, Faulkner suffered another fall from a horse, forcing yet another hospital stay. In April, he again visited West Point with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, and the following month in New York, fellow Mississippi writer Eudora Welty presented Faulkner with the Gold Medal for Fiction awarded by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
On June 17, Faulkner was again injured by a fall from a horse. In constant pain now, he signaled something was wrong when he asked on July 5 to be taken to Wrights Sanatarium in Byhalia. Though he had been a patient there many times, he had always been taken there before against his will. His nephew, Jimmy, and Estelle accompanied him on the 65-mile trip to Byhalia, where he was admitted at 6 p.m. Less than eight hours later, at about 1:30 a.m. on July 6, 1962 the Old Colonels birthday his heart stopped, and though the doctor on duty applied external heart massage for forty-five minutes, he could not resuscitate him. William Faulkner was dead of a heart attack at the age of 64.
He was buried on July 7 at St. Peters Cemetery in Oxford. As calls of condolence came upon the family from around the world and the press including novelist William Styron, who covered the funeral for Life magazine clamored for answers to their questions from family members, a family representative relayed to them a message from the family: Until hes buried he belongs to the family. After that, he belongs to the world.
John B. Padgett
© The Cofield Collection
Faulkners last studio portraits were made by Jack Cofield, J.R. Cofields son, on March 20, 1962.
© The Cofield Collection
Faulkner was buried in St. Peters Cemetery in Oxford on July 7, 1962. ( Click for larger view )
For more information on Faulkner, including commentaries on individual works, family genealogies, a character and place name glossary, bibliographies of criticism, a map and description of Faulkner sites in Oxford, and other information resources, visit William Faulkner on the Web , which is maintained by the author of this article.
Publications by Faulkner
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Which British golfer finished runner-up to Oosthuizen at this year's Open Championship? | British Open 2015: Ranking the Top 25 Golfers Ahead of the Open Championship | Bleacher Report
British Open 2015: Ranking the Top 25 Golfers Ahead of the Open Championship
By Ben Alberstadt , Featured Columnist
Jul 12, 2015
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow
LM Otero/Associated Press
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Whether you call it the British Open or The Open Championship, the season's third major is here.
The world's best golfers are taking ocean liners across the sea to arrive at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Wait, that was 75 years ago. They're all taking planes, many of them private, from all over the world. And a few gentlemen have a shorter commute: from within the United Kingdom. Regardless, the objective is the same: raise the Claret Jug at the Home of Golf .
We considered three things in putting together a power ranking of the best players teeing it up at the Old Course:
Average odds from 15 major sportsbooks (via Oddschecker)
A player's Sagarin ranking (a measure of quality of play over the past year)
A player's Official World Golf Ranking (a measure of quality of play over the past two years)
These items were weighted with "average odds" getting the highest weight and evaluated alongside recent play and past British Open performance.
With Rory McIlroy unfortunately out with an injured ankle, here are the top 25 golfers expected to take part in the British Open.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR): 34
Best of 2015: Lee Westwood has just one top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this season: a tie for ninth at the WGC-Cadillac Match Play. He's made nine of 11 cuts, however, and totaled seven top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: Unimpressive play recently and lackluster work on and around the greens at Chambers Bay drop the British Open veteran a few spots from where he might be otherwise. It's his vast experience on links-style courses that books his passage into this ranking.
British Open History: Westwood has competed in the British Open 20 times. He's made 14 cuts. Most notably, he finished second at St. Andrews is 2010 and tied for third at Muirfield in 2013. Westy has totaled six top-25 finishes.
Jessica Hill/Associated Press
OWGR: 42
Best of 2015: His last time out, Francesco Molinari finished sixth at the French Open. On the PGA Tour, he's made 10 of 13 cuts. The Italian's best finish: a tie for third at the Memorial.
Why He's Here: Molinari's comparatively better recent form earns him the edge over Westwood. While the tournament is not being played at the same venue this year as last, a top-20 finish in his most recent Open and a top 10 in his last start are encouraging signs. Plus, Molinari is a green-in-regulation machine, hitting 72.5 percent in regulation this year.
British Open History: Molinari has made four of seven Open cuts. He tied for ninth at Muirfield in 2013 and tied for 15th at Royal Liverpool last year.
LM Otero/Associated Press
OWGR: 28
Best of 2015: Ian Poulter has missed just one cut in 13 starts on tour this season. His best finish came in March at the Honda Classic, where he finished tied for third. Poults has totaled four top-10 finishes and tied for 54th at the U.S. Open in his most recent start.
Why He's Here: Poulter locks up the No. 22 spot on the strength of consistent play this season and a spate of decent showings at the season's third major. Poulter has the putter working this season ( 19th on tour, strokes gained: putting) too, which will serve him well at St. Andrews.
British Open History: Englishman Ian Poulter has recorded 10 cuts made in 14 stats. He finished second in 2008 and tied for third in 2013.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
OWGR: 46
Best of 2015: In five starts on the European Tour this season, Shane Lowry hasn't missed a cut. Stateside, he's made seven of 10 cuts, including a ninth-place finish at the U.S. Open.
Why He's Here: A better showing at last year's Open gets Lowry the look before Poulter as does his quality effort at Chambers Bay. While he's not brilliant statistically, you have to expect the Irishman to be comfortable on a links course.
British Open History: Lowry has teed it up three times at the Open. His best showing came last year when he finished tied for ninth.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
OWGR: 31
Best of 2015: Branden Grace has tasted victory twice on the European Tour this season (Alfred Dunhill Championship, Qatar Masters). He's made seven of nine cuts on the PGA Tour this season and contended at the U.S. Open before faltering late and finishing tied for fourth.
Why He's Here: The first player in our ranking with a win under his belt this season, Grace's near victory at the U.S. Open has raised his profile considerably as a major contender. It's that showing which earns him the 20th spot in our ranking.
British Open History: The good news: Grace hasn't missed a cut in four Open Championship appearances. The bad news: He hasn't finished better than tied for 36th.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
OWGR: 25
Best of 2015: Brandt Snedeker won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February. He tied for second at the Crowne Plaza Invitational and finished eighth at the U.S. Open. Overall, Sneds has made 16 of 19 cuts with a total of eight top-10 finishes.
Why He's Here: The best golfer on our list thus far (from an OWGR standpoint), Snedeker has recorded top-10 finishes in his last four starts. Thus, he's in the midst of a steady surge beyond anything the players immediately above him are doing. With more control over his ball flight since moving to coach Butch Harmon, Snedeker is better equipped for the challenge of a British Open.
British Open History: Snedeker tied for third in 2012 at Royal Lytham and made three of six cuts overall.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
OWGR: 22
Best of 2015: Brooks Koepka won the Waste Management Phoenix Open in early February. He also tied for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Koepka has made 13 of 14 cuts this season with a total of eight top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: Twelfth on tour in strokes gained: total, Koepka is an all-around player in a way the previous entries on this list are not. It's this fact, coupled with an 18th-place finish at the U.S. Open, that earns him the No. 18 spot.
British Open History: In two British Open starts, Koepka has made the cut once. The Florida native tied for 67th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Stew Milne/Associated Press
OWGR: 15
Best of 2015: In addition to finishing second at the Valspar Championship, Patrick Reed won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in January. Reed has made 18 of 20 cuts and totaled 11 top-25 finishes. He tied for 14th at the U.S. Open.
Why He's Here: Reed has been a better golfer over the last two years than Brooks Koepka, as indicated by their respected OWGR numbers. Reed's tie for 14th at the U.S. Open is a good sign of his growing comfort with links golf. And returning to the same continent as the 2014 Ryder Cup can't hurt, as Reed led all Americans with three wins in four matches. Reed is 14th on tour in strokes gained: total and 11th in birdie average.
British Open History: Last year, in the first Open of his career, Reed missed the cut at Royal Liverpool.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
OWGR: 16
Best of 2015: Louis Oosthuizen has totaled five top-10 finishes in 14 starts on the PGA Tour this season. He recorded his best finish in the the most recent major, finishing tied for second at the U.S. Open. The South African has made 10 of 14 cuts.
Why He's Here: King Louis is a recent past champion (2010) and a contender at the most recent major earns him the 16th spot in our ranking. It's only his lackluster work with the putter (159th in strokes gained: putting ) that keeps him from placing better in this ranking.
British Open History: The man who won the Open Championship the last time it was contested at St. Andrews, Oosthuizen has made four of eight cuts at the event. He tied for 36th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Ted S. Warren/Associated Press
OWGR: 17
Best of 2015: While he hasn't won on tour this season, Matt Kuchar has recorded a second-place finish (Humana Challenge) and a third-place finish (Sony Open). He's made 16 of 17 cuts and tied for 12th at the U.S. Open.
Why He's Here: Kuch's strong showing at the links-ish Chambers Bay is a good indicator that he might be ready to continue his progress toward contending in an Open Championship. Unlike Oosthuizen, Kuchar has putted well this season and is 21st in strokes gained: total.
British Open History: Kuchar has made just four of 10 cuts at the Open Championship. However, he's made four of his last five, including a tie for ninth in 2012.
LM Otero/Associated Press
OWGR: 12
Best of 2015: Jimmy Walker has won twice in 16 starts on the PGA Tour this season, most recently at the Valero Texas Open in March. He's also finished second twice and totaled six top 10s. Walker has missed the cut only once this season.
Why He's Here: Walker doesn't have a lengthy track record at the Open, so his decision to head over early for the Scottish Open is a good one. The man is a tee-to-green force and is only usurped by players with more Open experience and staggering recent success.
British Open History: The Baylor alum has only teed it up twice in the British Open. He tied for 26th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
OWGR: 24
Best of 2015: Paul Casey has made 12 of 16 cuts on the PGA Tour this season, finishing second twice in playoffs (most recently at the Travelers Championship). The Englishman has tallied a total of six top-10 finishes.
Why He's Here: Casey has been steady this season, and his tie for third last time the Open was contested at St. Andrews is a leg up on Jimmy Walker. Casey is 13th in strokes gained: total, an indication of the overall quality of his play.
British Open History: Casey's best British Open finish came in 2010 when he tied for third. He's made eight of 12 cuts with three top-25 finishes.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
OWGR: 5
Best of 2015: Jim Furyk ended a lengthy dry spell when he won the RBC Heritage in April. The Pennsylvania native has made 10 of 12 cuts this season with a total of four top-10 finishes. Recently, Furyk tied for fifth at the Memorial.
Why He's Here: Furyk beats out Casey thanks to a larger volume of quality play at the Open Championship in his career. He's also playing good golf having made five of his last six cuts. And as the tour's ultimate plodder, he has the mettle, patience and creativity to take on an Open Championship venue. Furyk's driving accuracy ( 10th on tour ) will be a major boon at a course where wandering off line lands you in the fescue.
British Open History: Furyk has made 12 of 19 cuts at the season's third major. He tied his career-best showing in the tournament with a fourth-place finish last year. He's cracked the top 10 six times.
Matt York/Associated Press
OWGR: 21
Best of 2015: Phil Mickelson has made 10 of 13 cuts on the PGA Tour this year. Among his six top-25 finishes: a tie for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and a tie for second at the Masters.
Why He's Here: Lefty looks to have fallen in love with links golf late in his career, and if he'd played better at Chambers Bay, the 2013 British Open champ would be inside the top 10 in this ranking.
British Open History: Mickelson won the British Open at Muirfield in 2013. He tied for second in 2011 but hasn't had tremendous success outside of these two showings. Still, he's recorded eight top-25 finishes in 21 appearances.
Stew Milne/Associated Press
OWGR: 10
Best of 2015: Sergio Garcia hasn't missed a cut on the PGA Tour this season, and he finished second in a playoff at The Players in May. The Spaniard has recorded a total of six top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: A big performance at Royal Liverpool last year earns Garcia a long look. However, middling play recently and suspect putting indicate he could turn in an average finish at St. Andrews.
British Open History: In 18 career appearances, Garcia has made 14 cuts. He finished tied for second at Royal Liverpool last year and has totaled four top-five finishes in the competition.
Ted S. Warren/Associated Press
OWGR: 9
Best of 2015: Rickie Fowler offered a statement victory at The Players Championship in May and has notched a total of five top-25 finishes in 13 starts this season.
Why He's Here: You'd like to see Fowler a little higher in this list, what with his big win at The Players and his strong showing at an Open venue last year. However, Fowler has missed the cut in his last two starts (including the U.S. Open).
British Open History: Fowler tied for second at Royal Liverpool last year. He tied for fifth at Royal St. George's in 2011. He's made the cut four times in five tries.
Harry How/Getty Images
OWGR: 14
Best of 2015: Hideki Matsuyama has made 16 of 17 cuts on the PGA Tour this season, totaling an impressive eight top-10 finishes. His best work: a tie for second at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a tie for third at the Frys.com Open and a tie for third at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Why He's Here: Second on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green, Matsuyama is a formidable ball-striker. His tie for sixth in his first Open offered a clear signal that he can contend in this golf tournament. And with some time off after tying for 18th at the U.S. Open, Matsuyama ought to be poised to play very well given his pedigree. Oh, and the young Japanese national is second on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green.
British Open History: Matsuyama impressively tied for sixth in his Open debut at Muirfield in 2013. He tied for 39th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
OWGR: 3
Best of 2015: Twice a winner on tour this season, Bubba Watson has missed just one cut in 11 starts. The left-hander's victories came at the WGC-HSBC Champions in November and the Travelers Championship. Watson also tied for second at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He's totaled eight top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: Watson would be in the top five on this list if he didn't have a violent aversion to links golf. With his power, shot-shaping ability and overall creativity, he should thrive on the courses of the Open rota.
British Open History: Watson and the Open Championship haven't exactly been the best of friends. He's made just three of six cuts and did his best work in 2012 when he finished tied for 23rd.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
OWGR: 8
Best of 2015: Jason Day took home the Farmers Insurance Open trophy in a playoff in February. The Australian also tied for third at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. He's totaled five top-10 finishes in 12 starts with just two missed cuts.
Why He's Here: It's not his past brilliance at the Open Championship that earns Day the sixth spot, but rather it's his overall skill and a recent run of quality play. If he's well, expect Day to try to overpower the Old Course in the same way Dustin Johnson surely will.
British Open History: Day has made it to the weekend all four times he's teed it up in the Open Championship. He's never finished better than a tie for 30th, though, which he did in 2011.
Harry How/Getty Images
OWGR: 11
Best of 2015: Adam Scott's best finish this season came in his most recent start: a tie for fourth at the U.S. Open. He also tied for fourth at the WGC-Cadillac Championship. Scott has recorded eight cuts made in 10 starts with four top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: The Australian lands in the fifth spot thanks to a combination of recent quality play, great form at the Open Championship recently and improved putting. Scott still has to be keen to avenge his 2012 Open disappointment, which saw him bogey the final four holes to lose by one. Scott is still one of the tour's great ballstrikers ( sixth on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green), so he ought to be able to control his trajectories into St. Andrews' large, undulating greens as well as anyone in the field.
British Open History: Scott has had a great run recently at the Open. He finished second in 2012, tied for third in 2013 and finished tied for fifth last year. He's made 11 of 15 cuts at the event.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
OWGR: 7
Best of 2015: Justin Rose won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April. He also tied for second at the Masters and finished second in a playoff at the Memorial. Rose has made eight of 12 cuts this season with a total of four top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: It's an odd reality that Rose has never put together a better performance at the Open than he did as a fresh-faced lad in 1998. Still, he has plenty of experience in the event, makes birdies and saves par out of the bunker. All will be critical this week. He also seems to have developed something of a killer instinct as his play at the Zurich Classic and the Memorial indicated.
British Open History: Famously tying for fourth as an Amateur at the Open Championship in 1998, Rose hasn't had great success in the competition as a professional. He's made eight of 13 cuts but recorded just that one top-10 finish.
Paul Thomas/Getty Images
OWGR: 6
Best of 2015: Henrik Stenson hasn't missed a cut this season. His best finishes: second place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Hero World Challenge. He's finished inside the top 25 six times in nine starts.
Why He's Here: Stenson, perennially among the top choices to win a major, has done good work recently at the Open Championship. Third on tour in strokes gained: total , Stenson definitely has the tools, and he's dramatically improved his putting this year.
British Open History: Stenson has made eight of 10 cuts at the Open. He finished second at Muirfield in 2013 and tied for third in 2010, the last time the tournament was contested at St. Andrews.
Darron Cummings/Associated Press
OWGR: 4
Best of 2015: Dustin Johnson won the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March. He also nearly won the U.S. Open, his most recent start, but ultimately tied for second. The bomber has made 11 of 14 cuts this season with an impressive seven top-10 finishes.
Why He's Here: Perched in the second spot is the heartbroken bridesmaid of the U.S. Open. DJ's work from tee to green has been frightening. Rest assured, he won't be playing St. Andrews quite the way Old Tom Morris drew it up, but he has the tools to dismantle this course like no other if conditions are mild.
British Open History: Johnson tied for second at Royal St. George's in 2011. He tied for ninth in 2012 and finished tied for 12th at Royal Liverpool last year. He's made five of six cuts in the competition.
LM Otero/Associated Press
OWGR: 2
Best of 2015: The white-hot Jordan Spieth is four-time winner this season. Most notably, he captured the Masters in April in dominant fashion as well as the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. The 21-year-old left no doubt he's the favorite heading into St. Andrews by winning the John Deere Classic in a tiebreaker on Sunday, a feat that included a career-best 61 in the third round.
Why He's Here: As with our pre-Masters ranking, Spieth is the only choice for the top spot. Winner of the first two majors this season, Spieth was always going to enter the Open Championship as the co-favorite with Rory McIlroy. With McIlroy's injury, however, Spieth is the top man.
British Open History: Spieth has teed it up twice at the Open Championship and hasn't threatened victory either time. He finished tied for 44th in 2013 and tied for 36th at Royal Liverpool last year.
| Lee Westwood |
Which city, known for its manufacture of swords and knives, is the capital of the Spanish region of Castile-La- Mancha? | British Open 2015: Ranking the Top 25 Golfers Ahead of the Open Championship | Bleacher Report
British Open 2015: Ranking the Top 25 Golfers Ahead of the Open Championship
By Ben Alberstadt , Featured Columnist
Jul 12, 2015
Use your ← → (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow
LM Otero/Associated Press
7
Comments
Whether you call it the British Open or The Open Championship, the season's third major is here.
The world's best golfers are taking ocean liners across the sea to arrive at St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. Wait, that was 75 years ago. They're all taking planes, many of them private, from all over the world. And a few gentlemen have a shorter commute: from within the United Kingdom. Regardless, the objective is the same: raise the Claret Jug at the Home of Golf .
We considered three things in putting together a power ranking of the best players teeing it up at the Old Course:
Average odds from 15 major sportsbooks (via Oddschecker)
A player's Sagarin ranking (a measure of quality of play over the past year)
A player's Official World Golf Ranking (a measure of quality of play over the past two years)
These items were weighted with "average odds" getting the highest weight and evaluated alongside recent play and past British Open performance.
With Rory McIlroy unfortunately out with an injured ankle, here are the top 25 golfers expected to take part in the British Open.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR): 34
Best of 2015: Lee Westwood has just one top-10 finish on the PGA Tour this season: a tie for ninth at the WGC-Cadillac Match Play. He's made nine of 11 cuts, however, and totaled seven top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: Unimpressive play recently and lackluster work on and around the greens at Chambers Bay drop the British Open veteran a few spots from where he might be otherwise. It's his vast experience on links-style courses that books his passage into this ranking.
British Open History: Westwood has competed in the British Open 20 times. He's made 14 cuts. Most notably, he finished second at St. Andrews is 2010 and tied for third at Muirfield in 2013. Westy has totaled six top-25 finishes.
Jessica Hill/Associated Press
OWGR: 42
Best of 2015: His last time out, Francesco Molinari finished sixth at the French Open. On the PGA Tour, he's made 10 of 13 cuts. The Italian's best finish: a tie for third at the Memorial.
Why He's Here: Molinari's comparatively better recent form earns him the edge over Westwood. While the tournament is not being played at the same venue this year as last, a top-20 finish in his most recent Open and a top 10 in his last start are encouraging signs. Plus, Molinari is a green-in-regulation machine, hitting 72.5 percent in regulation this year.
British Open History: Molinari has made four of seven Open cuts. He tied for ninth at Muirfield in 2013 and tied for 15th at Royal Liverpool last year.
LM Otero/Associated Press
OWGR: 28
Best of 2015: Ian Poulter has missed just one cut in 13 starts on tour this season. His best finish came in March at the Honda Classic, where he finished tied for third. Poults has totaled four top-10 finishes and tied for 54th at the U.S. Open in his most recent start.
Why He's Here: Poulter locks up the No. 22 spot on the strength of consistent play this season and a spate of decent showings at the season's third major. Poulter has the putter working this season ( 19th on tour, strokes gained: putting) too, which will serve him well at St. Andrews.
British Open History: Englishman Ian Poulter has recorded 10 cuts made in 14 stats. He finished second in 2008 and tied for third in 2013.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
OWGR: 46
Best of 2015: In five starts on the European Tour this season, Shane Lowry hasn't missed a cut. Stateside, he's made seven of 10 cuts, including a ninth-place finish at the U.S. Open.
Why He's Here: A better showing at last year's Open gets Lowry the look before Poulter as does his quality effort at Chambers Bay. While he's not brilliant statistically, you have to expect the Irishman to be comfortable on a links course.
British Open History: Lowry has teed it up three times at the Open. His best showing came last year when he finished tied for ninth.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
OWGR: 31
Best of 2015: Branden Grace has tasted victory twice on the European Tour this season (Alfred Dunhill Championship, Qatar Masters). He's made seven of nine cuts on the PGA Tour this season and contended at the U.S. Open before faltering late and finishing tied for fourth.
Why He's Here: The first player in our ranking with a win under his belt this season, Grace's near victory at the U.S. Open has raised his profile considerably as a major contender. It's that showing which earns him the 20th spot in our ranking.
British Open History: The good news: Grace hasn't missed a cut in four Open Championship appearances. The bad news: He hasn't finished better than tied for 36th.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images
OWGR: 25
Best of 2015: Brandt Snedeker won the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February. He tied for second at the Crowne Plaza Invitational and finished eighth at the U.S. Open. Overall, Sneds has made 16 of 19 cuts with a total of eight top-10 finishes.
Why He's Here: The best golfer on our list thus far (from an OWGR standpoint), Snedeker has recorded top-10 finishes in his last four starts. Thus, he's in the midst of a steady surge beyond anything the players immediately above him are doing. With more control over his ball flight since moving to coach Butch Harmon, Snedeker is better equipped for the challenge of a British Open.
British Open History: Snedeker tied for third in 2012 at Royal Lytham and made three of six cuts overall.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
OWGR: 22
Best of 2015: Brooks Koepka won the Waste Management Phoenix Open in early February. He also tied for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Koepka has made 13 of 14 cuts this season with a total of eight top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: Twelfth on tour in strokes gained: total, Koepka is an all-around player in a way the previous entries on this list are not. It's this fact, coupled with an 18th-place finish at the U.S. Open, that earns him the No. 18 spot.
British Open History: In two British Open starts, Koepka has made the cut once. The Florida native tied for 67th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Stew Milne/Associated Press
OWGR: 15
Best of 2015: In addition to finishing second at the Valspar Championship, Patrick Reed won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in January. Reed has made 18 of 20 cuts and totaled 11 top-25 finishes. He tied for 14th at the U.S. Open.
Why He's Here: Reed has been a better golfer over the last two years than Brooks Koepka, as indicated by their respected OWGR numbers. Reed's tie for 14th at the U.S. Open is a good sign of his growing comfort with links golf. And returning to the same continent as the 2014 Ryder Cup can't hurt, as Reed led all Americans with three wins in four matches. Reed is 14th on tour in strokes gained: total and 11th in birdie average.
British Open History: Last year, in the first Open of his career, Reed missed the cut at Royal Liverpool.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
OWGR: 16
Best of 2015: Louis Oosthuizen has totaled five top-10 finishes in 14 starts on the PGA Tour this season. He recorded his best finish in the the most recent major, finishing tied for second at the U.S. Open. The South African has made 10 of 14 cuts.
Why He's Here: King Louis is a recent past champion (2010) and a contender at the most recent major earns him the 16th spot in our ranking. It's only his lackluster work with the putter (159th in strokes gained: putting ) that keeps him from placing better in this ranking.
British Open History: The man who won the Open Championship the last time it was contested at St. Andrews, Oosthuizen has made four of eight cuts at the event. He tied for 36th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Ted S. Warren/Associated Press
OWGR: 17
Best of 2015: While he hasn't won on tour this season, Matt Kuchar has recorded a second-place finish (Humana Challenge) and a third-place finish (Sony Open). He's made 16 of 17 cuts and tied for 12th at the U.S. Open.
Why He's Here: Kuch's strong showing at the links-ish Chambers Bay is a good indicator that he might be ready to continue his progress toward contending in an Open Championship. Unlike Oosthuizen, Kuchar has putted well this season and is 21st in strokes gained: total.
British Open History: Kuchar has made just four of 10 cuts at the Open Championship. However, he's made four of his last five, including a tie for ninth in 2012.
LM Otero/Associated Press
OWGR: 12
Best of 2015: Jimmy Walker has won twice in 16 starts on the PGA Tour this season, most recently at the Valero Texas Open in March. He's also finished second twice and totaled six top 10s. Walker has missed the cut only once this season.
Why He's Here: Walker doesn't have a lengthy track record at the Open, so his decision to head over early for the Scottish Open is a good one. The man is a tee-to-green force and is only usurped by players with more Open experience and staggering recent success.
British Open History: The Baylor alum has only teed it up twice in the British Open. He tied for 26th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
OWGR: 24
Best of 2015: Paul Casey has made 12 of 16 cuts on the PGA Tour this season, finishing second twice in playoffs (most recently at the Travelers Championship). The Englishman has tallied a total of six top-10 finishes.
Why He's Here: Casey has been steady this season, and his tie for third last time the Open was contested at St. Andrews is a leg up on Jimmy Walker. Casey is 13th in strokes gained: total, an indication of the overall quality of his play.
British Open History: Casey's best British Open finish came in 2010 when he tied for third. He's made eight of 12 cuts with three top-25 finishes.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
OWGR: 5
Best of 2015: Jim Furyk ended a lengthy dry spell when he won the RBC Heritage in April. The Pennsylvania native has made 10 of 12 cuts this season with a total of four top-10 finishes. Recently, Furyk tied for fifth at the Memorial.
Why He's Here: Furyk beats out Casey thanks to a larger volume of quality play at the Open Championship in his career. He's also playing good golf having made five of his last six cuts. And as the tour's ultimate plodder, he has the mettle, patience and creativity to take on an Open Championship venue. Furyk's driving accuracy ( 10th on tour ) will be a major boon at a course where wandering off line lands you in the fescue.
British Open History: Furyk has made 12 of 19 cuts at the season's third major. He tied his career-best showing in the tournament with a fourth-place finish last year. He's cracked the top 10 six times.
Matt York/Associated Press
OWGR: 21
Best of 2015: Phil Mickelson has made 10 of 13 cuts on the PGA Tour this year. Among his six top-25 finishes: a tie for third at the FedEx St. Jude Classic and a tie for second at the Masters.
Why He's Here: Lefty looks to have fallen in love with links golf late in his career, and if he'd played better at Chambers Bay, the 2013 British Open champ would be inside the top 10 in this ranking.
British Open History: Mickelson won the British Open at Muirfield in 2013. He tied for second in 2011 but hasn't had tremendous success outside of these two showings. Still, he's recorded eight top-25 finishes in 21 appearances.
Stew Milne/Associated Press
OWGR: 10
Best of 2015: Sergio Garcia hasn't missed a cut on the PGA Tour this season, and he finished second in a playoff at The Players in May. The Spaniard has recorded a total of six top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: A big performance at Royal Liverpool last year earns Garcia a long look. However, middling play recently and suspect putting indicate he could turn in an average finish at St. Andrews.
British Open History: In 18 career appearances, Garcia has made 14 cuts. He finished tied for second at Royal Liverpool last year and has totaled four top-five finishes in the competition.
Ted S. Warren/Associated Press
OWGR: 9
Best of 2015: Rickie Fowler offered a statement victory at The Players Championship in May and has notched a total of five top-25 finishes in 13 starts this season.
Why He's Here: You'd like to see Fowler a little higher in this list, what with his big win at The Players and his strong showing at an Open venue last year. However, Fowler has missed the cut in his last two starts (including the U.S. Open).
British Open History: Fowler tied for second at Royal Liverpool last year. He tied for fifth at Royal St. George's in 2011. He's made the cut four times in five tries.
Harry How/Getty Images
OWGR: 14
Best of 2015: Hideki Matsuyama has made 16 of 17 cuts on the PGA Tour this season, totaling an impressive eight top-10 finishes. His best work: a tie for second at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a tie for third at the Frys.com Open and a tie for third at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Why He's Here: Second on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green, Matsuyama is a formidable ball-striker. His tie for sixth in his first Open offered a clear signal that he can contend in this golf tournament. And with some time off after tying for 18th at the U.S. Open, Matsuyama ought to be poised to play very well given his pedigree. Oh, and the young Japanese national is second on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green.
British Open History: Matsuyama impressively tied for sixth in his Open debut at Muirfield in 2013. He tied for 39th at Royal Liverpool last year.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
OWGR: 3
Best of 2015: Twice a winner on tour this season, Bubba Watson has missed just one cut in 11 starts. The left-hander's victories came at the WGC-HSBC Champions in November and the Travelers Championship. Watson also tied for second at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He's totaled eight top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: Watson would be in the top five on this list if he didn't have a violent aversion to links golf. With his power, shot-shaping ability and overall creativity, he should thrive on the courses of the Open rota.
British Open History: Watson and the Open Championship haven't exactly been the best of friends. He's made just three of six cuts and did his best work in 2012 when he finished tied for 23rd.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
OWGR: 8
Best of 2015: Jason Day took home the Farmers Insurance Open trophy in a playoff in February. The Australian also tied for third at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. He's totaled five top-10 finishes in 12 starts with just two missed cuts.
Why He's Here: It's not his past brilliance at the Open Championship that earns Day the sixth spot, but rather it's his overall skill and a recent run of quality play. If he's well, expect Day to try to overpower the Old Course in the same way Dustin Johnson surely will.
British Open History: Day has made it to the weekend all four times he's teed it up in the Open Championship. He's never finished better than a tie for 30th, though, which he did in 2011.
Harry How/Getty Images
OWGR: 11
Best of 2015: Adam Scott's best finish this season came in his most recent start: a tie for fourth at the U.S. Open. He also tied for fourth at the WGC-Cadillac Championship. Scott has recorded eight cuts made in 10 starts with four top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: The Australian lands in the fifth spot thanks to a combination of recent quality play, great form at the Open Championship recently and improved putting. Scott still has to be keen to avenge his 2012 Open disappointment, which saw him bogey the final four holes to lose by one. Scott is still one of the tour's great ballstrikers ( sixth on tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green), so he ought to be able to control his trajectories into St. Andrews' large, undulating greens as well as anyone in the field.
British Open History: Scott has had a great run recently at the Open. He finished second in 2012, tied for third in 2013 and finished tied for fifth last year. He's made 11 of 15 cuts at the event.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
OWGR: 7
Best of 2015: Justin Rose won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April. He also tied for second at the Masters and finished second in a playoff at the Memorial. Rose has made eight of 12 cuts this season with a total of four top-25 finishes.
Why He's Here: It's an odd reality that Rose has never put together a better performance at the Open than he did as a fresh-faced lad in 1998. Still, he has plenty of experience in the event, makes birdies and saves par out of the bunker. All will be critical this week. He also seems to have developed something of a killer instinct as his play at the Zurich Classic and the Memorial indicated.
British Open History: Famously tying for fourth as an Amateur at the Open Championship in 1998, Rose hasn't had great success in the competition as a professional. He's made eight of 13 cuts but recorded just that one top-10 finish.
Paul Thomas/Getty Images
OWGR: 6
Best of 2015: Henrik Stenson hasn't missed a cut this season. His best finishes: second place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Hero World Challenge. He's finished inside the top 25 six times in nine starts.
Why He's Here: Stenson, perennially among the top choices to win a major, has done good work recently at the Open Championship. Third on tour in strokes gained: total , Stenson definitely has the tools, and he's dramatically improved his putting this year.
British Open History: Stenson has made eight of 10 cuts at the Open. He finished second at Muirfield in 2013 and tied for third in 2010, the last time the tournament was contested at St. Andrews.
Darron Cummings/Associated Press
OWGR: 4
Best of 2015: Dustin Johnson won the WGC-Cadillac Championship in March. He also nearly won the U.S. Open, his most recent start, but ultimately tied for second. The bomber has made 11 of 14 cuts this season with an impressive seven top-10 finishes.
Why He's Here: Perched in the second spot is the heartbroken bridesmaid of the U.S. Open. DJ's work from tee to green has been frightening. Rest assured, he won't be playing St. Andrews quite the way Old Tom Morris drew it up, but he has the tools to dismantle this course like no other if conditions are mild.
British Open History: Johnson tied for second at Royal St. George's in 2011. He tied for ninth in 2012 and finished tied for 12th at Royal Liverpool last year. He's made five of six cuts in the competition.
LM Otero/Associated Press
OWGR: 2
Best of 2015: The white-hot Jordan Spieth is four-time winner this season. Most notably, he captured the Masters in April in dominant fashion as well as the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. The 21-year-old left no doubt he's the favorite heading into St. Andrews by winning the John Deere Classic in a tiebreaker on Sunday, a feat that included a career-best 61 in the third round.
Why He's Here: As with our pre-Masters ranking, Spieth is the only choice for the top spot. Winner of the first two majors this season, Spieth was always going to enter the Open Championship as the co-favorite with Rory McIlroy. With McIlroy's injury, however, Spieth is the top man.
British Open History: Spieth has teed it up twice at the Open Championship and hasn't threatened victory either time. He finished tied for 44th in 2013 and tied for 36th at Royal Liverpool last year.
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Which Belorusian-born artist designed the scenery and costumes for Stravinsky's 'The Firebird'? | Noel Taylor, Costume Designer, Dies at 97 - The New York Times
The New York Times
Art & Design |Noel Taylor, Creator of Costumes for Stage, Dies at 97
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Almost two-thirds of a century before he died, on Nov. 4, Noel Taylor, then a young artist, faced a tough audition: Marc Chagall would judge his work.
The occasion was a landmark 1945 production of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” at the Metropolitan Opera House, for which Chagall created the look, from scenery to props to costumes. Chagall, declining to pick up his own brushes and palette, was looking for someone else to paint his vision.
Mr. Taylor’s audition was to transform a Chagall sketch into a four- by six-foot painting. He returned in 45 minutes with a filled canvas.
“Fire everybody in that room!” Chagall exclaimed, by Mr. Taylor’s account. “This boy’s going to paint the whole ballet.”
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The work for Chagall boosted his career. He had already acted with the Lunts as a teenager, produced a play on Broadway, studied painting in Europe (after dropping out of school at 16) and begun to work in costume design. But now he was pursued by theater royalty, including Eva Le Gallienne, the actress, producer and director. Impressed with his artistry, she asked him to design costumes for her blockbuster 1947 production of “Alice in Wonderland.”
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Credit Wally Fong/ Associated Press
Mr. Taylor made 140 costumes in two weeks, with no assistants. The effect, The New York Times said, was “a living panorama” of the drawings of John Tenniel that had become almost as famous as the Lewis Carroll classics they illustrated.
He would go on to create costumes for more than 100 stage shows, including more than 70 on Broadway. His work in movies and television was even more extensive. Gloria Swanson, Kirk Douglas, Bette Davis, Rosalind Russell and Elizabeth Taylor all wore his designs.
Rachel Stanley, interim executive director of the Costume Designers Guild, has a rendering of one of Mr. Taylor’s designs for Katharine Hepburn on her wall. “He was an extraordinarily talented designer,” she said.
Mr. Taylor was 97 when he died in Los Angeles. His death was confirmed by Marshall C. Taylor Jr., his nephew and his only survivor.
For years it was one play after another for Mr. Taylor. His grim costumes for prisoners of war in “Stalag 17” (1951-52) seemed pitch perfect to the critics. Then came “Dial M for Murder” (1952-53) and “The Teahouse of the August Moon” (1953-56), for which he dipped cloth in bathtubs filled with various dyes to achieve what he considered Asian color combinations.
He also created costumes for the original Broadway productions of “No Time for Sergeants,” “The Night of the Iguana,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “What Makes Sammy Run?”
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He designed for movies but achieved more success in television, where his costumes for the 1953 production of “Hamlet” for “Hallmark Hall of Fame” helped bring theatrical standards to the small screen. He designed for the Hallmark series for 17 years.
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From left, John Beal, Eli Wallach and Mariko Niki in “The Teahouse of the August Moon” with costumes by Noel Taylor. Credit Eileen Darby
Mr. Taylor was nominated for four Emmys and won one, for PBS’s “Actor: The Paul Muni Story” in 1978. The designers guild gave him a lifetime achievement award in 2004 for his contributions to television.
Julie Harris asked Mr. Taylor to accompany her to receive her own lifetime achievement award at the Kennedy Center in 2005. She wore a Taylor dress, just as she did in more than a dozen plays. Ms. Hepburn, notoriously persnickety about what she wore, called Mr. Taylor the best designer she had ever worked with.
Harold Alexander Taylor Jr. was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on Jan. 17, 1913. His father was a stockbroker, his mother a painter. Harold later made a nickname, Noel, his legal name. The family moved to Paris for two years when he was 7.
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At 16, Mr. Taylor dropped out of school to work in the theater, and his father’s business contacts opened doors to acting jobs, including the role of a bellboy in “Reunion in Vienna” on Broadway with Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt in 1931-32. At 18 he sold a play he had written, “Cross Ruff,” which ran briefly on Broadway in 1935.
Mr. Taylor repeatedly returned to Europe to write and paint, becoming accomplished enough at both to sell his work. By chance he became friends with costume designers, including Edith Head, who won eight Academy Awards for costume design.
After service with the Coast Guard in World War II, he returned to New York to work in theater — and to find success.
Mr. Taylor said he couldn’t count the number of 19th-century-style bustle dresses he had created, but he delighted in making them. Less difficult but perhaps more memorable were his designs for the 1973 PBS broadcast of Bruce Jay Friedman’s play “Steambath,” in which characters discover that the afterlife is a steam bath and that the attendant is God.
The show’s second-biggest costume decision was what colors to dye the towels. The biggest was not to use pasties.
Correction: November 28, 2010
An obituary last Sunday about the costume designer Noel Taylor misidentified the choreographer of a 1945 production of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” for which Mr. Taylor worked with Marc Chagall, who designed the scenery, costumes and props. He was Adolph Bolm, not George Balanchine.
A version of this article appears in print on November 21, 2010, on Page A30 of the New York edition with the headline: Noel Taylor, 97, a Designer Of Costumes for the Stage. Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe
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Elected in 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is the female President of which country? | Music Center | Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center’s Engagement of American Ballet Theatre to Feature a Trio of Works by Acclaimed Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky Including West Coast Premiere of a New Work
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About The Music Center › Press › 2016 › Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center’s Engagement of American Ballet Theatre to Feature a Trio of Works by Acclaimed Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky Including West Coast Premiere of a New Work
Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center’s Engagement of American Ballet Theatre to Feature a Trio of Works by Acclaimed Choreographer Alexei Ratmansky Including West Coast Premiere of a New Work
L.A.-Area Natives Misty Copeland and Stella Abrera Return Home for Performances at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on July 8-10, 2016 and Special Benefit Firebird Performance
on July 7, 2016
LOS ANGELES (April 27, 2016) – In a stunning and powerful conclusion of its 2015-16 dance season, Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center hosts American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in its return to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on July 8-10, 2016, with a program choreographed entirely by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky. The three ABT performances will feature a repertoire program including Ratmansky’s 2012 Firebird, set to Igor Stravinsky’s famous score; Symphony #9 set to music by Dmitri Shostakovich; and a West Coast Premiere of a new piece set to Leonard Bernstein's Serenade (after Plato's Symposium). All performances will be accompanied by a live orchestra. In addition, The Music Center will present ABT in a special benefit performance of Ratmansky’s 2012 Firebird, starring ABT principal dancers and Southern California natives, Misty Copeland and Stella Abrera, at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of The Music Center’s inaugural Summer Soirée , which will celebrate the new generation of powerful artists, like Copeland and Abrera, who are transforming the arts.
Principal casting* for all four nights of The Music Center engagement includes:
Thursday, July 7, 2016, 7:30 p.m., The Music Center Summer Soirée
Firebird – Misty Copeland, Marcelo Gomes, Cory Stearns and Stella Abrera
Friday, July 8, 2016, 7:30 p.m., All-Ratmansky Program
Symphony #9 – Herman Cornejo, Stella Abrera and Craig Salstein with additional dancers to be announced
Ratmansky west coast premiere – To be announced
Firebird – Isabella Boylston, Alexandre Hammoudi, Roman Zhurbin and Cassandra Trenary
Saturday, July 9, 2016, 7:30 p.m., All-Ratmansky Program
Symphony #9 – Joseph Gorak, Luciana Paris and Arron Scott with additional dancers to be announced
Ratmansky west coast premiere – To be announced
Firebird – Misty Copeland, Marcelo Gomes, Cory Stearns and Stella Abrera
*Casting subject to change.
Sunday, July 10, 2016, 2:00 p.m., All-Ratmansky Program
Symphony #9 – Herman Cornejo, Stella Abrera and Craig Salstein with additional dancers to be announced
Ratmansky west coast premiere – To be announced
Firebird – Isabella Boylston, Alexandre Hammoudi, Roman Zhurbin and Cassandra Trenary
According to Rachel Moore, formerly ABT CEO and now president and CEO of The Music Center, ABT’s performances exemplify some of the very best in dance theater. “It is an honor to present the excellence and grace of ABT, truly a national treasure, to Los Angeles audiences. and to witness the incredible work of one of the most gifted choreographers in classical ballet,” Moore said. “These performances will be particularly special to us at The Music Center, with the homecoming of both Misty Copeland and Stella Abrera, both of whom have made ballet history,” she added. Copeland is a winner of The Music Center’s Spotlight scholarship and arts education program for Southern California high school students (1997).
Set to Stravinsky’s Le Oiseau de Feu, Ratmansky’s reimagined Firebird takes audiences on an extravagant adventure, relaying the enchanting tale of a mythical bird who possesses magical powers and helps two lovers overcome an evil sorcerer. The ballet received its world premiere under the title L’Oiseau de Feu by Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes in Paris on June 25, 1910, with choreography by Mikhail Fokine and scenery and costumes by Alexander Golovine and Leon Bakst, and premiered in the United States as Firebird with the same company in New York on January 17, 1916. Firebird, with choreography by Adolph Bolm and scenery and costumes by Marc Chagall, first entered ABT’s repertory on October 24, 1945, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. A second production, with choreography after Michel Fokine, staged by Christopher Newton, and scenery and costumes by Nathalie Gontcharova, was given its first performance on February 21, 1977, at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. A revival of Firebird, with choreography after Michel Fokine and produced by Nicholas Beriozoff, was given its first performance on January 24, 1992, at the Palacio des Bellas Artes, Mexico City.
The Ratmansky choreography had its world premiere in Southern California at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on March 29, 2012. The Los Angeles Times said, “…choreographer Alexei Ratmansky has updated the iconic ‘Firebird’ into an extravagant and fanciful adventure…” while The Wall Street Journal called it “…a freshly told fantastical tale.”
Ratmansky’s Symphony #9, his seventh work for ABT, is part of a trio of works that are often presented as a full evening of one-act ballets. Set to Shostakovich’s Symphony #9 in E-Flat Major, op. 70, the choreography was given its world premiere by ABT on October 18, 2012. Symphony #9 was hailed by The New York Times as “…ebullient and pure dance work…” and for “…marvelous mastery of the vocabulary of academic ballet…subtly combined with a sense of sublimated acting.”
The third element of the ABT program at The Music Center features a new Ratmansky ballet, which will have its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, on May 16, 2016.
Firebird
Costume Design: Jérôme Kaplan
Lighting Design: Brad Fields
Single tickets for the July 8-10, 2016 engagement of American Ballet Theatre at The Music Center start at $34 and are available at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012; by calling (213) 972-0711; and online at musiccenter/abt. For groups of 10 or more, call (213) 972-8555 or email [email protected]
In addition, a number of table and ticket packages are available for The Music Center’s Summer Soirée on July 7, 2016. Single Soirée tickets, which include prime orchestra seating for the performance and the post-performance party in Grand Park, are available at $500/each by calling (213) 972-4322 and online at musiccenter.org/firebird. Single tickets for the benefit performance alone start at $28 and are available at The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012; by calling (213) 972-0711; and online at musiccenter.org/benefit
Ticket holders to the July 8-10 performances can get further insight on the performances by joining DANCETALKS, on-site discussions held at the theatre one hour before curtain. For American Ballet Theatre, DANCETALKS will be led be dance writer and historian, Elizabeth Kaye. DANCETALKS are also available in real time by calling 1-800-371-8200 (access code: 314902) and can be heard after the engagement on The Music Center’s Soundcloud channel: soundcloud.com/music-center-LA
About American Ballet Theatre
Recognized as one of the premier dance companies in the world, American Ballet Theatre brings the highest quality dance and dancers to audiences across the globe. Celebrating its role as America’s National Ballet Company®, ABT tours nationally and internationally, performing for over 400,000 people annually. The Company is under artistic direction of former ABT Principal Dancer Kevin McKenzie.
About The Music Center
The Music Center is Los Angeles’ home to the world’s greatest artistic programs and events. With four iconic theaters and four renowned resident companies – LA Phil, LA Opera, Center Theatre Group and the Los Angeles Master Chorale – and recognized for its illustrious dance programming, Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, The Music Center is a destination where audiences find inspiration in the very best of live performance, as well as nationally recognized arts education and participatory arts experiences. The Music Center also programs and manages Grand Park, a 12-acre adjacent greenspace, with year-round free programming. For more information, visit musiccenter.org and follow The Music Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat (@MusicCenterLA).
About Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center
As The Music Center’s highly regarded dance series, Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center is one of the leading presenters of dance on the West Coast. The celebrated series offers significant works by prestigious ballet and contemporary dance artists from around the world. Entering its second decade, Dance at The Music Center continues to be a powerful commissioning force through the support of new works and artists-in-residence projects by today’s most influential companies and choreographers. Performances take place throughout The Music Center’s historic Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, its distinctive Ahmanson Theatre, and its iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, providing the ideal setting for inspiring dance experiences. For more information, visit musiccenter.org/dance
Calendar Listing/American Ballet Theatre
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
When:
The Music Center’s Summer Soirée
Thursday, July 7, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Special benefit performance/Firebird only
Tickets start at $28; table and ticket packages available including performance plus post-performance party in Grand Park for $500
Box office:
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 N. Grand Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
For 10 tickets or more, call (213) 972-8555 or email [email protected]
For more information about this special benefit performance, visit musiccenter.org/benefit
All-Ratmansky Program
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
When:
Friday, July 8, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 9, 2016, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 10, 2016, 2:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $34.
The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Box Office, 135 N. Grand Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 972-0711
For 10 tickets or more, call (213) 972-8555 or email [email protected]
Pre-performance DANCETALKS in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Stern Grand Hall one hour prior to each performance, led by dance writer and historian, Elizabeth Kaye. DANCETALKS are also available in real time by calling 1-800-371-8200 (access code 314902#) and can be heard after the engagement on The Music Center’s Soundcloud channel at soundcloud.com/music-center-LA
For more information about the performance, visit musiccenter.org/abt
Photos available upon request.
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Which Latvian-born artist painted 'The Seagram Murals'? | How Rothko's Seagram murals found their way to London | Global | The Guardian
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Mark Rothko was found on the morning of February 25 1970, lying dead in a wine-dark sea of his own blood. He had cut very deep into his arms at the elbow, and the pool emanating from him on the floor of his studio measured 8ft x 6ft. That is, it was on the scale of his paintings. It was, to borrow the art critical language of the time, a colour field.
New York had a charge sheet a mile long by that time when it came to killing artists, especially painters of Rothko's generation - the abstract expressionists, the epic and baffling, rhetorical and silent, introspective and dazzling movement whose intensity and originality made Manhattan the capital of modernism in the middle of the 20th century. Suicide had already taken Arshile Gorky in 1948. Jackson Pollock was killed in a possibly suicidal drunken car crash in 1956. Another dubiously accidental car crash saw to the sculptor David Smith in 1965. Rothko looked like one of the survivors, and was even insidiously caricatured as a careerist, a bit of a fraud, who had turned the rigour and extremism of abstract expressionist painting into something luscious, colourful, decorative and profitable - until that morning in 1970.
Rothko's death changed everything. It transformed the meaning of his work, gave every encounter with his painting a terrible gravity. It fooled the cursory eye, putting Rothko's motivation so apparently on the surface, so visibly in the public domain, that it made it hard ever to think about him again with any subtlety.
His death also ensured that a puzzle at the heart of his painting would never be solved. For Rothko's contract with society was not torn up that day in 1970, but a decade earlier, in 1959. That was when Rothko suddenly and unexpectedly repudiated his agreement to provide 600 square feet of paintings for the most exclusive room in the new Four Seasons restaurant at the Seagram Building in New York - the most prestigious public commission that had ever been awarded to an abstract expressionist painter, a tremendously lucrative and enviable chance to take his work to new heights of ambition.
Jackson Pollock had attained the freedom and grace of his dripped and flung paintings for just a few years, when he was newly married and off the bottle, until one day he started drinking again and was set on a spiral of destruction. Rothko's crisis over the Seagram murals was comparable. It was his finest moment, and yet also the end of his uneasy truce with success, happiness and America. Afterwards, his life and art unravelled - the life disastrously, the art with a terrible beauty, becoming ever more open in its dealings with death.
The enigma of Rothko's Four Seasons murals is especially urgent for us, the British art public, because we have accidentally ended up as Rothko's heirs. There are not many bona fide masterpieces of modern painting in Britain. Especially, we don't have many great paintings by the abstract expressionists - with a glorious exception. In the late 1960s, Rothko gave nine of the paintings that he had intended for the Four Seasons to the Tate, as a gift - "a princely gesture", as Norman Reid, then director of the Tate, told him. It took a lot of negotiation, Rothko insisting on a permanent, exclusive room for his paintings and resisting any attempt to mix these bleak murals with more accessible examples of his work.
The Rothko murals at Tate Modern are lovely in their oppression, erotic in their cruelty. These are paintings that seem to exist on the skin inside an eyelid. They are what you imagine might be the last lights, the final flickers of colour that register in a mind closing down. Or at the end of the world. "Apocalyptic wallpaper" was a phrase thrown at Rothko's kind of painting as an insult. It is simply a description; the apocalypse is readable in these paintings like a pattern in wallpaper - abstract, pleasurable horror. And yet, sitting in the low-lit, grey-walled room where - controversially - the Tate Modern crowds filter between two doorways as if the Rothko room were a corridor, it seems we're deeply confused about Rothko's gift, about whether we understand it or even want it.
The paintings arrived in London on the morning of Rothko's suicide. Dead men tell no tales. It was not clear, when Rothko died in 1970, why he had accepted the unlikely commission to decorate a swanky restaurant on Park Avenue, on the mezzanine floor of Manhattan's most authoritative new skyscraper. And he never satisfactorily explained why he suddenly and violently decided to withdraw his paintings and return the money in 1959.
The story of the Four Seasons murals has been written by the power elite of American art. That's bad luck for Rothko and bad luck for the visitor to Tate Modern who sits in the Rothko room today and tries to make sense of these marvellous, dismal paintings.
A myth has been created about Rothko. He has been painted in colours that are not his own, travestied as a religious artist, a maker of spiritual icons of the holy void. This pleases his collectors - it speaks to a certain kind of reverence for art - and it makes Rothko fit into a tradition of abstract painting as spiritual journey that begins in the late 19th century, leads through Kandinsky and Mondrian, and supposedly ends in the Rothko Chapel, maintained by the Menil Foundation in Houston, Texas, which opened after his death and towards which the Seagram murals are a station of the cross. But this mystical Rothko is unapproachable. He is pompous, grandiloquent, asking to be cut down to size. For many visitors to Tate Modern - you can see them walking quickly past the best art in the place - Rothko is a closed case.
I wanted to reopen the case, go over the evidence about Rothko's greatest series of canvases, follow the clues from Manhattan to Pompeii and Florence - the places where Rothko himself said he found inspirations and analogies. When you pick up the trail, pursue Rothko's bloody red footprints, what you find is a tragedy not of the spirit but of power. It is about an artist pitting his strength against that of America at its most assured and corporate. The Seagram or Four Seasons murals, which are among the very best American art, are not religious paintings. They are furious meditations on the American empire.
There is no location that more evocatively, even nostalgically, returns you to the zenith of American self-confidence in the middle of the 20th century than the plaza at 375 Park Avenue, Manhattan. Look downtown and a broad, deep vista of wealth and architectural might opens as far as the MetLife (formerly Pan Am) Building whose wall rises out of the ornate hulk of Grand Central Station, blocking Park Avenue. Look uptown and the vista becomes emptier, wealthier. Here, on this white and - on a Sunday morning - empty plaza, with its neat pools and calm recession from the street, is the symbolic central point, the x that marks the spot, the locus classicus of American imperium.
Looking through the cool high glass wall of the atrium, you see the security guards hanging out by the lift shafts - the space in there is perfect, it is proportionate, open and immaculate. Look up and a sliver of darkness floats on the sky. You have to move back, right across Park Avenue, to get the measure of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's architectural masterpiece, the Seagram Building. The 525ft office block, commissioned in 1954 as the new corporate headquarters of Seagram distillers and completed in 1958, is very different from earlier New York skyscrapers with their gargoyles, chrome spires and airship mooring masts. It rejects gothic fantasy for a classical clarity with the icy brilliance of an equation. Lean, mean and devastating, it hovers, a black sentinel, on top of narrow pillars. Its expensive materials - hand-cast bronze beams, travertine stone, darkened glass - make clear that this austerity is a matter of aesthetic choice rather than economic necessity.
The Seagram marked a decisive moment in American corporate architecture. It struck all who saw it as definitive of New York at its most high and mighty. Before it was even finished, it appeared, its windows lit in the Manhattan night, looming over the jazz club in the 1957 film Sweet Smell Of Success. The New York of the Seagram Building is the vicious, glamorous, pounding jazz capital of the film, a joyously acerbic melodrama in which despotic columnist JJ Hunsecker, played with delicious malevolence by Burt Lancaster, rules the city of night with the connivance of his sleazy parasite, publicity agent Tony Curtis. In the film, Hunsecker holds court over cocktails and steaks at 21. He would have felt right at home at New York's newest power-brokering hang-out, the Four Seasons.
A pavilion neatly folding out of the Seagram's ground floor, the restaurant hides itself behind elegant drapes. Planned as an integral part of the Seagram's magnificence by the project's master planners, Phyllis Lambert, daughter of Seagram's director, and the architect and art patron Philip Johnson, the Four Seasons is restrained yet palatial - it has pools, foliage, rich stone and metal fittings, and a fabulous art collection to assure patrons that this is no ordinary restaurant. Dine there today and you can feast your eyes on Picasso's curtain for the Ballets Russes production of The Three-Cornered Hat. There is also a Frank Stella Room. But no Rothkos.
"Four Seasons Termed Spectacular Both in Décor and Menu," declared the New York Times in August 1959. "There has never been a restaurant better keyed to the tempo of Manhattan," raved the reviewer. "It is expensive and opulent, and it's perhaps the most exciting restaurant to open in New York within the last two decades." The review praises the "thorough table training" and the food, especially the flamed dishes and the fresh herbs, unusual in 1950s America; the only fault, for the Times, is its succumbing to the national appetite for "gross" portions. Most chic of all is the art collection. "The walls are hung with a fortune in paintings and tapestries by such modern geniuses as Picasso, Joan Miró and Jackson Pollock."
Pollock's Blue Poles was hanging temporarily in the smaller of the two dining rooms, until the delivery of the specially commissioned mural-scale canvases from Mark Rothko that were to be the restaurant's crowning artistic glory. No less an art world guru than Alfred Barr, director of New York's Museum of Modern Art, advised that Rothko was the man to provide art for the Four Seasons.
Of all the New York painters who became famous at the end of the 1940s, Rothko was the most addicted to the city. When he had the money, he lived on Sixth Avenue, near Radio City Music Hall. He had studios all over the city, changing them often - the Four Seasons murals were painted in a former gymnasium on the Bowery which he rigged up with a false wall and pulley system so he could experiment with their architectural layout.
Rothko was intense, solitary, leftwing, used to poverty and failure. Born into a Jewish family in Dvinsk, Russia, in 1903, Rothko - his given name was Marcus Rothkowitz - emigrated with his family to the United States when he was 10. He grew up a poor outsider in Portland, Oregon, but was academically brilliant enough to get into Yale in 1921 - which he hated. In 1923 he headed for New York City, to "wander around, bum about, starve a bit". His New York was a city of deli lunch counters, subway stations, art classrooms, visits to the Metropolitan Museum. And now, after a lifetime spent mainly as an unknown, unsuccessful would-be great artist, Mark Rothko was offered $35,000 to decorate a symbol of the wealth of Manhattan's elite at the height of the cold war.
Why did he accept the commission? Accounts of what was said to Rothko and what he thought he was doing differ. The critic Dore Ashton, a regular visitor to Rothko's studio, had the impression that Rothko believed his panels would hang in a boardroom which would be visible from an employees' canteen, that they would be accessible to ordinary office workers. If Rothko believed this, it was a fantasy. Phyllis Lambert and Philip Johnson deny that he could have been under any such illusion - they say he was perfectly aware he was making paintings for an expensive restaurant.
Rothko did know what he was doing, and what kind of people he was doing it for. He saw his Four Seasons murals as violent, even terrorist art, a savage aesthetic revenge, and relished the chance to bite the hands of those who had made him rich.
This is what Rothko told John Fischer, a fellow tourist he bumped into in the bar of an ocean liner crossing the Atlantic in the early summer of 1959 after he had been working for several months on the paintings. Fischer was an editor of Harper's Magazine and their conversations over drinks have therefore been recorded - Fischer published Portrait Of The Artist As An Angry Man, a memoir of Rothko, in Harper's Magazine in July 1970. Some guardians of Rothko's memory prefer to think that he was playing up to the journalist, that he didn't mean what he said, because what he said is so incendiary. Rothko told Fischer he wanted to upset, offend and torture the diners at the Four Seasons, that his motivation was entirely subversive.
Fischer quotes Rothko describing the room in that very expensive restaurant in the Seagram Building as "a place where the richest bastards in New York will come to feed and show off".
Rothko didn't seem to Fischer in the least unworldly, let alone spiritual about his intentions. "I hope to ruin the appetite of every son of a bitch who ever eats in that room," he gloated, with paintings that will make those rich bastards "feel that they are trapped in a room where all the doors and windows are bricked up".
There is such a place. It is in Florence. The door off the cloister leads into a room higher than it is wide and starved of floor space by a dark grey staircase that sprawls into the room like an octopus. You feel pushed back to the sides of the room, where you look up at the walls and become conscious that this space is even more oppressive than it first appeared. The windows, with their massive corbels like flourishes in old books, are sealed: they are framed blanks leading the mind to expect light, air, the outside world, but instead offering no way out, in fact pushing forward into the room, which starts to seem heavier, smaller. The columns that apparently support its weight are too thick, bulging. The carved goat skulls are a clue. Michelangelo's vestibule of the Laurentian Library, leading off the cloister of the Medici church of San Lorenzo, is the anteroom of death.
The vestibule is Michelangelo's most audacious architectural creation, and one of the most staggering of all his works - and the most modern. Created in about 1524-6, it is a very early example of poetic expression in architecture; of an architecture deliberately and unmistakably shaped not for function or even for spectacular effect but to alter your sense of space, to make you lose your bearings - to unsettle and disturb. It leads to the mad baroque architecture of Borromini in Rome, and anticipates Daniel Libeskind. Michelangelo did it first and he did it deepest. He created a room that is a nightmare.
Rothko, who had been to Italy before, in 1950, and seen Michelangelo's Laurentian Library - which he would visit again on his 1959 trip - told Fischer he had been influenced by what he described as its "sombre vault", how he started thinking about it when he was painting the Seagram murals. "After I had been at work for some time, I realised that I was much influenced subconsciously by Michelangelo's walls in the staircase of the Medicean Library in Florence," said Rothko. "He achieved just the kind of feeling I'm after - he makes the viewers feel that they are trapped in a room where all the doors and windows are bricked up, so that all they can do is butt their heads for ever against the wall."
Hovering at the centre of the Seagram mural Black On Maroon (1958), at Tate Modern, is a black vertical frame like that of a painting or a window. It is an opening that we should be able to penetrate; like the closed-off windows of Michelangelo's vestibule, it ought to allow the mind egress. Instead it just leads back to the maroon barrier. It is not even "in front of" the maroon; they are on the same plane. Rothko's murals tantalise us with architectural allusions, the idea of space, of windows, doors and portals leading into the great purple yonder, but there is nothing here but two-dimensional colour on vast tracts of canvas.
Rothko's remarks to Fischer are a frank revelation of what the Seagram murals are about, and yet all too often discussions of these paintings gloss over Rothko's confession as if it were trivial. That's why you need to look at Michelangelo's architecture. Entering the Laurentian Library, there is no question. Rothko's paintings are translations of Michelangelo's blocked-off windows.
Rothko doesn't seem to have stopped thinking about the murals as he toured Italy with his wife Mell, young daughter Kate, and now Fischer. Italy in the 1950s was the place par excellence where world-beating America came to spend money. Rothko was not an unusual American - in his taste for tourism, he was typical. And where else would cold war America, at the height of the American Century, find its reflection but amid the ruins of the Roman Empire? Ships to Italy docked at Naples. Before they travelled north to Rome, and Florence and the Laurentian Library, the Rothkos went to Pompeii.
Walking amid the city of the dead, Rothko brooded on his work. In the most atmospheric of the Pompeiian houses, the Villa of the Mysteries, he was struck by the use of surprisingly deep colours for a decorative scheme - black and red. Rothko told Fischer that in the villa he sensed "a deep affinity" between the Seagram murals and the Roman wall paintings - "the same feeling, the same broad expanses of sombre colour".
The Villa of the Mysteries is outside the city, and is more aristocratic and private than the rest of the Pompeiian houses. Its rooms speak of secrets - specifically the underground worship of Dionysus, god of wine and ecstasy. It derives its name from an astonishing fresco depicting a rite of initiation into Dionysus's cult that covers the walls of a triclinium, a dining room.
This is a very strange dining room. As strange, and at once as luxurious and hellish, as the dining room Rothko planned in New York - a place where, instead of making small talk, diners would be menaced by sensual, occult, claustrophobic paintings.
I think Rothko talked about Pompeii with false casualness. It is inconceivable that the "affinities" between his latest work and the Villa of the Mysteries struck him by chance, or that they were only to do with colour. Rothko was deeply familiar with the Roman wall paintings from Boscoreale in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and he studied closely Nietzsche's The Birth Of Tragedy, which contrasted the Apollonian and Dionysian principles. He wanted his art to be Dionysian, beyond reason. Rothko's project for the Four Seasons was to create an anti-architecture that scorned the rational order of Mies van der Rohe's building, that tormented the "rich bastards" sitting down to a civilised lunch. He wanted the deathly space of Michelangelo's Laurentian Library to push in on them, deny them exit. He spoke of himself as an architect - "I have created a place," he said when he looked at the murals in his Bowery studio.
It's very nice to go travellin', sang Frank Sinatra, but it's so much nicer to come home. As Rothko sailed back from Europe in the summer of 1959, the Four Seasons was preparing to open. Back in New York, Rothko booked a table for himself and Mell. What did they eat, what did they talk about? It doesn't seem to have been a happy meal. He called a friend that evening to say he was sending back the money and withdrawing his paintings. "Anybody who will eat that kind of food for those kind of prices will never look at a painting of mine," he told his studio assistant.
Rothko's exploration of sinister settings on his Italian trip suggests he really was acting, as he said, from "malice" in painting the Four Seasons murals. But it also suggests he wanted to prove that painting could exert power - that he could subvert his brief as a "decorative" artist and transform a toney restaurant into a space dominated by sublime art.
Rothko was trying to revive the idea central to modernism - that art can shatter our assumptions. His Seagram murals remain the most challenging art in Tate Modern - because they demand your time, emotion, thought and commitment, only to throw these things back in your face, confronting the mind with a wall, a terminal chamber.
But no artist in New York in 1959 had that kind of power. Sitting amid the buzz and excess of the Four Seasons, Rothko must have felt that he had been deluded - that the wealthy diners were not going to be harrowed. That art could not change anything. That his paintings would just be decoration after all.
You can picture JJ Hunsecker at the next table, looking at him with contempt. It's so very difficult to be an artist, sneers Hunsecker in Sweet Smell Of Success, in this crudest of all possible worlds
· This essay forms the basis of the final talk in Painting Bites Back, a course led by Jonathan Jones at Tate Modern, London SE1, to be given on December 9. Rothko's Seagram murals are on permanent display at Tate Modern, in association with BT.
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Elected in 2007, Cristina Kirchner is the female President of which country? | ROTHKO, Mark (Seagram Murals) | OCA Painting 1 Learning Log
OCA Painting 1 Learning Log
Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals and the permanent display at Tate Modern
A room at Tate Modern dedicated specifically to Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals
http://www2.tate.org.uk/rothko/ – currently 6 paintings hang in this installation at Tate Modern, the oppressive room painted grey and softly lit as Rothko intended. Tate own 9 Seagram canvases in total.
Mark Rothko, 1903-1970 – a Russian Abstract Expressionist painter
The Seagram Murals were originally a commission for the Seagram Building on Park Avenue in New York. Rothko was to produce a series of paintings for the Four Seasons restaurant, approx 50 sq m, a long and narrow room.
Rothko painted in all approx 40 works across 3 series, all gigantic canvases done in dark reds and browns.
According to “Rothko” by Jacob Baal-Teshuva, a Taschen publication,
“He used a warm palette of dark red and brown tones, breaking the horizontal structure of his pictures by turning them at 90 degree angles. In this way he created a work that would relate directly to the architecture of the room. The surfaces of colour recalled architectural elements, as columns, walls, doors and windows, giving the viewer a feeling of confinement, yet presenting him with an unreachable world beyond.”
The paintings were never hung in their intended home because Rothko withdrew from the commission, perhaps seeing that what he’d created would not suit a restaurant setting. Today it is impossible to recreate exactly what Rothko envisioned as many of the paintings are split up and in different parts of the world.
I visited Tate Modern recently and spent some time with the Seagram Murals. Tate says of this room that
“Rothko was influenced by Michelangelo’s Laurentian Library in Florence, with its blind windows and deliberately oppressive atmosphere. Rothko commented that Michelangelo ‘achieved just the kind of feeling I’m after – he makes the viewers feel that they are trapped in a room where all the doors and windows are bricked up, so that all they can do is butt their heads forever against the wall'”
I certainly felt the softening and relaxing atmosphere as I entered the room and on reflection I did feel somewhat trapped by the room, however there few people in the room at the time so space wasnt really an issue. I sat and stared at each painting for a good 5 minutes each, intrigued to know or experience what our society celebrates in these works.
I failed and I still don’t understand why these paintings are worth so much money and venerated in the way they are.
Yes, I like the colours, I like their softness, even the unexpected variance in tone across each painting (not something I’d noticed before in reproduced images) and I even enjoyed their size, which somehow was a bit intimidating. I concede that perhaps the artist was reaching me after all, his wish that the viewer be forced to contemplate each painting.
Perhaps in time, with further viewings I’ll begin to understand but for now I remain as bemused as I was before my visit.
10/10/12
At 3.25pm on Sunday 07/10/12, one of Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals was defaced making headline news, after all Rothko’s paintings fetch huge sums of money. For instance according to an article in the Guardian on 08/10/10 by Ben Quinn a Rothko his Orange, Red, Yellow sold earlier this in New York for $86.9m (£53.8m) – the highest price ever fetched by a piece of contemporary art at auction.
Vladimir Umanets tagged the painting with the black ink in the bottom right hand corner, it appears to read: “Vladimir Umanets, a potential piece of yellowism.”
Umanets claims he engaged with the work and improved it, ultimately increasing its value. That he had done so in order to draw attention to what was going on in contemporary art.
So what is ‘Yellowism’? According to an article written by Julia Halperin and published in Blouin Artinfo,
“Yellowism is not art, and Yellowism isn’t anti-art,” Umanets told the Telegraph on Monday . “It’s an element of contemporary visual culture. It’s not an artistic movement. It’s not art, it’s not reality, it’s just Yellowism. The main difference between Yellowism and art is that in art you have got freedom of interpretation, in Yellowism you don’t have freedom of interpretation, everything is about Yellowism, that’s it.”
The full article can be seen at http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/831942/wtf-is-yellowism-a-guide-to-the-obscure-movement-behind-the
I fail to understand what Unmanets says about Yellowism even having read and re-read his statement and many other articles on this incident. I cannot believe that Unmanets think this is NOT a criminal act and that he hasn’t done anything wrong. Surely damaging another persons creative work is considered as criminal damage in the eyes of our society?
It’ll be interesting to see how this continues to unfold.
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Which city, known for its bull run, is the capital of the Spanish region of Navarre? | Pamplona Spain Travel Guide and Tourist Information | Spanish Fiestas
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The city of Pamplona in northern Spain is the capital of the autonomous region of Navarra. It is a historic destination best known for its bullrunning festival which takes place every July. It is also the first Spanish city on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s route which runs from St Jean Pied de Port in France via Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The city became famous for many people thanks to the writings of Ernest Hemingway whose 1926 novel ‘The Sun Also Rises’ described his time at the the San Fermin fiestas.
PAMPLONA TRAVEL GUIDE – CONTENTS:
You can search for a full selection of Pamplona Hotels at Booking.com .
Budget Hostels: There’s an impressive range of accommodation in and around the Casco Antiguo including a number of budget options. below are listed a few recommendations but do bear in mind that advance bookings are essential if you plan on visiting during the fiestas:
Hostel Hemingway (C/ de Amaya, 26): This friendly hostel is located in the heart of Pamplona. It has a selection of small dormitories, a shared kitchen and public areas.
Aloha Hostel (C/ de Sangüesa, 2-1º): This centrally located property has a selection of dormitory rooms and a shared outdoor area which is popular with guests.
Hostel Casa Ibarrola (C/ Carmen, 31): This is a popular option amongst budget travellers where you sleep in Japanese-style bunks. Clean and comfortable.
For a full range of budget accommodation including hostels with private rooms take a look at Pamplona Hostels at Booking.com .
Apartments: If you’re interested in renting a self-catering apartment for your stay then take a look at the Airbnb.com website where individual owners rent out rooms or their full property. There are over 400 places currently on offer in Pamplona with prices rocketing during the San Fermín fiestas.
Camping: Open all year round, the excellent Camping Ezcaba is just 7km from the city. The place is pretty hectic during the fiestas when pre-booking is essential but for much of the rest of the time it’s a relaxing place from which to discover the region.
Main Tourist Attractions
Whilst the city of Pamplona is synonymous worldwide with its bull-running festival there are plenty more reasons to pay it a visit. Here are some of the main sights:
Casco Viejo: The Old Town of Pamplona was once protected on all sides by the ancient city walls. Today it is the historic centre where you will spend most of your time as it is home to the majority of Pamplona’s main tourist attractions including the Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real), Castle Square (Plaza del Castillo), the Town Hall (Casa Consistorial) and Calle Estafeta which is the main street which the bulls run along during the San Fermin fiestas. In addition the Old Town is packed with traditional bars and restaurants.
Bandstand in Plaza del Castillo – Photo Credit: CC Mario Sánchez Prada
Pamplona Cathedral : The city’s most important religious building is its 14th century Gothic Cathedral which took 130 years to build. It is officially known as La Catedral de Santa María la Real de Pamplona. As well as serving as a functioning Cathedral it houses a vast collection of art and historical artefacts. It is also home to the mausoleum of King Charles III (Carlos III) who as King of Navarre married Eleanor of Castile in 1375 to end conflict with Castile. He is also important in the city’s history for unifying its boroughs in 1423 after centuries of strife between them. The crypt beneath the Cathedral holds the remains of all the Kings of Navarre since 1134 but isn’t open to visitors.
The Cathedral’s Museum of Religious Art (Museo Catedralicio Diocesano de Pamplona) at the entrance to the Cathedral is one of the city’s most important museums and is well worth a visit.
Plaza del Castillo: Over the centuries this historic square has served as the city’s civic centre, hosting all kinds of celebrations, markets and even bullfights. Today it continues this role as the beating heart of Pamplona’s Old Town surrounded by lively terrace bars and restaurants frequented by locals and visitors alike. Perhaps its most famous bar is Café Iruña (Plaza del Castillo, 44) which Hemingway refers to in his celebrated novel based in Pamplona, “The Sun Also Rises” . The writer is also known to have stayed in a hotel overlooking the square in what is today called the Gran Hotel La Perla (Plaza del Castillo, 1).
Casa Consistorial: At midday on 6th July every year a rocket is launched from the balcony of Pamplona’s Town Hall building which marks the beginning of the San Fermín festival. This is known as ‘El Chupinazo’. Down below in the Town hall Square (Plaza Consitorial) thousands of people dressed in white with a red scarf await the rocket which signifies that the party has begun. The building itself has served as the city’s main government building since 1423 when King Carlos III ordered its construction in the urban centre. It has been rebuilt twice since that time whilst holding on to some of its earlier baroque design.
Calle Estafeta: Images of the city’s most famous street are broadcast through the world’s media every July as bull-runners charge along it trying to avoid contact with the 600kg bulls which are in hot pursuit during the San Fermín fiestas. Outside fiesta time this 250 metre residential street is fairly innocuous. It’s hard to believe how it is transformed once the festival comes around.
Pamplona Bullring After the Bullrun – Photo Credit: CC Tammy Friesen
Pamplona City Walls : From the 16th to the 18th century Pamplona served as an important fortress town protected on three sides by its defensive walls and on the other by a citadel (La Ciudadela). Whilst much of the original wall has been destroyed as the city has expanded there are still some well preserved sections remaining. You can take a fascinating 5km walk along the walls looking down on the Old Town (Casco Antiguo) which they once protected. The best place to start is at the Information Centre (Centro de Interpretación de las Fortificaciones de Pamplona) on Calle Arrieta con Aralar where you can pick up a map and information about the history of the walls.
La Ciudadela: The citadel itself was built in 1571 under Philip II (Felipe II) who wanted to ensure thet Pamplona was a formidable fortress town. Today the citadel and its surrounds serve as the city’s most frequented green area known as Vuelta del Castillo Park. It’s located just south of the Old Town and is a popular place for tourists to take a break from their sightseeing. Cultural exhibitions frequently take place in what used to be military buildings.
Museo de Navarra (C/ Cuesta Santo Domingo): If you’re interested in learning a little about the history of this fascinating region of Spain then it’s well worth paying a visit to the Museum of Navarre. The museum is housed in what was formerly a hospital in the 16th century (Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia). It tells the story of Navarra through an impressive selection of archaeological and artistic exhibits dating from prehistoric times to the modern era with the Roman period particularly well represented.
Other Churches: Whilst the Cathedral is without a doubt the main religious building of interest, there are also a number of other interesting churches scattered around the Old Town including the 12th century San Nicolás (C/ de San Miguel, 15), 13th century San Saturnino (C/ San Saturnino, 3) and the 14th century San Lorenzo (C/ Mayor, 74). The latter is best known for its Capilla de San Fermín, a small chapel where a statue of Navarra’s patron saint resides all year round except for 7th July when it is part of the annual procession through the streets of the Old Town.
Parque de La Taconera: Located near the city’s Casco Viejo this extensive green area has been part of city life for centuries and is a great place to wander once you need a break from all the historic attractions. There are a number of relaxing walking routes around the park and a mini-zoo that’s worth a visit.
Street Band During San Fermín – Photo Credit: CC Asier Solana Bermejo
Plaza de Toros de Pamplona: At the end of each bull-run during the San Fermín fiestas the bulls arrive in the city’s bullfighting arena where they will fight that same evening. Standing on the appropriately named Paseo de Hemingway, the bullring was built in 1922. It has a capacity of 19,721 making it the world’s 3rd largest after Mexico City and Madrid.
Festivals in Pamplona
The city of Pamplona is synonymous with its annual bullrunning festival which is officially known as Las Fiestas de San Fermín or Sanfermines. The festival begins at noon on 6th July and lasts until midnight on 14th July. Bull-runs take place at 8am every morning from 7th to 14th attracting more than 20,000 runners over the eight mornings and an estimated million visitors to the city. For more information take a look at our San Fermín Fiestas page .
Whilst no other event comes even close to San Fermín in terms of attendance, there are still some other interesting local events during the year. The best place to check on such local festivities is on the Pamplona Town Hall Website .
Recommended Restaurants in Pamplona
Restaurante Europa (C/ Espoz y Mina, 11): Normally I’d run a mile at the suggestion of ‘nouvelle cuisine’ but in this place there’s nothing to fear. Considered one of the city’s finest restaurants, the Europa offers traditional dishes from Navarra with a classy twist which has earned the place a Michelin star. Great choice for a special occasion.
Restaurante San Fermin (C/ San Nicolas, 44-46): Lovely restaurant located on the first-floor of a building in the Casco Antiguo. They offer a selection of superbly prepared Navarran dishes which change according to the season ensuring the finest quality. Highly recommended is the tasting menu.
Restaurante Anttonenea (C/ de San Antón, 48): Superb venue for highly quality meat dishes accompanied with fine Navarran red wine. Whilst their T-bone steak (chuletón de buey) and lamb options are favourites they also offer some excellent fish dishes and a popular tasting menu.
Asador Zaldiko (Cuesta de Santo Domingo, 39): If you’re a meat lover the short stroll north-west of the historic centre to Zaldiko is well worthwhile. Enormous and superbly grilled steaks are the order of the day in this establishment with local ciders and Navarran wines adding to the rustic experience.
Inside the Historic Café Iruña – Photo Credit: CC Juan Tiagues
Café Iruña (Plaza del Castillo, 44): The dining room of this historic café is notable for its belle époque style which no doubt attracted Ernest Hemingway and friends during his time in Pamplona. The writer certainly put the café on the map thanks to references to it in his classic novel “The Sun Also Rises” . Sitting outside with their lunchtime ‘menú del día’ is highly recommended. Well worth a visit amongst the hordes of tourists who visit the café but not the best venue for a great meal.
Some of Pamplona’s Best Tapas Bars
Bars in Navarra and the Basque Country usually refer to ‘Pintxos’ rather than ‘Tapas’. To all intents and purposes the two are the same thing, the only difference being that ‘Pintxos’ usually have a toothpick through them and are often attached to a slice of bread. Here are a few recommended tapas (or pintxos) bars which are worth visiting during your time in Pamplona:
Bar Gaucho (C/ de Espoz y Mina, 7): Located just off Calle Estafeta, this has long been a popular spot amongst locals thanks to the exquisite tapas on offer. One of the best places in town to try superb ‘pintxos’.
Bar Restaurante Baserri (C/ San Nicolás, 32): This long-established haunt located amongst lots of other bars and restaurants along Calle San Nicolás is popular with locals and visitors alike. If it’s packed with standing room only you can try their restaurant at the back.
Celebrations in the Otano Bar in Pamplona – Photo Credit: CC Ronnie Macdonald
Bar Restaurante Iruñazarra (C/ Mercaderes, 15): This elegant establishment is the place to go for gourmet-tapas at the bar or head downstairs for first class a la carte dining in their restaurant.
La Cocina De Alex Mugica (C/ de la Estafeta, 24): One of the city’s most highly regarded establishments for creative tapas, all of which are made to order. Excellent presentation of a range of tasty dishes together with an excellent wine selection.
Bar La Botería (C/ Roncesvalles): Small place with a nice terrace located just across the road from the bullring. They serve a fine selection of ‘pintxos’ and have an impressive wine list.
Excursions From Pamplona
If you’re in Pamplona for long enough or visiting as part of a general touring holiday of the region, you’ll find there are some lovely excursions within easy reach of the city.
Parque Natural Urbasa Andia : Located 60km west of Pamplona following the A-12 via Puente La Reina this beautiful national park with waterfalls and turquoise lakes is a lovely place to go for a day hike on a nice day. A good place to park the car is at the small village of Banquedano where you can pick up a map in the information booth before beginning a walk in the Nacedero del Urederra section of the park.
Puente La Reina lies between Pamplona and Estella in Navarra
Puente La Reina: Just 20km south-west of Pamplona following the A-12 this is best known for its historic bridge which spans the Río Arga and is one of the many highlights of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim’s route.
Other Things to Do in Pamplona
Go to a Football Match : The local team is Club Atlético Osasuna who play their home matches at a 19,000 seater stadium called El Sadar. Games are rarely full so you can get tickets on the gate on matchday.
Shop at Mercado de Santo Domingo : This historic food market on Calle Mercado in the city centre opened its doors in 1876. However, there is evidence that such a market was first established on what is now Plaza del Castillo as far back as the year 1324. The market is the ideal place to do some shopping if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, otherwise it’s still worth a look simply for tourism purposes.
Go to the Theatre : Check out what’s on at El Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio de Navarra which frequently hosts a wide range of cultural events including theatrical performances, flamenco shows and classical music recitals.
| Pamplona |
In which city do the baseball team known as the 'Astros' play their home games? | Pamplona facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com articles about Pamplona
The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.
Copyright The Columbia University Press
Pamplona (pämplō´nä), city (1990 pop. 183,525), capital of Navarre , N Spain, on the Arga River. An older spelling is Pampeluna. It is an important communications, agricultural, and industrial center, manufacturing crafts, paper, and chemicals. The Univ. of Navarre (1952) is there.
An ancient city of the Basques , it was repeatedly captured (5th–9th cent.) by the Visigoths, the Franks, and the Moors, but none of the conquerors—not even Charlemagne , who took it in 778 and razed its walls—exercised control for long. In 824 the Basque kingdom of Pamplona, later called the kingdom of Navarre, was founded. Pamplona remained the capital of Navarre until 1512, when Ferdinand V united the major part of Navarre with Castile. In the Peninsular War , Pamplona was taken (1808) by the French and (1813) by the English.
The city is still surrounded by old walls and fortifications and has retained its Gothic cathedral (14th–15th cent.). The celebration of the feast of San Fermin, described in Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, is marked by running bulls to the bullring. Many residents and visitors run with the bulls through the streets, risking injury and even death.
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World Encyclopedia
© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005.
Pamplona City in n Spain ; capital of Navarre province. Rebuilt by Pompey in 68 bc, Charlemagne conquered the city in ad 778. In the 11th century, it became capital of the Kingdom of Navarre. In 1512, control of Pamplona passed to Ferdinand of Aragon, who united Navarre with Castile . In 1813, during the Peninsular War , the Duke of Wellington (1813) captured Pamplona from the French. Every July, in the fiesta of San Fermin, bulls are driven through the city streets. Industries: rope and pottery manufacture. Pop. (2000) 182,666.
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Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes
© Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes 2007, originally published by Oxford University Press 2007.
Pamplona •belladonna, Connor, donna, goner, gonna, honour (US honor), Maradona, Mashona, O'Connor, Shona, wanna •corner, fauna, forewarner, Lorna, Morna, mourner, sauna, scorner, suborner, warner •softener • Faulkner •downer, uptowner •sundowner • Arizona , Barcelona, boner, condoner, corona, Cremona , Desdemona, donor, Fiona, groaner, Iona, Jonah, kroner, Leona, loaner, loner, moaner, Mona, owner, Pamplona, persona, postponer, Ramona, stoner, toner, Valona, Verona , Winona •landowner • homeowner • shipowner •coiner, joiner, purloiner •crooner, harpooner, lacuna, lacunar, lampooner, Luna, lunar, mizuna, Oona, oppugner, Poona, pruner, puna, schooner, spooner, Tristan da Cunha, tuna, tuner, Una, vicuña, yokozuna •honeymooner • Sunna • Brookner •koruna
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Which Italian city was rules by the Visconti family between 1277 and 1477? | Italian City-States of Venice, Milan, Florence and Genoa (13th - 15th c.) - Medieval Times
Home > Medieval Europe (13th to 15th c.) > Italian City-States of Venice, Milan, Florence and Genoa (13th – 15th c.)
27 Jul
Italian City-States of Venice, Milan, Florence and Genoa (13th – 15th c.)
Northern Italy at the beginning of the 13th century was dominated by the city-states of Venice, Milan, Florence and Genoa which competed with each other for supremacy. The history of north Italian city-states in the 13th century was also marked by the political division into two opposing fractions: Guelphs and Ghibellines who supported, respectively, the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
The Visconti family established itself as a ruling dynasty in Milan by the end of the 13th century. The Visconti rule in Milan started with the archbishop Ottone Visconti who defeated the rival Della Torre family and was recognized as Signore, the lord of the city in 1277. History of Milan under the Visconti family (from 1277 to 1477) was characterized by territorial expansion which reached its zenith with the conquest of Verona and Padua in 1387/1388 by Signore Gian Galeazzo Visconti (1385-1402). Gian Galeazzo established his influence over Tuscany and received the title Duke of Milan from Wenceslaus, King of the Romans in 1395. Filippo Maria Visconti (1412-1447) who succeeded his brother Gian Maria Visconti after his assassination in 1412 continued his predecessor’s policy and started a war against Venice and Florence.
Francesco Sforza
Filippo Maria Visconti died without a male heir in 1447 and was succeeded by Francesco I Sforza (1450-1466), husband of Gian Maria’s daughter and heiress Bianca Maria. Francesco Sforza established friendly relations with other northern Italian cities and ended the war with Venice. He signed the Peace of Lodi which confirmed him as Duke of Milan and restored Venice’s territories in Northern Italy including Brescia and Bergamo. The Peace of Lodi also created a balance of power among Venice, Milan, Naples, Florence and the Papal States until 1494 when France under Charles VIII interfered in Italian affairs and provoked the Italian Wars (1494-1559).
Venice reached its zenith after the Fourth Crusade and extended its domain to Istria, coast of Dalmatia, southern Adriatic, Ionian islands and Aegean islands including Crete. Venice became the leading European sea power by the end of the 14th century and captured most part of the Duchy of Milan after the death of the last male in line of the House of Visconti in 1447.
Next to Venice and Milan, the city-states of Genoa, Pisa, Lucca, Siena and Florence played an important role at the beginning of the 13th century as well. Pisa was about to became one of the most powerful Mediterranean trade powers when it captured Corsica and Sardinia from the Saracens in the first half of the 11th century. However, it became inferior to other northern Italian city-states after the defeat against Genoese fleet in the Battle of Meloria in 1284. Genoa gained Corsica and superiority in the western Mediterranean trade but the Genoese were decisively defeated by Venice in 1381.
History of Florence in the 13th century was marked by internal strife between the Guelphs and Ghibellines who fought for control over the city. Guelphs defeated the Ghibellines by the end of 13th century but they split into two warring fractions: the Whites and the Blacks that were led, respectively, by Vieri de’ Cerchi and Corso Donati. The war between the Whites and the Blacks resulted in the defeat and expulsion of the Whites Guelphs (including Dante Alighieri). However, the political disturbances did not hinder the rise of Florence as one of the most powerful cities in Medieval Europe.
Lorenzo de Medici
Florence reached its height under the Medici family which assumed power in 1434 when Cosmo de’ Medici or Cosimo the Elder (1434-1464) overthrown the Albizzi family (1382-1434) and became the gran maestro, an unofficial head of Florence. Cosimo was after his death succeeded by his son Piero (1464-1469) who was succeeded by Lorenzo de’ Medici, also known as the Lorenzo the Magnificent (1469-1494). Lorenzo the Magnificent made Florence the cultural center of Italy by patronizing scholars, artists and poets, and commissioning the best Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.
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Page last edited on: July 29, 2012 Site last updated on: January 6, 2015
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| MILAN |
In which Irish mountain range does the River Liffey rise? | A timeline of the Italians
A time-line of the Italians
568: Alboin's Lombards invade northern Italy
588: Byzantium regains Genova/Genoa
697: the republic of Venezia/Venice is founded by refugees fleeing the Lombars and who appoint a common leader, the "Doge"
739: Pope Gregory III asks Charles Martel for help against the Lombards in Italy
750: Venezia establishes trade relations with Constantinople and Egypt
751: the Lombards under king Aistulf conquer Ravenna from the Byzantines
756: Pepin III defeats the Lombards and conquers Ravenna but leaves the conquered territories to the Pope, thereby founding the Papal State and establishing a temporal power for the Pope
800: Venezia's main trade is the slave trade (mainly Slavs)
812: a peace treaty between Charlemagne and the Eastern Roman Empire surrenders Venezia to the Eastern empire but grants Venezia the right to trade with the Holy Roman Empire
814: the Palazzo Ducale is begun in Venezia
827: an Arab tribe, the Saracens, invades Sicily
840: the Frankish king Louis dies and civil war erupts among his three sons who have inherited most of France and northern Italy (Lothar, the new emperor), Aquitaine (Pepin), eastern Bavaria (Louis II), western Bavaria (Charles II le Chauve)
843: at the Treaty of Verdun the Holy Roman Empire is divided among Charles II le Chauve (western France), Lothar (Netherlands, eastern France and northern Italy, renamed Lotharingia/Lorraine) and Louis/Ludwig II (western Germany)
843: Genoa proclaims its independence from the Frankish empire
846: Muslims raid Rome
855: Lothar dies and his kingdom is split between his sons (Lotharingia to Lothar II and Burgundy to Charles) while Louis II becomes emperor and inherits northern Italy
875: Louis II dies and Charles II le Chauve invades Italy and becomes emperor
878: the Arabs capture Sicily and make Palermo their capital
888: Charles III is deposed by the nobles and the Frankish Empire is divided between East (Germany and northern Italy), ruled by Arnulf, and West (France), ruled by Odo Capet
888: north Italy declares its independence under Berengar I
889: Venezia becomes independent
922: Magyars raid Italy
951: Otto I invades northern Italy and declares himself king of Italy, thus uniting the crowns of Germany and Italy
962: Otto I invades Italy and is crowned emperor by the Pope in Rome
991: Venezia signs a commercial treaty with the Arabs
1000: Venezia (under Pietro Orseolo II) invades Dalmatia
1000: 7 million people live in France, 7 million in Iberia, 5 million in Italy, 4 million in Germany, 2 million in Britain
1002: Venezia defeats the Arabs and expands in the Adriatic Sea
1037: German emperor Konrad II signs a feudal edict that grants legal rights to the Lombards
1049: the Norman warlord Robert Guiscard conquers Puglia from Byzantium
1052: Firenze/Florence under countess Matilda concentrates government in the hands of the great guilds
1061: Genova and Pisa attack the Muslims in Sardegna/Sardinia and Corsica
1072: the Normans conquer Sicily, Calabria and Napoli, and establish a kingdom over southern Italy (the last Byzantine territories in Italy are lost)
1085: Heinrich IV invades Italy and drives Pope Gregory VII out of Rome, and the Pope dies in exile
1087: Pisa and Genoa destroy the Islamic city of Mahdia in North Africa
1088: Irnerius founds a school of law at Bologna, the first university in Europe
1091: the Normans defeat the Arabs and extend the Kingdom of Sicily over most of Italy
1094: San Marco cathedral of Venezia
1130: Norman duke Ruggero II is proclaimed king of Sicily
1138: Firenze declares itself an independent commune
1153: Bologna proclaims its independence form the Holy Roman Empire
1162: Friedrich I "Barbarossa" raids Rome and Milan
1173: work begins at the Tower of Pisa
1174: Padova becomes a free commune
1176: the Italian communes defeat Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa of Germany at the battle of Legnano
1179: works begins at the Naviglio Grande of Milan, which will be completed in 1257
1182: the cathedral of Monreale is inaugurated
1183: the peace of Constance grants northern Italy autonomy within Barbarossa's Holy Roman Empire
1194: the German emperor Heinrich VI conquers southern Italy and Sicily from the Normans
1200: Venezia has 80 thousand people
1204: The Crusaders, led by the Doge of Venezia, sack Constantinople and set up a Latin kingdom, while Venezia acquires territories in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
1208: Ferrara appoints a count of Este as its leader
1211: Venezia occupies Crete
1254: Friedrich II's illegitimate son Manfred seizes southern Italy
1252: Firenze coins its own currency
1255: Venezia and Genoa go to war
1264: Charles of Anjou, brother of Louis IX, defeats Manfred and is crowned king of Sicily, thus ending German rule, causing the decline of the German empire and asserting French primacy over Europe
1266: the Polo brothers travel from Venezia to China
1272: the cathedral of Pisa is inaugurated
1273: Costantinople grants Pera to Genova
1277: a Visconti first rules Milan
1277: Genoa opens a direct sea link with the Flanders
1281: Alessandro della Spina and Salvino degli Armati invent spectacles in Firenze
1282: Sicily rebels against Charles of Anjou ("War of the Sicilian Vespers") and accepts Pedro of Aragon as king, while Charles remains king of Naples
1284: Salvino D'Armate invents the eye glasses
1284: Venezia introduces the gold coin "ducato'
1284: Genova defeats Pisa at the Battle of Meloria
1291: Benedetto Zaccaria of Genova destroys the Moroccan fleet at Gibraltar, thus opening the route from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic coast
1293: Genova and Castilla defeat a Muslim fleet and open the Gibraltar Strait to Genoa's ships
1295: Federico III of Aragon becomes king of Sicily
1297: Arnolfo di Cambio designs the cathedral of Firenze
1297: A regular maritime connection is established between Genova in Italy and Bruges in the Flanders
1298: the fleet of Venezia is destroyed by Genova
1298: while in a Genovese jail, Marco Polo writes the story of his travels in Asia
1300: Venezia has 160 thousand people
1312: the archbishop Otto Visconti establishes the Visconti family at the head of the city of Milan
1315: Venice establishes a register of the nobility, the "Libro d'Oro"
1325: Bologna is defeated by Modena and asks for the protection of the Pope
1327: German emperor Ludwig IV invades Italy and appoints pope John XXII
1328: Luigi Gonzaga becomes dictator of Mantova
1335: Milan erects the world's first public clock
1337: Federico III of Sicily dies
1338: Padova accepts Venezia's domination
1339: Simone Boccanegra leads a revolution in Genova
1343: count Amadeo di Savoia expands Savoia by annexing Geneve, Lausanne and Torino/Turin (which becomes the new capital)
1345: Ponte Vecchio is built in Firenze
1350: the Tower of Pisa is inaugurated
1369: Lucca declares its independence
1375: Perugia declares its independence
1378: Genova attacks Venezia
1379: Venezia uses the cannon to defeat Genova
1381: The peace of Torino between Venezia and Genova de facto turns the Mediterranean trade into a Venetian monopoly
1386: work at the Duomo begins in Milano
1386: The Mongols lose China and start a chain reaction along the overland route that used to connect Italy to China
1393: The Este rule over Ferrara, Modena, Reggio, Parma
1395: Gian Galeazzo Visconti is appointed duke by the emperor and expands the state of Milan in central Italy
1404: Venezia annexes Padova
1413: the Rialto Bridge in built in Venezia
1414: Joanna II of Anjou becomes queen of Napoli
1416: Amadeus VIII obtains the duchy of Savoy from emperor Sigismund
1423: Venezia opens a "lazaretto" for infected people
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1434: banker Cosimo de' Medici seizes power in Firenze
1435: Joanna II of Anjou dies and Alfonso V of Aragon fights the Anjou over the succession to the throne
1442: Sicily is won by Alfonso V of Aragonia and unified with Naples
1447: the warlord Francesco Sforza seizes power in Milan from the Visconti family
1454: Venezia has expanded on the mainland, annexing Padova, Vicenza, Verona, etc
1454: the Ottomans grant Venezia the right to trade in Ottoman lands, the only western power allowed to do so
1458: Fernando II inherits Napoli and Sicily from Alfonso V of Aragonia
1463: Venezia at war with the Ottomans
1464: the first printing press in Italy opens in the monastery of Subiaco
1468: Fernando II becomes king of Sicily
1469: Lorenzo Medici succeeds to his father Cosimo
1471: a printing press opens in Firenze
1472: The Monte dei Paschi bank is founded in Siena
1477: German king Maximilian I inherits parts of Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland
1479: Venezia loses most of her territories along the Aegean Sea to the Ottomans
1479: Fernando II becomes king of Aragon
1492: the Italian explorer Cristoforo Columbo lands in America on behalf of Spain, thinking he has reached Asia
1492: Lorenzo Medici dies
1494: Charles VIII of France invades Firenze, Rome, Napoli, but a league of Milan, Venezia, German emperor Maximilian, pope Alexander VI and Fernando II of Aragonia, led by Francesco Gonzaga, forces him to retreat
1494: Fernando II of Napoli and Sicily dies
1494: Firenze overthrows the Medici family and Savonarola seizes the power in the newly formed republic (beginning of the "wars of Italy")
1494: Lodovico Sforza seizes power in Milano
1497: the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci sails to America on behalf of Spain
1497: Leonardo da Vinci paints "The Last Supper"
1497: The fanatical monk Savonarola sends his followers door to door in Firenze to burn all non-religious art, books and musical instruments (the "Bonfire of the Vanities")
1498: Savonarola is burned at the stake in Firenze
1499: French king Louis XII invades Italy and captures Milan
1500: Pisa builds ditches around walls to make it harder for enemies to attack
1500: Cesare Borgia leads the Papal army to reconquer the old Papal states, and fight the Orsini and Colonna families
1500: Youstol Dispage dies
1501: the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci sails to Brazil on behalf of Portugal and realizes that he is exploring a new continent
1501: Lucrezia Borgia, daughter of the Pope, marries Alfonso I d'Este
1501: France invades southern Italy
1503: Napoli and Sicily are reconquered by Fernando of Aragonia
1505: Alfonso I d'Este becomes duke of Ferrara
1508: the League of Cambrai (Pope, Spain, France and the Emperor) defeats Venezia
1511: Peope Julius II assembles a "holy league" with Venezia, Spain, England and Germany to expel France from Italy
1512: at the Congress of Mantova the Medici family is restored in power in Firenze, the Pope regains the Papal states, Milano is returned to the Sforzas, and France is all but expelled from Italy
1513: Niccolo` Machiavelli publishes "Il Principe", a treaty on politics
1513: Giovanni de' Medici is elected pope Leo X
1515: Francois I becomes king of France, invades Italy and reconquers Milano
1516: Fernando II of Aragon dies and is succeeded by his grandson Carlos I
1516: Italy is divided into two spheres of influence, French in the north and Spanish in the south ("Peace of Noyon")
1519: German emperor Maximilian dies and is succeeded by Karl V/Carlos I
1521: Karl V of Germany (Carlos I of Spain) reconquers Milano from Francois I of France
1522: the plague reduces the population of Roma to 55,000
1524: the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano sails up the coast of north America and discovers New York
1525: Karl V/Carlos I defeats the invading French army led by Francois I in person at the battle of Pavia
1526: king Francis I of France is defeated by the German army at the battle of Pavia and has to surrender Milan (now a duchy) to Karl V, who is emperor and king of Spain and thus rules over most of Italy (end of the "wars of Italy")
1527: Karl V's army of Protestant mercenaries and Catholic regulars raid, loot and burn Rome
1528: Andrea Doria seizes power in Genova and switches alliance from France to Spain
1529: the peace of Cambrai assigns Burgundy to France and Italy to Karl V/Carlos I
1530: the Medici family is overthrown and Firenze becomes an archduchy of the German empire (only Venezia and Roma remain independent states)
1530: Carlos I of Spain grants the island of Malta (part of the kingdom of Sicily) to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem
1534: Perugia is taken by the Popes
1534: Alfonso I d'Este dies
1535: Milano's occupation by Spain begins
1556: Karl V abdicates to retire to a Spanish monastery and the empire is divided between his son Felipe II (Spain, southern Italy and the Low Countries) and his brother Ferdinand I (Germany), who assumes the title of emperor
1571: in the battle of Lepanto an army formed by the Pope, Spain, Venezia and Genova destroys the Ottoman navy, thus halting Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean
1582: the gregorian calendar is adopted in Spain, Italy and Portugal
1582: Gasparo Scaruffi proposes a European currency
1598: the Pope annexes Ferrara and ends the Este's rule over Ferrara
1600: Jacopo Peri's "Euridice" is the first opera
1603: Accademia dei Lincei in Roma/Rome
1610: the Italian scientist Galileo uses a telescope to explore the Moon, the Milky Way and Jupiter
1630: the plague spreads in Italy
1632: Galileo publishes his "Dialogue" in which he defends Copernicus
1637: the Teatro Tron opens in Venezia, the first opera house in the world
1644: the Italian physicist Evangelista Torricelli invents the barometer
1669: Venezia loses Crete
1693: Arcangelo Corelli composes the first concerto
1700: The population of Italy is about 14 millions
1706: Austria captures Milano from Spain
1709: Bartolomeo Cristofori invents the piano
1713: Britain and France sign a peace treaty ("Treaty of Utrecht") that hands Spanish territories (Milan, southern Italy) to Austria and Sicily to the Savoy duke Vittorio Amedeo II of Piedmont
1713: Austria annexes most of Lombardy (including Milan) while Savoy gets the rest
1718: Spain invades southern Italy
1720: and the Quadruple Alliance (Britain, France, Austria and Savoy) defeats Spain
1720: the Savoy duke trades Sicily for Sardinia with Austria
1734: Carlos, son of Spain's king Felipe V, a Bourbon, conquers Napoli and Sicily from Austria and founds the independent Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
1736: the last Medici dies, and Tuscany is inherited by Austria's Franz I Hasburg
1772: Venezia/Venice frees the Jews
1778: Milan inaugurates its opera theater, the Scala
1796: Napoleon conquers northern Italy, end of Milano's occupation by Austria, end of Genova's independence
1797: Napoleon conquers Venezia, ending its millenary independence, and trades it with Austria for Lombardy
1800: Napoleon annexes Piedmont, Tuscany and the Papal state to France
1800: the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta invents the battery
1800: The population of Italy is about 18 millions
1810: Jews are emancipated in Roma
Jun 1815: The Congress of Wien (Vienna), attended by Austria's Klemens von Metternich, Russia's Alexander I, Prussia's Hardenberg and Britain's Castlereagh, restores continental Europe as it was before Napoleon with small border changes: Russia obtains Poland and Finland; Prussia obtains half of Saxony, Swedish Pomerania and the Rhineland, becoming the biggest German state and extending its border to France; a German Confederation is created under Austria (reducing the number of the Holy Roman Empire states from 360 to 38) but without Prussia; Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg are united; Austria obtains Lombardy (Milano) and Venezia/Venice and control over Tuscany (Firenze/ Florence), with only Piedmont being independent in the north; southern Italy remains under Spain, Central Italy remains split into small states plus the Papal State
1820: The Camorra (a mafia organization) is founded in Napoli/Naples
1849: Antonio Meucci invents the telephone
1859: Napoleon III of France and Vittorio Emanuele II defeat Austria and Piedmont annexes Lombardy, Tuscany and most of the States of the Church
1861: Garibaldi invades southern Italy, defeats the Bourbons and delivers it to Piedmont's king Vittorio Emanuele II, who becomes king of Italy with capital in Torino, ruling over the entire peninsula except for the Papal state of Rome and for the Austrian territory around Venezia, a country in which 75% of people are illiterate
1862: the first mass killing by the Mafia is carried out in Sicily
1866: Italy allies with Prussia in the "Seven Weeks' War", defeats Austria and annexes Venezia
1870: Italy conquers Rome from the Pope and declares Rome its capital, while the Pope retreats to the Vatican
1872: Pirelli is founded
1882: Italy enters the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria
1885: an international conference at Berlin awards Congo to the king of Belgium, Mozambique and Angola to Portugal, Namibia and Tanzania to Germany, Somalia to Italy, most of western Africa to France, and Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana to Britain
1890: On average 280 thousand Italians leave Italy every year
1896: Ethiopia defeats the invading Italian army at Adua
1896: Guglielmo Marconi files a patent for wireless cable
1897: A recession causes socialist protests in the north
1899: Fiat builds the first Italian car
1900: King Umberto I is assassinated by an anarchist
1900: The population of Italy is 32.4 million
1901: Guglielmo Marconi conducts the first transatlantic radio transmission
1904: The Catholic Church allows Catholics to vote in national elections
1904: The Socialists organize the first nation-wide strike
1905: Desiderio Pavoni founds a company to make expresso machines
1907: Arnoldo Mondadori founds a publishing house
1909: Filippo Tommaso Marinetti publishes the manifesto of Futurism
1911: the first bomb ever dropped from an airplane is dropped by Italy over Libya in the war against the Ottoman Empire, during which half the population of Libya is either killed or exiled by 1918
Oct 1911: Italy attacks the Ottoman province of Libya
1911: The first trial against the Camorra is held
1912: Italy grants voting rights to almost every male citizen except that 38% of the electorate is illiterate
Oct 1912: Italy takes Libya and the Dodecanese islands from the Ottoman Empire
1913: 873 thousand Italians emigrate abroad
See the timeline for World War I
1914: World War I breaks out in the Balkans, pitting Britain, France, Russia, Serbia, against Austria, Germany and Turkey
May 1915: Italy declares war on Austria
1916: Zanussi is founded
1918: World War I ends with the defeat of Germany (which has to cede several regions to France and Poland, and all the African colonies) and Austria (which has to cede regions to Italy)
1919: Alfonso Bialetti founds his factory
1921: Guccio Gucci opens a boutique of fashion design in Firenze/Florence
Jul 1922: The Socialists organize a general strike
Oct 1922: Mussolini, leader of the Fascist party, seizes power in Italy
1923: Italian fashion shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo moves to Hollywood
Apr 1924: Mussolini's Fascist Party wins national elections in Italy
1927: There are 4 million Italians in the USA, 1.5 million in Argentina and 1.5 million in Brazil
1928: Umberto Nobile's dirigible flies over the North Pole
1929: Mussolini signs a Concordat with the Pope that creates the independent state of the Vatican
1930: most immigrants to the USA are Italians
1930: Britain, Japan, France, Italy and the USA sign the London Naval Treaty, an agreement to reduce naval warfare
1931: After 20 years of fighting Italy conquers the whole of Libya
1933: Bialetti introduces the Moka Express, invented by Luigi De Ponti
Oct 1935: Italy invades Ethiopia
1936: Fiat introduces the 500 ("Topolino"), designed by Dante Giocosa (mechanics) and Rudolfo Schaffer (body)
1938: The world's first major film festival is held in Venezia
1939: Mussolini and Hitler sign the "pact of steel"
See the timeline for World War II
1939: Italy invades Albania
1940: Italy enters World War II on the side of Hitler
1940: Italy, Germany and Japan sign the pact of the "axis"
1943: Britain and USA invade Sicily and Italy surrenders
1945: Mussolini is captured by Italian partisans and executed
1946: the first motoscooter, Piaggio's Vespa, designed by Corradino D'Ascanio, debuts in Italy
1946: Enzo Ferrari founds a company to build Grand Prix cars
1948: the Christian Democrats win the first elections in Italy
1949: Fausto Coppi is the first cyclist to win both the Tour and the Giro in the same year
1950: Olivetti introduces the Lettera 22, a portable typewriter designed by Marcello Nizzoli
1951: Juan Manuel Fangio, driving an Alfa Romeo, wins his first Formula One championship
1952: Ferrari wins its first Formula One championship
1953: Italy's economy starts growing at a rapid pace (the "Miracolo Economico")
1954: neo-fascist Pino Rauti founds "Ordine Nuovo"
1955: The publishing house Feltrinelli is founded
1955: Fiat introduces the 600, designed by Dante Giacosa, the first compact car
1957: Italy, Germany, France and others found the European Community
1957: Fiat introduces the 500
1957: Enrico Mattei coins the expression "Seven Sisters" referring to the seven major Anglosaxon oil companies (the four owners of Aramco, Gulf, Shell, BP)
1960: the football program "Tutto il Calcio Minuto per Minuto" debuts on national radio
1963: Lamborghini is founded
1963: The Vajont dam collapses killing 1,900 people
1963: Camorra's boss Raffaele Cutolo is jailed in Napoli, but creates a new Camorra organization from jail
1965: the Duomo of Milan is completed after six centuries of work
1965: European computer manufacturer Olivetti introduces the first affordable programmable electronic desktop computer, the P101
1965: Piergiorgio Perotto at Olivetti invents the first desktop computer ("Programma 101")
1968: Student riots in France escalate into a national uprising, soon followed by similar protests in Germany and Italy
1969: a bomb by fascist terrorists (Franco Freda's "Ordine Nuovo") kills 17 people in Milano, while three more bombs blow up in Roma and Milano, but the investigators accuse anarchist Pietro Valpreda of the crime
1969: Adriano Sofri and others found the left-wing group of "Lotta Continua", Antonio Negri and others found "Potere Operaio"
1971: Lamborghini introduces the "Countach"
1972: the Brigate Rosse (Red Brigades) carry out their first kidnapping and their first bank robbery
1974: fascist terrorists blow up a train killing 12 people
1974: Giorgio Armani opens a boutique of fashion design in Milano
1976: entrepreneur Silvio Berlusconi launches a private tv station
TM, ®, Copyright © 2005 Piero Scaruffi All rights reserved.
1978: the Red Brigades terrorize Italy
1978: Gianni Versace opens a boutique of fashion design in Milano
1980: an Italian passenger airplane is downed in mysterious circumstances in the Gulf of Ustica
1980: The first mosque is built in Italy
1980: fascist terrorists kills 85 people at the Bologna train station
1980: Silvio Berlusconi founds Italy's first private national network, Canale 5
1982: Roberto Calvi, a Vatican-linked financier, is found hanged under a bridge in London
1983: The police arrest 1,000 Camorristas while power shifts from Cutolo to Carmine Alfieri
1984: Ferrari introduces the "Testarossa"
1984: Eight Camorristas are killed in the Torre Annunziata massacre among rival gangs
1986: A referendum shuts down Italy's nucler power plants, turning Italy into the world's biggest importer of electricity
1986: Reinhold Messner becomes the first climber to have climbed all the mountains over 8,000 meter high
1986: A "maxi-trial" sends scores of Mafia members to jail
1987: Italians vote against nuclear power
1992: Two leading anti-mafia prosecutors, Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, are killed in Sicily
1992: Camorra's boss Carmine Alfieri is arrested
1992: Italian magistrates begin arresting politicians for "Tangentopoli" (Bribesville), corruption scandals multiply and "Mani Pulite" ("clean hands") investigations spread throughout the political system
1993: the head of the Mafia, Salvatore Riina, is captured in Italy and the Mafia declines
1993: investigations by magistrates reveal widespread corruption in the Christian Democratic party and cause the collapse of the political order
1994: Italy's richest man, Silvio Berlusconi, who is under investigation for bribes, wins the elections
1994: Camorra's bosses Carmine Alfieri and Pasquale Galasso cooperate with the authorities and reveal that politicians (including at least one former minister) helped the Camorra
Feb 1998: 20 people are killed by a US military jet that accidentally hits an aerial tramway in northern Italy
1999: a common currency, the euro, is introduced in some European countries (one euro is worth $1.1591)
2003: a heatwave kills 15,000 people in France, at least 6,000 in Spain, 7,000 in Germany, 2,000 in Britain and 20,000 in Italy
2003: Toto Riina, the boss of all Mafia bosses, is arrested
2004: Parmalat, which accounts for almost 1% of Italy's GDP, collapses due to mismanagement
TM, ®, Copyright © 2005 Piero Scaruffi All rights reserved.
2005: after more than ten trials, nobody is convicted of the 1969 terrorist attacks
2005: Italy enters a recession
2005: More than 100 killings over two years in Napoli are blamed on the Camorra
2005: Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is acquitted of past frauds, thanks to laws that he himself introduced after he became prime minister
2006: An Italian minister is forced to resign after provoking Muslims riots
2006: Silvio Berlusconi loses national elections to Romano Prodi
2006: Bernardo Provenzano, head of the mafia, is arrested in Sicily after a man hunt lasted 43 years
2006: Italy wins its fourth world cup
2007: Spain's per-capita income passes Italy's
2008: Berlusconi wins elections and becomes prime minister again
2008: Italy's enters the fourth recession in seven years and its deepest since 1992
2008: African immigrants riot after six of them are killed by Camorra hitmen
2009: Fiat buys Chrysler
2009: The average Fiat worker in Italy assembles 30 cars per year compared with 100 in the Polish factories while making three times more per year
Jan 2010: African immigrants riot in the southern Italian town of Rosarno against the local mafia
Dec 2010: Government debt reaches 1.75 trillion euros ($2.3 trillion), Europe's biggest
Jan 2011: Silvio Berlusconi is accused of sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power
Aug 2011: World stock markets crash for fear of the national debt of Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Ireland
2010: Italy's prime minister Berlusconi faces four criminal trials on charges of bribery, tax dodging, embezzlement and patronising an underage woman for sex
2010: Germany's unit labor cost in the 2000s has declined by 3% while the unit labor cost in France, Greece, and Spain went up by over 20% and in Italy by over 40%
2011: Italy's parliament appoints Mario Monti in charged of a non-political government to rescue Italy from a financial crisis
2011: Italy's youth unemployment hits 31% while its national debt is 123% of GDP
Apr 2012: More than 20 entrepreneurs commit suicide in the first four months of 2012 after their businesses fail
Feb 2012: The party of comedian Beppe Grillo wins the most votes
Oct 2013: About 400 illegal immigrants from Africa die when a boat sinks off the coast of Lampedusa
2013: Silvio Berlusconi is sentenced first to four years in jail for tax fraud and then to seven years for having sex with an underage girl
2013: Italy's economy has shrunk by 9% since 2007 and unemployment among young people (15-24 years old) is 40%
Feb 2014: The 39-year-old former mayor of Firenze/Florence, Matteo Renzi, becomes Italy's youngest-ever prime minister
Sep 2014: Italy enters its third recession in six years, its GDP has contracted by 9% since 2007, and youth unemployment hits a record 44.2%
Dec 2014: Almost 170,000 illegal migrants have arrived in Italy by sea during 2014, about three times the 2013 total
Jan 2015: The unemployment rate hits 13,4%, the highest in 27 years, and among young people it hits 43,9%
Apr 2015: A ship of illegal immigrants capsizes off the coast of Sicily killing at least 700 people, the biggest such disaster of all times
Aug 2016: An earthquake in central Italy kills 278 people
Dec 2016: Eurosceptic populists and nationalist parties win a referendum against a constitutional reform causing prime minister Matteo Renzi to resign, replaced by Paolo Gentiloni
2016: A record number of illegal immigrants enters Italy from North Africa, more than 170,000
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Which chemist discovered oxygen in 1774, calling it 'dephlogisticated air'? | The Discovery of Oxygen
The Discovery of Oxygen
Zuse Konrad
Who Discovered Oxygen?
Everyone needs oxygen to survive � man and animals alike. Furthermore, oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe and makes up nearly 21% of the earth's atmosphere. Oxygen accounts for nearly half of the mass of the earth's crust, two thirds of the mass of the human body and nine tenths of the mass of water.
In this page we will try to outline the path to the discovery of this important substance.
Oxygen was discovered for the first time by a Swedish Chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele , in 1772. Joseph Priestly , an English chemist, independently, discovered oxygen in 1774 and published his findings the same year, three years before Scheele published. Antoine Lavoisier , a French chemist, also discovered oxygen in 1775, was the first to recognize it as an element, and coined its name "oxygen" - which comes from a Greek word that means �acid-former�.
There is a historic dispute about who discovered oxygen. Most credit Priestly alone or Both Priestly and Scheele. To learn more about this dispute go to the link section, at the bottom of this page.
Famous Experiments
Oxygen from Minerals
In 1772, Carl Wilhelm Scheele discovered that red-hot manganese oxide produces a gas. He called the gas "fire air" because of the brilliant sparks it produced when it came in contact with hot charcoal dust. He repeated this experiment by heating potassium nitrate, mercury oxide, and many other materials and produced the same gas. He collected the gas in pure form using a small bag. He explained the properties of �fire air� using the phlogiston theory, which was soon discredited by Lavoisier. He carefully recorded his experiments in his notes, but waited several years before publishing them.
In 1774, Priestley repeated Scheele�s experiments using a 12-inch-wide glass "burning lens", he focused sunlight on a lump of reddish mercuric oxide in an inverted glass container. The gas emitted, he found, was "five or six times as good as common air." (1) In succeeding tests, it caused a flame to burn intensely and kept a mouse alive about four times as long as a similar quantity of air.
Priestley, a big supporter of the phlogiston theory, called his discovery "dephlogisticated air" on the theory that it supported combustion so well because it had no phlogiston in it, and hence could absorb the maximum amount during burning.
Repeat Scheele�s and Priestley experiments:
Warning: Heating up materials and breathing vapors could be very dangerous. As a rule: this experiment should be performed under the supervision of teachers or adults familiar with safety procedures. Consult your teacher or other knowledgeable adults and experts about how to obtain the mentioned materials and how to use them properly and safely in this experiment. Do not do this experiment alone!
Consult the link section and further resources provided. Ensure that you understand the basic principals. Surf the web and consult your local library, your teacher and other knowledgeable adults and experts.
Oxygen from Plants
In August of 1771, Joseph Priestley , put a sprig of mint into a transparent closed space with a candle that burned out the air until it soon went out. After 27 days, he relit the extinguished candle again and it burned perfectly well in the air that previously would not support it. And how did Priestley light the candle if it was placed in a closed space? He focused sun light beams with a mirror onto the candle wick (Priestley had no bright source of light, and had to rely on the sun). Today, of course, we can use more sophisticated methods to light the candle like focusing light from a flood light through converging lens, or by an electrical spark.
So priestly proved that plants somehow change the composition of the air.
In another celebrated Experiment from 1772, Priestley kept a mouse in a jar of air until it collapsed. He found that a mouse kept with a plant would survive. However, we do not recommend to repeat this experiment and hurt innocent animals.
These kinds of observations led Priestley to offer an interesting hypothesis that plants restore to the air whatever breathing animals and burning candles remove - what was later coined by Lavoisier "oxygen".
In these experiments, Priestly was the first to observe that plants release oxygen into the air - the process known to us as photosynthesis .
Repeat Joseph Priestley's Experiments:
| Joseph Priestley |
The 'running of the bulls' is part of the San Fermin Festival held in which Spanish city? | The room (laboratory) where Joseph Priestley discovered Ox… | Flickr
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Priestley
In August 1774 he isolated an "air" that appeared to be completely new, but he did not have an opportunity to pursue the matter because he was about to tour Europe with Shelburne. While in Paris, however, Priestley managed to replicate the experiment for others, including French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. After returning to Britain in January 1775, he continued his experiments and discovered "vitriolic acid air" (sulfur dioxide, SO2). In March he wrote to several people regarding the new "air" that he had discovered in August. One of these letters was read aloud to the Royal Society, and a paper outlining the discovery, titled "An Account of further Discoveries in Air", was published in the Society's journal Philosophical Transactions. Priestley called the new substance "dephlogisticated air"; he first tested it on mice, who surprised him by surviving quite a while entrapped with the air, and then on himself, writing that it was "five or six times better than common air for the purpose of respiration, inflammation, and, I believe, every other use of common atmospherical air". He had discovered oxygen gas (O2).
Priestley assembled his oxygen paper and several others into a second volume of Experiments and Observations on Air, published in 1776. He did not emphasize his discovery of "dephlogisticated air" (leaving it to Part III of the volume) but instead argued in the preface how important such discoveries were to rational religion. His paper narrated the discovery chronologically, relating the long delays between experiments and his initial puzzlements; thus, it is difficult to determine when exactly Priestley "discovered" oxygen. Such dating is significant as both Lavoisier and Swedish pharmacist Carl Wilhelm Scheele have strong claims to the discovery of oxygen as well, Scheele having been the first to isolate the gas (although he published after Priestley) and Lavoisier having been the first to describe it as purified "air itself entire without alteration" (that is, the first to explain oxygen without phlogiston theory).
In his paper "Observations on Respiration and the Use of the Blood", Priestley was the first to suggest a connection between blood and air, although he did so using phlogiston theory. In typical Priestley fashion, he prefaced the paper with a history of the study of respiration. A year later, clearly influenced by Priestley, Lavoisier was also discussing respiration at the Académie des sciences. Lavoisier's work began the long train of discovery that produced papers on oxygen respiration and culminated in the overthrow of phlogiston theory and the establishment of modern chemistry.
Around 1779 Priestley and Shelburne had a rupture, the precise reasons for which remain unclear. Shelburne blamed Priestley's health, while Priestley claimed Shelburne had no further use for him. Some contemporaries speculated that Priestley's outspokenness had hurt Shelburne's political career. Schofield argues that the most likely reason was Shelburne's recent marriage to Louisa Fitzpatrick—apparently, she did not like the Priestleys. Although Priestley considered moving to America, he eventually accepted Birmingham New Meeting's offer to be their minister.
Done
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To which 'Hogwarts' school house does 'Harry Potter' belong? | Hogwarts Houses | Harry Potter Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia
— Albus Dumbledore [src]
It seems that the Sorting Hat tended to place students based on qualities they valued rather than qualities they exhibited. This was never more apparent than with Peter Pettigrew , who was sorted into Gryffindor but ultimately turned out to be quite cowardly, self-serving and corruptible. He was probably placed there because at the time, he admired strong, brave individuals like James Potter and Sirius Black . It is also evident in Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle , who despite being stupid and rather lazy, were placed in Slytherin , the house of the clever and ambitious. They flocked around Draco Malfoy , who they admired and who exhibited the traits of Slytherin.
The Sorting Hat could detect nascent qualities in a student and place them in the House that would challenge them and put their character to the test. Case in point, Neville Longbottom was sorted into Gryffindor because the Hat sensed that he was capable of demonstrating bravery and leadership during his time at Hogwarts. However, these qualities did not fully surface until Neville learned to believe in himself.
The Hat also appeared to take the students' wishes into account, considering how one's personal choices are very much of a reflection of the qualities that they valued in themselves. Just because someone was placed in a certain House did not mean that they could not display characteristics of other Houses. Harry Potter , for instance, embodied many of the traits that were appreciated by Salazar Slytherin . He was clever, resourceful and cunning, yet the Sorting Hat made him a Gryffindor because the very fact that he asked not to be in Slytherin showed that he did not belong there. A true Slytherin would not have had any doubts about whether or not it was the right House for them.
One of the biggest examples of this was Severus Snape . At one point, Albus Dumbledore observed that his loyal, courageous nature was much more befitted to Gryffindor . However, as a child, Snape's sadism, disdain for Muggles, and sheer cunning and ambition made him an obvious Slytherin when he first came to Hogwarts.
House dynamics
The four houses are rather separate entities. Each has its own common room and dormitory, its own table in the Great Hall , and students mostly share lessons with classmates of their same house. There is no rule against students from different houses mingling, but in practise a good majority of social interactions occur within the same house. Each house had one teacher who acted as its Head of House. Each house also had a house ghost. The function they serve (if any) is unknown, although they might be like house mascots. Each Head of House and house ghost was previously a pupil within that house.
A great deal of rivalry exists between the houses, not always friendly. This rivalry was demonstrated in the Quidditch matches and the annual school competition for the House Cup, which was determined by the number of points earned or lost by each member of the rival houses. These points were awarded or taken based on students' conduct throughout the school year. All members of the faculty and the Head Boy and Girl have the authority to grant and deduct points as they see fit in each instance. [1] Some, like Severus Snape , the former Potions master , tended to favour their own house, but that does not seem to be against the rules. He was despised by many students, other than those in Slytherin, where he was very popular. It was not known how much favouritism the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Heads showed, although it can be deduced that it was minimal or non-existent, as both Professor Filius Flitwick (of Ravenclaw) and Professor Pomona Sprout (Hufflepuff) were kind, lighthearted people, who obviously wanted to win the House and Quidditch Cups but were not as vindictive as Snape in going about it. It is known that Professor Minerva McGonagall , the stern head of Gryffindor, did not show much favouritism towards her house. In fact, she deducted 50 points apiece and awarded detentions to three students in her house (Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom when they were caught out of bed after hours in Harry's first year), and supported Professor Snape wholeheartedly in giving Harry detentions for the rest of the school year, even on overlapping Quidditch matches, after Harry used the Sectumsempra spell on Draco Malfoy in Harry's sixth year.
According to Rubeus Hagrid , "There isn't a wizard that's gone bad that wasn't in Slytherin ," (though this is for the most part correct, there are a few exceptions, former Gryffindor Peter Pettigrew the most notable of them). None of this necessarily means, however, that all Slytherins are evil ( Horace Slughorn for example). Slytherins were chosen for their cunning and pure-blood heritage (although blood purity did not appear to be essential - Lord Voldemort and Snape were half-bloods , though they both were prejudiced). It has also been said that all four houses must band together and fight as one if Hogwarts is to stand. It must be remembered that all of the Houses had their virtues and flaws: none were inherently good or evil. Slytherins may have earned their reputation as evil because they showed such contempt towards Gryffindor , the protagonist house. They also did not show much generosity towards other houses either, whether those in them were pure-blood or not.
House rivalry was most seen between Slytherin and Gryffindor ("Gryffindor and Slytherin students loathed each other on principle" [HP6] ). This rivalry likely goes back to the days of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin after they founded Hogwarts , because the Sorting Hat said that they were the best of friends before they founded the school. [HP5] While it is not clear if there is a similar rivalry between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff , it seems fairly unlikely due to the cheerful disposition of the Heads for said Houses, as opposed to the contempt of Professor Snape and the passion of Professor McGonagall. ( Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff , however, once great friends, are documented as having had a severe falling out at some point by the Sorting Hat's song in 1996 . It was sometimes thought that there was some dislike between the members of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff due to the Ravenclaw students' reputation for boasting about their intelligence, which often annoyed Hufflepuffs, who were known for being modest, gentle and kind. As a whole, Gryffindors were thought to get on best with Hufflepuffs, whereas Ravenclaws were thought to be quite friendly with Slytherins. There are certain exceptions however, such as Harry's friendliness with Cho Chang and Luna Lovegood, both from Ravenclaw, as well as Cho's relationship with Cedric Diggory, a Hufflepuff.
Usually, though not always, the other two houses appeared (in Harry's eyes) to support Gryffindor in its rivalry with Slytherin, which again is reminiscent of how Slytherin was in the end opposed by all three of the other founders. One exception to this occurred when Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin all initially supported Hufflepuff's Cedric Diggory instead of Gryffindor's Harry Potter in the Triwizard Tournament . [HP4] Also in the first Quidditch match of 1996, it was said that many of the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had "taken sides" in the Gryffindor vs Slytherin match, but does not specify which Houses took which side.
The Houses of Hogwarts
Main article: Gryffindor
Gryffindor values bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry. Its emblematic animal is the lion and its colours are scarlet and gold . Minerva McGonagall is the most recent Head of Gryffindor . Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington , also known as "Nearly Headless Nick", was the house ghost. The founder of the house was Godric Gryffindor . Gryffindor corresponds to the element of Fire. The common room is located in one of the highest towers at Hogwarts, the entrance is situated on the seventh floor in the east wing of the castle and is guarded by a portrait of The Fat Lady. She permits entrance if given the correct password, which is changed numerous times throughout the school year. Famous Gryffindors include: Albus Dumbledore , Harry Potter , and Celestina Warbeck .
Hufflepuff
Main article: Hufflepuff
Hufflepuff, founded by Helga Hufflepuff , values hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play. Its emblematic animal is the badger , and Yellow and Black are its colours. Pomona Sprout was the Head of Hufflepuff during 1991 - 1998, Sprout left the post of Head of Hufflepuff and Herbology Professor sometime before 2017 and her successor for the position of Head of Hufflepuff is currently unknown. The Fat Friar is its ghost. Hufflepuff corresponds to the element of earth . The Hufflepuff dormitories and common room are located somewhere in the basement, near the castle's kitchens. It can be accessed by tapping the barrel two from the bottom, middle of the second row in the rhythm of "Helga Hufflepuff" and is described as being a cosy and welcoming place with yellow hangings, fat armchairs, and underground tunnels that lead to the dormitories, which have perfectly round doors, similar to barrel tops. Famous Hufflepuffs include: Hengist of Woodcroft (founder of Hogsmeade), Newt Scamander , and Artemisia Lufkin (first female minister for magic).
Ravenclaw
Main article: Ravenclaw
Ravenclaw values intelligence, knowledge, and wit. Its emblematic animal is the eagle, and its colours are blue and bronze. The Ravenclaw Head of House in the 1990s was Filius Flitwick . The ghost of Ravenclaw is the Grey Lady , who was the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw , the house's founder. Ravenclaw corresponds to the element of air . The Ravenclaw common room and dormitories are located in a tower on the west side of the castle. Ravenclaw students must answer a riddle as opposed to giving a password to enter their dormitories. This riddle, however, can be answered by non-Ravenclaws. Famous Ravenclaws include: Gilderoy Lockheart , Ignatia Wildsmith (inventor of floo powder), and Garrick Ollivander .
Slytherin
Main article: Slytherin
Slytherin house values ambition, cunning and resourcefulness and was founded by Salazar Slytherin . Its emblematic animal is the serpent , and its colours are emerald green and silver. Professor Horace Slughorn was the Head of Slytherin during the 1997–1998 school year , replacing Severus Snape , who as well, replaced Slughorn when he retired for the first time several years prior. The Bloody Baron is the house ghost. Slytherin corresponds roughly to the element of water . The Slytherin dormitories and common room are reached through a bare stone wall in the Dungeons . The Slytherin common room lies beneath the Black Lake. It is a long, low underground room with rough stone walls and silver lamps hanging from the ceiling. Famous Slytherins include: Merlin , Tom Riddle , and Dolores Umbridge .
Behind the scenes
Each House represents one of the four classical elements: Fire ( Gryffindor ), Earth ( Hufflepuff ), Air ( Ravenclaw ), and Water ( Slytherin ). Each of these also represents one of the four states of matter: Plasma (Fire, Gryffindor), Gas (Air, Ravenclaw), Liquid (Water, Slytherin), and Solid (Earth, Hufflepuff).
Slytherin stands out as the only House whose primary colour is not one the three primary colours; red, blue, and yellow. This may be because members of Slytherin have a tendency to break the mold.
| Hogwarts |
What was the name of the US Space Shuttle that exploded upon take-off in 1986, killing all seven crew members? | Harry Potter:Which Hogwarts House Do You Belong In? Lyrics | LyricWikia | Fandom powered by Wikia
Harry Potter:Which Hogwarts House Do You Belong In? Lyrics
1,877,157pages on
This song is by Harry Potter .
What kind of sorcerer are you?
How do you do the things you do?
Share with me your secrets deep inside.
What kind of sorcerer are you?
Are you loyal through and through?
And do you have a heart that's true?
What kind of sorcerer are you?
If you're the loyal kind you're a Hufflepuff,
Here you won't find people who are too tough.
The badger's the symbol of the house,
and in Hufflepuff Tower there's nary a mouse!
What kind of sorcerer are you?
How do you do the things you do?
If you're sneaky you're in Slytherin,
They'll do whatever it takes to win!
Good luck with Snape and his Potions class,
Make one wrong move and you won't pass!
What kind of sorcerer are you?
How do you do the things you do?
Share with me your secrets deep inside.
What kind of sorcerer are you?
Are you loyal through and through?
And do you have a heart that's true?
What kind of sorcerer are you?
If you're brave as a lion, go Gryffindor!
When they win they let out a mighty roar!
You'll be like Harry Potter and his friends,
and your Hogwarts adventure will not soon end!
What kind of sorcerer are you?
How do you do the things you do?
Last but not least there's Ravenclaw,
and they're the smartest people I ever saw.
Those are the houses at Hogwarts School,
so put me on, don't be a fool!
What kind of sorcerer are you?
How do you do the things you do?
Share with me your secrets deep inside.
What kind of sorcerer are you?
Are you loyal through and through?
And do you have a heart that's true?
What kind of sorcerer are you?
All who are here will be a wizard or witch
Try to win at Quidditch!
Our plan is this: gotta teach 'em all!
The Hogwarts spirit never falls...
What kind of sorcerer are you?
How do you do the things you do?
Share with me your secrets deep inside.
What kind of sorcerer are you?
Are you loyal through and through?
And do you have a heart that's true?
What kind of sorcerer are you?
What kind of sorcerer are you?
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What was the name of the US Space Shuttle that disintegrated over Texas during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere in 2003, killing all 7 crew members? | Columbia Disaster: What Happened, What NASA Learned
Columbia Disaster: What Happened, What NASA Learned
By Elizabeth Howell, Space.com Contributor |
February 1, 2013 10:00am ET
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On Feb. 1, 2003, space shuttle Columbia broke up as it returned to Earth, killing the seven astronauts on board. NASA suspended space shuttle flights for more than two years as it investigated the disaster.
An investigation board determined that a large piece of foam fell from the shuttle's external tank and fatally breached the spacecraft wing. This problem with foam had been known for years, and NASA came under intense scrutiny in Congress and in the media for allowing the situation to continue.
A close-up view of the Space Shuttle Columbia as it orbits Earth in National Geographic Channel's "Seconds from Disaster: Columbia's Last Flight."
Credit: National Geographic Channel.
A fatal strike
Columbia , on mission STS-107, left Earth for the last time on Jan. 16, 2003. At the time, the shuttle program was focused on building the International Space Station . However, STS-107 stood apart as it emphasized pure research.
The seven-member crew — Rick Husband, commander; Michael Anderson, payload commander; David Brown, mission specialist; Kalpana Chawla , mission specialist; Laurel Clark, mission specialist; William McCool, pilot; Ilan Ramon, payload specialist from the Israeli Space Agency — spent 24 hours a day doing science experiments in two shifts. They performed around 80 experiments in life sciences, material sciences, fluid physics and other matters.
This image of the STS-107 shuttle Columbia crew in orbit was recovered from wreckage inside an undeveloped film canister. The shirt colors indicate their mission shifts. From left (bottom row): Kalpana Chawla, mission specialist; Rick Husband, commander; Laurel Clark, mission specialist; and Ilan Ramon, payload specialist. From left (top row) are astronauts David Brown, mission specialist; William McCool, pilot; and Michael Anderson, payload commander. Ramon represents the Israeli Space Agency.
Credit: NASA/JSC
During the crew's 16 days in space, NASA was investigating a foam strike during launch. About 82 seconds after Columbia left the ground, a piece of foam fell from a "bipod ramp" that was part of a structure that attached the external tank to the shuttle. Video from the launch appeared to show the foam striking Columbia's left wing.
Several people within NASA pushed to get pictures of the breached wing in orbit. The Department of Defense was reportedly prepared to use its orbital spy cameras to get a closer look. However, NASA officials in charge declined the offer, according to the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) and "Comm Check," a book about the disaster.
This image is a view of the underside of Columbia during its entry from mission STS-107 on Feb. 1, 2003, as it passed by the Starfire Optical Range, Directed Energy Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The image was taken at approximately 7:57 a.m. CST. This image was received by NASA as part of the Columbia accident investigation and is being analyzed.
Credit: NASA
On Feb. 1, 2003, the shuttle made its usual landing approach to the Kennedy Space Center. Just before 9 a.m. EST, however, abnormal readings showed up at Mission Control. They lost temperature readings from sensors located on the left wing. Then, tire pressure readings from the left side also vanished.
The Capcom, or spacecraft communicator, called up to Columbia to discuss the tire pressure readings. At 8:59:32 a.m., Husband called back from Columbia: "Roger," followed by a word that was cut off in mid-sentence.
At that point, Columbia was near Dallas, travelling 18 times the speed of sound and still 200,700 feet (61,170 meters) above the ground. Mission Control made several attempts to get in touch with the astronauts, with no success.
It was later found that a hole on the left wing allowed atmospheric gases to bleed into the shuttle as it went through its fiery re-entry, leading to the loss of the sensors and eventually, Columbia itself.
Searching for debris
Twelve minutes later, when Columbia should have been making its final approach to the runway, a mission controller received a phone call. The caller said a television network was showing video of the shuttle breaking up in the sky.
Shortly afterward, NASA declared a space shuttle "contingency" and sent search and rescue teams to the suspected debris sites in Texas and later, Louisiana. Later that day, NASA declared the astronauts lost.
“This is indeed a tragic day for the NASA family, for the families of the astronauts who flew on STS-107, and likewise is tragic for the nation,” stated NASA's administrator at the time, Sean O’Keefe.
An overall view of the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). At the time this photo was taken, flight controllers had just lost contact with the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Credit: NASA
The search for debris took weeks, as it was shed over a field of some 2,000 square miles (5,180 square kilometers) in east Texas alone. NASA eventually recovered 84,000 pieces, representing nearly 40 percent of Columbia. Among them were the crew remains, which were identified with DNA.
Much later, in 2008, NASA released a crew survival report detailing the Columbia crew's last few minutes. The astronauts probably survived the initial breakup of Columbia, but lost consciousness in seconds after the cabin lost pressure and then died as it disintegrated.
Report calls for more funding, emphasis on safety
In the weeks after the disaster, a dozen officials began sifting through the Columbia disaster, led by Harold W. Gehman Jr., former commander-in-chief of the U.S. Joint Forces Command. The Columbia Accident Investigation Board, or CAIB, as it was later known, later released a multi-volume report on how the shuttle was destroyed, and what led to it.
Besides the physical cause – the foam – CAIB had a damning assessment about the culture at NASA that led to the foam problem and other safety issues being minimized over the years.
"Cultural traits and organizational practices detrimental to safety were allowed to develop," the board wrote, citing "reliance on past success as a substitute for sound engineering practices" and "organizational barriers that prevented effective communication of critical safety information" among the problems found.
CAIB recommended NASA ruthlessly seek and eliminate safety problems, such as the foam, to help astronaut safety in future missions. It also called for more predictable funding and political support for the agency, and added that the shuttle must be replaced with a new transportation system.
"The shuttle is now an aging system but still developmental in character. It is in the nation's interest to replace the shuttle as soon as possible," the report stated.
Returning to flight
The shuttle's external tank was redesigned, and other safety measures implemented. In July 2005, STS-114 lifted off and tested a suite of new procedures, including one where astronauts used cameras and a robotic arm to scan the shuttle's belly for broken tiles . NASA also put more camera views on the shuttle during liftoff to better monitor foam shedding.
Due to more foam loss than expected , the next shuttle flight did not take place until July 2006. After STS-121's safe conclusion, NASA deemed the program ready to move forward and shuttles resumed flying several times a year.
"We're still going to watch and we're still going to pay attention," STS-121 commander Steve Lindsey said at the time. "We're never ever going to let our guard down."
Columbia's loss – as well as the loss of several other space-bound crews – receives a public tribute every year at NASA's Day of Remembrance . That date is marked in late January or early February because, coincidentally, the Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia crews were all lost in that calendar week.
The crew has received several tributes to their memory over the years. On Mars, the rover Spirit's landing site was ceremonially named Columbia Memorial Station . Also, seven asteroids orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter now bear the crew's names.
— Elizabeth Howell, SPACE.com Contributor
| Columbia |
Which batsman got the first ever Test century for England, when he scored 152 in a Test versus Australia at The Oval in 1876? | Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
Additional information
Event
The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurred on February 1, 2003, when Columbia disintegrated over Texas and Louisiana as it reentered Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven crew members. During the launch of STS-107, Columbia's 28th mission, a piece of foam insulation broke off from the Space Shuttle external tank and struck the left wing. A few previous shuttle launches had seen minor damage from foam shedding, but some engineers suspected that the damage to Columbia was more serious. NASA managers limited the investigation, reasoning that the crew could not have fixed the problem if it had been confirmed.
When Columbia reentered the atmosphere of Earth, the damage allowed hot atmospheric gases to penetrate and destroy the internal wing structure, which caused the spacecraft to become unstable and slowly break apart.
After the disaster, Space Shuttle flight operations were suspended for more than two years, similar to the aftermath of the Challenger disaster. Construction of the International Space Station (ISS) was put on hold; the station relied entirely on the Russian Federal Space Agency for resupply for 29 months until Shuttle flights resumed with STS-114 and 41 months for crew rotation until STS-121.
Several technical and organizational changes were made, including adding a thorough on-orbit inspection to determine how well the shuttle's thermal protection system had endured the ascent, and keeping a designated rescue mission ready in case irreparable damage was found. Except for one final mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, subsequent missions were flown only to the ISS so that the crew could use it as a "safe haven" in case damage to the orbiter prevented safe reentry.
Crew
Commander: Rick D. Husband, a U.S. Air Force colonel and mechanical engineer, who piloted a previous shuttle during the first docking with the International Space Station (STS-96).
Pilot: William C. McCool, a U.S. Navy commander
Payload Commander: Michael P. Anderson, a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and physicist who was in charge of the science mission.
Payload Specialist: Ilan Ramon, a colonel in the Israeli Air Force and the first Israeli astronaut.
Mission Specialist: Kalpana Chawla, an Indian-born aerospace engineer who was on her second space mission.
Mission Specialist: David M. Brown, a U.S. Navy captain trained as an aviator and flight surgeon. Brown worked on scientific experiments.
Mission Specialist: Laurel Blair Salton Clark, a U.S. Navy captain and flight surgeon. Clark worked on biological experiments.
Debris strike during launch
The shuttle's main fuel tank is covered in thermal insulation foam intended to prevent ice from forming when the tank is full of liquid hydrogen and oxygen. Such ice could damage the shuttle if shed during lift-off.
Mission STS-107 was the 113th Space Shuttle launch. Planned to begin on January 11, 2001, the mission was delayed 18 times and eventually launched on January 16, 2003, following STS-113 (The Columbia Accident Investigation Board determined that this delay had nothing to do with the catastrophic failure).
About 82 seconds after launch from Kennedy Space Center's LC-39-A, a suitcase-size piece of foam broke off from the External Tank (ET), striking Columbia's left wing reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) panels. As demonstrated by ground experiments conducted by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, this likely created a 6-to-10-inch (15 to 25 cm) diameter hole, allowing hot gases to enter the wing when Columbia later reentered the atmosphere. At the time of the foam strike, the orbiter was at an altitude of about 66,000 feet (20 km; 12.5 mi), traveling at Mach 2.46 (1,870 miles per hour or 840 meters per second).
The Left Bipod Foam Ramp is an approximately three-foot (one-meter) aerodynamic component made entirely of foam. The foam, not normally considered to be a structural material, is required to bear some aerodynamic loads. Because of these special requirements, the casting-in-place and curing of the ramps may be performed only by a senior technician. The bipod ramp (having left and right sides) was originally designed to reduce aerodynamic stresses around the bipod attachment points at the external tank, but it was proven unnecessary in the wake of the accident and was removed from the external tank design for tanks flown after STS-107 (another foam ramp along the liquid oxygen line was also later removed from the tank design to eliminate it as a foam debris source, after complex analysis and tests proved this change safe).
Bipod Ramp insulation had been observed falling off, in whole or in part, on four previous flights: STS-7 (1983), STS-32 (1990), STS-50 (1992) and most recently STS-112 (just two launches before STS-107). All affected shuttle missions completed successfully. NASA management came to refer to this phenomenon as "foam shedding". As with the O-ring erosion problems that ultimately doomed the Space Shuttle Challenger, NASA management became accustomed to these phenomena when no serious consequences resulted from these earlier episodes. This phenomenon was termed "normalization of deviance" by sociologist Diane Vaughan in her book on the Challenger launch decision process.
As it happened, STS-112 had been the first flight with the "ET Cam", a video feed mounted on the ET for the purpose of giving greater insight to the foam shedding problem. During that launch a chunk of foam broke away from the ET bipod ramp and hit the SRB-ET Attach Ring near the bottom of the left solid rocket booster (SRB) causing a dent four inches wide and three inches deep in it. After STS-112, NASA leaders analyzed the situation and decided to press ahead under the justification that "[t]he ET is safe to fly with no new concerns (and no added risk)" of further foam strikes.
Video taken during lift-off of STS-107 was routinely reviewed two hours later and revealed nothing unusual. The following day, higher-resolution film that had been processed overnight revealed the foam debris striking the left wing, potentially damaging the thermal protection on the Space Shuttle. At the time, the exact location where the foam struck the wing could not be determined due to the low resolution of the tracking camera footage.
Meanwhile, NASA's judgement about the risks was revisited. Chair of the Mission Management Team (MMT) Linda Ham said the "Rationale was lousy then and still is." Ham and Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore had both been present at the October 31, 2002, meeting where the decision to continue with launches was made.
Post-107 analysis revealed that two previous shuttle launches (STS-52 and -62) also had bipod ramp foam loss that went undetected. In addition, Protuberance Air Load (PAL) ramp foam had also shed pieces, and there were also spot losses from large-area foams.
Flight risk management
In a risk-management scenario similar to the Challenger disaster, NASA management failed to recognize the relevance of engineering concerns for safety for imaging to inspect possible damage, and failed to respond to engineer requests about the status of astronaut inspection of the left wing. Engineers made three separate requests for Department of Defense (DOD) imaging of the shuttle in orbit to more precisely determine damage. While the images were not guaranteed to show the damage, the capability existed for imaging of sufficient resolution to provide meaningful examination. NASA management did not honor the requests and in some cases intervened to stop the DOD from assisting. The CAIB recommended subsequent shuttle flights be imaged while in orbit using ground-based or space-based DOD assets. Details of the DOD's unfulfilled participation with Columbia remain secret; retired NASA official Wayne Hale stated in 2012 that "[a]ctivity regarding other national assets and agencies remains classified and I cannot comment on that aspect of the Columbia tragedy."
Throughout the risk assessment process, senior NASA managers were influenced by their belief that nothing could be done even if damage was detected. This affected their stance on investigation urgency, thoroughness and possible contingency actions. They decided to conduct a parametric "what-if" scenario study more suited to determine risk probabilities of future events, instead of inspecting and assessing the actual damage. The investigation report in particular singled out NASA manager Linda Ham for exhibiting this attitude. In 2013, Hale recalled that Director of Mission Operations John Harpold told him before Columbia 's destruction:
You know, there is nothing we can do about damage to the TPS [Thermal Protection System]. If it has been damaged it's probably better not to know. I think the crew would rather not know. Don't you think it would be better for them to have a happy successful flight and die unexpectedly during entry than to stay on orbit, knowing that there was nothing to be done, until the air ran out?
Hale added, "I was hard pressed to disagree [at the time]. That mindset was widespread. Astronauts agreed. So don't blame an individual; look for the organizational factors that lead to that kind of a mindset. Don't let them in your organization."
Much of the risk assessment hinged on damage predictions to the thermal protection system. These fall into two categories: damage to the silica tile on the wing lower surface, and damage to the reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) leading-edge panels (The TPS includes a third category of components: thermal insulating blankets; but damage predictions are not typically performed on them. Damage assessments on the thermal blankets can be performed after an anomaly has been observed, and this has been done at least once after the return to flight following Columbia's loss).
Before the flight NASA believed that the RCC was very durable. Charles F. Bolden, who worked on tile-damage scenarios and repair methods early in his astronaut career, said in 2004 that
never did we talk about [the RCC] because we all thought that it was impenetrable ... I spent fourteen years in the space program flying, thinking that I had this huge mass that was about five or six inches thick on the leading edge of the wing. And, to find after Columbia that it was fractions of an inch thick, and that it wasn't as strong as the Fiberglas on your Corvette, that was an eye-opener, and I think for all of us ... the best minds that I know of, in and outside of NASA, never envisioned that as a failure mode.
Damage-prediction software was used to evaluate possible tile and RCC damage. The tool for predicting tile damage was known as "Crater", described by several NASA representatives in press briefings as not actually a software program but rather a statistical spreadsheet of observed past flight events and effects. The "Crater" tool predicted severe penetration of multiple tiles by the impact if it struck the TPS tile area, but NASA engineers downplayed this. The engineers believed that results showing that the model overstated damage from small projectiles meant that the same would be true of larger Spray-On Foam Insulation (SOFI) impacts. The program used to predict RCC damage was based on small ice impacts the size of cigarette butts, not larger SOFI impacts, as the ice impacts were the only recognized threats to RCC panels up to that point. Under 1 of 15 predicted SOFI impact paths, the software predicted an ice impact would completely penetrate the RCC panel. Engineers downplayed this, too, believing that impacts of the less dense SOFI material would result in less damage than ice impacts. In an e-mail exchange, NASA managers questioned whether the density of the SOFI could be used as justification for reducing predicted damage. Despite engineering concerns about the energy imparted by the SOFI material, NASA managers ultimately accepted the rationale to reduce predicted damage of the RCC panels from possible complete penetration to slight damage to the panel's thin coating.
Ultimately the NASA Mission Management Team felt there was insufficient evidence to indicate that the strike was an unsafe situation, so they declared the debris strike a "turnaround" issue (not of highest importance) and denied the requests for the Department of Defense images.
On January 23, flight director Steve Stich sent an e-mail to Columbia, informing commander Husband and pilot McCool of the foam strike while unequivocally dismissing any concerns about entry safety.
During ascent at approximately 80 seconds, photo analysis shows that some debris from the area of the -Y ET Bipod Attach Point came loose and subsequently impacted the orbiter left wing, in the area of transition from Chine to Main Wing, creating a shower of smaller particles. The impact appears to be totally on the lower surface and no particles are seen to traverse over the upper surface of the wing. Experts have reviewed the high speed photography and there is no concern for RCC or tile damage. We have seen this same phenomenon on several other flights and there is absolutely no concern for entry.
Re-entry timeline
Columbia was scheduled to land at 9:16 a.m. EST.
2:30 a.m. EST, February 1, 2003: The Entry Flight Control Team began duty in the Mission Control Center.
The Flight Control Team had not been working on any issues or problems related to the planned de-orbit and re-entry of Columbia. In particular, the team had indicated no concerns about the debris that hit the left wing during ascent, and treated the re-entry like any other. The team worked through the de-orbit preparation checklist and re-entry checklist procedures. Weather forecasters, with the help of pilots in the Shuttle Training Aircraft, evaluated landing-site weather conditions at the Kennedy Space Center.
8:00: Mission Control Center Entry Flight Director LeRoy Cain polled the Mission Control room for a GO/NO-GO decision for the de-orbit burn.
All weather observations and forecasts were within guidelines set by the flight rules, and all systems were normal.
8:10: The Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) told the crew that they were GO for de-orbit burn.
8:15:30 (EI-1719): Husband and McCool executed the de-orbit burn using Columbia’s two Orbital Maneuvering System engines.
The Orbiter was upside down and tail-first over the Indian Ocean at an altitude of 175 miles (282 km) and speed of 17,500 miles per hour (7.8 km/s) when the burn was executed. A 2-minute, 38-second de-orbit burn during the 255th orbit slowed the Orbiter to begin its re-entry into the atmosphere. The burn proceeded normally, putting the crew under about one-tenth gravity. Husband then turned Columbia right side up, facing forward with the nose pitched up.
8:44:09 (EI+000): Entry Interface (EI), arbitrarily defined as the point at which the Orbiter entered the discernible atmosphere at 400,000 feet (120 km; 76 mi), occurred over the Pacific Ocean.
As Columbia descended, the heat of reentry caused wing leading-edge temperatures to rise steadily, reaching an estimated 2,500 °F (1,370 °C) during the next six minutes (As former Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale said in a press briefing, about 90% of this heating is the result of compression of the atmospheric gas caused by the orbiter's supersonic flight, rather than the result of friction).
8:48:39 (EI+270): A sensor on the left wing leading edge spar showed strains higher than those seen on previous Columbia re-entries.
This was recorded only on the Modular Auxiliary Data System, which is similar in concept to a flight data recorder, and was not sent to ground controllers or shown to the crew.
8:49:32 (EI+323): Columbia executed a planned roll to the right. Speed: Mach 24.5.
Columbia began a banking turn to manage lift and therefore limit the Orbiter's rate of descent and heating.
8:50:53 (EI+404): Columbia entered a 10-minute period of peak heating, during which the thermal stresses were at their maximum. Speed: Mach 24.1; altitude: 243,000 feet (74 km; 46.0 mi).
8:52:00 (EI+471): Columbia was about 300 miles (480 km) west of the California coastline.
The wing leading-edge temperatures usually reached 2,650 °F (1,450 °C) at this point.
8:53:26 (EI+557): Columbia crossed the California coast west of Sacramento. Speed: Mach 23; altitude: 231,600 feet (70.6 km; 43.86 mi).
The Orbiter's wing leading edge typically reached more than 2,800 °F (1,540 °C) at this point.
8:53:46 (EI+577): Various people on the ground saw signs of debris being shed. Speed: Mach 22.8; altitude: 230,200 feet (70.2 km; 43.60 mi).
The superheated air surrounding the Orbiter suddenly brightened, causing a streak in the Orbiter's luminescent trail that was quite noticeable in the pre-dawn skies over the West Coast. Observers witnessed four similar events during the following 23 seconds. Dialogue on some of the amateur footage indicates the observers were aware of the abnormality of what they were filming.
8:54:24 (EI+615): The Maintenance, Mechanical, and Crew Systems (MMACS) officer told the Flight Director that four hydraulic sensors in the left wing were indicating "off-scale low". In Mission Control, re-entry had been proceeding normally up to this point.
"Off-scale low" is a reading that falls below the minimum capability of the sensor, and it usually indicates that the sensor has stopped functioning, due to internal or external factors, not that the quantity it measures is actually below the sensor's minimum response value.
8:54:25 (EI+616): Columbia crossed from California into Nevada airspace. Speed: Mach 22.5; altitude: 227,400 feet (69.3 km; 43.07 mi).
Witnesses observed a bright flash at this point and 18 similar events in the next four minutes.
8:55:00 (EI+651): Nearly 11 minutes after Columbia re-entered the atmosphere, wing leading-edge temperatures normally reached nearly 3,000 °F (1,650 °C).
8:55:32 (EI+683): Columbia crossed from Nevada into Utah. Speed: Mach 21.8; altitude: 223,400 feet (68.1 km; 42.31 mi).
8:55:52 (EI+703): Columbia crossed from Utah into Arizona.
8:56:30 (EI+741): Columbia began a roll reversal, turning from right to left over Arizona.
8:56:45 (EI+756): Columbia crossed from Arizona to New Mexico. Speed: Mach 20.9; altitude: 219,000 feet (67 km; 41.5 mi).
8:57:24 (EI+795): Columbia passed just north of Albuquerque.
8:58:00 (EI+831): At this point, wing leading-edge temperatures typically decreased to 2,880 °F (1,580 °C).
8:58:20 (EI+851): Columbia crossed from New Mexico into Texas. Speed: Mach 19.5; altitude: 209,800 feet (63.9 km; 39.73 mi).
At about this time, the Orbiter shed a Thermal Protection System tile, the most westerly piece of debris that has been recovered. Searchers found the tile in a field in Littlefield, Texas, just northwest of Lubbock.
8:59:15 (EI+906): MMACS told the Flight Director that pressure readings had been lost on both left main landing-gear tires. The Flight Director then instructed the Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) to let the crew know that Mission Control saw the messages and was evaluating the indications, and added that the Flight Control Team did not understand the crew's last transmission.
8:59:32 (EI+923): A broken response from the mission commander was recorded: "Roger, uh, bu – [cut off in mid-word] ..." It was the last communication from the crew and the last telemetry signal received in Mission Control.
8:59:37 (EI+928): Hydraulic pressure, which is required to move the flight control surfaces, was lost at about 8:59:37. At that time, the Master Alarm would have sounded for the loss of hydraulics, and the shuttle began to lose control, beginning to roll and yaw uncontrollably, and the crew would have become aware of the serious problem.
9:00:18 (EI+969): Videos and eyewitness reports by observers on the ground in and near Dallas indicated that the Orbiter had disintegrated overhead, continued to break up into more and smaller pieces, and left multiple ion trails, as it continued eastward. In Mission Control, while the loss of signal was a cause for concern, there was no sign of any serious problem. Before the orbiter broke up at 9:00:18, the Columbia cabin pressure was nominal and the crew was capable of conscious actions. The crew module remained mostly intact through the breakup, though it was damaged enough that it lost pressure at a rate fast enough to incapacitate the crew within seconds, and was completely depressurized no later than 9:00:53.
9:00:57 (EI+1008): The crew module, intact to this point, was seen breaking into small subcomponents. It disappeared from view at 9:01:10. The crew, if not already dead, were killed no later than this point.
9:05: Residents of north central Texas, particularly near Tyler, reported a loud boom, a small concussion wave, smoke trails and debris in the clear skies above the counties east of Dallas.
9:12:39 (EI+1710): After hearing of reports of the shuttle being seen to break apart, Entry Flight Director LeRoy Cain declared a contingency (events leading to loss of the vehicle) and alerted search-and-rescue teams in the debris area. He called on the Ground Controller to "lock the doors". Two minutes later, Mission Control put contingency procedures into effect. Nobody was permitted to enter or leave the room, and flight controllers had to preserve all the mission data for later investigation.
Presidential response
At 14:04 EST (19:04 UTC), President George W. Bush said, "This day has brought terrible news and great sadness to our country ... The Columbia is lost; there are no survivors". Despite the disaster, Bush said, "The cause in which they died will continue....Our journey into space will go on". Bush later declared East Texas a federal disaster area, allowing federal agencies to help with the recovery effort.
Recovery of debris
More than 2,000 debris fields were found in sparsely populated areas from Nacogdoches in East Texas, where a large amount of debris fell, to western Louisiana and the southwestern counties of Arkansas. One debris field has been mapped along a path stretching from south of Fort Worth to Hemphill, Texas, as well as into parts of Louisiana. Various notable places that had debris included Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches and several casinos in Shreveport, Louisiana. Along with pieces of the shuttle and bits of equipment, searchers also found human body parts, including arms, feet, a torso, a skull, and a heart. In the months after the disaster, the largest-ever organized ground search took place. Thousands of volunteers descended upon Texas to participate in the effort to gather the Shuttle’s remains. According to Mike Ciannilli, Project Manager of the Columbia Research and Preservation Office, "[these people] put their life on hold to help out the nation’s space program,” showing “what space means to people.” NASA issued warnings to the public that any debris could contain hazardous chemicals, that it should be left untouched, its location reported to local emergency services or government authorities, and that anyone in unauthorized possession of debris would be prosecuted. Because of the widespread area, volunteer amateur radio operators accompanied the search teams to provide communications support.
A group of small (1 mm) adult Caenorhabditis elegans worms, living in petri dishes enclosed in aluminum canisters, survived re-entry and impact with the ground and were recovered weeks after the disaster. The culture was found to be alive on April 28, 2003. The worms were part of a biological research in canisters experiment designed to study the effect of weightlessness on physiology; the experiment was conducted by Cassie Conley, NASA's current Planetary protection officer.
Debris Search Pilot Jules F. Mier Jr. and Debris Search Aviation Specialist Charles Krenek died in a helicopter crash that injured three others during the search.
Some Texas residents recovered some of the debris, ignoring the warnings, and attempted to sell it on the online auction site eBay, starting at $10,000. The auction was quickly removed, but prices for Columbia merchandise such as programs, photographs and patches, went up dramatically following the disaster, creating a surge of Columbia-related listings. A three-day amnesty offered for "looted" shuttle debris brought in hundreds of illegally recovered pieces. About 40,000 recovered pieces of debris have never been identified. The largest pieces recovered include the front landing gear, and a window frame.
On May 9, 2008, it was reported that data from a disk drive on board Columbia had survived the shuttle accident, and while part of the 340 MB drive was damaged, 99% of the data was recovered. The drive was used to store data from an experiment on the properties of shear thinning.
On July 29, 2011, Nacogdoches authorities told NASA that a 4-foot (1.2 m) diameter piece of debris had been found in a lake. NASA identified the piece as a "PRSD: power reactant storage and distribution".
All recovered non-human Columbia debris is stored in unused office space at the Vehicle Assembly Building, except for parts of the crew compartment, which are kept separate.
Crew cabin video
Among the recovered items was a videotape recording made by the astronauts during the start of re-entry. The 13-minute recording shows the flight crew astronauts conducting routine re-entry procedures and joking with each other. None gives any indication of a problem. In the video, the flight-deck crew puts on their gloves and passes the video camera around to record plasma and flames visible outside the windows of the orbiter (a normal occurrence). The recording, which on normal flights would have continued through landing, ends about four minutes before the shuttle began to disintegrate and 11 minutes before Mission Control lost the signal from the orbiter.
Investigation
Initial investigation
NASA Space Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore reported that "The first indication was loss of temperature sensors and hydraulic systems on the left wing. They were followed seconds and minutes later by several other problems, including loss of tire pressure indications on the left main gear and then indications of excessive structural heating". Analysis of 31 seconds of telemetry data which had initially been filtered out because of data corruption within it showed the shuttle fighting to maintain its orientation, eventually using maximum thrust from its Reaction Control System jets.
The investigation focused on the foam strike from the very beginning. Incidents of debris strikes from ice and foam causing damage during take-off were already well known, and had damaged orbiters, most noticeably during STS-45, STS-27, and STS-87. After the loss of Columbia, NASA concluded that mistakes during installation were the likely cause of foam loss, and retrained employees at Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to apply foam without defects. Tile damage had also been traced to ablating insulating material from the cryogenic fuel tank in the past. The composition of the foam insulation had been changed in 1997 to exclude the use of freon, a chemical that is suspected to cause ozone depletion; while NASA was exempted from legislation phasing out CFCs, the agency chose to change the foam nonetheless. STS-107 used an older "lightweight tank" (a design that was succeeded by the "superlightweight tank", both being upgrades from the original space shuttle external tank) where the foam was sprayed on to the larger cylindrical surfaces using the newer freon-free foam. However, the bipod ramps were manufactured from BX-250 foam which was excluded from the EPA regulations and did use the original freon formula. The composition change did not contribute to the accident. In any case, the original formulation had shown frequent foam losses, as discussed earlier in this article.
Columbia Accident Investigation Board
Following protocols established after the loss of Challenger, an independent investigating board was created immediately after the accident. The Columbia Accident Investigation Board, or CAIB, was chaired by retired US Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr., and consisted of expert military and civilian analysts who investigated the accident in detail.
Columbia 's flight data recorder was found near Hemphill, Texas, on March 19, 2003. Unlike commercial jet aircraft, the space shuttles did not have flight data recorders intended for after-crash analysis. Instead, the vehicle data were transmitted in real time to the ground via telemetry. Since Columbia was the first shuttle, it had a special flight data OEX (Orbiter EXperiments) recorder, designed to help engineers better understand vehicle performance during the first test flights. After the initial Shuttle test-flights were completed, the recorder was never removed from Columbia, and it was still functioning on the crashed flight. It recorded many hundreds of parameters, and contained very extensive logs of structural and other data, which allowed the CAIB to reconstruct many of the events during the process leading to breakup. Investigators could often use the loss of signals from sensors on the wing to track how the damage progressed. This was correlated with forensic debris analysis conducted at Lehigh University and other tests to obtain a final conclusion about the probable course of events.
Beginning on May 30, 2003, foam impact tests were performed by Southwest Research Institute. They used a compressed air gun to fire a foam block of similar size and mass to that which struck Columbia, at the same estimated speed. To represent the leading edge of Columbia 's left wing, RCC panels from NASA stock, along with the actual leading-edge panels from Enterprise, which were fiberglass, were mounted to a simulating structural metal frame. At the beginning of testing, the likely impact site was estimated to be between RCC panel 6 and 9, inclusive. Over many days, dozens of the foam blocks were shot at the wing leading edge model at various angles. These produced only cracks or surface damage to the RCC panels.
During June, further analysis of information from Columbia's flight data recorder narrowed the probable impact site to one single panel: RCC wing panel 8. On July 7, in a final round of testing, a block fired at the side of an RCC panel 8 created a hole 16 by 16.7 inches (41 by 42 cm) in that protective RCC panel. The tests demonstrated that a foam impact of the type Columbia sustained could seriously breach the thermal protection system on the wing leading edge.
Conclusions
On August 26, the CAIB issued its report on the accident. The report confirmed the immediate cause of the accident was a breach in the leading edge of the left wing, caused by insulating foam shed during launch. The report also delved deeply into the underlying organizational and cultural issues that led to the accident. The report was highly critical of NASA's decision-making and risk-assessment processes. It concluded the organizational structure and processes were sufficiently flawed and that a compromise of safety was expected no matter who was in the key decision-making positions. An example was the position of Shuttle Program Manager, where one individual was responsible for achieving safe, timely launches and acceptable costs, which are often conflicting goals. The CAIB report found that NASA had accepted deviations from design criteria as normal when they happened on several flights and did not lead to mission-compromising consequences. One of those was the conflict between a design specification stating that the thermal protection system was not designed to withstand significant impacts and the common occurrence of impact damage to it during flight. The board made recommendations for significant changes in processes and organizational culture.
On December 30, 2008, NASA released a further report, entitled Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report, produced by a second commission, the Spacecraft Crew Survival Integrated Investigation Team (SCSIIT). NASA had commissioned this group, "to perform a comprehensive analysis of the accident, focusing on factors and events affecting crew survival, and to develop recommendations for improving crew survival for all future human space flight vehicles." The report concluded that: "The Columbia depressurization event occurred so rapidly that the crew members were incapacitated within seconds, before they could configure the suit for full protection from loss of cabin pressure. Although circulatory systems functioned for a brief time, the effects of the depressurization were severe enough that the crew could not have regained consciousness. This event was lethal to the crew".
The report also concluded:
The crew did not have time to prepare themselves. Some crew members were not wearing their safety gloves, and one crew member was not wearing a helmet. New policies gave the crew more time to prepare for descent.
The crew's safety harnesses malfunctioned during the violent descent. The harnesses on the three remaining shuttles were upgraded after the accident.
The key recommendations of the report included that future spacecraft crew survival systems should not rely on manual activation to protect the crew.
Possible emergency procedures
The CAIB determined that a rescue mission, though risky, might have been possible provided NASA management had taken action soon enough. They stated that, had NASA management acted in time, two possible contingency procedures were available: a rescue mission by shuttle Atlantis, and an emergency spacewalk to attempt repairs to the left wing thermal protection.
Normally, a rescue mission is not possible, due to the time required to prepare a shuttle for launch, and the limited consumables (power, water, air) of an orbiting shuttle. However, Atlantis was well along in processing for a planned March 1 launch on STS-114, and Columbia carried an unusually large quantity of consumables due to an Extended Duration Orbiter package. The CAIB determined that this would have allowed Columbia to stay in orbit until flight day 30 (February 15). NASA investigators determined that Atlantis processing could have been expedited with no skipped safety checks for a February 10 launch. Hence, if nothing went wrong, there was a five-day overlap for a possible rescue. As mission control could deorbit an empty shuttle, but could not control the orbiter's reentry and landing, it would likely have sent Columbia into the Pacific Ocean; NASA later developed the Remote Control Orbiter system to permit mission control to land a shuttle. Docking at the International Space Station for use as a haven while awaiting rescue (or to use the Soyuz to systematically ferry the crew to safety) would have been impossible due to the different orbital inclination of the vehicles.
NASA investigators determined that on-orbit repair by the shuttle astronauts was possible but overall considered "high risk", primarily due to the uncertain resiliency of the repair using available materials and the anticipated high risk of doing additional damage to the Orbiter. Columbia did not carry the Canadarm, or Remote Manipulator System, which would normally be used for camera inspection or transporting a spacewalking astronaut to the wing. Therefore, an unusual emergency extra-vehicular activity (EVA) would have been required. While there was no astronaut EVA training for maneuvering to the wing, astronauts are always prepared for a similarly difficult emergency EVA to close the external tank umbilical doors located on the orbiter underside, which is necessary for reentry. Similar methods could have reached the shuttle left wing for inspection or repair.
For the repair, the CAIB determined that the astronauts would have to use tools and small pieces of titanium, or other metal, scavenged from the crew cabin. These metals would help protect the wing structure and would be held in place during re-entry by a water-filled bag that had turned into ice in the cold of space. The ice and metal would help restore wing leading edge geometry, preventing a turbulent airflow over the wing and therefore keeping heating and burn-through levels low enough for the crew to survive re-entry and bail out before landing. The CAIB could not determine whether a patched-up left wing would have survived even a modified re-entry, and concluded that the rescue option would have had a considerably higher chance of bringing Columbia's crew back alive.
Memorials
On February 4, 2003, President George W. Bush and his wife Laura led a memorial service for the astronauts' families at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Two days later, Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne led a similar service at Washington National Cathedral. Patti LaBelle sang "Way Up There" as part of the service.
On February 2, 2003, and throughout March, April, and May 2003, large memorial Catholic Brazilian masses and Roman Catholic memorial concerts were held in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and other cities in Brazil where Brazilian Catholic priest Marcelo Rossi and his concert partner Belo sang a Christian hymn "Noites Traicoeiras" (Treacherous Nights) as tribute to the seven Columbia astronauts as well as the other seven astronauts who lost their lives in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. The concerts were televised to millions throughout Brazil and the world.
On March 26, the United States House of Representatives' Science Committee approved funds for the construction of a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery for the STS-107 crew. A similar memorial was built at the cemetery for the last crew of Challenger. On October 28, 2003, the names of the astronauts were added to the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The Houston Astros, who reside in the same city as Johnson Space Center and whose team name honors the U.S. space program, honored the crew on April 1, 2003, the Opening Day of the season, by having seven simultaneous first pitches thrown by family and friends of the Columbia crew. For the National Anthem, 107 NASA personnel, including flight controllers and others involved in Columbia 's final mission, carried a U.S. flag onto the field. In addition, the Astros wore the mission patch on their sleeves and replaced all dugout advertising with the mission patch logo for the entire season.
In 2004, Bush conferred posthumous Congressional Space Medals of Honor to all 14 astronauts lost in the Challenger and Columbia accidents.
NASA named several places in honor of Columbia and the crew. Seven asteroids discovered in July 2001 at the Mount Palomar observatory were officially given the names of the seven astronauts: 51823 Rickhusband, 51824 Mikeanderson, 51825 Davidbrown, 51826 Kalpanachawla, 51827 Laurelclark, 51828 Ilanramon, 51829 Williemccool. On Mars, the landing site of the rover Spirit was named Columbia Memorial Station, and included a memorial plaque to the Columbia crew mounted on the back of the high gain antenna. A complex of seven hills east of the Spirit landing site was dubbed the Columbia Hills; each of the seven hills was individually named for a member of the crew, and Husband Hill in particular was ascended and explored by the rover. In 2006, the IAU approved naming of a cluster of seven small craters in the Apollo basin on the Far side of the Moon after the astronauts. Back on Earth, NASA's National Scientific Balloon Facility was renamed the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility.
Other tributes included the decision by Amarillo, Texas, to rename its airport Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport after the Amarillo native. State Route 904 was renamed Lt. Michael P. Anderson Memorial Highway, as it runs through Cheney, Washington, the town where he graduated from high school. A newly constructed elementary school located on Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington, was named Michael Anderson Elementary School. Anderson had attended fifth grade at Blair Elementary, the base's previous elementary school, while his father was stationed there. A mountain peak near Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point in the Sangre de Cristo Range was renamed Columbia Point, and a dedication plaque was placed on the point in August, 2003. Seven dormitories were named in honor of Columbia crew members at the Florida Institute of Technology, Creighton University, The University of Texas at Arlington, and the Columbia Elementary School in the Brevard County School District. The Huntsville City Schools in Huntsville, Alabama, a city strongly associated with NASA, named their most recent high school Columbia High School as a memorial to the crew. A Department of Defense school in Guam was renamed Commander William C. McCool Elementary School. The City of Palmdale, California, the birthplace of the entire shuttle fleet, changed the name of the thoroughfare Avenue M to Columbia Way. In Avondale, Arizona, the Avondale Elementary School where Michael Anderson's sister worked had sent a T-shirt with him into space. It was supposed to have an assembly when he returned from space. The school was later renamed Michael Anderson Elementary.
In October 2004, both houses of Congress passed a resolution authored by US Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard and co-sponsored by the entire contingent of California representatives to Congress changing the name of Downey, California's Space Science Learning Center to the Columbia Memorial Space Science Learning Center. The facility is located at the former manufacturing site of the space shuttles, including Columbia and Challenger.
The US Air Force's Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, renamed their auditorium in Husband's honor. He was a graduate of the program. The US Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California named its pilot lounge for Husband.
NASA named a supercomputer "Columbia" in the crew's honor in 2004. It was located at the NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division at Ames Research Center on Moffett Federal Airfield near Mountain View, California. The first part of the system, built in 2003, known as "Kalpana" was dedicated to Chawla, who worked at Ames prior to joining the Space Shuttle program. On February 5, 2003, the space agency of India, ISRO, renamed one of its meteorological satellites METSAT Kalpana-1 on the orders of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
A US Navy compound at a major coalition military base in Afghanistan is named Camp McCool. In addition, the athletic field at McCool's alma mater, Coronado High School in Lubbock, Texas, was renamed the Willie McCool Track and Field.
A proposed reservoir in Cherokee County in Eastern Texas is to be named Lake Columbia.
Ilan Ramon High School was established in 2006 in Hod HaSharon, Israel, in tribute to the first Israeli astronaut. The school's symbol shows the planet Earth with an aircraft orbiting around it.
The National Naval Medical Center dedicated Laurel Clark Memorial Auditorium on July 11, 2003. Gamma Phi Beta sorority, of which Clark was a member, created the Laurel Clark Foundation in her honor.
PS 58 in Staten Island, New York, was named Space Shuttle Columbia School in honor of the failed mission.
Effect on space programs
Following the loss of Columbia, the space shuttle program was suspended. The further construction of the International Space Station (ISS) was also delayed, as the space shuttles were the only available delivery vehicle for station modules. The station was supplied using Russian unmanned Progress ships, and crews were exchanged using Russian-manned Soyuz spacecraft, and forced to operate on a skeleton crew of two.
Less than a year after the accident, President Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration, calling for the space shuttle fleet to complete the ISS, with retirement by the year 2010 following the completion of the ISS, to be replaced by a newly developed Crew Exploration Vehicle for travel to lunar orbit and landing and to Mars. NASA planned to return the space shuttle to service around September 2004; that date was pushed back to July 2005.
On July 26, 2005, at 10:39 am EST, Space Shuttle Discovery cleared the tower on the "Return to Flight" mission STS-114, marking the shuttle's return to space. Overall the STS-114 flight was highly successful, but a similar piece of foam from a different portion of the tank was shed, although the debris did not strike the Orbiter. Due to this, NASA once again grounded the shuttles until the remaining problem was understood and a solution implemented. After delaying their re-entry by two days due to adverse weather conditions, Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James M. Kelly returned Discovery safely to Earth on August 9, 2005. Later that same month, the external tank construction site at Michoud was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. At the time, there was concern that this would set back further shuttle flights by at least two months and possibly more.
The actual cause of the foam loss on both Columbia and Discovery was not determined until December 2005, when x-ray photographs of another tank showed that thermal expansion and contraction during filling, not human error, caused cracks that led to foam loss. NASA's Hale formally apologized to the Michoud workers who had been blamed for the loss of Columbia for almost three years.
The second "Return to Flight" mission, STS-121, launched on July 4, 2006, at 2:37:55 pm (EDT), after two previous launches were scrubbed because of lingering thunderstorms and high winds around the launch pad. The launch took place despite objections from its chief engineer and safety head. This mission increased the ISS crew to three. A 5-inch (130 mm) crack in the foam insulation of the external tank gave cause for concern; however, the Mission Management Team gave the go for launch. Space Shuttle Discovery touched down successfully on July 17, 2006 at 9:14:43 am (EDT) on Runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center.
On August 13, 2006, NASA announced that STS-121 had shed more foam than they had expected. While this did not delay the launch for the next mission, STS-115, originally set to lift off on August 27, the weather and other technical glitches did, with a lightning strike, Hurricane Ernesto and a faulty fuel tank sensor combining to delay the launch until September 9. On September 19, landing was delayed an extra day to examine Atlantis after objects were found floating near the shuttle in the same orbit. When no damage was detected, Atlantis landed successfully on September 21.
The Columbia Crew Survival Investigation Report released by NASA on December 30, 2008, made further recommendations to improve a crew's survival chances on future space vehicles, such as the (planned) Orion spacecraft. These include improvements in crew restraints, finding ways to deal more effectively with catastrophic cabin depressurization, more "graceful degradation" of vehicles during a disaster so that crews will have a better chance at survival, and automated parachute systems.
Sociocultural aftermath
Fears of terrorism
After the shuttle's breakup, there were some initial fears that terrorists might have been involved, but no evidence of that has ever surfaced. Security surrounding the launch and landing of the space shuttle had been increased because the crew included the first Israeli astronaut. The Merritt Island launch facility, like all sensitive government areas, had increased security after the September 11 attacks.
Purple streak image
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that an amateur astronomer had taken a five-second exposure that appeared to show "a purplish line near the shuttle" during re-entry. The CAIB report concluded that the image was the result of "camera vibrations during a long-exposure".
Hoaxes 2003 Armageddon Film Hoax
In a hoax inspired by the destruction of Columbia, some images that were purported to be satellite photographs of the shuttle's explosion turned out to be screen captures from the opening scene of the 1998 film Armageddon, where the shuttle Atlantis is destroyed by asteroid fragments. In reality, Columbia disintegrated rather than exploded. In response to the disaster, FX pulled Armageddon from that night's schedule, replacing it with Aliens.
2013 Video Misconception
On February 4, 2009, a YouTube-User named TheFakingHoaxer published a video named Space Shuttle Destroyed by TFH - CGI - 2D, his depiction of a destroyed Space-Shuttle in Space "...Filmed from the ISS or maybe another Shuttle…". It uses James Horner's Apollo 13 Main Title as its soundtrack and original radio transmission from the 2003 Columbia mission STS-107 disaster as an audio overlay. There is no reference to the course of events, mission, Space Shuttle, or point in time. It gained attention through another YouTube Video published 4 years later, on November 21, 2013 by User DarkSkyWatcher74 titled NASA WTF Did You Do To Piss Off E.T - STS107 I Want ANSWERS On This One 11-21-2013 which reached more than 3 million views. The video is being narrated, supposedly by DarkSkyWatcher74, consisting of a lot of loosely connected objective descriptions of the events of STS-107 as well as subjective opinions on that matter.
Conspiracy Claims
There are claims that the official Space Shuttle Columbia Investigation Report is a cover-Up and that the Columbia was deliberately destroyed by an unknown party/unidentified flying object.
There are claims that mission STS-107 has been set up by the U.S. Government in order to secretly spy on another nation, resulting in the destruction of Space Shuttle Columbia by an unknown party/unidentified flying object.
Many claims respect the video as footage/evidence.
Impossibility of Event Occurance depicted in Video
The video shows a separated right-side wing section of a Space-Shuttle which can be seen after 2 minutes 52 seconds elapsed. The letters 'vour' can be seen painted on its uppder side. The Endeavour Space Shuttle is the only one of NASA's 5 constructed Space Shuttle whose name includes 'vour', proofing the impossibility of an actual accurance of any sort of event depicted in the video, since the Endeavour returned from all of its missions and retired in 2011, after completing its last mission: Mission STS-134.
False claim of dismissability due to NASA-Logo misplacement
Claims have been made, that a mismatch of a NASA-Logo placed on the fuselage dismisses the video as a hoax, which is a false claim. The last possibility of a repaint would have been before its take-off to mission STS-107. However NASA published a photo of Columbia's launch to mission STS-107 on 16 January 2003 clearly showing the same markings as depicted in the video. So it could be any of the 5 Space Shuttles in that portion of video, except for the Challenger, which was destroyed on mission STS-51-L and beared no NASA-Logo on its fuselage during launch to that mission (regardless the fact, that it never reached its supposed altitude).
Statement of Video Creator
"All made with real photo's of the Shuttle then I used Photoshop to make it look damaged and in pieces. Then I put it in space using After Effects." - TheFakeHoaxer YouTube
Music
The 2003 album Bananas by Deep Purple includes "Contact Lost", an instrumental piece written by guitarist Steve Morse in remembrance of the loss. Morse is donating his songwriting royalties to the families of the astronauts.
In Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil, Brazilians held a Catholic memorial mass for the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster as well as the Columbia tragedy, presided by Father Marcelo Rossi and his partner Belo, where they all sang a Catholic Christian hymn Noites Traicoeiras (Treacherous Nights) in paying tribute to the 14 astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Columbia and Challenger space shuttles.
The Hungarian composer Peter Eötvös wrote a piece named Seven for solo violin and orchestra in 2006 in memory of the crew of Columbia. Seven was premiered in 2007 by violinist Akiko Suwanai, conducted by Pierre Boulez, and it was recorded in 2012 with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and the composer conducting.
The 2008 album Columbia: We Dare to Dream by Anne Cabrera was written as a tribute to space shuttle Columbia STS-107, the crew, support teams, recovery teams, and the crew's families. A copy of the album on compact disc was flown aboard space shuttle Discovery mission STS-131 to the International Space Station by astronaut Clayton Anderson in April 2010.
Catherine Faber and Callie Hills (the filk group known as Echo's Children) included a memorial song titled Columbia on their 2004 album From the Hazel Tree.
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In which German town has a month-long festival celebrating the music of Richard Wagner been held every summer since 1876? | Festivals and Events in Germany in July
Attention Fashionistas: International designers present their latest collections in the German capital during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (known in German as Berliner Modewoche). Find out what’s "in" at runway shows, trade fairs, exhibitions, and parties.
Where: Berlin
When: June 28th - July 1st, 2016 More »
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2. Cologne Gay Pride
Cologne is home to one of the oldest and most vital gay communities in Germany, and its annual celebration, the Cologne Gay Pride, is one of the largest gay and lesbian events in the country. Highlight of the festivities is the colorful gay pride parade with more than 120 floats parading through the historic center of Cologne. Parties, panel discussions, and a street festival complete the weekend.
Where: Center of Cologne
When: July 1st - 3rd, 2016 More »
Wilfried Hösl https://www.staatsoper.de/en/opera-festival/munich-opera-festival.html
Celebrated every summer since 1876, the Munich Opera Festival at the Nationaltheater offers an excellent program of opera and ballet performances throughout June and July. Highlights include the free open-air concerts “Opera For All” (July 8 and 9)
When: June 19th - July 31st, 2016
Enjoy classic music al fresco at Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful historic squares in Berlin. The concerts feature operetta, opera, and classical and contemporary music.
Where: Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin
6. Richard Wagner Festival
With this annual musical festival, the Bavarian town of Bayreuth pays tribute to the 19th-century German composer Richard Wagner. The world's largest Wagner Festival has been sold out since 1876, and Wagner fans get their tickets years in advance to enjoy some of the composer's best operas, from The Ring Cycle, to Parsifal. They are performed in a specially designed opera house, the Festspielhaus, which was built under Wagner's supervision.
When: July 25th – August 28th, 2016
Where: Festspielhaus, Bayreuth More »
Since the 14th century, Hamburg celebrates the DOM, one of the largest open-air fun fairs in the North of Germany. Bring the whole family for ferries wheels, roller coaster, concerts, and fireworks.
Where: Heiligengeistfeld, in the city center of Hamburg
When: July 29th - August 28th, 2016 More »
Miguel Villagran/Getty Images
8. Berlin Gay Pride
Every summer, Berliners raise their rainbow flags to celebrate Christopher Street Day with a spectacular Gay Pride Parade . The festivities take place in the historically gay district of Schoeneberg (though the scene is hardly restricted to an area nowadays) and around the Victory Column in the Tiergarten park . Booming sound systems announce the arrival of massive lorries that act as a party on wheels. Revelers join in by following the trucks with the best music. Look out for these 12 Things to see at Berlin's pride parade .
And it wouldn't be Berlin without countless debates and demonstrations that precede Sunday's parade.
When: July 23, 2016
| Bayreuth |
Which ancient Greek mathematician, known as 'The Father Of Geometry', wrote the hugely influential book 'Elements' that dominated European mathematics until the 19th century? | Discord strikes Richard Wagner's Bayreuth Festival | Daily Mail Online
The Bayreuth Festival, which draws thousands of visitors, was founded by Richard Wagner in 1876
Wagner's operas are full of drama and betrayal.
And so, it seems, is the music festival he founded – with the event currently reeling from a plot to oust his descendant from the board.
The Bayreuth Festival, which draws thousands of visitors every year, was founded by Richard Wagner in 1876.
Chancellor Angela Merkel is a regular visitor and Hitler also used to attend.
The composer's 70-year-old great-granddaughter Eva Wagner-Pasquier has been helping to run the event ever since her father Wolfgang stepped down from the post seven years ago.
But the board has now banned her from making any decisions – and even forbidden her from attending rehearsals ahead of the festival next month.
Down the decades, feuds between Wagner family members were common, but it was thought peace was bestowed upon the event following the concorde between the relations in 2008.
But now it is confirmed that the working relationship between the two Wagner directors has come to a bitter end.
Peter Raue, lawyer for Mrs Wagner-Pasquier, said he had received a letter from the festival board informing him that his client was 'no longer responsible' for decisions regarding the festival's future.
Raue said the letter also banned her from attending rehearsals ahead of the festival itself which starts late next month and instructed all board members 'to keep silent' about the ban.
German paper Sueddeutsche Zeitung claimed a feud between Mrs Wagner-Pasquier and conductor Christian Thielemann was to blame.
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Which is the highest mountain in the Pyrenees? | The Pyrenees Mountains
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The Pyrenees Mountains
The Pyrenees is a chain of mountains that forms a natural barrier between France and Spain. They extend from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea, a distance of about 270 miles. They cover an area of over 20,000 square miles. Their average height is only 3,500 ft (1067 m.), but many peaks in the central ranges rise to over 10,000 feet above sea level. The highest point is Pico de Aneto at 11,168 ft (3,404 m.).
Glacier fields are found on the northern slopes of the mountains. Minerals found in these mountains include iron, lead, silver and cobalt. Beautiful forests of fir, pine and oak cover the slopes of the mountains.
On the south slope of the Eastern Pyrenees is tiny Andorra, one of the smallest countries in the world. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, being at an elevation of 3,356 ft (1023 m.).
I used to have a Great Pyrenees, which is a famous breed of large white dog that comes from these mountains.
| Aneto |
Which French village is known for its exceptionally dense collection of megalithic standing stones that were hewn from local rock and erected by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany? | Where Are The Pyrenees Mountains? - WorldAtlas.com
Where Are The Pyrenees Mountains?
The Pyrenees Mountains stretch for more than 300 miles in the southwestern portion of Europe.
Rolling green pastures on the lower slopes of the French Pyrenees.
5. Description
The Pyrenees Mountain Range acts as a barrier between Spain and France. It also divides the rest of Europe from the Iberian Peninsula. The Pyrenees' length and breadth of more than 300 miles crosses inland from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay. Pico de Aneto is its highest mountain peak at 11,168 feet in elevation. The French Pyrenees belongs to France while the Spanish Pyrenees belongs to Spain. However, in the middle of these two portions of the Pyrenees is one of the tiniest countries in the world, called Andorra, which is found sitting on its eastern side. Its capital city, Andorra la Vella, at 3,356 feet altitude is Europe's highest capital city.
4. Historical Role
During the 15th Century, independent monarchies existed in the Pyrenees region. On the Mediterranean side, two realms existed under the Crown of Aragon, namely being the Principality of Catalonia and Kingdom of Aragon. For a while, a short-lived smaller kingdom named the Kingdom of Navarre became the object of political pressure from these larger kingdoms. This event led to the division of Navaree into two unequal parts. The Basque region also played a part in the succeeding territorial disputes. In 1659, the Peace of the Pyrenees was signed between Spain and France to end the wars between the two nations over the possession of this region. The historic peace agreement was signed at the Isle of Pheasants located on the western end of the mountain range. The borders between the two countries were designated in 1659-1660, and remains as such still today.
3. Modern Significance
The French Pyrenees regions extends across parts of six French departements, while the Spanish side extends downwards across parts of six Spanish provinces. Languages commonly used in the Pyrenees are French, Aragonese, Spanish, Catalan, Aranese, and Basque. The 20th Century has brought protection and development alike to the Pyrenees as a result of agreements and cooperative policies between Spain and France. Tourism also helps the area's economy, bolstered by alpine skiing and mountaineering activities. Major international cycling events also cross the Pyrenees. Nonetheless, mining resources, hydroelectrical resources, steel mills, and paper mills are evidently lacking in investment in the region. The area does, however, have shoe, textile, and chemical factories, though lack these often find difficulties in procuring investments as well, and as a result some of these factories are in danger of shutting down.
2. Habitat and Biodiversity
The Pyrenees Mountains are older than the French Alps. This whole mountain range was formed from an upwelling that started from the Lower Cretaceous Period and lasted into the Eocene Epoch. Its western side consists of granite points covered with limestone, while its eastern side is comprised by gneissose and granite. Its highest areas have waterfalls and high mountain passes with circles of cliffs. Its western side receives more snow and rain than its eastern side. Flora on the western side is more typical of that seen in Central Europe, while the eastern side has Mediterranean types of plants. Fauna in the Pyrenees varies from endangered brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and salamanders to Caucasus types of shrew and moles.
1. Environmental Threats and Territorial Disputes
The Pyrenees border disputes that existed between France and Spain from the 15th to the 18th Centuries no longer exist today. However, two groups of people in the region have different views as to which country they belong, or if they need complete independence altogether. These, the Basques and the Catalans, have been clamoring and working for their independence for centuries now. The French Basques and French Catalans have not been so active in this issue as of late, as the majority of these see themselves as native Basques and native Catalans rather than as French. However, the Spanish Basques and the Spanish Catalans see a need for nationalism, and this began several centuries back. Also, the French Basques and the French Catalans live in smaller areas in France as compared to the more sizable areas that their Spanish counterparts occupy in Spain.
This page was last modified on June 6, 2016.
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Based on an idea by Steven Spielberg and created by Diablo Cody, which American TV comedy-drama series, first broadcast in 2009, stars Toni Collete as a suburban housewife and mother coping with dissociative identity disorder? | BMA Magazine Canberra Streetpress
The Last Blackbox Ever
Date Published: Tuesday, 3 December 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 1 month ago
The year is drawing to a close and so too is Blackbox. This, the 301st edition of this columnist’s rants and viewing tips, will be the last.
Back in February 2001 when Blackbox first appeared in the pages of BMA, the digital revolution was close to a decade away, Canberra had five free-to-air stations and people only connected Foxtel for the sport. Broadband was in its infancy and download so slow it took half a day to procure an episode of The Simpsons. Bit torrent sites were the domain of serious IT nerds and it was record companies, not film studios, worried about illegal downloads. The first iPod was still eight months away and your TV really was a black (or silver) cathode ray-powered box. (The Black Box in the column’s name, by the way, was also a reference to the intel from a plane’s flight recorder.)
Fast forward almost 13 years and the television landscape has changed dramatically. TV isn’t about channels anymore – it’s about platforms. And instead of time-shifting, we talk about television on demand. And that’s the point. BMA is a printed magazine with quite long deadlines. At a time when bloggers are putting up reviews within an hour of airtimes, most of you have downloaded the show at least a week before BMA is published, which makes a fortnightly TV column a bit redundant.
But rather than dying the slow, drawn out death that was predicted 15 years ago, television, or at least the content, has thrived. It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I don’t watch TV.” But they do. They just watch it in a different way. You can call it episodic drama but it’s TV content designed to be viewed as episodes.
It was a phenomenon that took shape in the early ‘90s – mixing the mini-series format and discreet weekly episodes to produce series with longer story arcs entwining across multiple episodes. By 2001, pioneers of this genre, such as the X-Files and Buffy were nearing their natural end. Agents of S.H.I.E.LD. creator Joss Wheedon’s cult hit Firefly, which starred a pre-Castle Nathan Fillion and sealed the sci-fi fate of Summer Glau, was still a year off. The golden age of writing and production typified by the HBO catalogue had barely begun. The first of these, The West Wing and The Wire, were so poorly treated by commercial networks that the ABC reran them from start to finish years later. There was also some great British and local fare in shows such as Teachers and Rake.
The late ‘90s also introduced us to the scourge of free-to-air-TV: reality programming. 2001 was the year Survivor filmed in Australia and an Oscar was first awarded in this category. Australian Idol was yet to appear on the scene.
It would be years before teen drama would take on the glitz of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars or re-imagine the vampire-fuelled success of Buffy. In 2001, teens were obsessing over the intellectual discourse of a group of teens from the mid-west in Dawson’s Creek.
Talk, panel, and game shows also made a resurgence, albeit in a hipper format, usually with a comedian at the helm. There was Wil Anderson’s The Glasshouse which looked at events of the week, the Tony Squires-hosted sport panel The Fat, and Andrew Denton’s long-running Enough Rope. Rockwiz brought music trivia to the box in May 2005 and Spicks and Specks followed soon after. It was also the decade television made the laconic underground publishers of The Chaser the most recognisable faces in the nation.
It was also the decade where animation hit the big time. The Simpsons and South Park were already hits in 2001 as was Blackbox’s favourite, Daria. The sublime humour of Archer wouldn’t hit the Box for another ten years.
I’ve missed a lot – a plethora of ob docos, lifestyle shows, unsurpassed comedy, and some of the best documentaries ever made. But I’m almost out of time, and note this last column also marks the closure of a lengthy chapter in my life. For the past 17 years, almost every issue of BMA has featured my byline. It has been a stellar ride. I have met loads of incredibly inspiring, talented and interesting people, and made quite a few life-long friends. I’d like to particularly thank Vanessa Bowden, Lisa Howdin, Scott Layne, and also the many editors who’ve put up with my deadline tardiness. And most of all, I’d like to thank you, the readers of this column. Rest assured I will still be watching the box and unleashing TV news, views and abuse through Twitter. But for now, in the best BMA tradition, I’ll leave you with the top five TV moments from the past 13 years:
1. The return of Dr Who – the childhood fodder of almost every Gen X-er was given a new lease on life, and last weekend the show celebrated its 50th anniversary.
2. HBO – because its approach to quality TV drama has raised the stakes, and audiences are the winners. Think The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Da Ali G Show, Deadwood, and of course, Game of Thrones.
3. The doco Great Australian Albums – if only because The Triffids reformed (with guest vocalists) to play Born Sandy Devotional live. Oh, and Koolism winning an ARIA.
4. NCIS chief Gibbs asking, ‘What’s emo?’ on the show’s second episode, and being given the answer, ‘Emotional music,’ as the writer’s mocked the world’s silliest genre title.
5. The episode of The Lone Gunmen which featured a hijacked plane about to crash into the World Trade Centre which screened just days before one actually did.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 19 November 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 2 months ago
If you own more than about four or five records (or LPs, as we called them in the olden days), chances are one of them has a Geffen label. King of Hollywood: Inventing David Geffen (SBS1, Sun Nov 24, 9:35pm) is a rare portrait of the man behind the label – the agent, manager, and producer who has been behind some of the biggest careers over more than 40 years. And it features interviews with Yoko Ono, Cher, and Steven Spielberg, among others.
Other docos to check out include Songs of War: Music as Weapon (SBS1, Tue Nov 19, 2pm), Opening Shot 2: Suicide and Me (ABC2, Wed Dec 4, 9:30pm) which talks to three suicide survivors, Bill Bailey’s Jungle Hero (SBS1, Wed Nov 27, 7:30pm) in which the comedian retraces the steps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace through Asia, Korraiyn (NITV, Sun Nov 24, 8pm) about the Indigenous surfing titles, Freedom Ride (NITV, Wed Nov 27, 8:30pm) which looks at the 2011 recreation of Charles Perkins’ infamous Freedom ride, and Secrets of the Irish Landscape (SBS1, Fri Nov 22, 7:30pm).
The term ‘event TV’ is oft bandied about and more so over the past few years as free-to-air networks struggle for relevancy. This time though it is an appropriate, if not understated description. This Sunday, Dr Who fans, young and old across the world, will simultaneously tune in for the 50th Anniversary Special – Dr Who: The Day of the Doctor (ABC1, Sun Nov 24, 6:50am). Of course, the time difference means watching rage for a few hours after you get back from the pub. Keep drinking – the daleks are bound to freak you out more. Chez Blackbox will be regressing to childhood, and watching in snuggled up in jammies. And if you squint hard enough, Matt Smith kind of looks like a younger Jon Pertwee. For those less worried about the simulcast and more interested in the content, it will be repeated at 7:30pm followed by Dr Who – An Adventure in Space and Time (ABC1, Sun Nov 24, 8:45pm).
JJ Abrams’ latest action disaster series Revolution (WIN, Tue, 8:30pm) has finally hit free-to-air screens in Australia. Like everything the man touches, the series is being lauded, but really it’s just more of the same against a slightly different world. This time it’s about all modern technology blacking out and a band of freedom fighters fighting the oppressive militia, a story that’s never, ever been told before …
Also airing into the summer break are Top Boy (ABC2, Mon Dec 2, 9:30pm), a new British drama about life on the edge in east London, Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals (Go, Wed, 8:30pm), the second season of department store drama The Paradise (ABC1, Sat Dec 7, 7:30pm), the fifth season of Fringe (Go, Tue, 11:30pm), the final season of Weeds (WIN, Tue, 11:40pm), and The Walking Dead (SBS2, Tue Nov 19, 9:30pm) from the beginning.
Love her or hate her, she certainly makes riveting viewing – even for the costumes alone – Gaga (Go, Thu Nov 28, 11:30pm).
There’s a plethora of retro flicks on the box including JFK (GEM, Fri Nov 22, 8:30pm), Superman II (Go, Sun Nov 24, 6pm), the one with the leather clad villains from Krypton, the original Total Recall (Prime, Sat Nov 23, 9pm), Top Gun (Prime, Fri Nov 22, 8:30pm), Twilight Zone The Movie (GEM, Mon Nov 25, 12:15am), Jailhouse Rock (GEM, Fri Nov 29, 12pm), Summer Holiday (GEM, Sat Nov 30, 9:30am), The Picasso Summer (GEM, Sat Nov 30, 2:20pm), and Casablanca (GEM, Sat Nov 30, 4:20pm) as well as some slightly newer fare such as District 9 (Go, Sun Nov 24, 9:30pm) and Finding Nemo (Prime, Sat Nov 23, 7pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 5 November 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 2 months ago
The most original music competition on the box (and quite frankly the one most likely to uncover the kind of bands Chez Blackbox enjoys) is about to kick off. Exhumed (ABC1, Thu Nov 14, 8pm) has been searching the country for the best bands that never were. The rules were simple – be unsigned, unrecorded, unrecognised, and play for the love. Oh, and at least some of the band members needed to be old farts. There were more than 1400 from across the country, and every local ABC station chose a winner. Six of them will compete in the Grand Final at (of course) Rooty Hill RSL in Western Sydney. The four-part series follows the competition and includes some illuminating personal stories.
On a different musical front is Yarrabah! The Musical (NITV, Sun Nov 10, 8pm) which is the outcome of a partnership between Opera Australia, writer/director Rhoda Roberts, and the people of Yarrabah to produce a musical that tells the story of the community’s protest against the Queensland Protection Act in 1957.
Now that The Chaser team are far too recognisable to pull their own pranks, Craig Reucassel has to be content with looking back at the shocking exploits of others in another season of Shock Horror Aunty (ABC2, Wed Nov 6, 8:30pm).
What is it about offices, call centres, and IT people that makes such good comedy? Adding to the list of comedies in this genre (though not outshining Blackbox favourite The IT Crowd), is The Call Centre (ABC2, Wed Nov 13, 8:30pm). And where does the funny come from? It’s about Britain’s newest maligned country – Wales.
Docos to check out include Young, Mormon and Single (ABC2, Wed Nov 6, 9:20pm) which looks at the Mormon version of spring break, Richard Hammond’s Miracle of Nature (SBS1, Wed Nov 6, 7:30pm) looking at biomechanics, Bodyline (ABC1, Sun Nov 17, 7:30pm) which takes a fresh look at (one of) Cricket’s biggest controversies with comedian Adam Zwar recreating the famous moment, Joel Parkinson – One Perfect Day (WIN, Sat Nov 9, 4pm) which follows the Aussie surf champion through the Pipe Masters in December 2012, and Nordic Wild (SBS1, Sat Nov 16, 7:30pm) which looks at the creatures of Scandinavia, starting with the first signs of snow melt.
The SBS JFK season continues on with Jack Without Jackie (SBS1, Sun Nov 10, 9:10pm) which recounts conversations with the world’s most famous first lady only a few months after the assassination, and JFK (SBS1, Tue Nov 12, 7:30pm) which follows the story of the president, not just his assassination. Auntie also gets in on the action with Four Corners: JFK: The Lost Bullet (ABC1, Mon Nov 11, 8:30pm).
The last episode of period detective series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Nov 22, 8:30pm) takes on a serious turn of the century subject when they investigate the death of a teenager at the infamous Magdalene Laundries.
While away Sunday afternoon dreaming of your next holiday with Explore Ireland (GEM, Sun Nov 10, 12:25pm) and repeats of Getaway (GEM, Sun Nov 10, 1:25pm).
Movies to keep a look out for include Se7en (WIN, Sat Nov 9, 10pm) the mid-90s thriller (and the seven deadly sins), Blown Away (GEM, Sun Nov 10, 8:30pm) from the same era about an Irish bomber, Shrek 2 (Go, Sun Nov 3, 6:30pm), Australian classic The Sundowners (GEM, Sat Nov 16, 1:40pm), ‘70s British spy drama Zeppelin (GEM, Sat Nov 16, 4:25pm), Tomorrow When the War Began (SCTEN, Sat Nov 16, 8:30pm), and German alternate reality flick The Door (SBS2, Sat Nov 16, 9:35pm).
And yes, that really was ‘80s teen staple Corey Feldman on #7DaysLater (ABC2, Tue, 9pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 22 October 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 3 months ago
Given regular television broadcasting only began at the BBC in 1936, (1948 in the US and 1956 in Australia), the idea that any show, with the exception of news broadcasting, could survive half a century, is unfathomable. Even Sesame Street (ABC2, Mon–Sun, 8:30am), which has adapted well to the changing needs of three tofive-year-olds, has only been on air for 44 years. Sure Dr Who had a 15-year hiatus that took in the entire ‘90s, but the idea of a concept brought to screens in black and white in 1963 surviving until 2013 is extraordinary. Sure the sets aren’t made of foil and every planet in the universe doesn’t look like the same quarry on Britain’s south coast, but the basic storyline is the same. And many of the characters, although somewhat modernised, have survived – just like Robocop, the daleks have evolved enough to negotiate stairs. Australian audiences will join Dr Who fans in 75 countries around the world for a simulcast of Dr Who 50th Anniversary Special (ABC1, Sun Nov 24, TBC). The show will be repeated at 7:30pm and then made available on iView for those not quite as excited about the global simulcast. The special includes David Tennant, Billie Piper, and John Hurt as a previously unknown incarnation of the Doctor. To get you there, iView is hosting 47 classic episodes from Auntie’s archives. The first three tranches have already gone on the site, with a fourth to go up on Saturday October 26. There is also a series of Doctor Who Specials (ABC2, Sun, 7:30pm) including a look at the Science, Women, and Destinations, and a repeat of last season’s final ep, The Day of the Doctor (ABC2, Mon Nov 25, 7:30pm).
New stuff on screens includes the second series of the brilliant Redfern Now (ABC1, Thu Oct 31, 8:30pm), The Sarah Silverman Program (SBS2, Wed Nov 6, 9:30pm), part sit com, part musical comedy, Rebel Wilson’s much touted comedy Super Fun Night (WIN, Tue, 8pm), the return of Nikita (WIN, Wed, 1am) and NCIS (SC10, Tue, 8:30pm), and so-so new US thriller Cult (Go, Sat Nov 2, 11:30pm).
No doubt everyone is earnestly awaiting the return of Chris Lilley’s most successful character in Ja’mie: Private School Girl (ABC1, Wed Oct 23, 9:05pm). Everyone except this column’s author. While you can’t fault Lilley’s brilliance, there are plenty of more innovative, original characters he has created over the years that far outshine the two dimensional Ja’mie. Minority view? Definitely, but Chez Blackbox will be hoping for a very big dose of Mr G to keep it on the viewing roster.
What will be on the viewing roster is A Different Breed (ABC2, Fri Oct 25, 8:30pm). The new ob doco from the makers of Pineapple Dance Studios makes Christopher Guest’s brilliant mockumentary Best in Show look like a serious study of dog shows. And it’s not just dog shows – there’s grooming salons, professional dog walkers, dog crèches, and even a doggie dancing competition.
Other docos worth a look include The Sunnyboy (ABC2, Sun Nov 3, 9:25pm), exploring Jeremy Oxley’s battle with schizopherenia, and Paul Kelly: Stories of Me (ABC2, Sun Oct 27, 9:25pm).
Movie picks include the very B-grade Trick’r Treat (WIN, Sun Nov 3, 12:20am), and iconic ‘80s hits Poltergeist (Go, Mon Oct 28, 12am), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Go, Wed Oct 30, 9:30pm), and Gremlins (Go, Fri Nov 1, 10pm).
JFK: The Smoking Gun (SBS1, Sun Nov 3, 8:30pm) and four-parter JFK (SBS1, Tue Nov 5, 7:30pm) kick off a JFK season on SBS to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. New conspiracy theory – Dr Who did it…
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 8 October 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 3 months ago
Some actors were born to play a certain kind of role. There are those that lack talent and can only ever play themselves – Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Costner, and almost every comedic actor who ever lived, I’m looking at you. There are also those so convincing that we think they are the character – is there anyone who hears Patrick Stewart and doesn’t think Captain Picard? And it will certainly take some adjustment seeing Peter Capaldi transition from The Thick of It’s (ABC1, TBC) foul-mouthed political fixer Malcolm Tucker to Dr Who (ABC iView). Then there are the character actors – a term once reserved for those who didn’t suit the mould of the Hollywood star and played a supporting character with unusual traits or eccentricities. Character actors have long been the stars of comedy but better writing, particularly in series drama, has meant character actors take the lead and often drive the success of the show. The most notable pioneer is of course the late great James Gandolfini. There were some stellar performances and phenomenal writing on The Sopranos but Gandolfini’s portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano was key.
Two new shows that kicked off last week may also owe their success to character actors. Since his earliest roles in ‘80s classics Wall Street, Less Than Zero and Pretty in Pink, James Spader has played evil narcissists but played them with such a degree of intrigue that your gaze is often torn from the central plot. With the end of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Mon Oct 7, 9:20pm), Spader as former FBI agent and concierge of crime Raymond Reddington on The Blacklist (Prime, Mon, 8:40pm) may well replace Walter White as TV’s new anti-hero.
Less obvious, hidden by the blazing lights of the Marvel franchise and Joss Whedon creator credit, is Clark Gregg's continuing portrayal as Agent Coulson in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (Prime, Wed, 8:30pm). Gregg’s fate as a law enforcement character actor was sealed the day he took the role of Special Agent Casper on The West Wing and despite his ability to step outside that mould, it is a role in which he excels. Gregg may not have all the superhero kick-ass moves but he is the link with Marvel franchise and his character is the one that will have loyal fans coming back for more. Not for nothing, but it’s Mandy Patinkin, not Claire Danes, that loyal Homeland (SCTEN, Mon, 8:30pm) fans tune in to see.
Diving headfirst into crowd sourcing (and not the predictable funding model) Auntie’s #7DaysLater (ABC2, Tue Oct 22, 9pm) uses an ensemble cast of YouTube celebrities plus a surprise weekly guest star to turn crowd sourced ideas into five minute comedy to screen on ABC2 – you guessed it – seven days later. Join in via YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Other new shows on the box this week include four-part high-end Irish crime drama Corp and Anam (NITV, Sun Oct 20, 8:30pm), Rebel Wilson’s Super Fun Night (WIN, Tue Oct 15, 8pm), and Chris Lilley’s latest Ja’mie: Private School Girl (ABC1, Wed Oct 23, 9:05pm).
Docos to keep an eye out for include the controversial BBC film about the building of the Sydney Opera House Autopsy on a Dream (ABC1, Sun Oct 20, 9:25pm), Richard III: The King in the Carpark (SBS1, Sun Oct 20, 8:30pm), about identifying remains to see if they belonged to the King, Sunday Best: American Teen (ABC2, Sun Oct 20, 8:30pm), a real life Breakfast Club, Dr Who Explained (ABC2, Sun Oct 20, 7:30pm), featuring interviews of Doctors past and present, The Art of Australia: Strangers in a Strange Land (ABC1, Tue Oct 22, 8:30pm).
Movie picks include Swedish vampire spoof Frostbite (SBS2, Sat Oct 26, 9:30pm) and Sydney Pollack’s 1974 noir gangster flick The Yakuza (WIN, Sat Oct 19, 2am).
With less than shopping days until Christmas, the final ep of Heston’s Fantastical Food (SBS1, Thu Oct 24, 8:30pm) is definitely one for Christmas tragics.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 September 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 3 months ago
As the fall season gets into the swing in the US, we are starting to see local airdates for the big ticket shows including political crime thriller Hostages (WIN, Wed Oct 2, 8:30pm) and the third season of Homeland (SCTEN, Mon Sep 30, 8:30pm).
As we go to print, Prime still has a heap of primetime holes in its schedule in the week starting Mon Sep 30, just ripe for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which kicks of in the US on Fri Sep 24, The Blacklist, starting Thu Sep 23 and the third season of Scandal, due to air in the US on Thu Oct 3.
Following the ongoing obsession with mid (last) century drama, Auntie’s newest offering Serangon Road (ABC1, Sun, 8:30pm) leaves behind the prim and proper pop art sensibilities of shows like Mad Men and takes the audience into the competing cultural tensions of colonial Singapore. The lush co-production with HBO Asia is essentially an episodic detective story, but that doesn’t give it enough credit. The underlying story arcs speak much more about the relationships between the characters and the cultural clash of colonialism set against a quickly modernising world. Hopefully the first of more co-productions to leave the void left by ABC losing the first run rights to BBC content.
Set in a somewhat similar time period, but with all the trappings of the Mad Men palette is docu-drama Masters of Sex (SBS1, Thu Oct 3, 9:30pm) which tells the story of sexual research pioneers Virginia Johnson and Dr William Masters.
Other new shows on the box this fortnight include Canadian fantasy-noir series Lost Girl (SBS2, Tue Oct 8, 8:40pm), and Chinese dating show If You are the One (SBS2, Tue Oct 1, 7:45pm) – much less schmaltzy than its local equivalents.
The second season of Prisoners of War (SBS1, Wed Oct 2, 9:30pm), the Israeli drama that inspired Homeland, offers a much more nuanced look at returned hostages than its American interpretation, with plenty of drama but less wailing, and, sadly, less Mandy Patinkin.
There are also new seasons of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror (SBS2, Tue Oct 8 9:30pm), the original CSI (WIN, Wed Oct 2, 9:30pm), and Whitechapel (ABC1, Sat Oct 12, 8:30pm), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (ABC2, Thu Oct 3, 8:30pm), the final season of How I Met your Mother (Prime, Thu Sep 26, 8pm), and the new season of Sons of Anarchy (Showcase, Wed Sep 11, 9:30pm) kicked off a couple of weeks back.
For those who haven’t seen it through other means, Auntie is running all 16 eps of the final season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Mon Oct 7, 9:20pm). With the final ep due to air on Sun Sep 29, there probably won’t be time for withdrawal pains.
Docos to keep a look out for include Kakadu (ABC1, Sun Oct 6, 7:30pm), filmed over 12 months through the experience of rangers and traditional owners, Jennifer Byrne presents Tim Winton (ABC1, Thu Oct 10, 8pm), Redesign my Brian with Todd Sampson (ABC1, Thu Oct 10, 8:30pm) which looks at neuroplasticity, Big Name, No Blanket (ABC1, Sun Sep 29, 9:30pm) about former Warumpi band lead singer George Rrurrambu, and Blur: No Distance Left to Run (ABC2, Wed Oct 3, 8:30pm).
Movies to check out this fortnight include 1983 vampire flick The Hunger (Go, Mon Sep 30, 1am), one of a number of films from this era starring David Bowie, Sherlock Holmes (WIN, Fri Oct 4, 8:30pm), the one with Robert Downey Jr, Blow (Go, Mon Sep 30, 9:30pm) with Johnny Depp as an ‘80s cocaine king, Daleks – Invasion Earth 2150 AD (GEM, Sat Sep 28, 2am), and Superman/Batman Apocalypse (Go, Sat Oct 5, 11:50pm), proof that nothing good ever comes from superhero sci-fi character mash ups.
Look out for BMA alumni The Bedroom Philosopher doing his own version of a promo for ABC2.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 September 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 4 months ago
After the past couple of seasons filling the telly schedule with sub-standard suburban Australian drama and wall-to-wall reality programming, Prime has just started to get interesting again. Apart from obdocs American Pickers (7Mate, Mon and Wed, 9:30pm) and Hardcore Pawn (7Mate, Wed, 8:30pm), or reruns of Seinfeld (7Mate, Mon–Fri, 6pm), Homicide: Life on the Streets (7Mate, Tue–Fri, 12:30pm), Chez Blackbox gave the whole network a miss. Until now.
The comeback started a month ago with the brilliant Mr Selfridge (Prime, Mon, 8:40pm). Part period drama, part history of shopping, with a good helping of scandal and social commentary, wrapped in a well-written (and performed) drama. Alas, Prime has seen fit to gallop through it, airing double episodes for the foreseeable future.
Also in the Prime catalogue are two of the most talked-about shows from recent pilot screenings in the US, where they both start in late September – but sadly no firm local air dates as yet. The Black List (Prime, TBC) stars James Spader as a master criminal who surrenders himself to the FBI to help them bring down serious criminals and terrorists. Spader’s character has a Silence of the Lambs-style obsession with a particular detective, and as always Spader plays creepy with aplomb. Also queued up on Prime’s ‘coming soon’ list is Joss Whedon’s highly anticipated superhero franchise Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (Prime, TBC).
Elsewhere there’s Sleepy Hollow (SCTEN, Tue Sep 17, 9:30pm), a psychological horror featuring time travel and the four horseman of the apocalypse, new drama from Aunty with the brilliantly executed Serangoon Road (ABC1, Sun Sep 22, 8:30pm), a detective story set in 1960s Singapore, a new season of Tractor Monkeys (ABC1, Wed Sep 25, 8pm) which starts with a look at fashion, Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (ABC1, Wed Sep 25, 9:05pm) where the host walks well-known comedians down memory lane, zombie drama In the Flesh (SBS2, Tue Sep 17, 8:35pm), and Power Games: The Packer-Murdoch Story (WIN, Sun, 8:30pm, Go!) has finally gone to air. If you missed the first ep, it’s on repeat (WIN, Fri Sep 13, 10pm and Sat Sep 14, 9:45pm).
Docos to look out for include Sunday Best: The Tillman Story (ABC2, Sun Sep 22, 8:30pm), which looks at the circumstances surrounding the death of US Army poster child Pat Tillman, and The Tundra Book (NITV, Mon Sep 16, 8:30pm) which takes a journey through the culture of Russia’s Arctic communities.
This issue’s movie picks include The Never Ending Story (Go, Fri Sep 20, 7:30pm) for the day-dreamers, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (WIN, Sun Sep 15, 11:35pm) because it’s a classic, and Happy Feet (Go, Sat Sep 21, 6:30pm) – who doesn’t love penguins? There are plenty of other movie choices too, such as Revenge of the Nerds II (Go, Wed Sep 18, 9:30pm) and Kindergarten Cop (Prime, Fri Sep 23, 8:30pm). Elsewhere you’ll find 1962’s Rome Adventure (GEM, Sun Sep 15, 1:30pm), Cliff Richards '60s musical-come-comedy Wonderful Life (GEM, Sat Sep 21, 11am), and 1973 police drama Cleopatra Jones (GEM, Sun Sep 22, 1am).
Don’t miss Tropfest TV (SBS2, Sun, 10pm) but steer clear of The Bachelor Australia (SCTEN, Sun, 7:30pm). At least when it was just a US show it was less embarrassing.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 August 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 4 months ago
As election fever grips absolutely no one around the country, even Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed, 8:30pm) and Hamster Decides (ABC1, Wed, 9:05pm) aren’t proving a source of water cooler chat like they once did. In a stroke of election hazed genius it’s rage (ABC1, Sat Aug 31, 10:30am and 11:20pm) to the rescue. Can’t decide on who you want to run the country? Maybe the pollies’ musical taste will sway you. Anthony Albanese, Julie Bishop and Adam Bandt take to the rage couch (separately, of course) to talk about their fave tracks. Apparently there are fans of PJ Harvey and French house music amongst them. Should be good for a laugh (and hopefully the rage folks cut out any electioneering).
Once it comes to election night, the action moves from the second string channels that hosted the debates to the main event, including Australia Votes: Election Night: the Vote Count (ABC1, Sat Sep 7, 6pm), The Election Project with Hugh Riminton (SCTEN, Sat Sep 7, 6pm), and Election 2013 (WIN, Sat Sep 7, 6:30pm).
And just in case you really are an election tragic, there’s some political-themed movie choices, including 1972’s The Candidate (GEM, Sat Sep 7, 1:20pm), and Dave (Go, Sat Sep 7, 6:30pm). But where is the ultimate political tragic’s movie, Bob Roberts?
New shows this week run the spectrum from intelligent, witty and classy – Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Sep 6, 8:30pm) – to a celebration of the 20th century’s boldest and tackiest decade – The Amazing ‘80s (WIN, Mon, 8:30pm ). There’s also a new season of Archer (ABC2, Tue Sep 3, 9:05pm), animated comedy Unsupervised (11, Wed Sep 4, 10pm), and news and pop culture panel show from standup Anthony Jeselnik, The Jeselnik Offensive (SBS1, Mon Sep 2, 10pm) in between.
Plenty of ads but no airdates yet for Power Games – The Packer–Murdoch Story (WIN, TBC), and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Prime, TBC).
Docos to keep an eye out for include Supersized Earth: A Place to Live (ABC1, Sun Sep 1, 7:30pm), about how humans have transformed the world in a generation, Sunday Best: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (ABC2, Sun Sep 8, 8:30pm), about the Chinese artist’s work and life, Beyonce – Life is But a Dream (ABC2, Wed Sep 11, 8:30pm), Coming Out Diaries (ABC2, Fri Sep 13, 9:20pm), following three gay and transgender teens as they come out to friends and family, a new series of Who Do You Think You Are? (SBS1, Tue Sep 3, 7:30pm) starting with Annie Lennox, Eddie Izzard’s Marathon for Mandela (SBS1, Sat Sep 7, 8:35pm), and Sunday Best: Where Soldiers Come From (ABC2, Sun Sep 1, 8:30pm), which follows four young Americans from joining the National Guard to Afghanistan and back.
If you haven’t had enough bleary-eyed mornings from the mortifying Ashes series, perhaps you’ll be able to see Australia redeem themselves in the One Day Series (WIN, Fri Sep 6 7pm). Perhaps not …
Other movies include The Music Man (GEM, Sat Sep 7, 3:30pm) and Klute (GEM, Sun Sep 8, 12:20am), as well as The Smurfs (7Mate, Sat Aug 31, 6:30pm), Con Air (7Mate, Sat Aug 31, 8:40pm), I Am Legend (Go, Wed Aug 28, 9pm), Rockstar (Go, Wed Aug 28, 11:15pm), Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (GEM, Sun Sep 1, 8:30pm), The Karate Kid (Go, Sun Sep 1, 5:30pm), Conan the Barbarian (Go, Sun Sep 1, 9:30pm), over-the-top Chinese action satire Let the Bullets Fly (SBS2, Sat Sep 7, 9:40pm), The Shawshank Redemption (WIN, Sat Aug 31, 8:45pm), and the original 1981 version of Arthur (WIN, Sat Sep 7, 1pm).
ABC’s brilliant drama The Time of our Lives (ABC1, Sun Sep 8, 8:45pm) winds up this fortnight. If you missed it, catch up on iView (or go old school and buy the surely soon-to-be released DVD).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 August 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 5 months ago
If, like Chez Blackbox, your eyeballs are bleeding watching the wall-to-wall Tony and Kevin roadshow, there are some true gems to ensure your TV set doesn’t explode in protest, including the thoroughly charming intrigue of turn-of-the-century department store trading in Mr Selfridge (Prime, Mon, 8:30pm), and the not-so-charming but still mesmerising Norse antics in Vikings (SBS1, Thu, 9:30pm). And for early evening respite Parks and Recreation (SBS1, Mon-Fri from Mon Aug 26, 7:05pm).
If you must watch election coverage, Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed, 8:30pm) and The Hamster Decides (ABC1, Wed, 8:30pm) are the only sensible way.
The only reality comp Chez Blackbox has truly been (read: admitted to) enjoying was Design for Life where Philippe Starck weeded out the best design student to win a job for a year. Work of Art: The Next Great Artists (SBS2, Wed Aug 28, 8:35pm) is in the same vein but because it’s American slightly flashier – artists win a solo show at Brooklyn Museum and $100,000. On the other end of the trash scale is RuPaul’s Drag Race (SBS2, Sat Aug 31, 8:45pm). Other new shows include relationship drama Wonderland (SCTEN, Wed Aug 21, 8:30pm).
Docos to look out for this fortnight include the six-part Charley Boorman’s Extreme Frontiers South Africa (SBS1, Wed Aug 14, 8:35pm), and The Secret History of Our Streets (SBS1, Fri Aug 30, 7:30pm) which looks at 125 years of history of six of London’s streets.
Most loyal Dr Who fans (or pretty much anybody else) would know who will be the next Doctor – such is the torment of a fortnightly column – but for those that don’t, it’s Peter Capaldi, better known as foul-mouthed political fixer Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It. Make of that what you will …
As promised, news on the new shows to look out for from the critics summer press tour in the US – Penny Dreadful, a psychological horror story, Years of Living Dangerously, a climate change doco, Fargo, a ten-part series based on the film but without the same characters, starring Billy Bob Thornton and with support from the Coen Brothers, Trending Down, a comedy starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, described as ‘a blistering attack on our youth-obsessed culture’, The Wrong Mans, a thriller about two office workers who get caught up in a criminal conspiracy, from the producers of The Thick of It, Quick Draw, a comedy western that’s funnier than it sounds, Trophy Wife, also much funnier than the premise would suggest, The Awesomes, an animated anti-superhero comedy from Seth Meyer, Sleepy Hollow, another psychological horror (with time travel and the four horseman of the apocalypse), Brooklyn Nine Nine, a well made and written cop comedy, The March, a documentary to mark the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march on Washington, Side by Side, a Keanu Reeves documentary about digital cinema, War of the Worlds, new Sherlock, The Black List, a Silence of the Lambs-style affair starring James Spader, a remake of Ironside, and Joss Whedon’s highly anticipated superhero drama Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The bad news is that in the long tradition of ruining British and Australian TV shows with remakes, Fox is going to murder the brilliant Broadchurch (ABC1, Fri, 8:30pm). Also avoid Almost Human, crime drama with a cop and his half-robot partner.
Don’t miss the Rockwiz season finale (SBS1, Sat Aug 31, 8:30pm) with Tex Perkins, Mia Dyson and Don Walker.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 30 July 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 5 months ago
Along with other midwinter delights (like snow, Splendour in the Grass and Christmas in July), the networks are finally airing the big ticket shows they’ve been spruiking since January. Chez Blackbox is relieved that Underbelly: Squizzy (WIN, Sun, 8:30pm) has finally gone to air – the ads have taken up more airtime than the entire drama will. It started solidly enough but while the sets and costumes are lush, and the story well known, just like The Great Gatsby, only time will tell if its (real and depicted) decadence is enough to live up to the hype.
Also based on a real life event is Ripper Street (SCTEN, Sun, 8:30pm) the BBC’s reimagining of the Jack the Ripper case. Set during the police investigation, the show is everything it should be – part CSI, part British costume drama and all tied up in a tightly scripted, well acted and directed gritty and harrowing look at the streets of Victorian London.
Auntie’s new comedy, Upper Middle Bogan (ABC1, Thu Aug 15, 8:30pm), is just what it sounds like – a fish out of water affair where the adopted daughter of a ‘well-to-do’ family discovers her real parents are bogans, played by everyone’s favourite bogan dad, Glen Robbins.
Don’t miss Game of Thrones withdrawal cure Vikings (SBS1, Thu Aug 8, 9:35pm) and Adam Hills Tonight: Princess Bride Special (ABC1, Wed Aug 7, 8:30pm).
At press time, the date of the federal election was still a closely guarded secret (and may still be as you read this). That hasn’t stopped auntie gearing up. There won’t be a national tally room this year but there will be at least four episodes of both Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed Aug 21, 8:30pm) and The Hamster Decides (ABC1, Wed Aug 21, 9:15pm).
Other new shows to look out for include Free Radio (SBS2, Thu Aug 8, 8:40pm), improvised comedy from Lance Krall as a DJ so bad that his ratings go up because of his incompetency, The Kroll Show (ABC2, Thu Aug 15, 8:30pm), sketch comedy from Community and Parks & Rec regular Nick Kroll, It’s a Date (ABC1, Thu Aug 15, 9pm), a narrative comedy series from Peter Helliar which features thematically linking two dates in each episode, and new seasons of Him & Her (SBS2, Thu Aug 8, 9:10pm), Friday Night Lights (One, Fri Aug 2, 8:30pm) and Grand Designs Revisited (ABC1, Sun Aug 4, 7:40pm).
Docos worth checking out include A Year in the Wild (SBS1, Sat Aug 17, 7:30pm), which ventures through Britain’s national parks, Sunday Best: Bill Cunningham: New York (ABC2, Sun Aug 11, 8:30pm), about the career of the New York Times style section photographer, Ladyboys (ABC2, Fri Aug 16, 9:20pm), which follows British men who set up new lives in Thailand with their ladyboy lovers, The Last Woman Standing (ABC2, Tue Aug 13, 9:30pm), the girl’s version of Last Man Standing, which took a bunch of Western blokes to remote areas of the world, The Iraq War: Regime of Change (ABC1, Sun Aug 11, 9:25pm), a series telling the inside story from both sides, and Artscape: Comic Book Heroes (ABC1, Tue Aug 13, 10pm), which follows Australia’s Gestalt publishing duo as they take on the US market, including San Diego Comic Con International.
Movies to keep an eye out for include A Nightmare on Elm Street (Go, Fri Aug 2, 9:30pm), The Taking of Pelham 123 (Go, Sun Aug 4, 9:30pm), Good Will Hunting (Go, Sat Aug 10, 8:30pm), Little Fockers (SCTEN, Sat Aug 10, 8:30pm), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (WIN, Sat Aug 10, 7:30pm), Aces High (WIN, Sun Aug 11, 12:25am), Dirty Harry flick The Enforcer (WIN, Sat Aug 3, 1am), The Champ (WIN, Sun Aug 4, 1:30pm), 1939’s Dodge City (GEM, Sun Aug 4, 4:15pm), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (GEM, Sat Aug 10, 2:20pm), and Cool Runnings (7Mate, Sat Aug 3, 6:30pm).
Deep Space Nine (11, Thu Aug 1, 10:30pm) heats up when Worf is posted to the station.
Next ish … all the news from the US Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 16 July 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 6 months ago
It’s not up there with Game of Thrones for scripting and the tagline ‘The storm is coming’ may be a bit too close for comfort, but Michael Hirst’s latest drama Vikings (SBS, Thu Aug 8, 8:30pm) will fill the void left by GoT, and, surprisingly, Sons of Anarchy. Not because of its subject – like he did with The Tudors, Hirst has faithfully recreated a real period in history, albeit with lashings of artistic licence – but because of its testosterone-fuelled sword battles and the vikings’ penchant for plundering.
While it’s not the most popular viewpoint, Chez Blackbox is excited at the return of The Newsroom (Showcase, Mon, 8:30pm). A bit too Sorkin-preachy for most, but if you can get past that, its in-depth portrait of the way media should be, mile-a-minute dialogue and idiosyncratic characters are worth the effort.
Sci-fi geeks rejoice – Summer Glau will have a continuing role in Arrow (WIN, Wed Jul 24, 8:30). Maybe the CW-produced show will get some nerd cred.
Better Man (SBS1, Thu Jul 25, 8:30pm), the harrowing two-part mini-series from acclaimed filmmaker Khao Do, is heart-wrenching drama at its best. And as much as any of the high-profile Australian docudramas this year, it’s a story begging to be told.
Other new shows include Dexpedition (SBS2, Sun, 7pm), a travelogue from Dex Carrington that’s the antidote to a middle-aged British person showing you how to have the most boring time of your life in any given destination, and the similarly themed Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year Asia (WIN, Mon Jul 22, 8pm). But where’s Squizzy (WIN, TBC)? Reeeeeally sick of the coming soon ads now.
The original Danish series of The Killing (SBS1, Wed Jul 24, 9:30pm), Housos (SBS1, Mon Jul 22, 9:30pm) and 2 Broke Girls (WIN, Mon, 10pm) all return for new seasons, and South Park Season 16 (SBS2, Sun Jul 28, 8:30pm) makes its free-to-air debut.
Docos to check out include David Bowie: Five years in the making of an icon (ABC2, Wed Jul 24, 8:30pm), exploring five separate years of Bowie’s career – ‘71, ‘75, ‘77, ‘80, and ‘83, Pain, Pus and Poison (SBS1, Mon Jul 22, 8:30pm), which looks at how the world’s most useful drugs were created, Australia Sunday Best: Facing Ali (ABC2, Sun Jul 28, 8:30pm), a tribute from ten of his acclaimed rivals, and Ten Bucks a Litre (ABC1, Thu Aug 1, 8:30pm), where Dick Smith looks at Australia’s energy use in his own inimitable way.
The fifth season of The True Story (ABC2, Sat Jul 27, 7:30pm) goes behind a series of major films, starting with Star Trek and including Platoon, Die Hard 4.0, Scream and The Da Vinci Code, to explore the real stories that inspired them.
Look out David and Margaret, there’s a new movie show in town. Sort of. Marc Fennell presents the best cult, action, thriller and horror flicks in Movie Mayhem (SBS2, Sat Jul 27, 9:35pm), starting with British thriller The Disappearance of Alice Creed.
Other movies to keep an eye out for include Revenge of the Nerds (Go, Sat Jul 27, 9pm), 1970 hammer horror flick Lust for a Vampire (GEM, Sat Jul 27, 12:55am), described by one of its stars as the worst film ever made, Shaun of the Dead (7Mate, Wed Jul 24, 10:30pm), a cult classic that actually deserves that title, Romancing the Stone (One, Sat Jul 20, 8:30pm), an ‘80s adventure romp with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and (of course) Danny DeVito, another ‘80s jewel Lethal Weapon 2 (WIN, Sat Jul 20, 9:45pm), Carry on Spying (GEM, Sat Jul 27, 2:45am), one of the earlier and more revered Carry On films, and more spying in the Cold War-era Ice Station Zebra (WIN, Sun Jul 21, 2pm) with Rock Hudson. The most curious flick is Romper Stomper director Geoffrey Wright’s 2006 (almost straight-to-video) reinvention of Macbeth (WIN, Sat Jul 27, 1am) in Melbourne’s Gangland War.
Don’t miss the re-runs of The Hollowmen (ABC1, Wed, 10pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 26 June 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 6 months ago
Finally, a talent search that might be worth watching – Exhumed (ABC, TBC) is a nationwide competition for unsigned, unrecorded, unheard and, until now, unwanted bands. The only real rule is that you can’t actually make a living out of music. The emphasis is on those who play for fun (like the weekly jam session in the shed next door to Chez Blackbox) and those who never quite made it. Blackbox is waiting with baited breath for the return of The Killer Dolphins.
The big new drama this fortnight is The Dome (SCTEN, Tue, 8:30pm). Based on a Stephen King novel, it explores what happens when an impenetrable dome inexplicably traps the inhabitants of a small town. An interesting concept that has started well, but, like so many similar concepts that explore the way characters deal with the situation, only time will tell whether there’s a series in it. At least this has a novel – rather than a short story – backing it up.
It’s been a long time since Chopper Read has entered the public consciousness but Heath Franklin, whose parody of Chopper reached saturation point in the years following the Eric Bana flick and the real Chopper’s stage show, is back with Heath Franklin’s Chopper: Harden the F#@k up Australia (Go, Wed Jul 3, 9:30pm). Flogging a dead horse?
Other new shows include: satirical talk show Morgan Spurlock’s New Britannia (SBS2, Sat, 8:30pm), which takes a humourous look at the differences between British and American culture; failed sitcom Man Up! (Prime, Sat, 12pm) – don’t get too attached, it only ran for eight eps; Would you rather? With Graham Norton (One, Thu Jun 27, 11:30pm), which is just what it sounds like; and new seasons of twentysomething (ABC2, Thu Jun 27, 8:30pm); Kitchen Cabinet (ABC1, Tues Jul 2, 8pm); True Blood (Showcase, Mon, 8:30pm); and The Newsroom (Showcase, Mon Jul 15, TBC).
Docos to keep an eye out for include: Sunday Best: Catfish (ABC2, Sun Jun 30, 8:30pm), which explores human nature in the digital age; the latest cultural confrontation from Joe Hildebrand, Shitsville Express (ABC2, Tue Jul 2, 9:30pm); Chris Masters takes a look at Australia in the ‘20s and ‘30s in The Years That Made Us (ABC1, Sun Jun 30, 9:25pm); Ellen Fanning’s The Observer Effect (SBS1, Sun, 8:30pm), which looks at what Australia’s mavericks, power-brokers and celebrities are really like; The Fall of Versailles (SBS1, Fri Jul 5, 8:30pm), which looks at the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI; Sunday Best: Camp 14 Total Control Zone (ABC2, Sun Jul 7, 8:30pm) about a North Korean man who grew up in an internment camp; and Compass: Archie Roach (ABC1, Sun Jul 7, 6:30pm).
Members of the Academy will be finalising their Emmy ballots in coming days with Game of Thrones, The Americans (SCTEN, Mon, 9:30pm), Homeland, Girls, Louie, Breaking Bad, Mad Men and Breaking Amish among those being talked about for the gongs.
Old B-grade movies can be such fun on a cold winter’s night and there are a few to choose from this fortnight: 1956 sci-fi thriller The Brain Machine (GEM, Sun Jun 30, 10am); 1984’s sci-fi parody The Ice Pirates (GEM, Sun Jun 30, 11:30am) with Anjelica Huston and Ron Perlman; and Shalako (GEM, Sun Jun 30, 2pm), a Western starring Sean Connery (as Shalako) and Brigitte Bardot – Blackbox is tuning in just to hear Mr. Connery utter his character’s name.
Other flicks on the box include: ‘60s British spy comedy Our Man in Marrakesh (GEM, Mon Jul 1, 12pm); British horror parody The Horror of Frankenstein (GEM, Sat Jul 6, 3am); Batman: the Movie (Go, Sat Jul 6, 7pm); and the very ‘80s Superman II (Go, Fri Jul 5, 10:45pm), complete with a trio of leather clad villains.
Don’t miss an intriguing series of Dr Who’s Greatest Moments (ABC2, Mon-Thu Jul 1-4, 7:40pm) to celebrate 50 years.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 4 June 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 7 months ago
With the final ep of Game of Thrones (Showcase, Mon Jun 10, 8:30pm) about to go to air, don’t be too hasty to reclaim your Monday night. This year’s best new show (as endorsed by Chez Blackbox), The Americans (SCTEN, Mon, 9:30pm), has only just begun and there’s also the sixth season of True Blood (Showcase, Mon Jun 17, 8:30pm) to fill the GoT void.
In terms of (non-biopic) Australian drama, the big news is The Time of Our Lives (ABC1, Sun Jun 16, 8:30pm). From some of the creative minds behind Gen X twenty-something drama Secret Life of Us, and also starring Claudia Karvan, this one’s about the relationships in an extended Australian family (although strangely quite a lot of them probably fall in the same demographic). For actual twenty-something drama (and some laughs) there’s a second series of Twentysomething (ABC2, Thu Jun 27, 8:30pm).
Grand Designs (ABC1, Sun, 7:30pm) is back, starting with a rebuild from the ruins of Cloontykilla Castle in Southern Ireland.
The Alternative Comedy Experience (ABC2, Tue Jun11, 9:05pm) unearths underground comedians pushing boundaries in a world of stadium tours from the long established comic voices. If Bill Hicks was here today, he’d be proud.
Also new this fortnight are British legal thriller Injustice (ABC1, Sat Jun 8, 8:30pm), panel show Mock the Week (ABC2, Thu Jun 20, 9pm) from the creators of Whose Line is it Anyway?, Reef Doctors (SCTEN, Sun Jun 9, 6:30pm), the Great Barrier Reef medico drama (think commercial TV version of ABC’s RAN), Hamish McDonald’s The Truth is? (SCTEN, Mon, 8:30pm), NY underground short film comedy from Human Giant (SBS2, Mon Jun 10, 9:30pm) and travel blog Departures (SBS2, Tue Jun 11, 8:40pm).
The first ep of the CW’s re-imagined Beauty and the Beast (SCTEN, Wed, 9:30pm) aired a couple of weeks ago. It stars the not-very-beastly Jay Ryan of Go Girls fame. Think Arrow (WIN, Thu, 10:30pm) and you’re about there.
Docos to check out include Artscape: The A-Z of Contemporary Art (ABC1, Tue Jun 11, 10pm), a bluffer’s guide to the art world over two weeks, Compass: Britain’s Wicca Man (ABC1, Sun Jun 9, 6:30pm), about the man behind modern pagan witchcraft established in the ‘30s, Sunday Best: Born Rich (ABC2, Sun Jun 16, 8:30pm), about the lives of the less publicity-seeking Paris Hiltons of the world, On Borrowed Time (ABC1, Sun Jun 16, 9:30pm), in which filmmaker Paul Cox turns the camera on himself to film his own struggle against cancer, and William Yang: My Generation (ABC1, Sun Jun 16, 10:25pm), which tells the stories behind his photographs of Sydney’s art, literary, theatrical and queer circles in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Despite the high-wasted acid wash jeans and terrible décor, Seinfeld (7Mate, Tue, 6:30pm) still stands up against plenty of new comedy offerings. It’s time for the infamous Soup Nazi ep though.
Auntie’s next Aussie biopic has gone into production. Carlotta (ABC, TBC), about the iconic Les Girls headliner, will be filmed throughout Sydney, stars Jessica Marais in the title role and includes Caroline O’Connor and Alex Dimitriades in the cast.
Coming our way in future are UK comedy Vicious (Prime, TBC), starring legends Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi as a grumpy old gay couple, and more of the fabulous Jack Irish (ABC, TBC), again in telemovie format.
Movies to keep an eye out for include the 1989 flick that started the trend in tortured superheroes – Batman (Go, Sat Jun 15, 7:30pm), Norwegian zombie flick The Snow (SBS2, Sat Jun 15, 9:30pm) and French stoner comedy The Dope (SBS2, Sat Jun 15, 11:45pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 20 May 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 8 months ago
Winter (and the rich tapestry of ratings winners it brings) is definitely here. Grab a blanket, a hot cocoa (or espresso martini, if you prefer) and curl up for these five not-to-be-missed appointments with the box:
1. The Americans (SCTEN, Mon May 27, 8:30pm) – The Cold War set spy drama finally goes to air a full two weeks after the season ended in the US. This brilliantly executed drama follows the exploits of two deep cover Russian spies. If you only have room for one new show this year, make this it.
2. Robot Chicken Star Wars: Episode II (SBS2, Mon Jun 3, 9:30pm) – Stop-motion animated Star Wars skits. Up there with Blue Haven and the lego stop motion of Eddie Izzard’s Star Wars standup.
3. Paper Giants: Magazine Wars (ABC1, Sun Jun 2, 8:30pm) – The second instalment, after Asher Keddie’s award winning portrayal of Ita. This time it’s the ‘80s, the explosion of chequebook journalism and the battle between the editors of Murdoch’s New Idea and Packer’s Woman’s Day to be the top selling tabloid magazine in the country.
4. Whitlam: The Power and the Passion (ABC1, Sun May 26, 7:30pm) – Narrated by Judy Davis, the two part doco traces arguably Australia’s most famous Prime Minister’s journey from his start in the Labour party, through the dismissal, cataloguing his legacy – some lasting reforms as well as his place in constitutional history.
5. World B-Boy Championships (SBS2, Sun Jun 2, 6:30pm) – The six part series follows top break crews around the world as they battle to represent their country at the world finals.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also Cliffy (ABC1, Sun May 26, 8:30pm), a biopic of Australia’s favourite marathon running potato farmer, Longmire (GEM, Wed, 9:30pm), a police procedural set against the backdrop of Wyoming, The Life and Times of Tim (SBS, Thu May 23, 9:05pm), an animated series from the mind of Steve Dildarian about a self-conscious young guy who can’t catch a break, and new seasons of Dallas (GEM, Thu May 23, 11:30pm), Skins (SBS2, Thu Jun 6, 9:35pm), Nurse Jackie (11, Mon May 20, 10:40pm), Rules of Engagement (11, Tue, 7:30pm), Offspring (SCTEN, Wed May 29, 8:30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat May 25, 8:30pm), which kicks off with Steve Kilbey, Tex Perkins and Russell Morris at Bluesfest.
Docos to keep an eye out for include Climb Every Mountain: The Story Behind the Sound of Music (SBS1, Fri May 24, 8:35pm), Kidnap Terror on Seymour Avenue (SBS1, Sun Jun 2, 9:30pm), a look at the story of the three girls rescued in Cleveland this month, Making of The Great Gatsby (WIN, Sat Jun 1, 1pm), worth it just for the costumes and jewels, Sunday Best: When We Were Kings (ABC2, Sun Jun 2, 8:30pm), about Mohammed Ali and George Foreman’s infamous Rumble in the Jungle, and Her Majesty’s Prison: Aylesbury (ABC2, Tue Jun 4, 9:30pm), a look inside the prison housing some of the UK’s worst young offenders.
Lovers of vintage (and all that crafty stuff) may enjoy Kirstie’s Vintage Home (ABC1, Thu May 23, 8:30pm), which shows classic techniques to create vintage interiors.
SBS is kicking off its Australian film series with Snowtown (SBS1, Sat May 25, 9:30pm) and The Tree (SBS1, Sat Jun 1, 9:30pm). Other movie picks include 1965’s The Great Race (GEM, Sat Jun 1, 3:30pm), Made in America (Go, Fri May 24, 9:40pm), Die Hard (SCTEN, Sat Jun 1, 8:30pm), Kill Bill Vol. 1 (Go, Tue May 28, 9:30pm), Clerks II (Go, Wed May 29, 10:40pm), Dirty Dancing (Go, Thu May 30, 9:30pm), Mars Attacks! (Go, Sat Jun 1, 8:40pm), the original Superman (WIN, Sat May 25, 9:50pm), and Gone in 60 Seconds (7Mate, Sun May 26, 6pm).
Don’t miss the World Cup Qualifier: Japan vs Australia (SBS1, Tue Jun 4, 9pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 7 May 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 8 months ago
Time to put on your best faux fur, grab the tiara and open a bottle of bubbly as the annual ritzy glitzy Eurotrash-tastic spectacle brightens up your lounge room. And this year you really can pull the fondue kit out of the cupboard as the yodelling caravan of Eurovision (SBS1, Fri-Sun May 17-19, 7:30pm) winds its way to the Sweden’s Malmo – the Mecca for fans of Eurovision’s most famous victors, ABBA. It starts with Julia Zemiro’s travelogue throughout Eurovision country– The Heart of Eurovision (SBS1, Fri May 17, 7:30pm) and then we get down to business. This year’s highlights include the return of croaky voiced ‘80s Brit songstress Bonnie Tyler, bookie’s favourite Emmelie de Forest from neighbouring Denmark and the 95-year-old Emil Ramsauer of Swiss band Takasa. But if you’re looking for this year’s Lordi – which Chez Blackbox definitely is – you can’t go past Greek Balkan ska band Koza Mostra. Pick your favourites from sbs.com.au/eurovision , organise a sweep and get your glasses ready to hear the sweet sound of ‘zero points’.
New shows on the box include YouTube sensations The Midnight Beast (SBS2, Mon May 13, 9:30pm), Trashmag panel show Dirty Laundry Live (ABC2, Thu May 16, 9:30pm), Some Girls (Comedy, Wed May 8, 9pm), described by some as a girl’s version of Inbetweeners, finally some new eps of The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Wed May 1, 7:30pm) and season six of Dexter (11, Mon, 9:30pm).
Compass: Holy Switch (ABC1, Sun May 12, 7:30pm), which follows six religious young Australians from different faiths – Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Anglican, Buddhist and Hindu – as they switch lives, Stephen Fry: Gadget Man (ABC1, Thu May 9, 9:25pm), The Pitch (SBS2, Wed May 8, 9:35pm), an obdoco series about the advertising industry, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now (SBS 2, Tue May 21, 9:40pm), which investigates some extreme medical practices, and there’s a distinct royal flavour with obdoco Our Queen (ABC1, Thu May 9, 8:30pm), which gets up close and personal with the monarch, her family and staff throughout her jubilee year, and The Queen’s Mother-in-law (SBS1, Fri May 10, 8:30pm, which looks at Prince Philip’s mother, a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
The FA Cup Final 2013 (SBS1, Sat May 11, 1am) will be a David and Goliath battle between Wigan Athletic and Manchester City.
The team behind At Home with Julia are bringing together political impersonations, satirical characters to hash out the week’s political and cultural events in front of a live studio audience, with a bit of musical comedy thrown in. Wednesday Night Fever (ABC1, TBC) is due to air mid-2013.
Keep an eye out for Rectify, just launched on the Sundance channel in the US. The drama focuses on Daniel Holden (played by Aden Young) who has been freed after almost 20 years on death row. Critics Blackbox usually agrees with are raving.
The US version of Celebrity Splash (Prime, Tue, 7:30pm) just featured Tony Hawke doing a dive with a skateboard. We get Brynne Edelsten in a sequined (almost) bikini. Where’s the justice?
There is a swathe of vintage ‘90s flicks this fortnight to complement the return of black velvet, lace and doc martens in our shopping malls including Singles (Go, Sat May 11, 10:30pm), Seven (GEM Tue, May 7, 10pm), and ‘90s by virtue of its Tarrantino link – Kill Bill Vol. 1 (Go, Thu May 9, 9:30pm). There’s also a smorgasbord of older classics including Carrie (Go, Fri May 17, 9:30pm), Wrath of God (GEM, Fri May 17, 11:05pm), April in Paris (GEM, Sat May 18, 1:15pm), and 55 Days at Peking (GEM, Sat May 15, 3:20pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 23 April 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 9 months ago
The world’s most accomplished hardcore hero cum social commentator/comedian, Henry Rollins, is about to bring his unique perspective to our screens. Last seen on screens here as a white supremacist leader on Sons of Anarchy (Showcase, Sep, TBC), the latest offering is more in line with Hank’s philosophy, if not his appearance. Animal Underworld (SBS2, Tue May 7, 9:30pm) takes Hank on a journey to find out why some people choose to go head to head with the world’s most disturbing and dangerous animals.
Bad news for Auntie (and lovers of British comedy and drama who don’t have cable) – the network’s 50 year deal with the BBC will end mid-next year with almost all new content going to a new Foxtel Channel.
Those who get their storytelling fix from literature (instead of endless stock of serialised drama) will be interested to hear the new series of Jennifer Byrne Presents (ABC1, Tue Apr 30, 10pm) will feature chats with authors Ian McEwan, PD James, Ian Rankin and Margaret Atwood.
Also returning is the new, succinctly monikered Adam Hills Tonight (ABC1, Wed May 15, 8:30pm), Celebrity Apprentice (WIN, Tue Apr 30, 8:40pm) and Arrow (WIN, Wed May 1, 8:40pm) finally goes to air after much hoo haa and at least one false start.
No doubt most fans Breaking Bad (ABC1, Mon Apr 29, 9:30pm) have already seen season four but in case you haven’t, Auntie’s got you covered
Docos to check out include Head First (ABC2, Wed May 1, 9:30pm) where Sabour Bradley immerses himself in the lives of unknown Australians living extraordinary lives, including a nurse searching for her brother in Syria, and carrying out a sting against internet dating scammers, and Murdoch (SBS1, Sun May 5:30pm) a two-parter about the media magnate.
Teasers have started running in the US for the second season of The Newsroom (Showtime, Jul, TBC) which will start airing there July.
Filming on the 50th Anniversary Dr Who Special (ABC, TBC) has begun, with David Tennant and Billie Piper reprising their roles and a guest appearance by John Hurt.
Planning has begun for a Once Upon a Time (Prime, TBC) spin-off – Once: Wonderland will give the same treatment to Alice and Wonderland in a self-contained 13 episode series (provided it goes to pilot stage of course).
More Aussie shows may be headed to US pilots, including A Moody Christmas and The Straits. A new series of The Moodys (ABC, TBC) which takes the family beyond Christmas will go into production later this year. ABC announced last year that there would only be one season of The Straits.
Filming has started on a number of other local projects including a telemovie based on Peter Temple’s crime thriller The Broken Shore (ABC, TBC). The compelling Indigenous drama Redfern Now (ABC, TBC) has been renewed for another six episode season. Dawn French will be one of the judges on the next series of Australia’s Got Talent (WIN, TBC).
This fortnight’s movie picks include Mad Max (Go, Mon Apr 29, 9:30pm), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Mate, Sun Apr 28, 9pm), King Richard and the Crusaders (GEM, Sun Apr 28, 2pm), Kelly’s Heroes (GEM, Sat May 4, 3:30pm) starring a range of ‘70s tough guys including Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland, The Maltese Falcon (GEM, Sun Apr 28, 4:20pm), the Humphrey Bogart detective story made in 1941, not another Star Wars spin-off.
Mark this date – Eurovision Final (SBS1, Sun May 19, 7:30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 9 April 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 9 months ago
Winter’s not coming anymore. It’s here. And the networks have brought out the big guns as we all start to hibernate. Sure, everyone already knows about Game of Thrones (Showcase, Mon, 4:20pm, 8:30pm) – it broke records here on Foxtel, in the US and on download sites and has just been renewed for a fourth season – but there are plenty of other big name shows that have begun since Easter (or are about to) including Mad Men (SBS1, Mon, 9:30pm), superhero drama Arrow (WIN, Tue Apr 16, 8:30pm), Shameless (SBS2, Sun Apr 14, 9pm), Veep (Showcase, Mon Apr 15, 4:45pm) and serial killer drama The Following (WIN, Wed, 8:30pm).
Also new are psychological thriller Case Sensitive: The Other Half Lives (ABC1, Sat 27 Apr, 8:30pm), Danish drama Borgen (SBS1, Wed Apr 24, 9:35pm) from the makers of The Killing (One, Wed, 10:30pm), You Tube comedians The Midnight Beast (SBS2, Mon Apr 22, 9:30pm) and new eps of quirky comedy Portlandia (ABC2, Thu Apr 18, 9pm), The Ugly Americans (SBS2, Mon Apr 22, 10pm), Californication (11, Tue, 10:10pm) and Supernatural (11, Mon, 8:30pm).
But where’s The Americans (SCTEN, TBC)? The Ten network has the Australian rights and the critically acclaimed ‘80s spy drama is into its tenth episode in the US. Talk about slow-tracked – at this rate the DVDs will be available before the pilot airs. Hope they don’t do the same with Homeland (SCTEN, TBC) when it starts airing in September. Also showing in the US with a delayed airdate here is Bates Motel (Fox 8, Sun May 8, TBC), a prequel to the movie Psycho.
Auntie has long had a problem with filling the ten mins after a 50-minute program. Its two latest solutions are repackaged satirical news show The Roast (ABC2, Mon Apr 8, 7:30pm) and Canberra-produced The Boffin, The Builder, The Bombardier (ABC1, Sun, 8:15pm), part history lesson, part Mythbusters (SBS2, Mon-Fri, 7:30pm), part dad joke comedy.
There really is no end to what they’ll come up with for reality programming. Celebrity Splash (Prime, TBC) takes a bunch of former sports stars who’ve proved they can talk in front of a camera, a couple of comedians, B-list celebrities and network starlets, and a smattering of serial offenders (yes, Brynne Edelsten, we’re looking at you) and instead of ballroom dancing, they learn to dive. What’s next? Celebrity teeth brushing where a panel of dentists (whose faces can’t be shown) judge contestants on the state of their pearly whites?
Full disclosure: Blackbox, usually an advocate for mandatory bans on reality TV, is addicted to Fashion Star (11, Tue, 8:30pm). Let the flagellation begin.
The King of talk shows, (Sir) Michael Parkinson, returns with Parkinson: Masterclass (ABC1, Sun Apr 14, 10pm), a series of interviews with artists, authors and musicians.
Docos to check out include Urban Secrets (SBS1, Fri Apr 19, 7:35pm), where Alan Cumming unearths the secrets of urban environments, starting with some recently uncovered Sex Pistols graffiti in London; Hard Time (ABC2, Tue Apr 16, 9:30pm), which goes inside a maximum security prison in the US state of Georgia; Artscape: The Sharp Edge: The Art of Martin Sharp (ABC1, Tue Apr 16, 10pm), which celebrates the artist’s influence on the 50th anniversary of Oz magazine; and Artscape: Love and Fury: Judith Wright & Nugget Coombs (ABC1, Tue Apr 23, 10pm), which explores their ambitions for Australian culture and society.
Movie choices include the retro Gremlins (Go, Fri Apr 26, 5:30pm), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (GEM, Fri Apr 26, 8:40pm), The Neverending Story (Go, Fri Apr 26, 5:30pm), the vintage Key Largo (GEM, Sun Apr 21, 11:30pm), the bizarre Corpse Bride (Go, Sun Apr 14, 5:30pm) and St Trinian’s (Go, Sun Apr 14, 8:30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 March 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 10 months ago
While the major commercial networks continue to play cat-and-mouse games with their post-Easter schedule, Foxtel and Auntie aren’t so coy, announcing ‘fast tracked’ airdates for two of the year’s most anticipated returns – Dr Who (ABC1, Sun Mar 31, 7:30pm) and Game of Thrones (Showcase, Mon Apr 1, 4:20pm, 8:30pm).
Just as SCTEN announce they are no longer devoting themselves to the 18-35 demographic, SBS has crowned itself (or at least the SBS2 channel) as a youth broadcaster from Monday April 1 with a line-up that includes a new season of Skins (SBS2, Thu Apr 11, 9:30pm); Community (SBS2, Mon Apr 1, 7pm); Bullet in the Face (SBS2, Mon Apr 1, 9:30pm), an action comedy series with Eddie Izzard parodying graphic novel noir films; Dudesons in America (SBS2, Mon Apr 1, 9pm), a bunch of Finnish pranksters being Jackasses in the US; Threesome (SBS2, Thu Apr 4, 8:30pm), a comedy about raising a baby conceived as the result of a threesome; Him & Her (SBS2, Thu Apr 4, 9pm), a comedy about a couple of slackers who don’t leave their flat (much less the bed) and the bunch of characters who keep visiting; and Warrior Road Trip (SBS2, Tue Apr 2, 9:30pm), a fish-out-of-water doco series following two Maasai warriors as they travel the US.
Instead of the usual post-event packaged offering, Auntie will do a live-to-air broadcast of triple j’s One Night Stand (ABC2, triplej.net.au , Sat Apr 13, 7pm) from Dubbo with Flume, The Rubens, Ball Park Music and Seth Sentry.
Sketch comedy returns to Auntie too with The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting (ABC1, Wed Apr 3, 9pm) with the comedic talents of Patrick Brammall, Brendan Cowell and Phil Lloyd.
Docos to keep an eye out for include Graffiti Wars (SBS2, Apr 4, 9:30pm), exploring the creative tension between ‘80s legend King Robbo and Banksy; Exit Through the Gift Shop (SBS2, Sun Apr 6, 9:30pm), Banksy’s film that tells the story of Thierry Guetta – hoax mockumentary or documentary – you decide; Who’s been Sleeping in my House?: Gunning (ABC2, Fri Apr 12, 8pm), which looks at the lawless past of the local village; Artscape: Don’t try this at home (ABC2 , Tue Apr 1, 10pm), which explores performance art; Conspiracy Road Trip (ABC2, Wed Apr 3, 8:30pm), which takes on some big conspiracies starting with UFOs; Barefoot in Ethiopia (ABC2, Wed Mar 27, 10:10pm), which follows two Australians as they attempt to start an aid organisation in northern Ethiopia.
Auntie has just launched Opening Shot 3 for filmmakers under 35. If you have a doco idea head to openingshot.abc.net.au/about . Apps close Tuesday April 12. Opening Shot 2 (ABC2, TBC) will air later this year.
US adaptations of The Bridge, based on the Scandinavian drama that aired here on SBS, and Low Winter Sun, based on the British mini-series, will air later in the year on FX.
Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Spiderman) will make his TV directorial debut on the US Rake pilot. Eep!
The Chaser team will be back for the federal election campaign with a show they say is likely to be called The Election Hamster to save on sets.
Movies include classic The Godfather (ABC2, Fri Mar 29, 9:30pm), The Godfather Part II (ABC2, Sat Mar 30, 9:30pm) and Part III (ABC2, Sun Mar 31, 9:30pm); The Great Gatsby (ABC2, Sat Apr 6, 9:30pm); Cadillac Records (WIN, Fri Apr 5, 8:30pm), starring Beyoncé and Mos Def among others; Heath Ledger’s turn as Ned Kelly (WIN, Sun Mar 31, 8:30pm); ‘80s American Pie predecessor, Porky’s (WIN, Tue Apr 2, 10:30pm); Sex and the City (WIN, Wed Apr 3, 9:30pm); ‘80s Bratpacker classic Young Guns (WIN, Sat Apr 6, 8:40pm); American History X (WIN, Thu Apr 4, 9:30pm); The Interpreter (Prime, Thu Mar 28, 8:30pm), Twins (Prime, Fri Mar 29, 8:30pm); and The Gods Must be Crazy (One, Sat Apr 6, 8:30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 March 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 10 months ago
The most intriguing show to debut on the box this week has slipped right under the radar. Lilyhammer (SBS1, Sat Mar 30, 8:35pm) is a Norwegian fish-out-of-water crime drama with Sopranos alumni Steven Van Zandt starring as a New York mafia boss under witness protection in the Norwegian ski town. Strange premise but a compelling series.
The Fades (ABC 2, Mon Mar 18, 9:30pm) is a new British supernatural drama from the makers of Skins and This is England. The central character is a 17-year-old bedwetter, maligned at school, who’s also a psychic and can see ghosts. Again, much better than it sounds from the précis.
Other new shows airing this fortnight include Inspector George Gently (ABC2, Sat Mar 23, 8:30pm) based on the detective stories that reveal the dark underbelly of ‘60s Britain, and Transporter: The Series (FX, Wed Mar 20, 7:30pm).
Maybe it’s because the drama’s moved into the ‘20s, but Downton Abbey (Prime, Sun, 8:30pm) has suddenly become even more appealing. Dammit – that’s the hook that Underbelly (WIN, TBC) keeps using, with Squizzy (WIN, TBC) the next instalment.
Of course all the networks are playing coy about their post-Easter line-ups in order to outfox their competitors (and ensure us regular folk don’t end up watching). Expect announcements for Arrow (WIN, TBC) and The Following (WIN, TBC) as well as Game of Thrones (Foxtel, TBC) and Mad Men (TBC) which start airing in the US Sunday March 31 and Sunday April 7 respectively.
Just in case you thought there weren’t enough comedy quiz shows about, here comes Tractor Monkeys (ABC2, Wed Mar 20, 8:30pm). A nostalgia-based show mining Auntie’s archive, the Merrick Watts/Dave O’Neill/Monty Dimond-led chaos has a companion app that allows audiences to play along in real time (and if they’re good, make it on the leader board).
Docos to check out include Artscape: Anatomy – Stomach (ABC2, Tue Mar 19, 10pm) which looks at sideshow artist and sword swallower Aerial Manx, Kangaroo Dundee (ABC2, Thu Mar 22, 8:30pm) which follows the life of outback kangaroo rescuer Brolga, Compass: Patrick: The Renegade Saint (ABC1, Sun Mar 17, 6:30pm), uncovering the man behind the green-tinted legend – luck of the Irish alright, The Ultimate Mars Challenge (SBS1, Sun Mar 24, 8:30pm), and The Pluto Files (SBS1, Sun Mar 17, 8:30pm), about the planet not the Disney dog.
Blackbox’s reality comp guilty pleasure Fashion Star (11, Tue, 8:30pm) is back. No, of course it’s not The Voice (WIN, TBC).
Projects in development are a new Chris Lilley series for Auntie, and US pilots for Gothica, a gothic modern-day soap that incorporates the legends of Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein and Dorian Gray, a remake of The Tomorrow People, The Hundred, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story about a ship of 100 teenage delinquents who are sent back to Earth 97 years after a nuclear war to try and recolonise, and Lucky 7, about seven employees of a Queens gas station whose lives are changed when their lottery syndicate wins the jackpot. Be warned – all but Lucky 7 have a whiff of CW teenage drama about them.
The best of this fortnight’s movies include How the West was Won (GEM, Sat Mar 23, 3:30pm).
For sports fans there’s the Australian Formula One Grand Prix (SCTEN, Sun Mar 17, 10am) and the FIFA World Cup qualifier, Australia vs. Oman (SBS1, Tue Mar 26, 8pm).
First Eurovision (SBS, May, TBC) news: Bonnie Tyler of Total Eclipse of the Heart fame will represent the UK. Giving them perhaps less chance of winning than when they wheeled out Englebert Humperdinck.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 February 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 10 months ago
The self-deprecating comedy of Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’s Gen Y captain Josh Thomas now has its own sitcom. Please Like Me (ABC2, Thu Mar 7, 9:30pm) is a perfect vehicle for Josh; part drama, part comedy, with him grappling with 101 things, constantly digressing and usually not really coping very well. If you like Josh’s particular brand of comedy (and Blackbox does) and aren’t offended by two boys making out or vomit from an overdose of Panadol, you’ll be back.
Canberra gets a guernsey for its birthday with Canberra Confidential (ABC1, Thu Mar 14, 8:30pm) where Annabel Crabb rummages through our secrets and scandals (mostly political, of course).
Other new shows to look out for include Shaun Micalleff and Kat Stewart in Mr & Mrs Murder (SC10, Wed, 8:30pm) and The Chaser team’s look at consumer affairs, The Checkout (ABC1, Thu Mar 21, 8pm) – yes, Wil Anderson, they got there first.
Docos to check out include: Meet the Young Americans (ABC2, Mon Mar 4, 8:35pm), which takes the Stacey Dooley style of immersion reporting to a boot camp prison for girls, young Mexican border runners and controversial gay conversion therapy; My Tattoo Addiction (ABC2, Wed Mar 6, 9:30pm), with access to two of the UK’s top tattooists and their clients; Dig 1940 (ABC2, Sun Mar 3, 6pm) that follows an archaeological dig examining World War II evidence from 1940; David Attenborough’s Galapagos (ABC1, Sun Mar 17, 7:30pm) and Wildest Arctic (SBS1, Wed Mar 13, 7:30pm).
The US version of Rake has made it to pilot stage – Blackbox is dying to see the results. The question is: acerbic rant or pleasant surprise?
The new Dr Who (ABC, TBC) season kicks off in the UK on Saturday March 30. With a bit of luck, Auntie will make it available on iView directly after.
New eps of Up All Night (Prime, Thu Feb 28, 11:45pm) which include a guest spot from Stevie Nicks may be some of the last you’ll see, with news Christina Applegate has left the show. There’s also new Revenge (Prime, Mon, 8:45pm), How I Met Your Mother (Prime, Mon, 9:45pm), Supernatural (11, Mon, 8:30pm), American Horror Story (11, Mon, 9:30pm) and CSI (WIN, Sun, 9:30pm).
There’s an eclectic round of movies this fortnight, including The Great Train Robbery (GEM, Sun Mar 3, 4pm) starring Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland; ‘60s spy drama The Double Man (GEM, Sun Mar 3, 1:50pm) with Yul Brynner and Britt Ekland; Sliding Doors (GEM, Fri Mar 8, 20:30); Australia’s own ‘70s sex romp Alvin Purple (GEM, Sat Mar 9, 11:30pm); Pretty Woman (Prime, Fri Mar 1, 9pm); Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Go, Sat Mar 2, 6:30pm); 10 (WIN, Sat Mar 9, 11:30pm) starring Dudley Moore and Bo Derek; Harry Brown (SBS1, Sat Mar 9, 9:30pm), a gritty critique on British society starring Michael Caine; Bonfire of the Vanities (WIN, Sun Mar 3, 12:25am); Million Dollar Baby (Go, Fri Mar 1, 9:40pm); Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Go, Tue Mar 5, 8:30pm) and Inception (Go, Sun Mar 3, 8:30pm).
And for something incredibly camp, catch 1964’s Wonderful Life (GEM, Sun Mar 3, 10am) starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows as a band stranded on the Canary Islands making a musical version of a veteran director’s comeback.
Cure your Saturday afternoon hangover with a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (11, Sat, from 12pm) marathon.
Don’t miss reruns of classic ‘80s Aussie sketch comedy Fast Forward (One, Thu, 9:30pm). Now if Auntie would just drag The Late Show out of the archives...
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 11 February 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 11 months ago
While we indulge in the new big ticket premieres the networks can’t help telling us about – yes, yes, we know Downton Abbey (Prime, Sun, 8:30pm) is back – Chez Blackbox is quietly awaiting news of a start date for The Americans (SCTEN, TBC). With a stamp of approval from the US critics that matter (and a Canberra one with far less cachet), the ‘80s-era spy drama about KGB officers deep undercover in the US is the ultimate Cold War drama. But it’s not all just spy action. As well as looking at the duality of life undercover, it also explores the mixed loyalties that real spies must have endured during the Cold War. As much a case study of what the human spirit can endure as a racy spy drama (think Breaking Bad with Russian spies instead of malcontent drug manufacturers).
Best. News. Ever: arguably the greatest Star Trek franchise, Deep Space Nine (Eleven, Thu Feb 14, 8:30pm), gets a rerun from the beginning.
Other new shows that have kicked off with the advent of the ratings season include Girls (Showcase, Tue, 5:45pm), Enlightened (Showcase, Mon, 5:15pm), CSI: NY (WIN, Thu Feb 14, 10:40pm), Revenge (Prime, Mon, 8:45pm), Castle (Prime, Sun, 9:40pm) and new action thriller Last Resort (Prime, Wed Feb 20, 8:30pm), about a US nuclear submarine crew who have been branded fugitives after questioning a suspicious order.
At the Movies (ABC 1, Tue Feb 19, 9:30pm) has moved days – you can catch Margaret and David a little earlier in the evening every week before The Book Club (ABC1, Tue Mar 5, 10pm) once a month.
Docos to check out include Kevin McCloud’s new series Man Made Home (ABC1, Sun Feb 17, 7:30pm), a new season of Australian architecture in Dream Build (ABC1, Sun Feb 17, 8:20pm), Ewan McGregor: Cold Chain Mission (SBS1, Wed Feb 27, 8:30pm), where the Scotsman goes on a mission to deliver vaccines to children in remote communities across the world, and The Dust Bowl (SBS1, Fri Mar 1, 8:35pm) that looks at the environmental catastrophe in the US in the ‘30s and features the tunes of Woody Guthrie.
Also seek out The Legend of Cool "Disco" Dan, narrated by Henry Rollins. It premieres in Washington on Sat Feb 23 and comes recommended by Hank himself (which is not the case with all of his work).
If you’ve had about as much as you can take of the cold-faced stares of chefs and judges on the endless roundabout of reality cooking shows and you ventured out to enliven your tastebuds at the Multicultural Festival, let some real chefs show you how to recapture the heady aromas at home with Yotam Ottolenghi’s Mediterranean Feasts (SBS1, Thu Feb 28, 8:35pm), Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Feb 21, 7:30pm) and Jerusalem on a Plate (SBS1, Thu Feb 21, 8:30pm).
The new reimagining of Dallas (WIN, TBC) was left with a bit of a conundrum when Larry Hagman died last year. With half the season shot and the need to kill off the character, they decided to go retro, revisiting the popular ‘Who Shot JR?’ cliffhanger of 1980.
Odd guest spots are the bread and butter of cult sci-fi stars. Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon & Tue, 8pm) alone has provided superannuation supplements to Leonard Nimoy, George Takei and Summer Glau, but now Mr Sulu will play an alien on US sci-fi sitcom The Neighbors (No Australian airdate).
Don’t miss Tropfest (SBS1, Sun Feb 17, 8:30pm).
Just 47 days until new Game of Thrones (assuming you read BMA on the day of issue and Foxtel fast-tracks it).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 29 January 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 11 months ago
Maybe it’s the ‘80s fashion, maybe it’s that Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are at the helm, or maybe it’s just that nothing could be worse than Sex and the City 2, but The Carrie Diaries (FOX8, Tue, 8:30pm) has made the don’t miss list. The prequel to the ‘90s’ most risqué drama focuses on Carrie Bradshaw’s late teenage years. And yes, the fifth character of the original series and Schwartz’s previous work – NYC – still features heavily. With a heavy dose of nostalgia for the time and original series, it could have gone horribly wrong, but the quality of the writing is keeping it nicely balanced so far.
Ironically, given the infamous game that bears his name, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, the actor is still most often associated with Footloose (and the game). That may well change with his first TV role as FBI agent Ryan Hardy in The Following (WIN, TBC), opposite James Purefoy as a serial killer with an Edgar Allan Poe obsession. The show opened well in the States and while the premise isn’t original, the strong performances should give it a lengthy shelf life.
Don’t forget Elementary (SCTEN, Sun Feb 3, 8:30pm), the Johnny Lee Miller/Lucy Lui reimagining of Holmes and Watson which takes the Homeland timeslot. Incidentally if you need a Homeland fix, try the original, Prisoners of War (SBS1, Sat, 8:30pm).
There’s also Mindy Kailing’s comedy The Mindy Project (Prime, Mon, 9pm), and more returning shows including Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Feb 14, 7:30pm), The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon Feb 4 & Tue Feb 5, 8pm), Two and a Half Men (WIN, Mon Feb 4, 9pm), Person of Interest (WIN, Mon Feb 4, 9:30pm), Two Broke Girls (WIN, Tue Feb 5, 9pm), Anger Management (WIN, Tue Feb 5, 10pm), Up All Night (Prime, Thu Jan 31, 11:30pm), Mike and Molly (Go, Sun Feb 6, 8:30pm) and Good Game (ABC2, Tue Feb 12, 8:30pm).
The Chaser’s Craig Reucassel has found another use for his talents with the two part Shock Horror Auntie (ABC1, Wed Jan 30, 8:30pm), looking at the comedy that’s outraged viewers or management. Compadre Chas Licciardello will be back with more Planet America (ABC24, Fri Feb 1, 7:30pm).
More Game of Thrones news as we edge closer to the US season premiere on Sunday March 31 – the new characters include Clive Russell as Bryndon ‘The Blackfish’ Tully, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jojen Reed, and Diane Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell, ‘The Queen of Thorns’. New pics also show Daenerys Targaryen leading an army. Season 3 is based on A Storm of Swords, heralded as one of the best George R. R. Martin books.
Docos to check out this fortnight include Wildest Latin America (SBS1, Wed Feb 6, 7:30pm), Luke Nguyen’s Memories of Vietnam (SBS1, The Feb 7, 8:30pm), Monty Hall’s Great Irish Escape (SBS1, Fri Feb 8, 7:30pm), Louis Theroux’s Wild Weekends:UFOs (ABC2, Mon Feb 11, 8:35pm), and Andy Warhol (ABC1, Sun Feb 3, 10:05pm).
Blackbox has just returned from a couple of weeks in mainland China and in keeping with this column’s occasional international reviews, Chinese TV can be summed up pretty easily – lots of locally produced news and soap operas – both enthralling in their own way. Oh, and the Disneyland Hotel in Hong King doesn’t show Disney movies (but you can have breakfast with Pluto).
Best summer find: Wedding Band– it could have gone either way but has turned out a high enough laugh quota to keep Chez Blackbox returning. Unfortunately it’s been axed in the US so last week’s season finale was it.
Best of the movies are 1967’s Jules Verne’s Rocket to the Moon (GEM, Sun Feb3, 10am), 1976’s Network (Go, Fri Feb 1, 9:30pm) and Dog Day Afternoon (Gem, Sat Feb 9, 12am).
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 14 January 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years ago
The days are still sweltering and we’ll be waiting a while before the leaves start turning but it’s a different story on the box: the season’s upon us – the ratings season, that is. In case watching the cricket (or anything else) hasn’t reminded you enough about what’s coming soon, here’s the recap…
SCTEN is relying heavily on proven fare and new reality offerings. The newbies from OS to look out for are Elementary, the reimagined Sherlock Holmes with Lucy Lui as Watson. Not completely woeful but also not a patch on the British Sherlock, Ripper Street and The American. Locally there’s the delayed drama Reef Doctors, and Mr and Mrs Murder, Secrets & Lies: The Track, Batavia and Wonderland. The best of the new reality is probably Masterchef: the Professionals (SCTEN, Sun Jan 20, 7:30pm). There’s also a second series of Puberty Blues, a third of Homeland and more Modern Family, NCIS and The Simpsons.
Eleven will pick up the CW’s reimagining of Beauty and the Beast and Sons of Anarchy and An Idiot Abroad will return to ONE (sorry no GoT, which stays on pay).
WIN has followed its recent formula with lots of locally produced historical drama including Underbelly: Squizzy, a remake of ‘80s miniseries Return to Eden, Power Games, about the competition between the Packer and Murdoch families for ownership of Australian media, Schapelle, Gallipoli and literature brought to the small screen with Parade’s End. The network also has a couple of international standouts with Arrow, based on The Green Arrow comics, and crime drama The Following, about an FBI officer’s hunt for a serial killer. And, in case you thought reality cooking was over, there’s The Great Australian Bake-Off.
It’s a similar story over on Prime with Mrs Biggs, about the notorious bank robber’s wife, and A Place to Call Home, set in rural Australia in the ‘50s.Their O/S fare includes Last Resort, about the crew of a nuclear submarine branded fugitives, Red Widow, about a suburban housewife pulled into a life of organized crime, Zero Hour, a sci-fi offering which borrows heavily from central X-Files themes, and Mr Selfridge, a period drama set in the famous department store. And the most bizarre reality show – Celebrity Splash, where celebrities show their diving skills.
SBS’s centerpiece is Prisoners of War (SBS1, Sat Jan 19, 8:30pm), the Israeli drama series on which Homeland is based.
Over at Auntie there’s Peep Show (ABC2, Thu Jan 24, 9:30pm), the next installment of Paper Giants: Magazine Wars, detective series Serangon Road, 1950s crime sleuthing in The Dr Blake Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Feb 1, 8:30pm), telemovie Cliffy about Australia’s most unlikely sporting hero, long form drama in The Time of Our Lives, about three generations of the one family with the likes of William McInnes, Stephen Curry and Claudia Karvan, and the doco Whitlam: The Power and the Passion. Comedy-wise there’s a new Chris Lilley project, Upper Middle Bogan, new Spicks and Specks and Twenty Something, Indigenous sketch comedy in Don’t be Afraid of the Darkies, and the Merrick Watts and Dave O’Neill gameshow Tractor Monkeys. The Chaser take on consumer affairs in The Check Out and Joe Hildebrand is back.
In its drive to bring quality stand-up to your loungeroom, Auntie is premiering Set List (ABC2, Thu Jan 24, 9pm), with fully improvised sets from the likes of Ross Noble, Tim Minchin, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Frank Skinner and Dara O’Briain, using an unseen list of phrases and audience wild cards.
Whether you are looking to awaken a yearning for yet more ‘70s nostalgia or just feed your penchant for glittery kitsch, you can’t go past Abba: Bang a Boomerang (ABC1, Wed Jan 30, 8:30pm). Hosted by everybody’s fave Kiwi, Allan Brough, the doco takes a trip down memory lane to chart the Abba journey in Australia, starting with Molly admitting he never said he liked Abba because he thought everyone would think he was gay, and on to features interviews with fans, music journos, promoters, publicists and even the tour security guard.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 4 December 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 1 month ago
The weather is heating up, the wading pool in the backyard is full, got the cricket on the box and a beer in-hand. What more do you need? Despite the advent of the silly (off-ratings) season, there?s actually plenty to keep the telly on. While you're waiting for the next Game of Thrones instalment (around April), get your medieval fix fromThe Pillars of the Earth (ABC1, Sun Dec 9, 8:30pm) adapted from the Ken Follet novel set in the 12th century;The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (WIN, Fri Dec 7, 8:30pm) and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (WIN, Fri Dec 14, 8:30pm).
Also new to screens are Brian Austin Green's newbie, Wedding Band (SCTEN, Wed Dec 5, 8:30pm), silly fun with hilarious covers of some long-forgotten tunes; mockumentary The Arecibo Message (SBS1, Mon Dec 17, 9:30pm);Cult (Prime, Wed Dec 5, 10:30pm), another paranormal offering with a mysterious cult in New Zealand; new Go Girls (SCTEN, Mon-Thu, 10:30pm); and crime dramas Breakout Kings (One, Tue Dec 19, 10:40pm) and Mafia's Greatest Hits (One, Tue Dec 19, 9:30pm). There's more to come with new seasons of Peep Show (ABC2, TBC) and Misfits (ABC2, TBC). Sadly, the wonderful Hit & Miss (ABC2, Mon Dec 10, 9:30pm) winds up this week and won't be back for a second season.
The impending arrival of that fat bearded guy in boots has also brought some gems - if you haven't watched A Moody Christmas (ABC1,Wed Dec 5, 9pm) get thee to iView or your local DVD retailer now. Of course, there's the annual Doctor Who Christmas Special (ABC1, Wed Dec 26, 7:30pm).
If you're looking for festive inspiration in the kitchen there's plenty on offer, including Maggie Beer's Christmas Feast (ABC1, Tue Dec 18, 8:30pm); Rick Stein's Spanish Christmas (ABC1, Tue Dec 4, 8:30pm); Nigellissima Christmas Special (ABC1, Tue Dec 11, 8:30pm); River Cottage Christmas Special (ABC1, Sat Dec 22, 6pm);Jamie's Christmas with Bells On (SCTEN, Thu Dec 20, 7:30pm); Jamie's Best Ever Christmas (SCTEN, Sat Dec 22, 4pm); and Better Homes and Gardens Countdown to Christmas Prime, Mon-Fri, 7pm).
Docos include Sunday Arts Up Late: Marina Abramovic - the Artist is Present (ABC1, Sun Dec 9, 10:15pm);Freddy Mercury: The Great Pretender (ABC2, Sun Dec 9, 8:30pm); Martin Luther King: The Assassination Tapes (SBS1, Fri Dec 7, 8:35pm); The Crusades (SBS1, Dec 16, 7:35pm); Cities of the Underworld (7Mate, Wed Dec 5, 7:30pm); and The Truth About Exercise (SBS1, Tue Dec 11, 8:30pm).
Don't miss: Celebrating 25 Years of rage - 2007 2011 (ABC1, Sat Dec 22, 11pm) and rage FIFTY (ABC1, Sat Dec 29, 11pm); Dr. No (Prime, Sat Dec 6, 6:30pm); From Russia with Love (Prime, Sat Dec 6, 8:45pm); Empire Records (Go, Wed Dec 19, 9:30pm); Airheads (Go, Sat Dec 22, 9:30pm); Ned Kelly (Go, Fri Dec 14, 9:10pm); and the last ep of Blackbox's own guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl (Fox, Tue Dec 18, 8:30pm). Definitely do miss: Andre Rieu Home for Christmas Special (WIN, Sat Dec 22, 3pm) and Rod Stewart: Merry Christmas Baby (GEM, Sat Dec 15, 2:25pm).
SANTA WATCH: Carols from St Peter's Cathedral (ABC1, Mon Dec 24, 6pm); The Santa Clause (Prime, Fri Dec 7, 8:30pm); and The Simpsons (SCTEN, Sat Dec 22, 6pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 20 November 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 2 months ago
There are 33 shopping days* until the fat guy in the red suit crawls down your chimney (or in through the reverse cycle air conditioner) and, so far, there’s not much on the box to herald his arrival. Except for the deliciously quirky oz comedy, A Moody Christmas (ABC1, Wed, 9:30pm), and Big Fat Gypsy Weddings: My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas (WIN, Wed Nov 21, 8:30pm).
Australian music’s night of nights will be broadcast on Go!, kicking off with pseudo-celebs strutting the ARIA Red Carpets (Go, Thu Nov 29, 7:30pm) followed by the ARIA Awards 2012 (Go, Thu Nov 29, 7:30pm). In a scheduling nightmare, the awards are preceded by One Direction: A Year in the Making (Go, Thu Nov 29, 6:30pm). For much more interesting musical history, there’s Crossfire Hurricane (ABC2, Sun Nov 25, 8:30pm), an insight into what makes The Rolling Stones.
One thing that crystallises at this time of year is that not everybody in the world is having a party. So, while you’re trimming the tree or shopping on eBay, check out the fabulous series of docos on Auntie as part of the global media event, Why Poverty? There’s Park Avenue (ABC2, Mon Nov 26, 9:30pm), which looks at the extreme wealth and inequality in the US; Give Us the Money (ABC2, Tue Nov 27, 9:30pm), examining how and why celebrities have become the spokespeople for Africa’s poor; Stealing Africa (ABC2, Wed Nov 28, 9:30pm), about global trade and corruption in Zambia; Solar Mamas (ABC2, Thu Nov 29, 9:30pm), looking at how women are finding ways out of poverty, and Welcome to the World (ABC2, Fri Nov 30, 9:30pm), about the prospects of the newest generation.
Other docos to check out include Opening Shot: Queen of the Desert (ABC2, Sun Nov 25, 9:30pm), about a remote central Australian youth worker; Top Gear: 50 Years of Bond Cars (WIN, Tue Nov 27, 7:30pm), and 10 Aussie Books to Read Before You Die (ABC2, Tue Dec 4, 9:30pm).
Other new stuff includes the All Creatures Great and Small prequel, Young James Heriot (ABC1, Sat Dec 1, 8:20pm), Sam Simmons’ Problems (ABC1, Wed Nov 21, 9pm), more fairytale action in Grimm (Prime, Tue, 9:30pm), Swedish thriller Real Humans (SBS1, Sat Dec 1, 9:30pm), and the return of House of Lies (One, Thu Nov 29, 9:30pm), Once Upon a Time (Prime, Thu Nov 22, 7:30pm) and Brand X (One, Thu Nov 29, 10:10pm).
A raft of projects have begun filming locally, including An Accidental Soldier, a telemovie set in WWI; the next instalment of Paper Giants, Wentworth; the reimagined version of ‘80s classic Prisoner, and Underbelly: Squizzy, marking a return to the ‘20s.
The West Wing’s Brad Whitford will guest star in the US version of Shameless, and in the can’t-believe-it-hasn’t-happened-already basket, Mythbusters will do a Breaking Bad episode.
Movies include Brother Sun Sister Moon (ABC2, Sat Nov 24, 8:30pm), Finding Nemo (Prime, Sat Nov 24, 6:30pm), Nightshift (WIN, Sat Dec 1, 1am), The Wizard of Oz (WIN, Sat Nov 24, 7:40pm), and Rush Hour (Go, Mon Nov 26, 9:30pm).
Don’t forget to check out the second-last instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 2003-2006 (ABC1, Sat 24 Nov, 11pm) or reruns of This is England ’88 (SBS1, Mon Nov 26, 9:30pm).
*assuming you’re reading BMA on publication day and you shop on eBay.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 6 November 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 2 months ago
First up, an apology: last issue, Blackbox suggested that the reappearance of Red Dwarf (ABC1, Wed Nov 7, 9:30pm) was a replay of the original series. In fact, it’s actually the hotly anticipated Season 11. If you’re reading early enough, there’s still time. Otherwise, it’s available on iView. Plus, it’s Red Dwarf – new or old, you should be watching.
How much better can it get than a telly show about telly shows? America in Primetime (SBS1, Tue Nov 13, 8:30pm) is part history, part analysis – basically porn for TV geeks.
Finding Your Roots (SBS1, Tue Nov 20, 7:30pm) is a spin on the six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon game that takes two celebrities with similar ancestry and looks at that history. And yes, Kevin Bacon is featured.
Hunted (SBS1, Sat Nov 24, 8:30pm) – created by X-Files producer Frank Spotnitz and produced by the team behind Spooks – has an impressive pedigree, but the proof will be in the second and third episodes. Speaking of spies, don’t miss the double episode of Homeland (SCTEN, Sun Nov 11, 8:30pm), Hit &Miss (ABC2, Mon, 9:30pm) and doco Modern Spies (ABC2, Mon Nov 19, 8:30pm).
Other new shows to catch include: Chris O’Dowd’s latest effort, Moone Boy (ABC2, Fri Nov 9, 8pm), about a chaotic family in ‘80s Ireland; Michael Palin’s Brazil (ABC2, Sun Nov 11, 7:30pm); Devil’s Dust (ABC1, Sun/Mon Nov 11/12, 8:30pm), the mini-series about asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton; Artscape: The Making of the Reef (ABC1, Tue Nov 13, 10pm), which follows the composition and filming behind multimedia performance The Reef (ABC2, Sun Nov 18, 10pm); and dramedy The Wedding Band (11, Tue Nov 13, 7:30pm).
Micronation (11, Sun, 10:30pm), the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it five-minute comedic interlude with a premise that takes longer to explain than an episode, rises a wry smile and even a giggle. You can’t argue with that, given the small investment of time.
Docos to check out include: Sam and Evan: From Girls to Men (ABC2, Fri Nov 9, 9:30pm), following the journey of two transgender teenagers; America Revealed (SBS1, Fri Nov 9, 8:30pm), which looks at the systems that keep America fed, powered and moving; Quest for the Lost Maya (SBS1, Sun Nov 18, 7:35pm); and Gaddafi: Dead or Alive (SBS1, Wed Nov 21, 9:30pm).
Some interesting series under development here and in the US at the moment include: Heathers, based on the cult 1988 movie but, like other shows of the same ilk, set in the present day with some of the old characters as adults; and a new imagining of Wonder Woman with a Smallville-style plot; Beverly Hills Cop, which focuses on Axel Foley’s son and guest stars Eddie Murphy; ‘60s detective drama Serangon Road, an ABC/HBO Asia co-production set in Singapore; and Steven Spielberg has just bought the rights to Aussie supernatural novel Embrace for a series. Can’t wait for new BBC2 drama The Fall to make it to our shores. With a bit of luck, the psychological thriller starring Gillian Anderson will get picked up by Auntie.
Amongst this fortnight’s movies, you’ll find Shane (ABC2, Sat Nov 10, 8:30pm), A Knight’s Tale (7Mate, Sun Nov 11, 6:30pm) and Dune (Go, Sat Nov 17, 12:50am).
Don’t forget to check out the next instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 2003-2006 (ABC1, Sat 22 Nov, 11pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 23 October 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 3 months ago
An Australian version of The Street, with six stories of Indigenous inner-city life, Redfern Now (ABC1, Thu Nov 1, 8:30pm) is the first drama series written, produced and directed by Indigenous Australians. And a moving series with loads of humour. And it features the magnificent Kelton Pell. Don’t miss it.
Other new shows this week include Luke Nguyen’s Greater Mekong 2 (SBS1, Thu Oct 25, 8pm), Outback Truckers (7Mate, Thu, 9:30pm), the Aussie version of the inimitable Ice Road Truckers, UK drama Blackout (SBS1, Sat Nov 3, 8:30pm), about a corrupt councilman looking for redemption, I Just Want my Pants Back (Prime, Tue, 11:45pm), an MTV comedy based on the David Rosen novel, Melbourne 1880s period drama The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (ABC1, Sun Oct 28, 8:30pm), based on the Fergus Hulme novel, House of Lies (One, Mon Oct 29, 9:30pm) a US comedy about a bunch of cutthroat management consultants, telemovie Dangerous Remedy (ABC1, Sun Nov 4) about Dr Bertram Wainer, and UK drama Hit and Miss (ABC2, Mon Nov 5, 9:30pm), starring Chloe Sevigny as a transgender contract killer.
Not content to take over the world Gangnam-style, Asian pop is about to have its own version of Eurovision: the Asia Broadcasting Union TV Song Festival (SBS1, Sun Oct 28, 9:30pm). The good news – Australia will be represented – by DJ Havana Brown. The bad news – there’s no voting. The SBS broadcast is hosted by PopAsia (SBS1, Sun, 8:30am) hostess Jamaica dela Cruz.
As regular readers are no doubt aware, Chez Blackbox is a sucker for the retro smorgasbord multi-channel programming has brought but Auntie has hit the jackpot, replaying Red Dwarf (ABC1, Wed Nov 7, 9:30pm) from the beginning. Still waiting for The Jetsons, which turned 50 this year, and a flying car.
Docos to check out include the ultimate observational doco (before there was a name for it), 56 Up (SBS1, Tue Oct 30, 7:30pm), The Hunt for AI (SBS1, Sun Oct 28, 8:30pm), Jimmy and the Giant Supermarket (SBS1, Thu Nov 1, 8:35pm), which follows a free range food advocate working with UK supermarket Tesco, Foreign Correspondent: Goin’ Up Around the Bend (ABC1, Tue Nov 6), Annabel Crabb’s journey through Florida ahead of the US election, Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth (ABC2, Mon Nov 5, 8:30pm) and Opening Shot: The H Bomb (ABC2, Sun Nov 4, 9:30pm), the first in a series from young Australian doco makers. This one’s about herpes.
Best news is that Auntie has commissioned a third season of Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8:30pm), although the man who created it and plays Cleaver Green to perfection has suggested three might be the end. The really disturbing news – there will be a US version. We all know how that goes.
Just in case you don’t have a Christmas countdown app or didn’t notice the Christmas puddings in the supermarket, the TV signs that Christmas is around the corner have arrived. There’s new comedy, A Moody Christmas (ABC1, Wed Oct 31, 8:30pm), which features the dysfunctional Moody family’s Christmases over six years, Christmas specials – That ‘70s Show – An Eric Forman Christmas (7Mate, Tue Oct 30, 6pm) – and the summer telly details have started to arrive, but more about that next ish.
Don’t miss Kitchen Cabinet: Barnaby Joyce (ABC2, Wed Oct 31, 9:30pm) and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (ABC2, Sat Nov 3, 8:30pm). It’s also time for the next instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 1999-2002 (ABC1, Sat Oct 27, 11pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 8 October 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 3 months ago
On your couch is once again the place to be seen on Sunday nights, so grab some pizzas and beers (or go the gourmet route with wine and cheese) and settle in for the long haul. And you don’t even have to use the remote – (read in commercial radio voiceover tone:) SCTEN is fast-tracking it right to your door.
The fun starts with Merlin (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 6:30pm) followed by Modern Family (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 7:30pm), The New Normal (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 8pm) a comedy with two men and a surrogate baby, Homeland(SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 8:30pm) and ‘60s period drama Vegas (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 9:30pm). If that’s not enough, set the DVR for Jack Irish (ABC1, Sun Oct 13, 8:30pm), with Guy Pearce as the former criminal lawyer turned private investigator and debt collector from Peter Temple’s books.
Also starting this fortnight are comedy Ben and Kate (SCTEN, Mon Oct 15, 8pm), the Chaser team’s foray into commercial telly, The Unbelievable Truth (Prime, Thu Oct 11, 9:30pm) and new seasons of Mike and Molly(WIN, Tue Oct 16, 10pm), Survivor: Philippines (WIN, Tue Oct 16, 10:30pm), Supernatural (11, Mon Oct 15, 6:25pm) and The Graham Norton Show (SCTEN, Sat Oct 20, 8:30pm), which kicks off with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There’s still more to come, including Elementary (SCTEN, TBC) the Sherlock Holmes reimagining with Lucy Lui as Watson, and Scandal (Prime, TBC) a political thriller with everyone’s fave government flack, Josh Malina. The Foxtel fast-tracking list (which they’re calling ‘Express from the US’) is also growing, with new seasons ofBoardwalk Empire (Showcase, Mon, 3pm), Dexter (Showcase, Thu, 8:30pm), The Walking Dead (FX, Tue Oct 16, 8:30pm), Gossip Girl (Fox8, Tue Oct 9, 8:30pm), The Vampire Diaries (Fox8, Wed Oct 17, 7:30pm) and JJ Abrams’ newbie, Revolution (Fox8, Wed, 8:30pm).
And if that’s a drama overload, there’s plenty of docos, including Mega Builders: Glitz City (ABC2, Mon Oct 8, 7:30pm), which follows the building of a huge casino resort in Vegas, My Transsexual Summer (ABC2, Fri Oct 12, 9:30pm) which follows the journey of seven transgender individuals, Gypsy Blood (ABC2, Sun Oct 21, 8:30pm), which takes a more serious look at Gypsy culture, and a new series of Who Do You Think You Are? (WIN, Wed Oct 10, 10:30pm) which begins with Martin Sheen. The best fly-on-the-wall doco since Newlyweds and The Osbournes is Brynne: My Dedazzled Life (Prime, Thu, 7:30pm). Avoid Geordie Shore (Eleven, Tue Oct 16, 9:40pm). You have been warned. But don’t miss Peter Garrett on Kitchen Cabinet (ABC2, Wed Oct 24, 9:30pm).
There’s so much new telly coming our way, Blackbox hasn’t mentioned the seemingly endless stream of classics in a while. Look out for Thunderbirds (Go!, Sun, 6am) and the original early ‘80s version of Battlestar Galactica(7Mate, Thu, 2am).
The best of the flicks are Tropic of Cancer (ABC2, Sat Oct 13, 8:30pm), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Go!, Fri Oct 19, 7:30pm), Caddyshack (Go!, Fri Oct 19, 9:30pm), Pulp Fiction (Go!, Sat Oct 20, 9:30pm), Jaws 3 (7Mate, Sun Oct 14, 9pm) complete with (crappy) 3D effects, and Whip It (Go!, Tue Oct 16, 9:30pm), which is followed by Roller Derby X-Treme (Go!, Tue Oct 16, 11:50pm).
Finally, fanatics won’t want to miss the Dr Who Symphony Spectacular (Sydney Opera House, Sat-Sun Dec 15-16).
Date Published: Tuesday, 25 September 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 3 months ago
The casualty of Foxtel’s fast-tracking to stop the pirates may be the spoiler alert
The big ticket shows may have already engulfed your flatscreen but there are some hidden gems among the second string shows premiering in the next few weeks, including Killing Time (Prime, Sun Oct 7, 8:30pm), starring David Wenham as notorious Melbourne criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser, Strikeback (Prime, Sun Sep 30, 8:30pm) a thriller about a British counter terrorism unit from HBO/ UK Sky and Black Mirror (SBS1, Mon Oct 8, 9:30pm), a black dramedy set in three different future universes.
The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Tue Oct 2, 8:30pm), Covert Affairs (Prime, Mon, 9:30pm), Two Broke Girls (WIN, Tue Oct 2, 9pm). New Girl (SCTEN, Mon Oct 1, 7:30pm), NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Oct 2, 8:30pm) and Kitchen Cabinet (ABC2, Wed Oct 10, 9:30pm) also return.
Docos to check out include the best ever Sunday Best: Strummer (ABC2, Sun Oct 7, 8:30pm) a biopic of The Clash lead singer from punk doco legend Julien Temple, Barack Obama: Great Expectations (SBS1, Wed Oct 10, 9:30pm), Jerusalem: The Making of a Holy City (SBS1, Fri Sep 28, 8:30pm), which looks at the history of the city through the prism of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, Battle Castle (SBS1, Sun Sep 30, 7:35pm) the tale of six medieval castles and Living with the Amish (SBS1, Wed Oct 3 8:30pm), which follows six British teenagers living in US Amish communities.
The new season premieres continue in the US, including Nashville, a dramedy with a country music flavour, Arrow, the Green Arrow series, and returns of Community, The Walking Dead, Homeland (SCTEN, Sun, TBC), Revenge and finals seasons of Fringe and Gossip Girl. Whether Fox’s strategy of airing shows such as Sons of Anarchy (Showcase, Wed, 3:10pm) and 666 Park Avenue (Fox 8, Mon Oct 1, 9:30pm) almost immediately after the US will actually have any effect on illegal downloading remains to be seen. But it will at least mean looking at the interweb without covering your eyes. Let’s hope all the free-to-air networks will follow suit. Even superb local content isn’t going to save you.
Skins USA (11, TBC), which has already aired in the US and here on Pay, will get another run on free-to-air and US comedy The B*tch in Apartment 23 (Arena, Mon, 7:30pm), starring Dawson’s Creek’s James Van Der Beek as himself, is airing on Pay.
The best part of First Tuesday Book Club (ABC1, Tue Oct 2, 10pm) is often the guests and with Marieke Hardy, Dave Graney and Indira Naidoo in the mix it’s sure to be a good one. And don’t miss The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala (SCTEN, Sun Sep 30, 6:30pm).
It’s anybody’s guess how Roberta Williams goes down in the UK, Europe and the Middle East but the original series of Underbelly has been sold to CBS who plan to broadcast it in those markets, starting with the UK in the next couple of weeks.
Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8:30pm) certainly started with a bang, prompting former NSW premier Kristina Kenneally to tweet “ah, the hair has a life of its own”. The West Wing cast have reunited – not for a movie – but for a political ad (YouTube, walk and talk the vote).
A great grab bag of flicks coming up including Donnie Brasco (Go, Thu Sep 27, 8:30pm), Sherlock Holmes (Go, Thu Oct 4, 8:30pm), Revenge of the Nerds (Go, Fri Oct 5, 8:30pm) and A Fish Called Wanda (GEM, Mon Oct 1, 12am).
Date Published: Tuesday, 11 September 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 4 months ago
Our publicly funded broadcasters serve up the Chaser and Steve Buscemi
The worst-kept secret in Australian television is finally out – the Chaser crew haven’t completely ditched auntie for the cold hard cash. The Hamster Wheel (ABC1, Wed Sep 26, 9:05pm) is back as most astute Canberrans and readers of The Riot Act would know from their prank at a Parliament House protest a month or so back. They haven’t completely taken the pauper route, though – half the crew will make a name for themselves on the network that sued them (Prime) later this year with the Australian version of The Unbelievable Truth.
One of the greatest things about being Australian is the knowledge that we have two taxpayer-supported free-to-air channels. Not only do they bring us great locally produced fodder such as Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8:30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS, Sat, 8:30pm) and a plethora of docos, they also ensure (sometimes belated) access to cable shows like Boardwalk Empire (SBS1, Sat Sep 29, 9:30pm). And they’re not afraid of the ratings monster. ABC’s Dr Who (ABC1, Sat, 7:30pm) debut on iView immediately after its UK premiere and a week before it hit TV broke records.
Docos to check out include Artscape: Subtopia (SBS, Tue, 10pm), which looks at Blender co-op founder, artist, activist and academic Adrian Doyle, who put street art on Melbourne’s map, Empire (Prime, Thu Sep 13, 7:30pm), which looks at the NY icon, Sunday Best: Jig (ABC2, Sun Sep 23, 8:30pm) which follows the intrigue of Irish dancing world champs, Tyson (SBS1, Sun Sep 16, 9:30pm), Sunday Best: Surviving Progress (ABC2, Sun Sep 16, 8:30pm), Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die (SBS1, Sun Sep 23, 9:30pm), JK Rowling (ABC1, Thu Sep 27, 8pm), her only Australian interview – with Jennifer Byrne – and Prohibition (SBS1, Sat Sep 29, 8:30pm), which cleverly precedes Boardwalk Empire.
Masterchef may be well and truly over but there’s no shortage of foodie fodder to indulge your palate, including a new season of The Great Food Truck Race (ABC2, Fri Sep 14, 7:30pm), Poh’s Kitchen Lends a Hand (ABC1, Tue, 8pm), Yes Chef (SCTEN, Sat Sep 15, 3pm), A Taste of Travel (SCTEN, Sat Sep 15, 3:30pm), with aforementioned Masterchef contestants travelling the country and globe to find the best food, Love to Share (SCTEN, Sat Sep 15, 4pm), with more Masterchefers, and Rick Stein’s Spain (ABC1, Tue Sep 25 8:30pm).
Best. News. Ever. Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson are reprising their Bottom roles in Hooligans Island – set to air in 2013. Filming has started on Auntie’s comedy, Upper Middle Bogan, from the team behind The Librarians and Very Small Business – also set to air in 2013. (Second best news ever: The Shire has been axed.)
There are more new shows in the US Autumn schedule to look out for in coming months including Copper, a BBC America production about an Irish-born police officer in 1860s New York, and Go On, a new Matthew Perry-driven comedy. Vegas, set in ‘60s Las Vegas when The Strip was just getting started, starts in the US on Tue Sep 25.
Of course, the next most anticipated return (when it gets its (hopefully) free-to-air start) will be season two of Homeland (TBC). The trailers are already airing in the US. And it looks awesome. Sadly, a new season of Game of Thrones is a long way off – they’re still casting – and The Wire’s Dominic West turned them down. McNulty would have made a perfect King beyond the wall.
The Emmys (Fox8, Mon Sep 24, 9am) don’t seem to have a free-to-air home. And on award shows, this year’s ARIAs will be on Go with public voting categories. And the biggest football comp of the year is here: UEFA Champions League (SBS1, Wed Sep 19, 4:30am).
Don’t miss the third instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage – 1995-98. Here at Chez Blackbox there’ll be plenty of (ANU) bar flashbacks in store... And if that’s not enough, an avid fan has put together a site of all rage eps from 1998- 2012: rageagain.com
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 28 August 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 4 months ago
While the ‘70s pop cultural journey of discovery (or trip down Memory Lane for some) of Howzat: Kerry Packer’s War (WIN, Sun, 8:30pm) and Puberty Blues (SCTEN, Wed, 8:30pm) has kept Chez Blackbox enthralled, the most anticipated series of 2012 is yet to arrive. But it’s close. And the second season of Rake (ABC1, Thu Sep 6, 8:30pm) is a humdinger. In the first couple of eps, our good friend Cleave, the world’s most inappropriate barrister, has an affair with the Premier (Toni Collette) and gets sued for defamation by Harry – sorry, David.
Of course Chez Blackbox is also shivering with anticipation at the prospect of new Dr Who (ABC1, Sat Sep 8, 7:30pm) within a week of its UK and US premiere.
And they aren’t the only shows to let the post-Olympic dust settle before launching. There’s a second season of Lowdown (ABC1, Thu Sep 6, 9:30pm), GCB (Prime, Mon, 8:30pm), a comedy about grown-up mean girls starring the inimitable Kristen Chenoweth, the much promoted House Husbands (WIN, Sun Sep 2, 8:30pm), Broadway drama Smash (Prime, Tue, 9:30pm), Kath & Kim: The Souvenir Editions (Prime, Sun, 7:30pm), repackaged just in time for the movie, Up All Night (Prime, Mon, 10:30pm), Kevin’s Grand Design (ABC1, Sun Sep 9, 7:30pm), Rick Stein Tastes the Blues (ABC 1, Tue Sep 11, 8:30pm), full of soul food from America’s south, Glory Daze (Go, Sat Sep 8, 11pm), college comedy set in the ‘80s – a cult hit since it was canned, Sinbad (ABC1, Sat Sep 8, 8:20pm), a modern reimagining from the folks behind Primeval, and new seasons of Episodes (WIN, Tue Sep 4, 9pm) and Weeds (WIN, Tue Sep 4, 11:55pm).
Meet the Amish (SBS1, Wed Sep 5, 8:30pm) is the ultimate fish out of water doco. It takes a mob of Amish kids from the American mid-west to live with contemporary British families in London. They go from a quiet rural existence to South London in episode one.
Aaron Sorkin’s Newsroom (SoHo, Mon, 8:30pm), which is about to reach its conclusion in the US (to the joy of many critics), has been picked up here on cable. Unsurprisingly, it’s not the only new US show to go cable with JJ Abrams’ post apocalyptic sci-fi, Revolution, and 666 Park Avenue, pitched as an Alfred Hitchcock psychological thriller rather than a horror gore-fest, bypassing free-to-air.
The Beer Factor (Go, Sat Sep 1, 10:30pm) is a curious hybrid – part beer company marketing ploy, part comedy. It’s hosted by Tom Gleeson, who is on the hunt for Australia’s funniest beer inventions and is tied to the Hahn ‘pioneering beering’ campaign.
There’s more promising shows in the works here and OS including Whitlam, a two-part doco on the former PM from the crew behind Bombora and Wide Open Road, a new season of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Better Man, about Van Tuong Nguyen, the Australian who was executed in Singapore in 2005 for drug trafficking, Janet King, a political thriller off the back of Crownies, Mockingbird Lane, an NBC re-imagining of The Munsters with Portia De Rossi and Eddie Izzard, Dracula, based on Bram Stoker’s tale, a Marvel comic superhero show to be developed by Joss Wheedon, a-yet-to-be-named-drama about an interpreter being described as West Wing in the UN to be written Tom Brady, Slings and Arrows, a new Ben Elton Comedy and a reimagining of classic ‘80s BBC sci-fi Blakes 7 from the folks behind Battlestar Galactica.
As teen dramas go, the re-booted 90210 (11, Sun, 5pm) and Melrose Place (11, Tue, 10:30pm) leave a lot to be desired. Wait for the final season of Gossip Girl (airing in the US in October and here on cable) or seek out the early ‘90s originals. Better still, wait for next year and get your retro on with the mid-‘80s trip that is The Carrie Diaries.
After press time last issue, SC10 announced they would air Canberra-produced drama Space (11, Sun, 10pm). If you missed the first ep, catch the encore (11, Sun Sep 2, 1am) and follow Chez Blackbox on Twitter for the stuff that happens between eps – sorry, issues.
Don’t miss Clerks (Go, Wed Sep 5, 9:30pm). One of the best cult movies ever.
Date Published: Tuesday, 14 August 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 5 months ago
How WIN lost the Olympics
Before launching into the smorgasbord of post-Olympic viewing opportunities, something has to be said about Nine’s terrible free-to-air coverage of the world’s biggest event. Chez Blackbox was bubbling with excitement at the prospect of two weeks of weird and wonderful sports, postcards from London and fun. Unfortunately what we got was an extended version of Wide World of Sports with a little too much Karl and way too much Eddie. No Roy and HG, no Bruce McAveny, no wider cultural backstory and very little coverage of weird sports – just the same races repeated over and over, endless commentary about the swim team and information about what footy team they support. No doubt the Paralympics (ABC1, from Thu Aug 30, 5.20am) will be better viewing. Adam Hills is hosting the Opening Ceremony for starters.
What the Olympics has done is jump-start a round of new viewing across the networks, beginning with Puberty Blues (SCTEN, Wed Aug 22, 8.30pm) which is so far showing the right mix of elements to make it worth the investment – great cast, good backstory, excellent (and well-researched) writing. SCTEN released the first ep on Facebook for 24 hours last week and it left Chez Blackbox wanting more, despite giggling every time the girls called each other molls.
The new version of Dallas (WIN, Wed Aug 22, 9.30pm) isn’t as bad as expected – the creators actually made some good decisions. 1) They retained more than a token of the original cast to reprise their roles – JR, Bobby, Sue-Ellen and Lucy are all back. 2) Instead of totally filling the cast with pretty, vacant starlets, they’ve got some real talent like Josh Henderson in the lead roles.
While Chez Blackbox is usually not a fan of reality TV, the concept behind Don’t Tell the Bride (SCTEN, Tue Aug 21, 7pm) is intriguing but here lies the rub – would any bride let their hubby organise a wedding if there was any possibility they would totally screw it up?
Elsewhere there’s Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War (WIN, Sun Aug 19, 8.30pm), Destination Flavour (SBS1, Thu Aug 16, 8pm), a foodie trip around Australia with Adam Liaw, Renee Lim and Lily Serna, Can of Worms (SCTEN, Tue Aug 20, 8.30pm), with Chrissie Swan not Dicko, House of Lies (SCTEN, Tue Aug 20, 9.40pm), the US comedy starring Don Cheadle as a management consultant, I Will Survive (SCTEN, Wed Aug 22, 7pm) – despite the marketing campaign it isn’t yet clear whether these guys will be performing as drag queens – otherwise it’s just a rural version of Idol or The Voice, Underbelly Badness (WIN Mon Aug 20 8.30pm) the saving grace will be Anthony LaPaglia in the lead role, Charlie Sheen’s new comedy Anger Management (WIN Tue Aug 21 8.30pm) and Big Brother (WIN, Mon-Fri, 7pm).
Docos to check out include God Bless Ozzy Osborne (ABC1, Wed Aug 29, 9.30pm) – sure, it’s produced by Sharon but it does feature interviews with Sir Paul McCartney and Henry Rollins, Compass: My Brother’s Cult (ABC1, Sun Aug 19, 6.30pm) about a Sydney cult, the next instalment of the Three Men Go franchise – Three Men Go to New England (ABC1, Tue Aug 28, 8.30pm), Sunday Best: Murderball (ABC2, Sun Aug 26, 8.30pm), which looks at the world’s roughest sport – wheelchair rugby, Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story (SBS1, Sun Aug 19, 9.30pm) and Male Hookers Uncovered (ABC2, Fri Aug 24, 9.30pm).
Movies include 2001: A Space Oddity (SCTEN Sun Aug 26 1.50am), In Bruges (Prime, Thu Aug 16, 9.50pm), A Nightmare on Elm Street (Go!, Thu Aug 23, 9.30pm), Mad Max (Go!, Sat Aug 25, 9.30pm), and The Addams Family (WIN, Sat Aug 18, 7.30pm).
Weirdest TV listing – WIN celebrating the Ten Year anniversary tour of Auntie’s Long Way to the Top (WIN, Sat Aug 18, 3pm) without so much as a nod in ABC’s direction.
Don’t miss the second instalment of rage’s trip down memory lane, Celebrating 25 years of rage: 1991-1994 (ABC1, Sat Aug 25, 11pm). More new shows next week.
Date Published: Tuesday, 31 July 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 5 months ago
A memory trip down rage lane and the best TV of 2013
The second instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 1991-1994 (ABC1, Sat Aug 25, late) will be stellar: the (commercial) birth of grunge; big beefy guitars; the first Big Day Out; the rise of the DJ; and the reinvention of punk, ska and hardcore. Episode one featured some gems from Run DMC, Stone Roses and The Pixies, along with some cringeworthy fare from Tone Loc, Fine Young Cannibals and Kylie.
Chez Blackbox is eagerly awaiting the Olympic Opening Ceremony in the wee hours of the morning as we go to press, and hoping, dear readers, that if you don’t like sports, you like movies. With ads. Because that’s what’s showing on most networks (other than WIN) for the next couple of weeks. On the plus side, there are some standouts that you forgot (or didn’t know existed) including Seven (Go!, Wed Aug 8, 9.30pm), Go (Go!, Tue Aug 7, 9.45pm), Maverick (Go!, Fri Aug 10, 7.30pm), Child’s Play (Go!, Sat Aug 11, 12.10am), The Man With Two Brains (Go!, Sat Aug 11, 11.30pm), Some Like It Hot (ABC2, Sat Aug 4, 8.30pm), and Planet of the Apes (One, Tue Aug 7, 8.30pm).
Almost everything else appears to be on hold. If you’re really desperate there will still be Masterchef All Stars (SCTEN, Sun Aug 5, 7.30pm), The Shire (SCTEN, Sun, 8pm), The Voice US (Go!, Tue Aug 7, 8.30pm), Being Lara Bingle (SCTEN, Tue, 8pm), and 90210 (11, Sun, 5pm).
One little awesome late-night find Fresh Meat (11, Tue, 9.30pm) will continue. Best described as a cross between Spaced and Peep Show (with lots of the same comedians) but with a pinch of Young Ones absurdity.
Of course, there’s also still new Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat, 8.30pm) to save you, and some doco fare including: The Last Explorers (SBS1, Wed Aug 8, 8.30pm); Dream Build (ABC1, Sun, 8.15pm); Three Men Go To Scotland (ABC1, Tue Aug 7, 8.30pm), and; Websex: What’s the Harm? (ABC2, Fri Aug 3, 9.30pm).
Two new Aussie dramas have just gone into production: Seven’s A Place to Call Home set in rural Australia in the ‘50s, and ABC’s The Time of Our Lives, a Gen-X drama from The Secret Life of Us creator Amanda Higgs.
The place to be this weekend is in the Beverly Hills Hotel where hundreds of US TV critics will get to see the first full episode of the next season of Homeland. It’s part of the TV Critic Association’s press tour, with previews of the new shows and panels of actors, directors, studio execs, and show runners (much more glamorous than the odd preview DVD that arrives in the mail at Chez Blackbox...). The Twitterverse has been ablaze with commentary on the new shows and, if the critics that get the Blackbox seal of approval are right, the shows to watch out for include: comedies The Mindy Project (from Office star Mindy Kailing), Ben and Kate, Gordon Ramsay’s Hotel Hell and new seasons of Downton Abbey and Fringe. And there are still offerings from ABC, FX, CBS, Showtime, The CW and HBO to come.
Finally, in appreciation of the audience rather than advertisers, Go! is airing full uncut 45-minute episodes of, well, Episodes (Go!, Thu, 10.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 17 July 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 6 months ago
Come Friday July 27, there’ll only be one show in town. A little sporting event on a little island in the North Sea has wrapped the telly schedule in patriotism, scaring big ticket shows like Downtown Abbey (Prime, Sun Jul 22, 7:30pm), Revenge (Prime, Mon Jul 23, 8:30pm) and Episodes (WIN, Tue Jul 24, 9:30pm) into wrapping up next week. Masterchef (SCTEN, Wed Jul 25, 7:30pm) and Australia’s Got Talent (Prime, Wed Jul 25, 7:30pm) even reveal their winners the same night to defy the sudden ratings drop that comes with being pitted against Olympic Games 2012 coverage.
For some reason it seems we’d prefer to watch skeet shooting if it comes with the Olympic rings. And that’s the point – there’s something for everyone. If the celebrity of the Australian swim team makes you see red, take Blackbox’s lead and seek out the weird and wonderful. Find out why people put themselves through a pentathlon, whether all fencers are private school boys and how synchronised swimmers stop water from going up their noses. And to satisfy Chez Blackbox’s penchant for kitsch, the biggest ticket in town is the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony (WIN, GEM Sat Jul 28, 6:30pm). Lucky for us the live coverage starts during primetime but the finals will be in the wee hours.
Outside the wall-to-wall WIN coverage there’s a host of Olympics-related programming such as Gruen Sweat (ABC1, Wed Jul 25, 8:30pm), scheduled for the four weeks of the Olympics advertising bonanza, Absolutely Fabulous (ABC1, Thu Jul 26, 8pm), which sees Eddy and Pats gate-crash The Olympics, and Dateline: Olympics Special (SBS1, Tue Jul 24, 9:30pm) for an inside look at the corporate organisation of the Games.
Of course the Closing Ceremony heralds the floodgates to a raft of new shows (and gives the host broadcaster, WIN, a corner on the promos). You can expect to see Boardwalk Empire (SBS), Smash (Prime) a US musical drama about a Broadway musical based on Marilyn Monroe, Puberty Blues (SC10) an Aussie series based on the infamous ‘70s novel, Underbelly: Badness (WIN), The Chasers’ The Unbelievable Truth (Prime), I Will Survive (SCTEN), essentially a drag queen talent quest (although it’s not quite being billed that way), Big Brother (WIN), and Howzat! The Kerry Packer Story (WIN).
In the meantime there’s Fresh Meat (ELEVEN, Tues, 9:30pm), the (very) bad remake of Melrose Place (ELEVEN, Sat, 5pm), and cute but ugly Wilfred (ELEVEN, Tue, 9:30pm). For the really ugly there’s The Shire (SCTEN, Mon, 8pm) and for some culture there’s Australia’s answer to Grand Designs, Dream Build (ABC1, Sun 22 Jul, 8:15pm).
Game Of Thrones fans should check out the Australian Centre for the Moving Image’s Live In The Studio forum (Thu Jul 26, 7pm) at www.acmi.net.au .
New shows heading for US schedules in the coming months include Last Resort, a drama about the crew of a nuclear sub who go rogue and set up their own country, Elementary, the US reimaging of Sherlock Holmes (with Lucy Lui as Watson), Vegas, a period mobster drama set in the ‘60s, and Dallas, which is set for the Nine network here later this year.
Final news is that the sixth and final season of Gossip Girl started filming in New York last week. It’s slated to air in the US in October.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 3 July 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 6 months ago
Oh, to be witty, likeable and know the right people. While it’s true everybody loves celebrity, it’s usually the off-camera antics of the Paris Hiltons of the world that draw the most followers. If you really want a long-term audience, the key is to be a slightly funnier yet still inherently daggy version of the rest of us. Think Myf Warhurst, Adam Hills, Hamish Blake or Andy Lee. Sure, Andy may have dated a top model and Myf may have met more celebrities than Canberra has roundabouts but they still ask the stupid questions we would ask and get starstruck. And everything they touch turns to gold. What’s that, Hamish and Andy? You want to spend a year hanging out in NY, finding odd things about the city and generally getting up to mischief? Sure. Now you want to do it all again in Europe? No problem – we’ll just call it Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year (WIN, Thu, 8pm). We won’t even need marketing. So, Myf, you want to take a personal journey back to the pop culture of the ‘80s? That’s nice. We can call it Myf Warhurst’s Nice (ABC1, Wed, 8pm). And the king of everymen has Stephen Fry’s 100 Greatest Gadgets (ABC1, Thu, 9:30pm). Alas, even roller derby and a pet a llama wouldn’t be enough to save Blackbox’s Canberra Gap Year from a 10am Saturday timeslot on SBS.
Other new shows this fortnight include Audrey’s Kitchen (ABC1, Sat Jul 14, 6:25pm) the latest Working Dog creation where celebrity chefs get the Frontline treatment, Episodes (WIN, Tue, 9.30pm), a new comedy starring Tamsin Greig and Greg Mannigan as UK TV producers remaking their show for a US audience, and new seasons of Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat Jul 7, 8:30pm), Futurama (11, Wed Jul 11, 8pm) and Wilfred (11, Tue Jul 10, 9pm).
John Clarke is never far from anything mildly Olympics-related. The satirist looks at why we take sport so seriously on Sporting Nation (ABC1, Sun, 7:30pm).
Stories about travel and food sell almost as well as sex, and there’s plenty of them: Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey (ABC1, Tue, 8:30pm), Gordon’s Great Escape (ABC1, Tue, 9:25pm), which takes Gordon Ramsay on a culinary journey through south-east Asia, A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (SBS1, Fri Jul 6, 7:30pm), and the ultimate American road trip with Billy Connolly’s Route 66 (Prime, Sun, 7:30pm).
Docos to seek out include Forest Designs (SCTEN, Sat Jul 7, 2:30pm), which looks at Tasmanian artisans using native timbers, Sunday Best: Kumare (ABC2, Sun, 8:30pm), in which filmmaker Vikram Gandhi poses as a guru as a social experiment, Compass: Nigeria’s Millionaire Preachers (ABC1, Sun Jul 15, 6.30pm).
No free-to-air appearance of True Blood in sight but Season Four is out on DVD, Season Five is airing in the States and has just started here on Showcase. Those in search of other HBO shows can catch Bored To Death (ABC2, Mon, 9:30pm) or repeats of Deadwood (ABC2, Mon, 12:20am), and something equally compelling in AMC’s Breaking Bad (ABC2, Mon, 11:55pm).
The much-anticipated Aaron Sorkin drama Newsroom has just kicked off in the States and it looks well worth the effort. (How can you not eagerly anticipate a Sorkin show?) Emmy nominations are announced Thursday July 19. Send tips.
Movies to check out include Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam (ABC2, Sat Jul 14, 8:30pm), The African Queen (1951) (ABC2, Sat Jul 14, 9:50pm), so-bad-it’s-good Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde (WIN, Sun Jul 8, 2:40am), Pride and Prejudice (SCTEN, Fri Jul 13, 9pm), Shaun of the Dead (7Mate, Sun Jul 8, 9:45pm), X Files: I Want To Believe (11, Tue Jul 11, 9:30pm). The best (pre-Voyager) Star Trek villains get the human touch in Star Trek Next Generation: I Borg (11, Thu Jul 5, 9:30pm).
You can now watch all your fave Aunty goodness on the move (as long as you have an iPhone). The free iView app is available on iTunes. News is that iView is about to overtake piracy. Now if they’d only get Game of Thrones…
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 June 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 7 months ago
Let’s face it: the one thing Aussie TV has honed in recent years is producing stories of important characters or events in our recent past. Think Ita, the soon to be released Packer biopic, Bastard Boys, the original Underbelly, Hawke and Keating (who fittingly got a musical instead). These were stories filled with characters we knew well.
Mabo (ABC1, Sun Jun 10, 8.30pm) is something else altogether. Despite his name being synonymous with the struggle for Indigenous land rights, this beautifully shot and detailed story of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo is an informative tale of a determined man, a tender love story and a revealing look at Australia’s recent past.
Dollhouse (ELEVEN, Mon Jun 11, 9.30pm) is almost the complete opposite of Mabo and has slid quietly into the TV guide without a peep. Penned by the revered Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly and The Avengers), the sci-fi series is about a corporation programming ‘actives’ with temporary personalities and skills for wealthy clients. Like Firefly, it was cancelled while airing, this time during the second season.
Myf Warhurst’s Nice (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 8pm) is a personal trip through the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s looking at music food, fashion, photography, art and design. It’s Australian pop culture through a Gen-X lens. By the time you’re done you’ll recognise the girl in the Chico Roll ads and be singing love duets with the best of them. The first episode features Kenny Rogers and Paul Gray from Wa Wa Nee. And it gets better from there.
Jennifer Byrne has been busy of late. When not appearing on hubby Andrew Denton’s Randling (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm), she’s been compiling a series of bookworm specials for winter shut-ins: Jennifer Byrne Presents: Punchlines (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10pm); Erotica (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10.05pm) and Books That Changed The World (ABC1, Tue Jun 26, 10.15pm).
There’s heaps of other new stuff hitting screens this fortnight, including Ricky Gervais’ mockumentary Life’s Too Short (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 9.05pm), amateur photo comp Photo Finish (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 8pm), HBO comedy Bored To Death (ABC2, Mon 9.30pm), BBC dramedy Death In Paradise (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 7.30pm), Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year (WIN, Thu Jun 14, 8.30pm), new Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Jun 18, 8.30pm) and reruns of The Wonder Years (ABC1 Sat Jun 9 5pm) and Kojak (7TWO, Mon-Fri 12pm & 3.30am).
Docos include Dumb, Drunk and Racist (ABC2, Wed Jun 20, 9.30pm), in which Joe Hildebrand gives Indians a look at Australian culture, Utopia Girls (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 9.30pm) on how women won the vote, Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters (ABC2, Thu Jun 7, 9.30pm), Ross Kemp: Extreme World (ABC1 Wed Jun 20 10pm), Death Unexplained (SBS1, Jun 19, 8.40pm) and Foreign Correspondent Presents: 20 Years (ABC1, Tue Jun 19, 8.30pm).
Plenty for the foodies too, including Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 6pm) and Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita (SBS1, Thu 8pm).
There’s a raft of ‘80s films including Mystic Pizza (ABC2, Sat Jun 9, 8.30pm), Pretty in Pink (WIN, Sun Jun 10, 8.35pm) and Teen Wolf (ABC2, Sat Jun 16, 8.30pm).
Finally, fans of The Wire should check out Maxim’s interview with the creators and stars of the show, which features some great insights for fans.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 6 June 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 7 months ago
Let’s face it: the one thing Aussie TV has honed in recent years is producing stories of important characters or events in our recent past. Think Ita, the soon to be released Packer biopic, Bastard Boys, the original Underbelly, Hawke and Keating (who fittingly got a musical instead). These were stories filled with characters we knew well.
Mabo (ABC1, Sun Jun 10, 8.30pm) is something else altogether. Despite his name being synonymous with the struggle for Indigenous land rights, this beautifully shot and detailed story of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo is an informative tale of a determined man, a tender love story and a revealing look at Australia’s recent past.
Dollhouse (ELEVEN, Mon Jun 11, 9.30pm) is almost the complete opposite of Mabo and has slid quietly into the TV guide without a peep. Penned by the revered Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly and The Avengers), the sci-fi series is about a corporation programming ‘actives’ with temporary personalities and skills for wealthy clients. Like Firefly, it was cancelled while airing, this time during the second season.
Myf Warhurst’s Nice (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 8pm) is a personal trip through the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s looking at music food, fashion, photography, art and design. It’s Australian pop culture through a Gen-X lens. By the time you’re done you’ll recognise the girl in the Chico Roll ads and be singing love duets with the best of them. The first episode features Kenny Rogers and Paul Gray from Wa Wa Nee. And it gets better from there.
Jennifer Byrne has been busy of late. When not appearing on hubby Andrew Denton’s Randling (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm), she’s been compiling a series of bookworm specials for winter shut-ins: Jennifer Byrne Presents: Punchlines (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10pm); Erotica (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10.05pm) and Books That Changed The World (ABC1, Tue Jun 26, 10.15pm).
There’s heaps of other new stuff hitting screens this fortnight, including Ricky Gervais’ mockumentary Life’s Too Short (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 9.05pm), amateur photo comp Photo Finish (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 8pm), HBO comedy Bored To Death (ABC2, Mon 9.30pm), BBC dramedy Death In Paradise (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 7.30pm), Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year (WIN, Thu Jun 14, 8.30pm), new Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Jun 18, 8.30pm) and reruns of The Wonder Years (ABC1 Sat Jun 9 5pm) and Kojak (7TWO, Mon-Fri 12pm & 3.30am).
Docos include Dumb, Drunk and Racist (ABC2, Wed Jun 20, 9.30pm), in which Joe Hildebrand gives Indians a look at Australian culture, Utopia Girls (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 9.30pm) on how women won the vote, Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters (ABC2, Thu Jun 7, 9.30pm), Ross Kemp: Extreme World (ABC1 Wed Jun 20 10pm), Death Unexplained (SBS1, Jun 19, 8.40pm) and Foreign Correspondent Presents: 20 Years (ABC1, Tue Jun 19, 8.30pm).
Plenty for the foodies too, including Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 6pm) and Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita (SBS1, Thu 8pm).
There’s a raft of ‘80s films including Mystic Pizza (ABC2, Sat Jun 9, 8.30pm), Pretty in Pink (WIN, Sun Jun 10, 8.35pm) and Teen Wolf (ABC2, Sat Jun 16, 8.30pm).
Finally, fans of The Wire should check out Maxim’s interview with the creators and stars of the show, which features some great insights for fans.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 22 May 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 8 months ago
Pour the champagne cocktails, pull out the fondue pot and get your best Eurotrash on. It’s Eurovision time! If you’re a devotee there are the semi-finals (SBS1, Fri-Sat May 25-27, 8:30pm) and The Road to Azerbaijan with Julia Zemiro (SBS1, Fri-Sat May 25-27, 7:30pm). But the Eurovision Final (SBS1, Sun May 27, 7:30pm) where you get to hear them say ‘[Small European nation ending in -stan] – no points’, is definitely the main event. This year the entry du jour is the emotional ballad and host nation Azerbaijan has led the charge. As always there’s a good share of trashy dance tracks and novelty entries from countries trying not to make it through. The UK has sent Englebert Humperdink; the token hard rock track comes from Slovakia who have opened a portal to the late ‘80s; and Austria look like an industrial version of the Revenge of the Nerds finale. Sweden’s Loreen may be the favourite but Blackbox points go to Montenegro’s Rambo Amadeus. There’s a donkey in the film clip. You have to give points for a donkey.
Elsewhere it’s all about bikies: Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms (SCTEN, Tue, 8:30pm) continues and Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed May 23, 9:40pm) has a start date. Insight (SBS1, Tue Jun 5, 8:30pm) is getting into the act and there’s even a bikie-themed episode of CSI (GEM, Sat May 26, 10:30pm).
New shows this week include Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell (ABC1, Fri May 25, 8pm) a round up of the week’s news Micallef-style, the most inventive talent show Bollywood Star (SBS1, Sat Jun 9, 7:30pm) with the prize of Bollywood stardom, Archer (ABC2, Tue, 9pm) an animated spy comedy, new Fringe (Go!, Mon May 28, 10:30pm), Sanctuary (ABC2, Tue Jun 5, 9:25pm) and Downton Abbey (Prime, Sun, 8:30pm).
Docos to check out include Sunday Best: We Were Here (ABC2, Sun Jun 3, 8:30pm) about AIDS in the ‘80s, The Truth About Child Brides (ABC2, Wed May 30, 9:30pm) and The Story of Wales (SBS1, Fri Jun 1, 8:30pm). There are some great shows airing in the US at the moment starting with the jaw-dropping second season of Game of Thrones on Fox. There are also a couple of newbies that will hopefully get some free-to-air investment. Girls is an enthralling drama about four twenty-somethings in NYC. It straddles the timeline between Gossip Girl and Sex and the City (11, Fri, 9:40pm) but is grittier and pushes more boundaries. Veep is a US adaptation of The Thick of It starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the Vice President.
The new season US shows were announced last week and include comedies The Neighbours about a gated community where aliens reside and dramas 666 Park Avenue about a haunted NYC apartment building, Zero Hour, starring Anthony Edwards as the editor of a skeptics mag, and Arrow, based on DC Comics character.
New Australian projects include Aunty’s This Christmas, a six-part comedy about an anti-Christmas family to air (you guessed it) in the lead up to Christmas, Mr &Mrs Murder a 13-part comedy crime series starring Shaun Micallef and Kat Stewart for SCTEN which has just been funded by Screen Australia and a telemovie of Peter Temple’s The Broken Shore.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 8 May 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 8 months ago
The death of Beastie Boy Adam Yauch is the biggest loss to music in some time. Like them or loathe them, the Beastie Boys drove hip hop to new heights, changed music and minds and provided a killer soundtrack to life. BMA was there back in ’92 when they lifted the roof off the ANU Bar and had everybody fighting for their right. rage has announced they will air a tribute to MCA on the weekend of Sat-Sun May 12-13, which will no doubt include the extended, cameo laden version of that track directed by Yauch. No details of date or time as we go to print. Check www.abc.net.au/rage .
On the other end of the music spectrum, dust off the fake fur and big sunnies – it’s time for Eurovision. The comp is on the weekend of Fri-Sun May 25-27 but start revising with Secret History of Eurovision (SBS, Fri May 11, 8.30pm)
The free-to-air commercial networks wonder why people find other ways to watch their fave shows. After Blackbox pleaded with readers to support HBO-style drama on free to air, Ten network folks pulled Sons of Anarchy from One to screen it on SCTEN. No air date yet but in all likelihood they’ll link it to their first foray into local Underbelly style drama, Bikie Wars (SCTEN, Tue May 15, 8.30pm) and replace their Super Sunday with Bikie Tuesday.
There’s finally an airdate for the much promoted fantasy drama Once Upon a Time (Prime, Tue May 15, 7.30pm). This habit of promoting shows months out but without pertinent information like when it’s on is annoying. It’s hardly likely to ensure an audience. Other new shows include Louie (ABC2, Mon May 21, 10pm) starring comedian Louis C.K, and the sure-to-be cringe worthy new real people obdoco The Shire (SCTEN, Wed May 16, 8.20pm).
Everything old really is new again. A rebooted The Price is Right (Prime, Mon-Fri, 5pm) hosted by game show fave Larry Emdur kicked off this week with a tribute to Price is Right king Ian Turpie. Some other interesting old shows are quietly creeping into schedules undetected. Keep your eyes peeled for Buck Rogers (7Mate, Sat, 6.30am) and The Incredible Hulk (7Mate, Sat, 7.30am).
Docos to keep an eye out for include Sunday Best: The Hollywood Complex (ABC2, Sun May 13, 8.30pm) which follows the child actors that flock to Hollywood for their big break, American Movie (ABC2, Sun May 20, 8.30pm) which follows Mark Borchardt as he makes his first independent film, Artscape: A Law unto Himself (ABC1, Tue May 15, 10.05pm) about artist and puppeteer Roger Law, and Patrick White: Will they read me when I’m dead (ABC1, Tue May 22, 10pm). Documentary series include Secrets of Superbrands (ABC1, Thu May 17, 9.30pm) a series looking at our obsession with brands, The Diamond Queen (ABC1, Sun May 13, 7.30pm), a three-parter following the life of QEII to celebrate her diamond jubilee, and Easter Island: Underworld (SBS1, Sun May 13, 7.30pm) which looks at the vast cave system underneath the island.
If you’re a sporting junkie, don’t forget to book in early July for the Olympics. WIN will simulcast in HD on GEM with the promise of 14 hours live (6.30pm-9am) plus highlights twice daily.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 April 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 9 months ago
The magnificent Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed Apr 25, 9.30pm) returns this week with the free to air debut of season three. Chez Blackbox will be tuning in, not just because the goings-on in the SAMCRO clubhouse make for riveting viewing but because it’s well-written, big budget episodic drama accessible to everyone. SCTEN, SBS and good old Auntie are making sure some of the HBO-style drama gets aired either after the pay channels are done or (in the case of Mad Men and Big Love) before. Join Blackbox in supporting them. There’s something great about watching TV drama the way it was intended – with anticipation and an enquiring mind, wondering who shot JR or killed Laura Palmer and re-watching last week’s episode for clues.
Also new and worth the investment are sci-fi drama Touch (SCTEN, Sun Apr 29, 8.30pm), new episodes of Person of Interest (WIN, Mon Apr 30, 10pm), Andrew Denton’s long-awaited game show Randling (ABC1, Wed May 2, 8.30pm), British legal drama Silks (ABC1, Thu Apr 26, 8.30pm) and a new series of Laid (ABC1, Wed May 2, 9pm).
Prophets of Science Fiction (SBS, Sun Apr 29, 8.30pm) got off to a great start last week with Jules Verne and his steam punk motif. With H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick to come, it’s already made the Blackbox must watch list.
Ever notice that the world’s philosophers and thinkers usually come from cold places? Winter is coming and with it a feast of thought-provoking documentaries like Deliver us From Evil (ABC2, Sun May 6, 8.30pm), the story of the Catholic Church’s most notorious paedophile. Also Mark Zuckerberg: Inside Facebook (ABC 2, Thu May 10, 9.30pm), Steve Jobs: Billion Dollar Hippy (ABC1, Thu May 3, 9.30pm), Sarah Palin: You Betcha (ABC2, Sun Apr 29, 8.30pm), Wildest India (SBS1, Wed Apr 25, 7.30pm), a five-parter that looks at wildlife and landscape, Long March to Freedom (SBS1, Fri Apr 27, 9.30pm), a three-parter looking at the Red Army’s advance to Germany in 1945, Machu Picchu Decoded (SBS1, Sun May 6, 7.30pm), and Extreme Frontiers: Canada (SBS1, Wed May 9, 8.30pm), a new Charley Boorman four-parter. Amazing the sort of career you can build from being Ewan McGregor’s riding buddy.
Two on the Great Divide (ABC1, Sun Apr 29, 7.30pm) come to our neighbourhood this week, climbing Mt Kosciuszko and explaining the vagaries of Lake George. The WIN folks are moving shows around so much that unless you’re tuned in to them 24/7 you’d never know when anything was on. This time it’s 2Broke Girls (WIN, Sun Apr 29, 6.30pm). Do you have it or know someone who does? Computer Game Addiction on Catalyst (ABC1, Thu Apr 26, 8pm). Step away from the Xbox. Loving Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri 8.30pm) and her wardrobe. Not your usual drab period drama.
In production are two period dramas. Telemovie Dangerous Remedy, a 1960s political thriller set in Melbourne, and a serial version of the Carey-Lette 70s coming of age novel Puberty Blues.
This fortnight’s movies include The Thomas Crown Affair (ABC2, Sat Apr 28, 8.30pm), Vantage Point (Go!, Sun Apr 29, 9.30pm), Wayne’s World 2 (7Mate, Sun Apr 29, 7pm), the 1966 Dr Who flick, Daleks – Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (GEM, Sat May 5, 9.30am), Every Which Way You Can (WIN, Sat May 5, 12am), 1972 romp Dracula A.D. (WIN, Sat May 5, 2.10am), and Alien (One, Fri May 4, 8.30pm). Good to see TMZ (Go!, Mon-Fri, 12am) return to a slightly friendlier timeslot.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 April 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 9 months ago
The quiet achiever in the musical landscape celebrates 25 years on air this month: rage – Silver Jubilee (ABC1, Sat Apr 21, 10.20pm) takes a Tim Rogers-hosted journey through history, so watch, upload your rage party pics on Facebook and tweet (#maintaintherage). It’s spawned the best compilation CDs, filled hard drives with inerasable guest programming slots and brought Countdown to a whole new audience. Congratulations rage – looking forward to your Golden Jubilee. Blackbox’s fave rage moment remains Frenzal Rhomb’s predictably ironic guest programming slot. What’s yours? The best one gets a mystery Blackbox prize.
The SCTEN folks are filling the void left by Homeland with critically acclaimed supernatural drama Touch (SCTEN, Sun Apr 22, 8.30pm). Dirk Gently (ABC2, Mon Apr 23, 9.30pm) delivers everything you’d expect from Douglas Adams’ detective. Entries for Open Shot 2 are open now. If you’re under 35 and have a great idea for a doco, you can apply for up to $80,000 and have your doco on the telly. www.abc.net.au/independent .
Get some inspiration from All the Way (ABC1, Thu Apr 12, 9.30pm) about Australia’s alliance with the USA during the Vietnam War, and from Wildest Africa (SBS1, Wed Apr 18, 7.30pm) about cultures and wildlife of Africa. Two on the Great Divide (ABC1, Sun Apr 22, 7.30pm) sees John Doyle and Tim Flannery at it again, and I Can Change your Mind about Climate (ABC1, Thu Apr 26, 8.30pm) takes Anna Rose of the Youth Climate Coalition and former Senator Nick Minchin around, followed by a special Q&A. Prophets of Science Fiction (SBS1, Sun Apr 15, 8.30pm) looks at science fiction thinkers such as H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick.
Some old favourites are back with new seasons. Being Human (ABC2, Tue 10 Apr, 9.30pm), Whitechapel (ABC1, Sat Apr 14, 8.30pm), Offspring (SCTEN, Wed Apr 18, 8.30pm), Nurse Jackie (11, Tue Apr 17, 9.30pm), Californication (11, Tue Apr 17, 10pm), Shameless (SBS1, Mon Apr 16, 9.30pm), and Community (Go, Thu Apr 12, 8pm).
Blackbox is not usually one to spruik Dancing with the Stars (Prime, Sun Apr 15, 6.30pm) but the inclusion of Brian Mannix in the line-up might make the first few episodes worthwhile. There’s a grab bag of other stuff to look out for including The Family UK (SBS1, Thu Apr 12, 9.30pm), a doco that follows the lives of a British Indian family, Heath Franklin’s Chopper – Harden the F#ck up Australia (One, Fri Apr 20, 11.30pm) and Jamie’s Big Feastival (SCTEN, Sat Apr 14, 6.30pm), a big day out for musical foodies.
ANZAC viewing includes 480:ANZAC, a series of mini-docos on indigenous ANZACs (daily on ABC1, Apr 23-26, 6.50pm), ANZAC (Prime, Sun Apr 15, 12.20am), a series of B&W docos hosted by Bud Tingwell, The Overlanders (GEM, Wed Apr 25, 12pm), a Chips Rafferty flick about WWII in the top end, ANZAC Day March (ABC1, Wed Apr 25, 10.30am) and Gallipoli Dawn Service (ABC1, Wed Apr 25, 12.30pm) for those too lazy for the local dawn service.
Movies include Twilight Zone (WIN, Sun Apr 15, 1.10am), Addams Family Values (Go!, Fri Apr 13, 7.30pm) and the John Hughes classic Sixteen Candles (Prime, Sun Apr 15, 1.30pm). Don’t miss: Family Guy Star Wars Trilogy (7Mate, Mon Apr 16, 8.30pm). Avoid The Logies (WIN, Sun Apr 15, 7.30pm). Yawn.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 March 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 10 months ago
If you’ve got Foxtel, look out for the brilliant new drama Awake starring Michael Britten as a detective who wakes up in two different realities, and Justified, based on a short story by Elmore Leonard. If not, queue up at the video store like the rest of us and spend Sunday might watching NCIS reruns (SCTEN, Sun Apr 1, 8.30pm) after the year’s best drama Homeland winds up.
Ob docos and lifestyle programming are usually not Chez Blackbox faves but exceptions can be made for Toughest Place to be a… (SBS1, Wed Mar 28, 8.30pm) which follows a UK binman, fisherman and train driver doing their job in Jakarta, Sierra Leone and Peru respectively, Seven Dwarves (ABC2, Wed Apr 4, 9.30pm) which looks at the lives of seven little people acting in a pantomime, How to cook like Heston (SBS1, Thu Mar 29, 8pm) which, as you’d expect, drops a bit of science in the mixing bowl and Jamie’s Fish Suppers (SCTEN, Sat Mar 31, 6.30pm) because we all should be eating more of it and we may as well do it right.
Also look out for new seasons of Shameless (SBS1, Mon Apr 9, 9.30pm) and Being Human (ABC1, Tue Apr 10, 9.30pm), sadly without Mitchell.
Docos to check out include In The Name of The Family (SBS1, Thu Mar 29, 7.30pm) which looks at honour killings in the west, Martin Scorsese: Emotions through Music (SBS1, Sat Mar 31, 8.30pm) in which the legendary director talks about the influence of music on his life and work, Sunday Best: Thrilla in Manila (ABC2, Sun Apr 8, 8.30pm) about the infamous boxing match, The Cove (ABC2, Sun Apr 1, 8.30pm) about the dolphin hunt in Japan, and Insight: Nineteen (SBS1, Tue Apr 10, 8.30pm) – a recent Aussie version of 7Up.
Filming has started on a couple of new tele-movies and mini-series including Devil’s Dust, which follows the story of Bernie Banton’s fight against James Hardie, and Cliffy, starring Kevin from Seachange as marathon runner and sheep farmer Cliff Young.
Filming on season 2 of Rake starts in April which means an airdate is still way too far away.
Movies to keep an eye out for include Dog Day Afternoon (WIN, Sat Apr 7, 11.50pm), Samson and Delilah (ABC2, Sat Apr 7, 8.30pm), The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (Prime, Sat Apr 7, 1.30pm), The Big Steal (ABC2, Sat Mar 31, 8.30pm), The Black Balloon (ABC2, Sat Mar 31, 10.10pm), Come Fly with Me (GEM, Sat Apr 7, 12.40) about three air hostesses made in the golden age of commercial flight – the ‘60s, The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (GEM, Good Fri Apr 6, 12pm) – one of the lesser known religious epics of the ‘50s, The Addams Family (Go!, Good Fri Apr 6, 7.50pm) and Anna and The King (SCTEN, Sat Apr 7, 1pm) – the Jodie Foster version or better still find the Yul Brynner original.
Stuck at home bored at Easter? Try a marathon of Glee (SCTEN, Good Fri Apr 6, 8pm) or 2 Broke Girls (Go!, Thu Apr 5, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss the first ever mass same sex TV wedding on Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight (ABC1, Wed Mar 28, 8.30pm) with Adam Ant (who Blackbox can report still has it) as the wedding singer.
If you’re desperate enough for fame, Beauty and the Geek is looking for contestants.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 March 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 10 months ago
Just as digital music opened a door to a massive candy store of long forgotten classics ripe for reinvention and reinterpretation, dusting off TV classics to fill ever-expanding schedules has exponentially increased the volume of TV remakes. Except that TV moguls are more like pub cover bands than recording artists. There are some success stories, mainly in the sci-fi genre – Star Trek, which moved the universe on a bit and dumped the Kirk-style bravado for a more eloquent, sophisticated approach; Dr Who, which replaced that quarry with sophisticated sets and CGI while maintaining the character-based plots that served the original so well and even Battlestar Galactica, which has captured a sizable niche following. The list of failures though is lengthy – Knight Rider, Beverly Hills 90210, Get Smart, The Love Boat, Bionic Woman, Melrose Place. The key thing the failed shows have in common – vanilla characters and a cast filled with pretty faces that all look the same. In fact they’re so alike the characters are easily mixed up. At least, barring late night talk shows and reality TV where there are fame and prizes to be won, Australia has been spared local remakes of US or UK shows. So why waffle on about this? Because there are a raft of remakes or reinventions in the works including Wentworth, a new version of Prisoner for Foxtel, The Munsters, a return to Dallas (with Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy reprising their roles), The Flintstones, Bewitched and two Beauty and the Beasts – one based on the original tale, the other a remake of the ‘80s cult show.
And on cue: Maggie Kirkpatrick, best known as Prisoner’s Joan “The Freak” Ferguson appears in this week’s Talkin’ about Your Generation (SCTEN, Wed Mar 21, 8.30pm).
There’s also stunning (and much hyped) wildlife doco The Great Barrier Reef (WIN, Sun, 6.30pm), Danish crime drama The Killing (SBS2, Wed Mar 21, 8.30pm) and new Damages (WIN, Tue, 1am) although it’s been relegated to the wee hours.
Other docos on offer include the sensationalised One series Ross Kemp on Gangs (One, Tue, 9.30pm), Sunday Best: The King of Kong (ABC2, Sun Mar 18, 8.30pm) about Donkey Kong champions and not the Fay Wray movie, Brave New World with Stephen Hawking (SBS1, Sun, 8.30pm) – a five-parter looking for the next scientific great leap forward, The Real MASH (SBS1, Fri Mar 16, 9.30pm) which looks at the real MASH units in Korea that inspired the show, and Sunday Best: Aileen: The Life And Death Of A Serial Killer (ABC2, Sun Mar 25, 8.30pm) which looks at the case of serial killer Aileen Wuoronos.
Food seems to have bumped travel from primetime but there are still a few shows including Places We Go (One, Sat, 5pm), An Idiot Abroad – The Bucket List (SCTEN, Sat, 9.30pm) – squirm-worthy as well as informative, and Getaway (WIN, Sat, 5.30pm).
If you’re still looking for food, check out Food Truck (7TWO, Sun, 6.30pm) which follows kiwi chef Michael Wan De Elzen making restaurant quality van food.
Auntie’s classic movie slot has gone all Australian with Malcolm (ABC2, Sat Mar 17, 8.30pm), Oyster Farmer (ABC2, Sat Mar 17, 9.50pm), Lucky Miles (ABC2, Sat Mar 24, 8.30pm) and The Coca Cola Kid (ABC2, Sat Mar 24, 10.10pm).
Good to see TMZ (Go!, Tue-Sat, 12.30am) at a slightly more respectable time.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 28 February 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 10 months ago
Once upon a time in the ‘burbs, a group of Canberra 20-somethings with not much else to do created a series of short schlock horror films about a teddy bear named Kuddles. It involved some unscrupulous acts with Barbie dolls, purposefully bad acting and a lot of fake blood. Back in the days before YouTube it was passed around on a videotape. No doubt Danger 5 (SBS1, Mon, 9.30pm) started life in much the same way. Set in WWII and reimagined as a B-grade ‘60s spy thriller, replete with bad acting, establishing shots with poorly constructed cardboard models, and plenty of scantily clad vixens it’s like the bastard love child of the Thunderbirds, Austin Powers and Top Secret! (it was the ‘60s). Destined to be a cult hit – miss it at your peril.
Elsewhere in comedy land there’s Grandma’s House (ABC2, Thu, 10pm ) starring comedian Simon Amstell, best known as the host of UK’s version of Spicks and Specks – Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 2BrokeGirls (WIN, Tue, 8pm) which has its moments and cult hit Portlandia (ABC2, Thu, 10pm).
The Chaser team will be back in the year with The Goodies’ Graeme Garden for an Australian version of The Unbelievable Truth. The British show (which features Garden) makes comedians tell unbelievable stories while managing to pass off five facts as fiction. Probably something the Chaser team will excel at, one would think.
The Ricky Gervais Show (SBS1, Mon Mar 5, 10.05pm) is a bit of a money spinner – the audio podcasts of Gervais, Merchant and Pilkington and whacking an animation on top. Gervais makes more money without really having to do anything.
For those with a hankering for more crime there’s a new series of Waking the Dead (ABC1, Sun Mar 11, 8.35pm) and for medico fans a new season of House (SCTEN, Sun, 9.45pm).
Docos to check out include Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags (ABC2, Wed Feb 29, 8.30pm) – a series following the songstress as she and her sister set up a clothing business, Fry’s Planet Word (ABC2, Sun Mar 11, 9.30pm) where Stephen Fry takes a look at sixth development of language, including participating in a Klingon version of Hamlet, Fukushima: Is nuclear power safe? (SBS1, Sun Mar 4, 8.30pm) which asks the question not just in Japan but more broadly, The Spice Trail (SBS1, Thu Mar 8, 8.30pm) – a three-parter that looks at 15th century spice trade, Aung San Suu Kyi – Lady of no fear (SBS2, Thu Mar 8, 7.30pm), Vivienne Westwood: Do it yourself (SBS2, Sat Mar 10, 8.30pm) which looks at the life and work of the designer, and Sunday Best: Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (ABC2, Sun Mar, 4 8.30pm).
Classic movies to check out include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (GEM, Sat Mar 3, 2.40pm), Broadcast News (SCTEN, Sat Mar 3, 10.30pm), Fight Club (Go!, Mon Mar 5, 9.30pm), Gremlins (Go!, Fri Mar 9, 7.30pm) and Zombie Strippers (Go!, Fri Mar 9, 9.40pm) with Jenna Jameson in the lead role.
Don’t miss new Spooks (ABC1, Sat Mar 2, 8.30pm), Charlie Sheen Roast (WIN, Thu Mar 1, 11pm) for voyeuristic reasons of course, and CSI: Miami – Wheels Up (WIN, Wed Mar 7, 10.30pm) which delves into the world of Roller Derby.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 14 February 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 11 months ago
Chez Blackbox is mourning the end of another long running successful series with intelligent British spy caper Spooks (ABC1, Sat Mar 3, 8.30pm) winding up with season ten about to go to air. While some shows can peter out with poor plot lines and actors going through the motions, Spooks will have you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the very end. It always leaves you wondering when a show that’s still going strong decides it’s time to go. Until, when you’re re-watching your special edition boxed set, it hits you. It’s so much better to burn out than fade away.
For every end there is a new beginning. While Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Mar 2, 8.30pm) is set in roaring ‘20s Melbourne, the protagonist of Kerry Greenwood’s crime novels is every bit as sharp as any modern crime fighter. And there are flappers to boot.
Revenge (Prime, Mon Feb 20, 8.45pm) on the other hand has a fair bit to prove. The story of a woman who plots revenge on an entire family who wronged her barely lasted half a season on Gossip Girl (Go!, Mon, 12am).
There are another two new comedies – US sketch show Portlandia (ABC2, Thu Feb 23, 9pm) with SNL’s Fred Armisen and Sleater-Kinney guitarist Carrie Brownstein, and Frank Woodley’s first story driven show, Woodley (ABC1, Wed Feb 22, 8pm). While it has a narrative, it’s classic Woodley slapstick.
Like to mix your gourmet with politics? Don’t miss Kitchen Cabinet (ABC2, Wed, 9.30pm) with Annabel Crabb who cooks then natters with the pollies in their own kitchens.
More favourites are returning too, with new seasons of Good Game (ABC2, Tue, 8.30pm), NCIS (SCTEN, Tue, 8.30pm), American Dad (7Mate, Mon, 9pm), Family Guy (7Mate, Mon, 9.30pm), Mad Men (SBS1, Sat Feb 25, 9.15pm), Glee (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm) and An Idiot Abroad: The Bucketlist (SCTEN, Sat Feb 18, 9.30pm), The Tudors (ABC2, Mon Feb 20, 9.30pm).
Of course the schedules are again littered with reality shows– either the same ones as last year or slight variations on a theme including The Biggest Loser Australia (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm) now with the lovelorn, Excess Baggage (GEM, Mon-Fri, 7pm) which has already been bumped from the main channel, My Kitchen Rules (Prime, Mon, 7.30pm), Please Marry My Boy (Prime, Mon, 8.45pm), A Farmer’s Life For Me (ABC2, Tue, 6pm) which sets eight couples up on an English farm. The worst is probably The Marriage Ref (Prime, Wed, 11.05pm) – a mix between agony aunt and comedy, the Jerry Seinfeld panel show advises couples on what could only be manufactured marital disputes.
There are some fabulous docos around at the moment, including Tea Party America (ABC1, Wed Feb 15, 9.30pm), Artscape: Life Architecturally (ABC1, Tue Feb 28, 10pm) which follows architect Robert McBride and his wife interior designer Debbie Ryan, Arctic with Bruce Parry (SBS1, Wed Feb 22, 8.30pm) – a five- part journey, God in America (SBS1, Fri Feb 24, 8.30pm) about the history of religion in the US, Cocaine Cowboys (ABC2, Sun Feb 19, 8.30pm) about Miami’s part in the ‘70s and ‘80s and Wild Ones: Kangaroo Mob (ABC2, Tue Feb 21, 8.30pm) which follows city roos for a year.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Date Published: Tuesday, 31 January 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 11 months ago
Blackbox - Three out of four new comedies on the telly get the Blackbox stamp of approval.
TV comedies, like good drama, need really good writing and at least one cast member with exceptional skills. Comedy, though, also needs the ability to hook you in from the very beginning. Audiences will forgive a lumbering drama, conceding that a complex backstory needs to be put in place. But when it comes to comedy, if it doesn’t make you laugh by the first ad break, you ain’t going back. Ever. Fortunately New Girl (SCTEN, Sun, 8pm) had Chez Blackbox in stitches by the time the opening credits started. Zooey Deschanel stars as Jess, the geeky flatmate of three guys. The schmaltzy moments are still funny and Chez Blackbox has already adopted the douchebag jar. The only thing SCTEN could do to improve its Sunday lineup is drop the irritating cross promos from The Project people.
Outland (ABC1, Wed Feb 8, 9.30pm) looks promising in an absurd kind of way. The John Richards penned comedy (with Adam Richard co-writing the first three episodes) about a gay science fiction fan club is a comical farce in the great British-Australian tradition of over-exaggeration.
Coincidentally one of the best British examples from the late ‘80s returns this fortnight – Absolutely Fabulous 20th Anniversary Specials (ABC1, Wed Feb 8, 8pm) revisits Eddy and Pats over two weeks, for a few bolly stolly cocktails. If you haven’t seen the original, get thee to the DVD store now.
Also back from the dead is Minder (ABC1, Sat Feb 11, 6.10pm). Britain may have moved on but the dodgy businessman from the East End is a stereotype that’s hard to shake.
Chez Blackbox knows that with all your fave series returning you only have room for a couple of new shows. Don’t waste it on Suburgatory (Go!, Sun Feb 5, 8.30pm) – a fish out of water comedy about a NYC teenager who moves to the burbs. Desperate Housewives (Prime, Thu, 8.30pm) and Weeds (GEM, TBC) have already done cartoon suburban pastiche.
Series returns include House (SCTEN, Sun Feb 5, 9.35pm), Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Wed Feb 8, 8pm), Glee (SCTEN, Fri, 7pm), An Idiot Abroad: Bucket List (SCTEN, Sat Feb 4, 7.30pm), CSI (WIN, Thu Feb 2, 9pm), Adam Hills in Gordon St (ABC1, Wed Feb 8, 8.30pm), Dexter (SCTEN, Tue, 9.30pm), The Office (SCTEN, Tue, 9pm), How I Met Your Mother (Prime, Mon, 9.40pm), The Tudors (ABC2, Mon Feb 13, 9.30pm) and Damages (WIN, Tue Jan 31, 1am).
Docos to check out include the four part Putin, Russia and The West (SBS1, Wed Feb 1, 9.30pm) which looks at the world’s favourite action hero, Dancing with Dictators (ABC2, Sun Feb 12, 10pm) about Burma’s only media company, Singapore 1942 – End of Empire (SBS1, Fri Feb 10, 8.30pm), the four part History of Celtic Britain (SBS1, Sun Feb 5, 7.30pm) with the incredibly intense Neil Oliver who could probably look at joining the cast of Minder if archaeology doesn’t work out.
Movies on offer include Star Trek (2009) (SCTEN, Wed Feb 8, 9.30pm), The Sound of Music (Fri Feb 10, 8pm), The Towering Inferno (GEM, Sat Feb 4, 4.10pm), When Harry Met Sally (GEM, Sun Feb 5, 8.30pm) and Dracula Prince of Darkness (GEM, Mon Feb 6, 1.50am).
Chez Blackbox has joined the twitterverse. Look out.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 17 January 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years ago
Chez Blackbox is simply giddy with excitement at the prospect of the new ratings season. Not since the original Underbelly series (which brought the trash whore lingo of Roberta Williams into the lexicon) has there been this much excitement at new free-to-air TV series. And this year there are two – one from Showtime, one from Auntie – offering very different takes on crime.
Homeland (SCTEN, Sun Jan 22, 8.30pm) is the latest slickly produced drama from Showtime. From the folks behind 24 with a stellar cast including Claire Danes and everybody’s favourite almost-bad-guy Damien Lewis, the political-come-espionage thriller has a lot to live up to. And it does. Danes’ portrayal of a paranoid and slightly mentally unhinged CIA agent is compelling – perhaps honed from all those years with Ben Lee. And Lewis puts in another Emmy-worthy turn as a US soldier held captive by terrorists for eight years, a man returned as a hero but who Danes suspects is a sleeper. It sounds like an obvious plot but it's executed with an incredible attention to detail, slick dialogue, and compelling performances. Should be water cooler worthy for fans of good drama.
Once you get past the title sequence, which is a straight rip off of the True Blood credits, The Straits (ABC1, Thu Feb 2, 8.30pm) is the best totally fictional crime series Australia has seen for an eternity. The story of a crime family running drugs and guns through the Torres Straits, using their own island connections, has the right mix of drama, violence and humour to hold even the most jaded TV addict’s attention. With an opening sequence that involves a drug deal gone wrong with Papuan tribesmen, automatic gunfire, and a spear through the face, it is refreshing that the series isn’t trying to highlight indigenous injustice but rather entertain through the prism of islander culture. And the humour? Tripped out drug dealers seeing the iconic kangaroo warning signs as a hitch-hiker, brothers who blow up a meth lab with a mobile phone, and an Indian dentist found floating in a large esky. And that’s just for starters.
DO NOT MISS The Wild Ones: Cane Toads – The Conquest (ABC1, Tue Jan 31, 8.30pm) the follow up to the best doco ever – 1988’s Cane Toads – An Unnatural History. You have been warned.
Other new offerings to look out for in the next couple of weeks include News Exchange (ABC News24, Fri Feb 3, 8pm) a web focussed news program that also looks at social media; Jamie Cooks Summer (SCTEN, Fri Jan 20, 7.30pm) with, presumably, a book from Mr Oliver to follow; and the Zooey Deschanel vehicle New Girl (SCTEN, Sun Jan 22, 8pm).
There’s also new series (or at least episodes) of CSI: NY (WIN, Thu Jan 26, 9.30pm), The Graham Norton Show (SCTEN, Sat Jan 21, 8.50pm), Dexter (Eleven, Tue Jan 24, 9.30pm) and The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon Jan 23, 7.30pm).
Auntie’s love is being spread around with Sea Change (7TWO, Fri Jan 20, 7.30pm) being shown from the beginning.
Docos to check out include Persecution Blues (ABC2, Wed Jan 25, 8.30pm) a homage to legendary Melbourne venue The Tote, Autoluminescent: Rowland S. Howard (ABC2, Wed Jan 25, 9.30pm) about the Melbourne punk scene, Nick Cave: Triple J’s Tribute (ABC2, Thu Jan 26, 9.30pm), Oz and Hugh Raise the Bar (SBS1, Thu Jan 26, 8:30pm) following Hugh Dennis and wine expert Oz Clarke as they collect the best of British drinks for their British pub (a must for home brewers), Video Killed the Radio Star (ABC2, Sun Jan 22, 7pm) which charts the rise of the music video through the eyes of the producers and artists that made them happen, From Sydney to Tokyo By Any Means (SBS1, Wed Feb 1, 8.30pm) and the best Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil so far – Donald Trump vs Viagra (ABC2, Thu Jan 31, 10.25pm).
True romantics (or those with an eye for a Parisian romance) should be sure to catch Sex and the City – An American Girl in Paris (Eleven, Fri Jan 27, 9.40pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 6 December 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 1 month ago
The sweet smell of summer is in the air – fresh cut grass, drinks that should, ideally, have little umbrellas in them, the cricket on the box, DVD box sets of Sons of Anarchy, True Blood, Game of Thrones and X-Files under the tree (hint, hint Santa) and the last issue of BMA for 2011. The smart networks have started their 2012 hype early, perhaps realising BMA folk will be out hitting what’s left of the festival circuit, catching some rays and sipping the aforementioned cocktails with accoutrement instead of chained to a typewriter in the Gorman House basement.
And the winner for most appealing 2012 line-up so far is good ol’ Auntie. At least one inhabitant of Chez Blackbox is wetting her pants in anticipation of a new season of Rake in 2012! Auntie’s also serving up Josh Thomas in Please Like Me, Outland – about a gay sci-fi fanclub, crime drama The Straits, Planet America – a look at the US election, Myf Warhurst’s pop cultural journey in Nice, Annabel Crabb talking food with the pollies in Kitchen Cabinet, the Ab Fab anniversary specials, Shaun Micallef is Mad as Hell and new seasons of Lowdown and Laid. Elsewhere Nine has the London Olympics, a Hamish and Andy show in the leadup to the Olympics, a resurrected Big Brother and three miniseries – Howzat: The Kerry Packer Story, Beaconsfield and The Great Mint Swindle. Seven serves up new projects from the Kath and Kim crew and Working Dog and Good Christian Bitches from the makers of Sex and the City. Over at Channel 10 there’s new Puberty Blues, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms – an Underbelly-style drama about the Milperra Massacre, Showtime thriller Homeland, Fox sitcom New Girl, and Robert de Niro’s cop show The 2-2.
There’s also a feast of sci-fi for serious hermits including two Terry Pratchett series – Going Postal (ABC1, Sat Dec 17, 7.30pm), Dr Who At The Proms 2010 (ABC1, Sat Dec 24, 11.30pm), Dr Who: The Next Doctor (ABC1, Sat Dec 17, 10.45pm), and Star Trek Voyager (11, Sat Dec 10, 9.30pm).
Amongst the next month’s movies are a raft of ‘80s comic treats. If you look past the poor production values and excruciating ‘80s fashion, you’ll find a few gems like Teen Wolf (Go!, Sun Dec 18, 9.30pm), Spaceballs (Go!, Mon Dec 19, 9.30pm), and Caddyshack (Go!, Thu Dec 22, 9.30pm).
SANTA WATCH: The Graham Norton Show: Christmas Special (ABC2, Sat Dec 24, 10pm), Peep Show: Seasonal Beating (ABC2, Sat Dec 24, 11pm), The Vicar of Dibley (Prime, Sun Dec 11, 7pm), Happy Days (11, Sun Dec 25, 1.30am), The Flintstones (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 7.30am), Bewitched (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 1.30pm), Just Shoot Me (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 2.30pm), Top Gear Middle East Special (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 6.30pm), South Park (Go!, Sat Dec 25, 12.20am), Little Britain (WIN, Sat Dec 24, 11pm), The Smurfs – A Christmas Carol (Prime, Sat Dec 17, 8pm), SOS: Santa: The Fascist Years (SBS1, Sun Dec 25, 12.40am), Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat Dec 24, 9.30pm), The Legends of Santa (SBS1, Sat Dec 24, 5.30pm) and for the traditionalists Carols from St Andrews (ABC1, Sat Dec 24, 6pm) and It’s a Wonderful Life (ABC2, Sat Dec 24, 1pm).
It’s time to mix a margarita (sans umbrella), whack Do They Know It’s Christmas on the turntable and put up the tree. Merry Christmas to all…
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 22 November 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 2 months ago
There’s a raft of musical history treats this fortnight including Queen: Days of Our Lives (ABC2, Wed Nov 30, 9.30pm). The two parter charts the band’s history, Australian Story style, including their infamous spats with the NME and The Sex Pistols, quite a few old interviews with Freddie Mercury and unseen early gig footage. It’s nothing fans of the band wouldn’t know but it is a great study on how four very different, strong minded and talented musicians continued to work together for four decades. Oh and a good lesson on overdubbing and why the porn star ‘tache should come off after Movember.
Same era, different result – The Agony & Ecstasy of Phil Spector (ABC2, Sun Nov 27, 8.30pm) is from an interview given during his first trial where he talks about his life and work, including his friendship with John Lennon.
Elsewhere, triple j Presents Sparkadia (ABC2, Tue Nov 29, 10.25pm), and a new series of Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat, 9.30pm) continues.
Other docos to check out include Running to America (ABC1, Thu Dec 1, 8.30pm) about four indigenous men trained by Canberra’s own Robert de Castella to run the NY marathon, Artscape: Ben Quilty and the Maggots (ABC1, Tue Nov 29, 10pm) which repeats the brilliant doco about the artist, Spellbound (ABC2, Sun Dec 11, 8.30pm) – behind the scenes at America’s National Spelling Bee, Trapped in an Elevator (SBS1, Thu Nov 29, 7.30pm) which tells the history of elevators, interspersed by the story of someone who got stuck in one for 41 hours, and Scarlet Road: A sex worker’s journey (SBS1, Fri Dec 2, 10.05pm) which looks at the work of sex worker Rachel Wotton who works with people with disabilities.
The less glitzy of the award shows, the 2011 Walkley Awards (SBS1, Sun Nov 27, 10.15pm) for journalism round up the year and so you don’t fall asleep, The Chaser (sorry, Hamster Wheel) boys will appear.
Summer programming has arrived. But don’t panic, there are a few gems including Green Wing (ABC2, Tue Nov 29, 9.30pm) – a hospital-based, soapie style comedy from the makers of Smack the Pony, two The Thick of it Christmas Specials (ABC1, Wed Nov 30 and Wed Dec 7, 9pm), and Lewis Black’s Root of all Evil (ABC2, Tue Dec 6, 10.25pm) which pits two comedians against each other to make the case for which pop cultural icon or pursuit is worse including Paris Hilton vs Dick Cheney, and weed vs beer.
Movies to check out include restored cult classic Dogs in Space (ABC2, Fri Dec 9, 9.30pm) in its first airing in 20 years starring Michael Hutchence and set in a group house at the centre of Melbourne’s ‘70s punk scene, Here I Am (ABC1, Thu Dec 8, 8.30pm) – the award-winning debut from Beck Cole shot in Port Adelaide, Brideshead Revisited (ABC1, Sun Nov 27, 8.30pm), Steve Martin classic The Jerk (ABC2, Sat Nov 26, 8.40pm), American History X (Go, Sat Dec 3, 10.50pm) and Poltergeist (WIN, Sun Dec 4, 1.50am).
SANTA WATCH: Better Homes and Gardens Christmas at Dr Harry’s Farm (Prime, Fri Nov 25, 7.30pm), Mythbusters: Christmas Lights (7Mate, Tue Nov 22, 7.30pm), and Six Million Dollar Man: A bionic Christmas carol (7Mate, Wed Nov 23, 6.30am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 8 November 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 2 months ago
This month marks a sad day in Australian television history – Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed Nov 23, 8.30pm) airs its finale. The upstart music quiz show that should have been a cult hit got so popular its host earned two gold Logie nominations and his own tonight show. It turned a music savant into a household name and made a triple j contributor so famous she only needed one name, like Madonna. Each moment has been played out in our living rooms – from the agony of Myf’s Nirvana blunder to the joy on Hamish Blake’s face when he finally got a question right (exactly how a radio personality can know nothing about music is in itself bizarre). Who will be able to forget a breathless Dave O’Neil on a stationary pushbike in Malvern Stars on 45, the world’s most boring text, Measurement in Australia sung to the tune of Born to be Wild by Shaun Micallef or BMA’s own Justin Heazlewood (aka The Bedroom Philosopher) performing Musical Clearance Sale. Adam, Alan and Myf, we salute you – hard to believe it’s only been seven years. Of course, there’s one option left – Spicks and Specktacular hits town for shows at The Royal Theatre from Saturday-Monday December 10-12.
Some of the retro TV fare currently gracing our screens hasn’t stood up well but well-written classic British comedy even from as far back as the ‘70s is still as witty in 2011. The latest series to join the retro revolution is Yes Minister (GEM, Sun and Wed, 8pm). While more modern political comedies such as The Thick of It and The Hollowmen may cut closer to the bone, public servants about town will no doubt be aware of Sir Humphreys in their midst.
How do you know summer TV is on its way? All the networks’ big budget shows are winding up. Underbelly Razor (WIN, Sun, 8.30pm), Rush (SCTEN, Thu Nov 17, 8.30pm) and Crownies (ABC1, Thu Dec 1, 9.30pm) have either just finished (time to watch on the catch up sites) or will soon.
Don’t miss new series The Hour (ABC1, Mon Nov 21, 8.30pm) – a thriller set at the BBC in ‘50s Britain and telemovie The Night Watch (ABC1, Sun Nov 20, 8.30pm) based on a Sarah Walters novel about four young Londoners in 1940s wartime Britain.
If you’re looking for a movie offering, check out Meryl Streep’s unconvincing Aussie accent in Evil Angels (GEM, Wed Nov 9, 9.30pm), Robert Carlyle doing comedy with his kit off in The Full Monty (SCTEN, Fri Nov 18, 9.30pm), Arnie and Jamie Lee Curtis doing comedy in True Lies (SCTEN, Sat Nov 19, 8.55pm), the 1950s reimagined ‘80s style in Back to the Future (SCTEN, Sat Nov 19, 6.30pm), Bond flick The Living Daylights (7Mate, Sun Nov 13, 8.30pm), Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen in Red Dawn (7Mate, Fri Nov 18, 12pm), Eric Bana’s nerd outing in Star Trek (SCTEN, Fri Nov 11, 9.30pm), X-Men: The Last Stand (SCTEN, Sat Nov 12, 9pm) and Clint Eastwood in Hang ‘Em High (7Mate, Wed Nov 16, 12pm).
For Ausmusic Month, rage has a collection of Aussie acts guest programming including Boy & Bear (ABC1, Sat Nov 5, 12.15am), Horrorshow (ABC1, Sat Nov 12, 11.25am), The Jezabels (ABC1, Sat Nov 19, 11.25pm) and Bag Raiders (ABC1, Sat Nov 26, 12.10am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 25 October 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 2 months ago
OMG. Could the producers of the Australian version of Celebrity Apprentice (WIN, Mon-Fri, 7pm) have chosen a more embarrassing collection of pseudo celebrities? Let’s just hope this disaster waiting to happen never sees the light of day on foreign shores. At the very least someone should pass a law that Pauline Hanson is never allowed to appear on TV again. You could also add Warwick Capper (who should never be described with terms like ‘‘80s icon’) and ‘celebrity agent’ Max Markson (who doesn’t deserve that title if he advises his clients to be involved in this claptrap).
On the back of shows like The Gruen Transfer and Gruen Planet (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) that use the sausage-making in advertising and PR as a comedy vehicle, film and telly have been given the same treatment in The Bazura Project (ABC1, Thu, 9pm) and The Joy of Sets (WIN, Tue, 9pm). And while Bazura is less wooden and more entertaining than the Tony Martin/Myles Barlow effort, they have limited themselves to a series of cheap gags without the insight of Gruen. Blackbox is a huge fan of Martin and a devotee of Working Dog’s champagne comedy and really really wanted to love it but so far Joy of Sets is more sparkling Chardy.
Yes, there is some good news in TV land and it starts with Haven (ABC2, Mon Nov 7, 8.30pm), a new supernatural series set in Maine, complete with an FBI investigator. Based on a Steven King novella, it’s essentially The X-Files in one place without the government conspiracy.
Add to that American Horror Story (11, Tue Nov 1, 9.30pm) and you’ve got a decent suspense/mystery line-up at last. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a suspense/horror series that was more about the story and the fright than the pin-up quality of its cast, but American Horror Story with the inimitable Jessica Lange does this well. Also watch out for Psychoville Halloween Special (ABC2, Mon Oct 31, 10.15pm) to put you in the mood.
Not to be missed docos include Sunday Best: Out of the Ashes (ABC2, Sun Nov 6, 8.30pm) which follows the Afghan cricket team, Happy Hookers (SBS1, Fri Nov 4, 10pm) which looks at young women in London turning to escort work to fund their lavish lifestyles, Sunday Best: Born into Brothels (ABC2, Sun Oct 30, 8.30pm) which looks at children who grow up in India’s red light districts while the mothers work in the sex industry.
The 7pm Project has changed name to The Project (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 6.30pm) and will stretch out to an hour taking over the George Negus spot.
If you’re looking for a movie escape there’s Bond classics Moonraker (7Mate, Sun Oct 30, 8.30pm) and For Your Eyes Only (7Mate, Sat Nov 5, 8.30pm), early ‘90s spy comedy Sneakers (Prime, Sun Oct 30, 2pm), Borat (11, Sun Oct 30, 9pm) and Stanley Kubrick’s The Killing (ABC2, Sat Nov 5, 8.30pm).
It’s about to become even easier to catch up with your fave shows from Auntie, as long as you’ve got an X-box. Auntie’s catchup site will arrive on the X-box platform over summer.
A musical interlude comes from triple j Presents Drapht (ABC2, Tue Nov 8, 10.15pm).
Christmas has arrived at pretty much every Canberra shopping destination and that means time to start Blackbox’s annual Santa Watch. This year 30 Rock (Prime, Mon Oct 31, 11.30pm) kicks off our countdown (probably by accident rather than design) with an ep entitled Secret Santa followed by Die Hard 2 (SCTEN, Sat Nov 5, 9.05pm). BTW: the Android app says 61 days to go.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 11 October 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 3 months ago
Chez Blackbox is extremely excited about Auntie’s latest doco series, Wide Open Road (ABC1, Sun, 8.30pm) which looks at Australia’s love affair with the car, from the family cars of the ‘50s and ‘60s through to the golden era of ‘70s muscle cars, the fuel crisis, suburban car culture and the environmental future. Hot on the heels of Blackbox’s fave sporting event of the year, the Bathurst 1000 and referencing Australia’s best-ever driving song, The Triffids’ Wide Open Road, what’s not to love?
Handmade enthusiasts and artisans will love the BBC ob doco Mastercrafts (ABC1, Thu, 6pm). Each episode takes three creative types and starts to train them in a number of artisan crafts including heirloom weaving.
Docos to check out include All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (SBS1, Tue Oct 18, 8.30pm).
Finally – new episodes of Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 7.30pm).
Other new and returning shows include Keeping Up With The Joneses (GEM, Thu Oct 22, 8.30pm), last year’s ob doco following a family in the outback, Bored to Death (ABC1, Fri, 10.05pm), from the team behind Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Destiny of Rome (SBS1, Sun Oct 23, 7.30pm), a two part mini-series bringing to life the passions, loves and politics of the Roman Empire, Housos (SBS1, Mon Oct 24, 10pm) a comedy set in the Sunnyvale housing estate from the crew behind Pizza, Kill Arman (SBS1, Mon Oct 24, 8.30pm) an ob doco following a martial arts novice as he trains in a series of different martial arts.
If you’re looking for movies on the box, check out the Cohen Brothers’ classic The Big Lebowski (GEM, Sat Oct 15, 10.30pm), and A Fish Called Wanda (GEM, Sun Oct 16, 9pm), with a Python laden cast and sensibilities.
Those with a talent not covered by shows about singing, cooking or being a geek should head to Sydney Showground on Friday October 21 and Saturday October 22 for Australia’s Got Talent auditions.
Blackbox celebrates its 250th issue this fortnight. Thanks to all those loyal readers who have shared a passion for square-eyed fervor, addiction to late night local advertising, and most of all an appreciation for the quirkier side of the programming schedule over the past decade. So break open the Cheezels and beer (or tea and iced vovos) and join Chez Blackbox in toasting the next decade.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 September 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 3 months ago
Blackbox has been enjoying the televisual delights of Turkey over the past few weeks which pretty much consist of Turkish versions of English game and reality shows, and low budget over-acted soap operas. Picking up three years after the film, This is England-1986 (SBS1, Mon, 10pm) continues its portrayal of life growing up working class in Thatcher’s Britain. The movie and the show are based on British filmmaker Shane Meadows’ own upbringing and paint a grim picture of alienation that was a feature of the time.
One would have thought we might have dropped the term ‘fast tracking’ by now as all US series (apart from anything really good like Treme) are now played to Australian audiences just days after their US debut. Anyway the latest ‘fast tracked premiere’ is Unforgettable (WIN, Thu Oct 6, 8.30pm) a US drama starring ‘Australia’s own’ Poppy Montgomery as an ex-detective with a disorder that means she remembers everything clearly. Of course she is lured back to help the police solve a murder. It’s based on a J. Robert Lennon short story.
Also ‘fast-tracked’ is Person of Interest (WIN, Sun, 9.30pm), a crime drama set amongst crime, corruption and cops in New York, where a presumed dead federal agent teams up with a computer genius to beat the system. It’s created by Jonathan Nolan (Memento), Bryan Burk and the legendary J.J. Abrams.
Franchising, like any good advertiser should, The Gruen Transfer has given birth to Gruen Planet (ABC1, Wed Sep 28, 9pm) which will look not just at advertising but at how advertising and public relations affect how we see the world – why everything is spin, branding, advertising and image control.
Also coming are series three of Breaking Bad (ABC 2, Thu Sep 29, 9pm), new United States of Tara (ABC2, Tue Sep 27, 8.30pm), the new Charlie’s Angels (WIN, Tue Sep 27, 7.30pm), a new season of CSI (WIN, Wed Sep 28, 8.30pm), William Shatner’s Weird or What? (SBS1, Mon Oct 3, 7.30pm), Big Love (SBS1, Thu Oct 6, 10pm) and The Hamster Wheel (ABC1, Wed, 9.35pm) which sees The Chaser crew looking at how journalism works which is really just an excuse for more pranks.
The final episode of Catalyst (ABC1, Thu Sep 29, 8pm) looks specifically at GM crops, asking Frankenfood or famine buster?
Other docos to check out include Planet Egypt (SBS1, Sun, 7.30pm), a series looking at what transformed an agrarian society into one of the world’s great empires, Compass: Death in Brooklyn (ABC1, Sun Oct 2, 10pm) which looks at the New York neighbourhood of Crown Heights where racial tensions between Orthodox Jews and African Americans resulted in riots 20 years ago, Rome Wasn’t Built In a Day (ABC1, Tue Oct 4, 8.30pm) follows the construction of a Roman villa using only Roman methods, Choccywoccydoodah: Failure Is Not An Option (ABC2, Fri Oct 14, 6pm) which goes behind the scenes at the infamous British chocolate shop that helped Tim Burton create Willy Wonka’s world, Sunday Best: Jesus Camp (ABC2, Sun Oct 9, 8.30pm) which looks at the evangelical Christian camps that recruit born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future, Louis Theroux: Louis and the Nazis (ABC2, Wed Oct 12, 8.30pm) which sees Louis meet members of the White Aryan Resistance including everyone’s favourite baby-faced warblers Lamb and Lynx.
Don’t miss Triple J Presents Architecture in Helsinki (ABC2, Tue Oct 11, 10.20pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 September 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 4 months ago
One of the biggest guitar heroes of all time died 31 years ago but the legacy of Jimi Hendrix lives on in all self styled guitar heroes (even those proficient only at the air model). The brilliant autobiography, Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child (ABC2, Sun Sep 18, 8.30pm) brings the legend to life.
Big news of the week is that The Chaser crew are returning with a new show – The Hamster Wheel – on ABC later this year.
Sunday Best (ABC2, Sun Sep 25, 8.30pm) brings a series of feature length documentaries to auntie’s second digi channel including Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, the story of the infamous oil spill, Lesson Plan, Teenage Paparazzo directed by Entourage’s Adrian Greiner, Hoop Dreams, Born into Brothels, The Most Dangerous Man in America, Jesus Camp and Out of the Ashes, the story of the Afghan cricket team.
Other docos to check out include Kill it, Cook it, Eat it (ABC2, Wed Sep 14, 9.30pm), which follows meat production from farm to table, The Truth Behind: Crop Circles (7Mate, Thu Sep 15, 10.30pm), and Stealing Shakespeare (ABC1, Tue Sep 27, 8.30pm) which follows the story of con man Raymond Scott who tried to sell a folio of Shakespeare’s original plays.
A special episode of Collectors (ABC1, Fir Sep 16, 8pm) takes a guided tour of the Tasmanian private art gallery that’s putting the southern state on the map.
The seasonal changeover continues and it’s not just the pink cherry blossoms and the squawk of magpies. New and returning faves are filling TV screens including the third season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Thu Sep 29, 9pm), the second half of the new series of Dr Who (ABC1, Sat Sep 17, 7.30pm), Father & Son (ABC2, Mon Sep 19, 8.30pm), a new BBC series about a British gangster trying to leave his former life behind, a new season of United States of Tara and The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency (ABC1, Sun Sep 25, 8.30pm) based on the novels of Alexander McCall-Smith.
Adam Hills takes his stand-up routine to the small screen with Adam Hills Live: Joymonger and Characterful (ABC1, Sat Sep 17, 9.25pm).
Those with a criminal underworld obsession will love new ob doco Lockdown (7Mate, Thu, 9.40pm) which takes viewers inside the US justice system’s most notorious prisons.
The Bazura Project (ABC2, Mon Sep 29, 9.30pm) is a six-part comedy about the movies. Well, a look at how they are made and the six essential ingredients – sex, violence, money, profanity, drugs and fame.
At the Movies is running a comp to celebrate their 25th anniversary (albeit on a couple of different networks). All you need do is create a trailer for a fake movie for David and Margaret to review. It closes Monday September 19. Visit http://bit.ly/atmcomp for details.
Movies to check out include classic Western The Magnificent Seven (ABC2, Sat Sep 17, 8.30pm) starring Yul Bryner and Charles Bronson.
Don’t miss This is England (SBS1, Sat Sep 24, 10.05pm). Set in a working class council estate in Britain in the ‘80s, the film looks at the relationship between those drawn to skinhead culture as a way to fit in and the National Front in what was then referred to as Thatcher’s Britain.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 30 August 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 4 months ago
There’s new Australian comedy on auntie this week with Twentysomethings (ABC2, Tue Sep 6, 9pm) and At Home With Julia (ABC1, Wed Sep 7, 9.30pm). Twentysomethings is witty, well-written and most of all, about having fun. At Home With Julia is just what its name suggests, a parody of life at the lodge with the PM and her partner Tim.
There really is no end to the ridiculous premises for low cost reality, talent and ob doco programs – this fortnight’s gems include: Same Name (WIN, Wed, 7.30pm), where celebrities swap places with regular people who have the same name, and Are You Fitter Than A Pensioner (Go!, Thu, 7.30pm) which, yes, is just as the name suggests.
Other new and returning shows include Rush (SCTEN, Thu Sep 1, 8.30pm), Good News World (SCTEN, Mon Sep 5, 9.30pm), Louis Theroux Specials (ABC2, Wed Sep 7, 8.30pm), Swift & Shift Couriers (SBS1, Mon, 8.30pm), Top Gear Australia (WIN, Tue, 8.30pm) and triple j Presents (ABC2, Tue Sep 13, 10.20pm).
Despite its tenuous link to a Canberra institution, the first eps of Underbelly Razor were underwhelming. With the plot already written for them, is it too much to ask for some creative dialogue?
Predictably many of this fortnight’s docos focus on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which were broadcast live during prime time in Australia. The occupants of Chez Blackbox, like many Canberrans, were watching The West Wing when the pictures started rolling in. Docos include: 9/11: The Day That Shook The World (SBS1, Tue Sep 6, 8.30pm), which shows minute by minute how the disaster was managed, Engineering Ground Zero (SBS1, Sun Sep 11, 7.30pm), Love Hate Love (SBS1, Sun Sep 11, 9.30pm) a Sean Penn film which tells the story of three families affected by terrorism, Children of 9/11 (SCTEN, Tue Sep 6, 9.30pm), which looks at the families affected, Dateline: 9/11: Ten Years On (SBS1, Sun Sep 11, 8.30pm), Rebirth (ABC1, Sun Sep 11, 8.30pm) which follows those affected by 9/11, and Compass: 9/11 Ten Years On (ABC1, Sun Sep 11, 10pm).
Other docos include Artscape: 3 Days in Venice: Biennale 2011 (ABC2, Tue Sep 20, 10.05pm), Joanna Lumley Jewel of the Nile (GEM, Thu Sep 1, 7.30pm) which follows the British actress on a journey along the Nile River, and The Passionate Apprentices (SBS1, Sat, 6pm) following artisan apprentices such as knifemakers and beekeepers, The September Issue (ABC1, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm) a fly on the wall view of Vogue magazine, and Julien Temple’s Glastonbury (ABC2, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm).
Apparently it’s less than 120 days until Christmas and just to remind you there are Christmas specials including Absolutely Fabulous (ABC2, Sun Sep 4, 11.35pm), and Family Guy (7Mate, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm).
Movie picks include Age of Consent (ABC2, Sat Sep 3, 8.30pm) from 1969 with a young Helen Mirren, Donnie Brasco (GEM, Fri Sep 2, 9.30pm), Henry V111 And His Six Wives (GEM, Sat Sep 3, 2.25am) a historically inaccurate ‘70s flick starring Charlotte Rampling as Anne Boleyn, Almost Famous (Go!, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm), Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (Go!, Wed Sep 7, 9.30pm), ‘80s adventure flick The Jewel of the Nile (SCTEN, Sat Sep 3, 8.40pm) and Tarantino classic Pulp Fiction (Go!, Fri Sep 2, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss Rosso’s house on Better Homes and Gardens (WIN, Fri Sep 2, 7.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 16 August 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 5 months ago
Apparently, according to incessant commercials running on all three of WIN’s digi channels, Sunday August 21 is television’s biggest night of the year because a) it hosts the final of The Block (WIN, 6.30pm) and b) the first episode of the latest Underbelly instalment, Underbelly Razor (WIN, 8.30pm). Blackbox wholeheartedly agrees with part a) because it takes the most annoying reality series of the year off the box, but is less convinced about part b). Sure the first season of Underbelly that brought Melbourne’s gangland killings to life and featured Kat Stewart’s riveting portrayal of Roberta Williams, was awesome television but the following two instalments haven’t really lived up to expectations.
Also returning (with slightly less fanfare) are new seasons of Weeds (GEM, Mon, 11pm), The Big C (GEM, Mon, 10.30pm), and Hung (Prime, Tue, 10.30pm).
Other new shows include On Track (ABC2, Fri Aug 26, 9.15pm) which focuses on artists recording, Suits (Prime, Mon, 9.40pm) a new legal series that’s part of the US summer roster from the people who brought you Burn Notice, Accused (ABC1, Fri Aug 26, 9.30pm), a series of six teleplays from writer Jimmy McGovern where an ordinary person winds up in the dock, Monroe (ABC1, Sat Aug 27, 8.30pm) a new James Nesbitt series, this time a medical one, and ob doco Drug Bust (Prime, Thu Aug 18, 7.20pm). Really the only question is why it took so long – much more intriguing than drink driving, parking infringements or the endless stream of drunk, drugged and prostituting bust on COPS (One Tue, Wed, 8.30pm).
And if you enjoy intrigue, put Emmy Award winning Danish series The Protectors (SBS1, Thu, 10pm) on your viewing roster.
Carlos (ABC2, Mon Aug 29, 8.30pm) is a three part drama from Olivier Assayas that portrays the life of notorious revolutionary and terrorist, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez aka Carlos the Jackal.
If you want to join the next series of Amazing Race Australia, you’d better be quick. Applications close on Friday August 19. Check yahoo7.com.au/theamazingrace for details.
Gastronomes will enjoy Jamie Oliver’s European adventures in Jamie Does (SCTEN, Sat, 6.30pm) which takes in the cuisine of Andalucia on Saturday August 20 and Stockholm (Blackbox’s fav city) on Saturday Aug 27.
Coming soon to Prime – Wild Boys, a story about bushrangers, power and government corruption in the 1850s – Australian version of Deadwood?
Docos to check out include The Cove (ABC1, Sun Aug 28, 8.30pm), the story of an elite team of activists, who penetrated the site of a dolphin hunt, Artscape: Stunt Love (ABC1, Tue Aug 30, 10.05pm), the life of Australian stunt director J.P ‘Jack’ McGowan in the early 20th century, and In The Shadow Of Hollywood: Race Movies And The Birth Of Black Cinema (ABC2, Sun Aug 21, 8.30pm).
The cutest babies on earth are baby animals and Zoo Babies (GEM, Tue, 7.30pm) is chock full of them – gibbons, zebras, elephants…
The pick of this fortnight’s movies are Pulp Fiction (Go!, Fri Aug 26, 9:50pm) – what Tarrantino was doing before Kill Bill, 50 First Dates (Go!, Fri Aug 19, 7.30pm) – what Adam Sandler was doing after Happy Gilmore, Hitchcock classic North by Northwest (GEM, Sat Aug 27, 2.40pm), and Star Trek (SCTEN, Sun Aug 21, 8.30pm) the Eric Bana film not the Shatner one although Leonard Nimoy makes an appearance.
Trekkies should catch a repeat of Getaway (WIN, Wed Aug 21, 2.05pm), which features the world’s only organised tour conducted in Klingon.
Guest star of the week – Gene Simmons in Castle (Prime, Sun Aug 21, 9.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 1 August 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 5 months ago
The latest Chez Blackbox obsession Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed Aug 10, 9.30pm) gets even better this fortnight as it swings into the season two storyline and the great Henry Rollins joins the cast. Hank does a star turn as (ironically) a white supremacist. Playing against type is status quo for Hank – fans should seek out The Chase, an early ‘90s b-grade action flick which also features cameos by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and porn legend Ron Jeremy.
Friday Night Lights (ABC1, Fri, 8.30pm) does for middle America what The Wire did for Baltimore – showing a true portrayal of the characters that inhabit what bureaucrats call the flyover states.
Other shows new to screens in coming weeks include Valemont (ABC2, Tue Aug 16, 8.30pm) – another Supernatural series that went straight to the web in the US, Renovators (SCTEN, Sun Aug 7, 7.30pm) – the network’s replacement for Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun Aug 7, 6.30pm), Big Trouble in Thailand (Go!, Thu, 8.30pm) following British cops working alongside Thai police, The Hotel (SBS1, Wed Aug 10, 8.30pm) – an ob doco about a hotel in the UK and new seasons of Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Wed Aug 10, 8.30pm), Law & Order UK (SCTEN, Fri Aug 12, 8.30pm) and Law & Order (SCTEN, Fri Aug 12, 9.30pm).
Just when you thought the networks had run out of premises for talent shows, along comes The Voice (Go!, Tue Aug 9, 7.30pm), hosted by Carson Daly, which apparently takes looks out of the equation. Judges on the US show have their backs to the contestants and only get to see them after they make a decision. Not sure what happens in the casting audition though.
Finally Buffy the Vampire Slayer (11, Sat, 11.30pm) makes it onto the late night roster. Unfortunately it’s at the expense of Roseanne but only on the weekend. For a bit of Australian cultural history night owls can also catch Skippy (WIN, Sun, 5.30am).
It was bound to happen sooner or later – WIN has announced production of a Beaconsfield telemovie. No air date yet but it will star Shane Jacobson and Lachy Hume. Come to think of it, the WIN folks are yet to reveal an air date for Underbelly Razor despite relentless promotion for at least the past year.
Docos to check out include Erasing David (ABC1, Wed Aug 3, 9.30pm) where UK filmmaker David Bond sees whether he can actually disappear without a trace, Artscape: Carnival Queen (ABC2, Tue Aug 23, 10pm) which follows Finucane and Smith’s Carnival of Mysteries as it is prepared for the stage, Ingrid Betancourt: 6 years in the Jungle (ABC1, Wed Aug 17, 10.20pm) which recounts what happened to Colombia’s most famous hostage, and The Invention of Dr Nakamats (ABC2, Wed Aug 10, 9.20pm) – the world’s most prolific patent holder and inventor of the CD.
Movie picks this fortnight include In the Heat of the Night (ABC2, Sat Aug 20, 8.30pm), Tropic Thunder (SCTEN, Sun Aug 7, 9.35pm), Thank You For Smoking (SCTEN, Sat Aug 6, 10pm), Chocolat (GEM, Fri Aug 12, 8.30pm), Rio Bravo (GEM, Sat Aug 13, 3.05pm), The Omega Man (WIN, Sat Aug 13, 2am) and the premiere of Australian horror flick The Tunnel (iView from Sun Aug 14).
Also don’t miss the new series of British political satire The Thick of It (ABC1, Thu, 10pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 19 July 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 6 months ago
As a foodie at heart (a pastime that can at least in part be enjoyed slothing about in front of the telly with a pinot or three), the endless gastronomic advice now available through digital TV channels was welcomed, as long as it didn’t come from Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun-Fri, 7.30pm). But now, the networks have gone into a time warp flooding our screens with home reno shows – besides the five nights a week of The Block (WIN) which is now casting for its next season, there’s Jamie Drury’s Top Design (WIN, Wed, 8pm), 60 Minute Makeover (7TWO, Sun, 9.45pm) and repeats of Room for Improvement (7TWO, Wed, 2.30am). If you really want to know about home renovation, stick with the new series of Grand Designs (ABC1, Sun, 7.30pm) where you might also learn a thing or two about architecture, design and not looking like the CAD rendered drawing on the real estate brochure.
The much promoted Hamish &Andy’s Gap Year (SCTEN, Thu Jul 28, 8.30pm) takes the intrepid duo to the US now that Spicks and Specks has wrapped. Other new shows include the premiere of pawn shop obdoco Hardcore Pawn (7Mate, Wed Jul 20, 8.30pm), Off The Map (Prime, Thu Jul 21, 10.41pm), already cancelled medical drama set in South America, the much awaited Friday Night Lights (ABC2, Fri Jul 29, 8.30pm) and the one-off comedy show We ain’t Terrorists (ABC2, Thu Jul 28, 9.30pm).
If you’re a fan, make sure you catch Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) – there’s only a few months left of this season, its last. For a triple treat, it’ll soon be followed by The Gruen Transfer (ABC1, Wed Aug 3, 9pm) and Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journeys Transfer (ABC1, Wed Aug 3, 9.30pm), which put’s the comedienne’s spin on the topic that spurned the John Safran and Fr Bob phenomenon.
Collectors (ABC1, Fri Jul 22, 8pm) promises two not-to-be-missed segments - a look at Boardgames and a chat with bma’s own Justin Haezlewood.
There’s a plethora of documentary series coming up including Tropic of Capricorn (SBS1, Wed Aug 3, 7.30pm) which follows Simon Reeve as he circumnavigates the southern hemisphere, Seduction in the City (SBS1, Wed Jul 27, 8.30m) which looks at the history of shopping, Sex: An Unnatural History (SBS1, Fri Jul 29, 10pm), expertly hosted by Julia Zemiro.
Other docos to check out include Compass: Bali High Wedding (ABC1, Sun Jul 24, 10pm), Secrets of Stonehenge (SBS1, Sun Jul 31, 7.30pm), James May at the Edge of Space (SBS1, Sun Jul 24, 9.30pm), and Final 24: John Belushi (7Mate, Thu Jul 28, 11.30pm)
There’s a weekend pyjama fest for fans of xtreme and death defying sports including skateboarding with Drive (One, Sat Jul 23, 11.30am), Pro Bull Riding (One, Sun Jul 24, 10am), Snowboarding: TTR World Tour (One, Sun Jul 24, 11.30am), World of Free Sports (One, Sun Jul 24, 11am) and Cycling: UCI BMX World Championships (SBS2, Sun Jul 31, 8.30pm)
Movies this fortnight include Juno (SCTEN, Fri Jul 22, 9pm), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (GEM, Sat Jul 30, 3.40pm), The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (ABC2, Sat Jul 30, 8.30pm) and Mary Poppins (7Mate, Sat Jul 30, 1.30pm)
And what is it with franchises and L.A.? First the woeful NCIS: LA (SCTEN, Tue, 9.30pm) and now Law and Order: LA (Prime, Thu, 8.40pm). What next? CSI: LA?
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 5 July 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 6 months ago
There are two types of drama in the US. The first is the good, well scripted variety that usually comes out of the Showtime or HBO stables and eventually makes its way to Australian free-to-air networks, usually via pay TV here. Think Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed, 9.30pm), The Wire (ABC2, Fri, 10.30pm), Californication (11, Tue, 10pm), The Big C (GEM, Mon, 11.10pm), Deadwood (ABC2, Mon, 9.30pm), Mad Men (SBS, TBC) and True Blood (still waiting for free-to-air debut). The second is the replicating an old TV show, movie, or worse still, Americanising a show that’s been successful in another English speaking country. Buffy and The Office (11, Tue, 8.30pm) were successful, Kath and Kim less so.
This week’s new offerings are most definitely the second type. Teen Wolf (Prime, Mon July 11, 9.30pm) takes the ‘80s Michael J Fox teen movie and turns it into a series. Or tries to.
The US network execs have taken the British cult underworld drama Being Human (11, Mon, 9.30pm) about a vampire, werewolf and ghost sharing a house, transplanted it in Boston and done what every network exec is bound to do – filled it with pretty people. What is it about Americans needing their TV casts to look like they stepped out of a photo shoot for banality? This comes off the back of the US version of Wilfred (11, Tue, 9.30pm), which is watchable because of Elijah Wood, but mostly because Jason Gann has reprised his role as Wilfred. Watch out for the US version of Shameless with William H Macy.
Good old Auntie has fresh Australian drama with Crownies (ABC1, Thu July 14, 8.30pm) set in the courts and legal chambers. While this is no Rake, it is still worth a look.
Marchlands (ABC1, Sat July 23, 8.25pm), is an innovative and intriguing BBC drama about a haunted house, with three interconnecting plotlines set in 1968, 1987 and 2010.
The ‘much funnier when he was an acerbic judge on idol’ Dicko hosts SCTEN’s newie Can of Worms (SCTEN, Mon, 8.45pm).
Other new series include a new season of Grand Designs (ABC1, Sun, 7.30pm), Jail (7Mate, Thu July 14) an ob doco series on… well, jail, Young, Dumb and Living off Mum (Prime, Mon, 10.30pm), and brilliant UK political satire The Thick of It (ABC2, Thu July 21, 10.15pm).
Docos to check out include: The King of Calls (SBS1, Sun July 17, 9.30pm) which looks at the day-to-day operations of an Indian call centre, The Buddha (SBS2, Tue July 19, 7.30pm) a two-parter narrated by Richard Gere to tell the story of the Buddha, Triple J’s One Night Stand (ABC2, Sun July 17, 8.30pm), 7 Ages of Marriage (ABC2, Wed July 13, 8.30pm) about how people approach weddings, and Jennifer Byrne Presents: Fantasy (ABC1, Tue July 12, 9.55pm) with guests Jennifer Rowe (aka Emily Rodda), Lev Grossman and Fiona McIntosh.
Cycling junkies won’t want to miss Le Tour de France - live nightly (SBS1, nightly 10pm until Sunday July 24), morning updates (SBS1, daily 7.30am) and daily highlight packages (SBS1, daily 6pm and SBS2, daily 8.30pm).
Movies to look out for include spaghetti western For a Few Dollars More (ABC2, Sat July 23, 8.30pm) and New York, New York (ABC2, Sat July 16, 8.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 14 June 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 7 months ago
One man’s hoarder is another man’s collector and there are plenty of shows to cater for the obsession including American Pickers (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 9.30pm),which follows Mike Wolfe and Franz Fritz as they unearth rare finds in people’s garages and junkyards across the US Midwest, Hardcore Pawn (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 10.30pm), a fly on the wall doco about a family owned pawn shop in Detroit, Antiques Roadshow (Gem Sat, Sun 6.30pm, Mon-Fri 4.30pm) and Australia’s favourite (and the best) Collectors (ABC1, Fri, 8pm) which peers into some of the most eclectic collections imaginable.
Mate is really living up to its moniker with a slew of very blokey new observational docos including Monster Nation (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 11pm), Monster Garage with ordinary people, Swamp People (7Mate, Thu Jun 30, 7.30pm), which follows the alligator season in Louisiana, and repeats of Mythbusters (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 7.30pm).
It’s all about the observational doco this issue with viewers finally getting a peek behind the scenes of UK policing with Behind the Force (SBS1, Tue Jun 28, 8.30pm) and yes Chez Blackbox will be most disappointed if it turns out to be more like COPS (One; Tue, Wed, 8.30pm) than The Bill (7TWO, Thu 8.30pm, ABC1, Mon-Fri, 4am).
And the new Chez Blackbox fave ob doco is An Idiot Abroad (One, Mon, 8.30pm). More a rollicking travel comedy, really - Ricky Gervais (which usually spells don’t watch) has sent his mate Karl Plinkington off around the world to sample other cultures. If Karl was Australian he’d probably come from Bogangate and question why you’d want to go to Sydney, let alone Brazil. As it turns out, he does go to Brazil and as you’d expect makes some hilarious observations.
Those who fancy a fash mag career should check out Marie Claire – Under the Cover (7TWO, Sun 6.30pm, Prime, Sat, 2pm). The BMA office is much more exciting… just sayin’. Those who dream to be a famous product designer should get a taste of the reruns of Design for Life (ABC2, Sun, 8pm) – not sure Philippe Starck really disproves the arrogance of the French.
Other docos to check out include Leigh Hart’s Mysterious Planet (ABC1, Tue, 9pm), which looks at the world’s greatest mysteries, like the Loch Ness Monster, The True Story (ABC1, Wed, 9.30pm) looks at the real stories that inspired Hollywood adventure flicks such as Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond, Nuclear Meltdown (SBS1, Sun Jun 19, 9.30pm) looks at the situation at Fukushima, and Go Back to Where You Came From (SBS1, Tue Jun 21, Wed Jun 22, Thu Jun 23, 8.30pm) takes six Australians on the reverse journey that refugees have taken to reach Australia.
If you like Will Ferrell, you can now catch him on the small screen in Eastbound and Down (7Mate, Tue, 10.30pm) as burnt out baseball player Kenny Powers. Pure unadulterated Will Ferrell and Danny McBride.
Looking for some non-footy sports viewing? The FIFA Women’s World Cup is on (SBS1, starts Mon Jun 27, 1.30am) and should be good for the patriotic spirit – Australia’s women’s team is ranked 11th in the world. Tennis fans will be pleased to hear Prime will be broadcasting Wimbledon live.
The brilliant Rake (ABC1, Sat Jul 2, 9.30pm) is repeated (again) and don’t miss Stephen Fry’s latest dramedy Kingdom (ABC1, Sat Jun 18, 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 May 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 8 months ago
Chez Blackbox is (en)raptured by Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed, 10.30pm). The US drama about the original chapter of the fictional Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club has brilliant characterisation, well thought out scripts, just the right amount of violence and a sprinkling of moral ambiguity. Blackbox will be waiting patiently on the couch, Buffy survival kit at the ready, watching Sons of Anarchy, True Blood and Treme (if the two latter shows ever get picked up on free-to-air). When better than the apocalypse than to dream of square-eyed heaven?
Biggest disappointment of the new season offerings has got to be Jersey Shore. Sure, it’s great for caricatures, but it’s not even mildly funny or even entertaining in a morbid sort of way. It’s just sad. Really sad.
The jury’s still out on Amazing Race Australia (Prime, Mon, 8.30pm). Australians just aren’t as whiney as Americans and the teams are a little too contrived. Farmers who haven’t left Australia – please…
And there are more new shows including Outcasts (ABC1, Sat May 28, 8.30pm) a new British sci-fi drama that follows a group of pioneers building a new settlement on the planet Caparthia, Thorne (ABC1, Fri May 27, 8.30pm), which puts the crime novels of Mark Billingham on the box, The Kennedys (ABC1, Sun, 8.30pm) with Katie Holmes trying to play the first lady with the same facial expressions she used as Joey in Dawson’s Creek. The Young Ones (ABC2, Tue Jun 14) which takes six celebrities from the ‘70s and sends them to live as they would have in the ‘70s, as well as new seasons of Hustle (Fri Jun 3, 9.20pm), Deadwood (ABC2, Mon Jun 6, 9.30pm) and The Tudors (ABC2, Fri Jun 10, 9.15pm).
In recent times, auntie has almost cornered the market on the 20th century biopic, including the brilliant Paper Giants, which chronicled the creation of Cleo. Keen to be involved in a story that involves them, WIN will air the as yet unnamed mini-series about Kerry Packer’s other creation, World Series Cricket.
Later in May, 7TWO will start airing reruns of The Bill. Unfortunately they are picking it up from series 15, long past the point of soap opera. Take it back to series one – with cockney conmen, DI Burnside and DI Tosh Lyons.
Docos to check out include Murundak – Songs of Freedom (SBS, Saturday May 28, 10.05pm), which follows the Black Arm Band and features indigenous music legends such as Archie Roach, Bart Willoughby, Jimmy Little and Ruby Hunter; Recipe for Murder (ABC1, Thu May 26, 8.35pm), which takes us back to 1950s Sydney where women were adding rat poison to cakes and cups of tea and feeding it to their murder victims; and Jump! (SBS1, Tue Jun 7, 10pm), which looks at the world of competitive jump rope.
Catalyst (ABC1, Thu Jun 2, 8pm) is always a good source of quirky amusement and this week the ultimate in why? Mathematicians have finally found God’s algorithm – the fewest number of moves it takes to solve Rubik’s cube.
Don’t miss Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (ABC2, Sat May 28, 8.30pm), A Quiet Word with Richard. E. Grant (ABC1, Sat Jun 4, 9.30pm), and Artscape: Bryan Ferry in Conversation with Virginia Trioli (ABC2, Tue Jun14, 8.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 May 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 8 months ago
It’s a reality TV bonanza (and regular readers would know at Chez Blackbox that means pulling out the old school series yet to make it to 11 or Go! – Twin Peaks is the newest re-obsession). For those reality-inclined (and the psychology students watching for ‘research’) there’s new Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun-Fri 7.30pm) and Dancing with the [B-Grade] Stars (Prime, Sun 6.30pm). The Australian version of The Amazing Race, Blackbox’s one reality weakness is due to start soon. In the meantime, adventurers should check out Wild Rides (ABC2, Fri 8pm), and re-runs of Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Round (One, Wed 7.30pm)
Jersey Shore (7Mate, Wed May 18, 8.30pm) is coming to free-to-air! The observational doco that even the US president was talking about is here. TMZ addicts would be somewhat familiar with the hijinks of Snooki and the Situation.
Sci-fi fantasy Riese (ABC2, Fri May 20, 9.15pm) is worth staying in for. A luscious production that’s a bit Mad Max crossed with Xena, it started its life as a web production before being picked up on the SyFy channel in the states.
Other new offerings include The Kennedys (ABC1, Sun May 22, 8.35pm) starring Greg Kinnear and Mrs Cruise (Katie Holmes), Come Fly With Me (WIN, Mon May 16, 8pm) the airport themed new offering from the Little Britain Boys, No Ordinary Family (Prime, Mon 7.30pm) is about an ordinary family that get superpowers after a freak accident, My Big Friggin’ Wedding (Prime, Mon 10.30pm), a new season of Sanctuary (ABC2, Fri May 20, 8.30pm), Chris Lilley’s newie Angry Boys (ABC1, Wed May 11, 8pm), reruns of The Six Million Dollar Man (7Mate, Tue May 10, 3am), new Offspring (SCTEN, Mon May 16, 8.30pm), and of course Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed 9.30pm).
Just in case you wake up confused, ABC News Breakfast (ABC1, Mon-Fri 6am) has moved to ABC1 and the kids programs are airing on ABC2, including the new fully animated Bananas in Pyjamas (ABC2, daily 8am, 1.30pm). BMA interviewed the Bananas when they turned ten. Now they’re a very grown up 19.
Unfortunately, like its HBO stable mate True Blood, medieval fantasy Game of Thrones, described as a medieval Sopranos (7Mate, Wed-Fri 12am), will air on Pay TV here. For those willing to shell out, it’s expected on Showcase in July.
Don’t miss TalHotBlond (ABC2, Wed May 18, 8.30pm), the true story of a cyber vixen whose online fantasy escalated to a real life murder.
Other docos to check out include Bleach, Nip, Tuck: The White Beauty Myth (ABC1. Wed May 18, 9.30pm) looks at the phenomenon of people of other cultural backgrounds having surgery to make them look more European, Jennifer Byrne Presents: The Future of the Book (ABC1, Tue May 17, 10pm), Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking (SBS, Tue May 24, 8.30pm), and Men Who Swim (ABC2, Wed May 24, 8.30pm) which follows a male synchronised swimming team in Stockholm.
Movie highlights include Marlon Brando classic The Wild One (ABC2, Sat May 21 8.30pm), Escape from New York (7Mate, Sun May 15, 8.30pm) and Our Man in Marrakesh (7TWO, Sat May 14, 12am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 April 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 9 months ago
TVs across the land are about to be overwhelmed by pomp, ceremony and an overdose of kitsch and not just from the upcoming royal nuptials. May is Eurovision month, an event that provides more elaborate frocks, more protocol, more tradition and more inane commentary than any royal event.
Eurovision fever kicks off with the Secret History of Eurovision (SBS1 Fri May 6 & 13, 7.30pm) which traces its origins in 1956 through its expansion at the end of the cold war to the worldwide TV phenomenon it has become. The Semi-Finals follow (SBS1 Fri May 13, 8.30pm & Sat May 14, 7.30pm,) with the Eurovision Final (SBS1 Sun May 15, 7.30pm).
For those who just can’t look away, the Royal Wedding broadcasts include The Royal Wedding (ABC1 Fri Apr 29, 6pm) with BBC presenters such as Huw Edwards, and William and Kate – The Royal Wedding (Prime Fri Apr 29, 4pm) with Chris Bath. Not interested? Pop out to the pub, they’re sure to have the footy on instead. And for god’s sake don’t get sucked in by all those specials that promise the inside goss… pretty sure the palace isn’t going to allow the dress design to be leaked to Dicky Arbiter.
Over those engineering marvel shows? This one will hook you in – Animal Monster Moves (SBS1 Saturdays, 7.30pm) shows vets and transport engineers move herds of elephants and rhino, and killer sharks across continents. There’s also Man Made Marvels Sydney Opera House (7Mate Sun May 8, 7.30pm) and Ultimate Factories – Ferrari (7Mate Sun May 8, 7.30pm).
Spicks and Specks (ABC1 Wed May 4, 8.30pm) is back starting with a one-hour comedy special and on Wednesday May 18, BMA’s own Justin Heazlewood aka The Bedroom Philosopher.
The end of the Easter holidays brings with it a raft of new shows, including Chris Lilley’s newie, Angry Boys (ABC1 Wed May 11), Swingtown (ABC2 Mon May 2, 8.30pm), the new series from the makers of Big Love that takes on 70s swingers rather than modern-day polygamists, Meet the Natives USA (ABC2 Sat May 7, 7.30pm) which takes five South Pacific tribesman to live with the ‘tribes’ of Americans – cowboys, Californians, etc. And new seasons of Dr Who (ABC1 Sat Apr 30, 7.30pm), Masterchef (SCTEN Sun May 1, 4.30pm) and Collectors (ABC1 Fri May 6, 8pm) that starts with Monopoly, sci-fi memorabilia, and milk paraphernalia.
Docos to check out include Intangible Asset No 82 (ABC2 Sun May 15, 8.30pm) which sees Australian drummer Simon Baker search out Korean shaman, Kim Seok-Chul; Madagascar (WIN Wed May 4, 7.30pm), which looks at the wildlife and natural environment of the island; The Real King’s Speech (ABC1 Thu May 5, 8.30pm) uses interviews to delve into the relationship between King George VI and his speech therapist; Atlantis: The Evidence (ABC1 Thu May 5, 9.30pm); and Gaddafi: Our Best Enemy (SBS1 Sun May 8, 9.30pm).
Keep your recorder ready for some movie classics - Shawshank Redemption (GEM Sun May 1, 8.30pm), Unforgiven (GEM Fri May 6, 8.30pm), The Sandpiper (GEM Sun May 1, 3.30pm) starring Elizabeth Taylor, Carry on Screaming (Gem Wed May 4, 12pm), Witness for the Prosecution (ABC2 Sat may 7, 8.30pm) starring Marlene Dietrich and Glory (ABC2 Sat Apr 30, 8.30pm).
Good Game (ABC2 Tue May 3, 8.30pm) goes all super hero looking at super games from Superman on the Atari 2600 to Batman: Arkham City on Xbox 360.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 April 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 9 months ago
The extreme long weekend that rolls up Easter and Anzac Day is a great opportunity to lie around in front of the box, especially if it’s cold, wet and miserable. Quite surprisingly, the Easter Bunny doesn’t feature high on the schedule. In terms of Christian religious rituals, the closest you get is a Compass special (ABC1 Fri April 22, 8.30pm) that goes into a remote Aboriginal mission, and two Christian-but-not-really Easter-themed classic movies The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (GEM Sat April 23, 6am) and The Ten Commandments (ABC2 Sat April 23, 8.30pm).
Sadly, Go’s main bunny-themed offering is the b-grade movie The House Bunny (Go! Mon April 25, 6.30pm) about an evicted Playboy bunny joining a sorority, featuring Hugh Hefner.
Easter week does bring with it a plethora of much better movie choices including I’m Not There (SBS1 Sat April 23, 10.05pm), Todd Haynes fabulous biopic of Bob Dylan that uses personality rather than narrative, Death of a President (SBS1 Wed April 20, 10.05), a mockumentary which follows the investigation into the assassination of George Bush, (Go! Thurs April 21, 9.30pm), Flight of the Navigator (Go! Sat April 23, 6.30pm), The Omega Man (Go! Sun April 24, 12.30am) and Igor (Go! Wed April 27, 7.30pm).
Anzac Day coverage is everywhere including Lost Diggers of Fromelles (Prime Mon April 25, 7.30pm), ANZAC Day March 2011 (ABC1 Mon April 25, 10.30am) live from Anzac Parade, Gallipoli Dawn Service (ABC1 Mon April 25, 12.30pm), Viller-Bretonneux Memorial Service (ABC1 Mon April 25, 1.30pm), Lone Pine Service from Gallipoli (ABC1 Mon April 25, 6pm).
Don’t miss Australian Story (ABC1 Mon April 25, 8pm) as they follow Jet’s former manager, David Powell and reveal some of the inner dynamics of the relationship.
Art Nation (ABC1 Sun April 17, 5pm) takes on fashion but is not your average catwalk show – it looks at street fashion photography, men’s fashion in Australia, the rise of eco fashion, jewellery design from the House of Baulch and fashion photographer Bruno Benini.
Other new shows and seasons this fortnight include Collectors (ABC1 Fri 8pm), Detroit 1-8-7 (Prime Wed 8.30pm) starring Michael Imperioli (aka Christopher from the Sopranos), new Caprica (7Mate Fri 10.45pm, Sat 10.30pm) and the brilliant East West 101 (SBS Wed Apr 20 8.30pm).
Docos to check out include Stephen Fry and the Great American Oil Spill (ABC1 Tue April 19, 8.30pm) which visits the communities of the deep south to see the effect on the people and the wildlife, William and Kate: A Royal Love Story (ABC1 Tue April 26, 8.30pm), The First Windsors (ABC1 Tue April 26, Wed April 27, Thu April 28, 6pm) and a special Q&A: Is the Royal Romance Over (ABC1 Thu April 28, 8.30pm) which looks at the role of the monarchy in Australia.
If you’re looking to get your head on telly in a reality show, there’s a couple of opportunities at the moment – X Factor auditions in Melbourne April 15 -17 – check www.xfactortv.com.au for details, and Beauty & The Geek is looking for geeks (there’s $100,000 in the offing) visit www.beautyandthegeek.com.au .
West Wing nuts shouldn’t miss 30 Rock (Prime Thu April 21, 11.30pm) with Aaron Sorkin guest starring, made all the more significant by the fact that 30 Rock was the show in direct competition with Sorkin’s quickly cancelled Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 29 March 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 9 months ago
This is a Blackbox community service announcement: Contrary to the tales your mother (and TDK) told you, as yet there is no scientific proof that watching too much television, or sitting too close to the set will give you square eyes. There are, however, a few telltale signs that you’ve got a problem: 1) You refuse to go out on Saturday nights because the (damn) ABC decided that would be the best night for Spooks (ABC Sat 8.30pm). 2) The TV Guide is the first favourite in your web browser. 3) You spend your Sunday in the company of Macgyver (11 Sun 2pm), Magnum PI (7Mate Sun 12pm) and Airwolf (7Mate Sun 1pm). 4) You’ve adopted the catchphrases of your favourite characters. 5) You really believe vampires (and their slayers) walk the earth, bartenders in the wild west sounded like crack dealers, President Bartlett was the leader of the free world, we will boldly go where no man has gone before, serial killers aren’t all bad and that the truth really is out there. If you identify with more than two of these, seek help now. Blackbox recommends booking tix for TV’s Greatest Hits – The Concert. Conductor and host Guy Noble, the Partridge Bunch Singers, the Gilligan's Castaway Orchestra, and some special surprise guests will overdose you on themes from your fave shows. Think the Banana Splits, The Addams Family, Fawlty Towers, The Simpsons, Skippy, Prisoner and Mr Squiggle. It’s at the NSW state theatre on May 5. Tix from Ticketmaster.
Finally, a better game show than those shows where people compete by doing home renos. Car Sharks (7Mate Sat 2pm) pits two teams against each other to customise the same car. It’s an English show so it’s more tongue in cheek than nail biting. And it features some quite hilarious matchups – vicars vs tarts, graffiti artists vs fine artists, etc.
The folks at aunty have been getting all 20 th century with their docu-drama. The latest to be served up is Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo (ABC1 Sun Apr 17, Mon Apr 18 8.30pm). It may not be on the top of your reading list these days but when a young Ita Buttrose and Kerry Packer launched Cleo in the 70s it was cutting edge, controversial and changed the concept of women’s magazines in Australia.
The original Charlie’s Angels (GEM Wed Apr 6 12.25am) starting with the pilot episode.
Docos to check out include The War You Don’t See (SBS1 Sun Apr 10 8.35pm) in which John Pilger looks at the way wars are reported, The Story of Science (SBS1 Tue Apr 12 8.30pm) a six parter that looks at the science that changed the world , Crack House USA (ABC1 Wed Apr 13 9.30pm) which follows a crew of drug dealers in Chicago as federal authorities monitored them, Who Killed Maggie Thatcher (SBS1 Sun Apr 3 9.30pm) which looks at the career of Britain’s Iron Lady, The Secret Life of Chaos (SBS1 Tue Apr 5 8.30pm).
Movies to look out for include Gone with the Wind (GEM Sun Apr 3 3.45pm), Devil Girl from Mars (Mon Apr 4 12.30am), Surf’s Up (Go! Fri Apr 8 8pm), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (11 Sun Apr 3 8.30pm), Lake Mungo (SBS1 Wed Apr 6 10.05pm), Incident at Loch Ness (SBS1 Wed Apr 13 10.05pm), The Lost Thing (ABC1 Sun Apr 3 4.45pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 16 March 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 10 months ago
Movies are back! When pay TV arrived, movies all but disappeared from the telly, apart from high rotation romcoms ( Pretty Woman , Bridget Jones ) and the occasional cult classic late at night, just before the irritating ads for exercise machines that promise in just five minutes a day your couch potato physique will be transformed to match the rippling abs of the presenter. The challenge of filling at least three 24 hour schedules per network has meant forgotten flicks are popping up everywhere on the (slightly larger) small screen. The upside – it’s free and you don’t have to leave the house to find them. The downside – you have to endure (or tape and skip) the ads. Some of the standouts over the next fortnight include: Seven (GEM, Mon Mar 28, 9.30pm), Flight of the Navigator (Go!, Sat Apr 2, 6.30pm), Space Balls (Go!, Sat Apr 2, 6.30pm) – yes, there was a Star Wars spoof long before Blue Harvest , Dead Calm (GEM, Wed Mar 23, 9.30pm), Friday the 13 th (Go!, Wed Mar 23, 9.30pm), Snatch (Go!, Fri Mar 25, 9.30pm), Shampoo (ABC2, Sat Apr 2, 8.30pm) and The Taming of the Shrew (ABC2, Sat Mar 26, 8.30pm).
Confirmation that The Big Bang Theory (Go!, Sun, Mon, Thu, 7.30pm and Thu 8.30pm – WIN, Tue, Wed, 7.30pm) is the new Simpsons – after setting record series, the (quite old) set top box at Chez Blackbox ran out of hard drive after two weeks!
It’s a Greek warrior festival over at 7Mate with Xena Warrior Princess (7Mate, Mon-Fri, 3.30pm) and Hercules (7Mate, Mon-Fri, 4pm). Blackbox is awaiting the return of Roar , starring Heath Ledger as an Irishman uniting Celtic clans against the Romans. Sure, a different century and a different place but it was still about bravado, leather armour and sword fights.
The fourth season of Big Love (SBS1, Wed, 8.30pm) wraps up on Wednesday March 30, with the news that the next season, currently airing in the US, will be the last.
New but already relegated to Friday night is The Cape (7Mate, Fri Apr 1, 8.30pm). This could go either way – an out there premise (a cop who has been set up takes on the identity of a comic super hero to clear his name, and fight crime), Summer Glau in the cast and panned by US critics. It has the hallmarks of some other shows… Firefly comes to mind. And yes it’s already been cancelled in the States.
Docos to look out for include Reagan (SBS1, Sun Mar 27, 9.30pm) which looks at Ronald Reagan’s career on the 100 th anniversary of his birth, America, Whaling & the World (SBS1, Tue Mar 29, 10.05pm) which looks at the American whaling industry, Stripped (SBS1, Fri Apr 1, 10.05pm) which follows photographer Greg Friedler as he captures 173 photos in Las Vegas for his Naked series, Mind the Gap (SBS1, Fri Apr 1, 8.30pm) which follows an Australian Sikh family (originally from Kenya via London) as they head to India in search of their identity, Casino Jack and the United States of Money (SBS1, Sun Mar 20, 9.30pm) – a portrait of former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, convicted of mail fraud and conspiracy, Roads to Memphis (SBS1, Tue Mar 22, 10.05pm) – the stories of Martin Luther King and his assassin, James Earl Ray.
Remember Daylight Savings ends Saturday April 2 – reset your recorder!
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 2 March 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 10 months ago
History as a telly subject usually conjures up images of war films, costume dramas, pointed Englishmen telling you about the saucy goings on in palaces, sepia toned photographs of heroic figures and nothing after the end of World War II. Of course some of the most interesting parts of history are much more pedestrian – the way normal people lived their lives in centuries past, the tools they used to do it and how technology developed. Why, for example, were four different electrical plugs invented and how did people find this out before Wikipedia? This is what makes low budget gems like Turn Back Time: The High Street (ABC2, Thu Mar 10, 8.30pm) so worthwhile. The show sees five shopkeepers and their families set up shop and conduct their lives exactly as merchants did in six earlier eras, beginning in the 1870s and moving through to the 1970s. The shops include The Butchers, The Bakers, The Ironmongers, The Chemist, The Dress Maker, The Record Shop and The Convenience Store Owners. Not sure what a record shop sold in the 1870s (pianoforte rolls?) or what the Ironmonger sells today. Let’s hope they do a second series moving from the 1970s to the 2010s.
The folks at WIN are ‘revamping’ This is Your Life (WIN, Mon, 8.30pm) to make it more contemporary. There’s only one way to turn a self-congratulatory bio-pic interesting – make it funny and Star Stories already did that. WIN have chosen to chuck in some musical numbers (probably from stars with an album to sell) and more Hollywood celebrities (ditto).
Whites (ABC1, Thu Mar 10, 9.30pm) is a new BBC comedy that shouldn’t be missed. Set in the kitchen of a country hotel, it’s written by comedic actors Oliver Lansley ( FM ) and Matt King ( Peep Show ) and stars Alan Davies and Katherine Parkinson ( The IT Crowd ). Not one-liner, laugh out loud funny but good for a chuckle.
Also coming are Harry’s Law (WIN, Sun Mar 6, 9.30pm) – a new legal dramedy (go figure) from David E. Kelley starring Kathy Bates as a curmudgeonly patent lawyer, and new seasons of Deadwood (ABC2, Mon Mar 14, 9.30pm), Being Human (ABC2, Fri Mar 18, 8.30pm) and The Tudors (ABC2, Fri Mar 18, 9.30pm).
Re-enchantment (ABC2, Sun Mar 6, 4.30pm and 10.30pm) is a new cross-media documentary that explores why fairytales continue to enchant and horrify adult audiences. They will be aired on TV as three minute animations between programs, with an interactive online documentary available at www.abc.net/tv/re-enchantment and sound recordings of the fairytales on ABC Radio National's Sunday Story (ABC Radio National, Sun, 8.30am).
Other docos to look out for include How Earth Made Us (ABC1, Tue Mar 8, 8.30pm), a five parter about how the Earth’s natural forces have shaped human civilisation, The Stonewall Uprising (SBS1, Tue Mar 15, 10.05pm) which looks at the beginning of the gay rights movement in the US, Jennifer Byrne Presents: Cult Reads (ABC1, Tue Mar 15, 10pm) and Raw Opium (SBS1, Sun Mar 6, 9.30pm) which charts the history of opium.
Dog lovers will be happy to see Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan (ABC1, Mon Mar 7, 6.30pm). Blackbox is particularly keen to see the ferocious chihuahua in episode one.
Hot tip: avoid GEM on Thursdays unless you are watching with your Nanna. It’s heavy on the old lady comedy with As Time Goes By (GEM, Thu, 7.30pm), The Golden Girls (GEM, Thu, 8.30pm) and Hot in Cleveland (GEM, Thu, 9pm). Saving grace? Judi Dench and Betty White.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 15 February 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 11 months ago
The comedian hosted talk show or variety show, the mainstay of American television, has been a bit of a hit and miss affair on Australian screens. Graham Kennedy was very good at it in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Steve Vizard made a ham-fisted yet successful attempt at pretending to be David Letterman back before most Australians knew who David Letterman was, The Panel turned the format on its head in the ‘90s with five interviewers and Andrew Denton who owned their timeslots for the best part of the last decade.* They were the successful ones. The gutters of TV guides are littered with the wreckage of the ones that didn’t make the grade and over the past few years the networks have been content to recycle the US and UK products, albeit days late, rendering many of the monologues pointless.
This week two new local shows hit our screens – Adam Hills in Gordon Street Tonight (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) and Ben Elton Live From Planet Earth (WIN, Tue, 9.30pm). One tanked. The other didn’t. Hills’ show – a mix of the variety, talk and quirk – was a riveting affair, drawing on Hills’ own personality and self-deprecating humour. The show-warming gifts from studio guests were inspired. Then there was the brilliant homage to the studio’s former resident show, Countdown – James Reyne performed the Dragon track April Sun in Cuba on the stage it was performed more than a quarter of a century before. It’s proof that the key to Spick and Specks’ success is at least partially due to Hills. Elton’s show, billed as a live variety show had a few moments of humour but not enough to keep remote control fingers from walking. Elton is a brilliant comedic writer, behind some of the UK’s best cult comedies – The Young Ones and Blackadder among them – and an inspired writer and novelist – Stark, Gridlock, Dead Famous, High Society and the musical We Will Rock You. As a stand-up comic he is hit and miss and as an actor, barely watchable. Live from Planet Earth was proof Elton should stick to making his name from behind the typewriter.
The Underbelly franchise, unable to find enough crime for a whole series this year, has gone to telemovies. Look out for Underbelly Files: Infiltration (WIN, Sun Feb 20, 8.30pm), and The Man Who Got Away (WIN, Sun Feb 27, 8.30pm).
Laid (ABC1, Wed, 9.30pm), created by triple j it girl Marieke Hardy and Kirsty Fisher, is the best new show on television. Its black humour and tightly written scripts make it a must on your viewing schedule (or catch up TV list).
The best of the other newbies include Mike & Molly (WIN, Wed, 8pm), $#*! My Dad Says (WIN, Mon, 8pm), Ugly Americans (SBS1, Mon, 10pm) and the two new episodes a week of The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Tue-Wed, 7.30pm).
Not shy of controversy, Auntie’s spiritual series Compass (ABC1, Sun, 10.20pm) sits down with some notable Australians including Philip Nitschke, Rolf de Heer, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton and Clare Bowditch. Don’t miss The Filth and The Fury (ABC2, Wed Feb 23, 8.30pm), Julien Temple’s bookend to The Sex Pistols. Tip – watch The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle first so you know why John Lydon is such a cranky bastard.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
[email protected]
*For one of the best talk shows of all time, Blackbox recommends scouring the internet for The Henry Rollins Show. Paradoxically it’s available from the iTunes store.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 1 February 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 11 months ago
What a difference a decade makes. Regular readers will recognise Blackbox as a not so closeted Star Trekfan. A fan, not a Trekkie (the life-size cardboard cut out Worf in the lounge room belonged to a housemate, honest). Despite this proclivity, Blackbox was fond of telling all in sundry that the best part of Star Trek 7is that Captain Kirk dies twice. Sure, William Shatner’s camp bravado in the original series is iconic but when the plots and props moved beyond cardboard and alfoil, Shatner was done (his cover of Common People aside – fans should check out his original spoken word experiment – The Transformed Man – a regular feature on worst albums of all time lists). The final nail was his woeful, short-lived run hosting the US version of Iron Chef. Then something happened. Shatner discovered his funny bone. One of the most parodied actors in history learnt to play characters that were the butt of everybody’s jokes. A couple of hilarious turns in the Miss Congenialityfilms and Shatner found his true calling as Denny Crane on Boston Legal. Which is what makes $#*! My Dad Says(WIN, Mon, 7.30pm) worth the effort. Based on the Shit my Dad Says Twitter feed, the show has all the makings of a cult classic – panned by critics and with Shatner at his comic best.
Speaking of shows with a post-modern premise, keep your eyes peeled forEpisodes, a new comedy based on the premise of remaking a high brow British comedy for American TV by putting Matt LeBlanc in the lead role. It’s a co-production with the BBC from the writers of Friendsand Mad About You. Sadly, there’s no news yet on who will air it in Australia.
While the schedules are mostly full of returning shows, there are a few newbies worth a look, including Blue Bloods(SCTEN, Wed Feb 9, 8.30pm) – an NYC police drama starring Tom Selleck and Donny Wahlberg, Laid(ABC1, Wed Feb 9, 9.30pm) – a new ABC dramedy about Roo, played by Alison Bell, who thinks she might be causing her exes to die, andAdam Hill in Gordon Street tonight(ABC1, Wed Feb 9, 9.30pm), auntie’s new talk show.
Docos to look out for include Franco Zeffirelli(SBS1, Sat Feb 5, 2.30pm) which looks at the work of the renowned director, Once Upon a Time… Mon Oncle(SBS1, Sat Feb 5, 3.30pm) which follows the life of French comic genius Jacques Tati, Snake Island(Prime, Sat Feb 19) which looks at the wildlife on the island of Niue, The Romantics(ABC2, Sun Feb 13, 8.30pm) – a series about modern imagination, the poets who pioneered an alternative way of living, 6ftHick(ABC2, Wed Feb 16, 9.30pm) which follows one of Australia’s most prolific underground bands as they negotiate the low budget, truly indie way of doing things and The Future of Food(SBS1, Tue Feb 8, 8.30pm) which looks at the growing global food crisis.
Just when you committed to less gluttony and more exercise, a new raft of cooking programs hits the box. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations(SBS1, Thu, 8.30pm) where the author takes on what must really be the perfect job – touring the world in search of the best dining experience, and Zumbo(SBS1, Thu Feb 17, 7.30pm) about desserts not exercise.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 18 January 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years ago
The launch of SCTEN’s new digital channel, 11, on January 11 (not at 11pm, because that wouldn’t really give you bang for your buck), should have been the biggest news. But it isn’t. Like most of the other networks, SCTEN is yet to decide which of its myriad of new programs will go to air, on which channels and when. There are of course a few exceptions, with TEN stable favourites such as Californication (11, Tue, 10.05pm), Dexter (11, Mon, 9.30pm) and 90210 (11, Fri, 7.30pm) making the move to 11.
It seems that, just like over on Go!, there are theme nights. Wednesday is animation night with Futurama (11, Wed, 8pm), The Simpsons (11, Wed, 8.30pm), The Cleveland Show (11, Wed, 8pm) resurrected from the SKIP bin, Bob’s Burgers (11, Wed, 8pm) – a new animation from Loren Bouchard (Dr Katz) fast-tracked from the US and King of the Hill (11, Wed, 10pm). No sign of Daria on any of the networks yet but fans will be happy to know that a DVD is available on import from the US (and pretty cheaply at the moment too – thanks to the inexplicable forces that decide the exchange rate). Thursday is sci-fi night on 11, which goes a little bit retro, back to when CGI budgets were huge and TV budgets were not – Star Trek Next Generation (11, Thu, 9.30pm) whose storylines and characters loomed larger than its special effects, follows the already discontinued Stargate Universe (11, Thu, 8.30pm), with the Scottish bravado of Robert Carlisle.
The big news though is over at Aunty – starting with the awesome Generation Kill (ABC2, Mon, 9.30pm), a Rolling Stone reporter’s tale of the first Gulf War from the team behind The Wire and starring everybody’s fave vampire Alexander Skarsgård. As much a war drama as The Wire was a cop show. There’s also the much lauded The Tudors (ABC2, Fri, 9.30pm) and Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention (ABC1, Sun, 6.30pm) in which our favourite clay characters explore the history of inventions.
If you a) didn’t get a Big Day Out ticket, b) are avoiding misdirected bogan pride or c) need a break from the triple j Hottest 100 on Australia Day, chuck a ‘shrimp’ on the barby, grab a cold beer and watch Barry Humphries’ Flashbacks (7TWO, Wed Jan 26, 2pm), Mother of Rock: Lillian Roxon (SBS1, Wed Jan 26, 8.30pm) which follows the Aussie journo who became the queen of infamous NY club Max’s Kansas City, Salute (ABC2, Wed Jan 26, 9.30pm) which chronicles Australian Peter Norman’s involvement in the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics and for some fun there’s The Wiggles Australia Day Concert (ABC2, Wed Jan 26, 10am), Australia Celebrates (ABC1, Tue Jan 25, 8.30pm) if you can’t be bothered going to Commonwealth Place and Spicks and Specks Australiana Special (ABC1, Wed Jan 26, 9.30pm).
Elsewhere the Chaser’s CNNNN (7mate, Mon Jan 31, 10.30pm) makes its way onto commercial TV, Xena – Warrior Princess (7mate, Thu Feb 3, 3pm) makes a comeback, there’s a new season of Big Love (SBS1, Wed Feb 2, 8.30pm), Retouches (SBS1, Sat Feb 1, 2.20pm) which is a Canadian animation, Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure (SCTEN, Wed Jan 19 – Fri Jan 21, 7.30pm), 6PM with George Negus (SCTEN, Mon Jan 24, 6pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 7 December 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 1 month ago
As the party season ramps up, the last thing to worry about while you’re sipping your sixth chocolate martini is whether you remembered to record the 21st repeat of Big Bang Theory (Go!, Thu, 8.30pm) with the napkin signed by Leonard Nimoy. Fortunately there’s a myriad of places to source them. If you just want to see what happened and don’t care about getting a whole episode at once or the quality there’s always YouTube. ABC’s iView has been providing short term access to streams of aunty’s popular programs for a couple of years now (abc.net.au) as well as downloadable podcasts of its own shows such as this year’s best new Aussie show, Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm). The SBS folks also post some of their programs (player.sbs.com.au). SCTEN has streams of some of its shows on its site (ten.com.au) as does WIN on its TVfix site (fixplay.ninemsn.com.au) along with shows such as Mad Men and Dr Who that have aired on other networks. Seven does the same (au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7). So if you don’t have internet on the telly yet, send Santa a letter just like Blackbox did. After all lying on the couch is the way the box was meant to be watched.
The extra channels mean this year’s Santa Watch is about to go into overdrive with cartoons for kids and adults alike such as American Dad (Prime, Wed Dec 15, 9pm), The Flintstones, Yogi’s First Christmas, Caper’s First Christmas and Looney Tunes Christmas Tales (Go!, Sat Dec 25, from 9.30), South Park (Go!, Sat Dec 25, 10.25pm).
Those with the Christmas spirit will love Merry Christmas, Mr Bean (ABC2, Thu Dec 23, 9.30pm), Xtras: Xmas 2007 Special (ABC2, Sat Dec 25, 10pm), A Very Specky Christmas (ABC1, Fri Dec 24, 8.30pm and Sat Dec 25, 10am), Catherine Tate: Nan’s Christmas Card (ABC2, Fri Dec 24, 9.30pm), The Vicar of Dibley (Prime, Sun Dec 12, 6.30pm), Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (7TWO, Mon Dec 13, 7pm), To the Manor Born (7TWO, Tue Dec 14, 7pm), Are You Being Served? (7TWO, Wed Dec 15, 7.30pm), Seinfeld (Go!, Tue Dec 21, 8pm), Bewitched, Married with Children, Just Shoot Me and The Dukes of Hazzard (Go!, Sat Dec 25, from 2pm) and Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat Dec 25, 7.30pm).
The traditionalists haven’t been forgotten with Carols from St Mary’s Cathedral (ABC1, Fri Dec 24, 7.30pm), The Queen’s Christmas Message (ABC1, Sat Dec 25, 7.20pm), The Pope’s Christmas Mass (Sat Dec 25, 11am), Carols in the Domain (Prime, Sat Dec 18, 8.30pm) and It’s a Wonderful Life (ABC1, Sat Dec 18, 8.30pm).
If you’re looking for entertainment while you wrap Auntie Marge’s gift basket there are a plethora of Christmas movies such as Deck the Halls (Go!, Fri Dec 24, 7pm) and Bad Santa (Go!, Fri Dec 24, 9pm) or the food oriented Willie’s Perfect Chocolate Christmas (ABC1, Mon Dec 27, 9.35pm) and Heston Blumenthal’s Perfect Christmas (ABC2, Sun Dec 12, 6pm).
Don’t miss Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (ABC1, Sun Dec 26, 7.30pm), fast-tracked from the UK, The Whitlams and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (ABC2, Sun Dec 12, 7.30pm) and The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights (ABC2, Fri Dec 17, 8.30pm).
If you’re over Santa, there’s always the cricket – Boxing Day Test (WIN / GEM, Sun Dec 26, 10.30am), Pete Helliar’s new quiz show The Trophy Room (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) or the movies – let Margaret and David tell you how – At the Movies Summer Special (ABC1, Sun Dec 14, 6pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 23 November 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 2 months ago
Despite the fact it still feels like winter most days, summer is less than a week away and in TVland that means three things – a mad rush to tie up the good shows, the start of the b-grade summer shows and lots and lots of cricket. In fact Richie and the rest of the Channel 9 commentary team pull off the covers with the first Ashes Test (GEM, Thu Nov 25, 10.30am).
If you can’t wait – FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022 host announcement (SBS1, Fri Dec 2, 1.55am).
Those addicted to Deadwood (which seems to have dropped from our screens) should check out a classic for comparison – The Man who shot Liberty Valance (ABC2, Sat Dec 11, 8.30pm) with James Stewart, John Wayne and Lee Marvin is a good place to start.
One of the surprises of this year has been The Big C (GEM, Wed, 9.30pm), an engaging dramedy with just the right amount of quirkiness. A cast that includes Laura Linney, Oliver Platt, Gabourey Sidibe and Idris Elba certainly helps. Weeds (GEM, Wed, 10pm) hasn’t fared so well since it took on the Desperate Housewives style of scriptwriting – suspension of disbelief is had when the storyline is ridiculous.
Blackbox mused last fortnight that there was no stone left unturned in the pursuit of observational docos. Blackbox was wrong. SAS: The Search for Warriors (SBS1, Tue Dec 7, 8.30pm) follows SAS hopefuls as they try out for the elite fighting force.
Best non-ratings news so far is that 7Mate is replaying The Shield (7Mate, Mon Dec 6, 9.30pm) from Season 1 and Prime will air the new Jimmy Smits legal drama Outlaw (Prime, Mon Nov 29, 9.30pm). Elsewhere it’s all about docos, travel, music and food… as it should be at this time of year.
The musical brush is broad starting with Blur: No Distance Left to Run (ABC2, Fri Dec 10, 8.30pm) which tells the band’s story and is followed by Blur: Live at Hyde Park (ABC2, Fri Dec 10, 10:05pm), filmed during their 2009 reunion tour. One musically themed show not to miss is Lennon Naked (ABC2, Sun Dec 5, 8.30pm) – a biopic of Lennon’s post-Beatles life starring Christopher Eccleston. There’s also Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones 1972 Concert (ABC2, Fri Dec 3, 9.30pm), Live at the Chapel presents Lady Gaga (Go!, Sun Nov 28, 1pm) and Sony Music Special: Jimi Hendrix (Go!, Sun Nov 28, 1.30pm).
For the gastronomes there’s Rene Redzepi’s Noma (SBS1, Thu Nov 25, 7.30pm) which looks at the world’s number one restaurant, Copenhagen’s Noma, Neil Morrissey’s Risky Business (SBS1, Thu Nov 25, 8.30pm) that follows Neil Morrissey on his quest to open a micro brewery, Willie’s Chocolate Revolution (ABC2, Mon Dec 6, 9.30pm) and a second series of Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam (SBS1, Thu Dec 9, 7.30pm).
Those with the travel bug will appreciate High Road, Low Road (Prime, Sat Dec 4, 7pm) which looks at the luxury and budget options for exploring California, Making Tracks (SCTEN, Sat, 4.30pm) which takes us on a tour of Australia, repeats of Great British Journeys (7TWO, Sun Nov 28, 9.45pm) follows the routes of Britain’s explorers, Escape to the Sun (7TWO, Sun Nov 28, 10.45pm) which puts a microscope on Benidorm in Spain.
Best schedule find: Wacky Races (Go!, Sun, 11am) – the original with Dick Dastardly and co.
NCIS (SCTEN, Tue, 8.30pm) fans shouldn’t miss Good News Week (SCTEN, Mon Nov 29, 9.30pm) with Pauly Perrette as guest.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 9 November 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 2 months ago
Lots of the new Australian offerings this year have been a bit of a disappointment – think Cops LAC (WIN, Thu, 9.30pm) – and the tradition of great Aussie dramedy, so beautifully weaving cynicism, humour and quirkiness through the fabric of well written drama, seems to have dropped from our screens. Offspring (SCTEN, Sun, 8.30pm) is better viewing than most but it’s trying to cram too many different ideas and reveals into each character and episode and then just moving on to a new set without exploring the first. There is hope. Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) is superb. In a role that seems written for him, the inimitable Richard Roxborough plays a morally bankrupt barrister who doesn’t care about justice but believes in the law. He’s in love with a prostitute, gets relationship advice from his psychologist ex and is being pursued by the tax department. But that’s just the backstory – the characterisations are quirky yet sublime and the dialogue razor sharp. Must watch TV at Chez Blackbox.
Just when you thought they’d run out of ideas for observational docos – William McInnes narrates The Enforcers (WIN, Sun Nov 14, 6.30pm) which follows council rangers. Mary Queen of Shops (GEM, Thu Nov 18, 8.30pm) tries to turn around struggling fashion boutiques. What next? Filming Blackbox watching telly and going to the shop for chocolate?
True Stories (ABC, Wed, 8.30pm) delves into the cinematic realm to discover the real stories that inspired celluloid classics such as The Hunt for Red October, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Exorcist and The Silence of the Lambs. Funny how the truth inspires some of the best films.
There’s some classic cinema coming up including Pink Panther (ABC2, Sat Nov 13, 8.30pm) and The Red Riding Trilogy (SBS1, Tue-Thu Nov 16-18, 10pm).
Conan (GEM, Tue – Fri, 11.30pm), which is being ‘fast tracked’ has some interesting musical guests including Jack White, Soundgarden and Fistful of Mercy.
A Small Act (ABC1, Mon Nov 25, 9.30pm) should be mandatory viewing – it tells the story of just how successful programs to sponsor children in impoverished countries have become. Chris Mburu was a sponsored child. Now a human rights lawyer working for the UN, he has started his own scholarship fund. Powerful stuff. You really can make a difference.
Docos to look out for include an African Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm), another instalment of Jennifer Byrne presents Graphic Novels with Nicki Greenberg, Bruce Mutard, Eddie Campbell and Sophie Cunningham (ABC1, Tue Nov 16, 10pm), JFK: 3 shots that changed America (SBS1, Tue Nov 23, 10pm) – a two parter, and Manson (SBS1, Sun Nov 14, 9.30pm) which features interviews with key players.
Don’t miss Powderfinger: The Final Odyssey (ABC1, Thu Nov 11, 9.30pm) which includes live and behind the scenes footage of their final tour, and William Shatner’s Weird or What? (SBS1, Mon Nov 15, 7.30pm).
Sci-fi fans who can’t afford the DVD will be happy to hear 7Mate is airing the rest of the final season of Stargate Atlantis (7Mate, Thu Nov 25, 8.30pm).
George Negus fronts his last episode of Dateline (SBS1, Sun Nov 21, 8.30pm).
Best news? The final of X Factor (Prime, Mon Nov 22, 7.30pm). Interestingly the final of Iron Chef Australia (Prime, Tue, 7.30pm) which only just started is slated to air next week.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 October 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 2 months ago
“The British are coming, the British are coming,” was the infamous cry of the horseman Paul Revere. It appears the Boston blacksmith and sometimes town crier, immortalised in a Beastie Boys tune, was on the money. Sherlock, which aired last week on WIN, was an ambitious contemporary re-imagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale. And despite the mini-series style format requiring quite an investment, Chez Blackbox was in its grip. Attention to detail gave just the right balance of 21st century pace and Victorian sensibility. From the grey tonal production palette to Sherlock running around London’s cobbled streets in a trench coat sending texts on a mobile phone. Despite the same production palette and location, the ultra modern British spy drama Spooks (ABC1, Sat Oct 30, 8.30pm), now in its ninth season in Britain, is very different, yet equally compelling viewing. Aunty is about to air the eighth season here and regular viewers will remember the seventh season ended with Harry kidnapped by Russian agents, following the revelation of a decades old intelligence leak.
The ‘80s have come in for a lot of ridicule over the past few years as ‘80s shows full of bleached perms and overdone blush are re-aired but a similar ‘90s phenomenon is beginning to take shape. You just need to look at Elaine’s long skirts and boots on Seinfeld (Go!, Mon-Fri, 12.30pm and Sat, 3pm) and the dark brown lipstick of all the female Friends (GEM, Mon-Fri, 6.30pm) to see just where this year’s fashion inspiration is coming from.
If you really want to ridicule a classic and much referenced TV fave, tune in to a repeat of the Mythbusters: MacGyver Special (SBS1, Mon Nov 8, 7.30pm).
Docos to look out for include A Ripple of Hope (ABC1, Thu Oct 28, 9.25pm) which looks at Robert F. Kennedy’s decision to continue with an appearance in an African-American neighbourhood on the day Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated, A History of Scotland (SBS1, Sun, 7.30pm), The Lancaster at War (SBS1, Fri Oct 29, 8.30pm) which looks at the bomber’s role in WWII, a new series of Sleek Geeks (ABC1, Thu Nov 11, 8pm) with Adam Spencer and Dr Karl, I, Spry: The Rise and Fall of a Master Spy (ABC1, Thu Nov 4, 9.25pm) about ASIO in the 1950s from the makers of The Prime Minister is Missing, Chevolution (SBS1, Tue Nov 9, 10pm) which explores how a portrait of Che Guevara taken in 1960 has become one of the most reproduced images in the history of photography, Obama and Me (SBS2, Thu Nov 11, 7.30pm) which follows the lives of six ordinary Americans in the year after Obama was elected and Outrage (SBS1, Tue Nov 2, 10pm) about the movement to ‘out’ gay politicians who campaign against gay rights.
Choose new episodes of The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm) over the much more contrived and unrealistic Beauty and the Geek Australia (Prime, Thu Nov 4, 8.30pm).
If you couldn’t be bothered trick or treating, settle in for Francis Ford Coppola’s Dementia 13 (ABC2, Sat Oct 30, 8.30pm), Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Halloween Party (ABC1, Sun Oct 31, 8.35pm) and Scary Movie (Go!, Sun Oct 31, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss Adam Hills Live: Joymonger and Characterful (ABC2, Thu Oct 28, 9.30pm), the Season 2 final of Mad Men (SBS1, Sun Nov 7, 9.30pm) and The Melbourne Cup (Prime, Tue Nov 2).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 October 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 3 months ago
Now that the school carnival of the good old British Empire is over, it’s time for a new free-to-air scheduling bonanza… you can just feel the anticipation building in the air as the networks fill their listings with three little letters that cause conniption fits in TV columnists everywhere – TBA. Sure, the scheduling folks don’t want to be gazumped by other networks but if they don’t let the punters know something is on, how do they expect it to rate? With 14 channels to flick through, the odds of random discovery are getting longer. Confirmed returns include Top Gear Australia (WIN, Tue Oct 19, 7.30pm) and Glee (SCTEN, Wed, 7.30pm) and new NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Oct 19, 8.30pm).
Blackbox has a new bipartisan project idea for WIN and Prime – setup a new digi channel – call it Retro and raid the Go! and 7mate archives for our fave ‘70s, ‘80s and early ‘90s TV shows and no, not Hey, Hey It’s Saturday (WIN, Sat Oct 16, 7.30pm) which has thankfully returned to its proper timeslot. Shows such as Starsky and Hutch (Go!, Mon-Fri, 2pm), Miami Vice (7Mate, Tues, 12pm) and Thunderbirds (Go!, Sat Oct 16, 6am). Of course for an authentic viewing experience, you’ll need an old school cathode ray telly and a bean bag.
There are even some retro movies popping up outside of auntie’s Classic Cinema Seasons (ABC2, Sat, 8.30pm) including Goodfellas (Gem, Fri Oct 15, 8.30pm), Police Academy (Go!, Fri Oct 15, 9.30pm) and Jaws (SCTEN, Sat Oct 23, 8.45pm).
One thing is certain in the new digital paradigm, food is the new lifestyle/reality topic du jour – SCTEN has been banging on for weeks with ads for Junior Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun, Mon, 7.30pm) and WIN will topple the BMA server if they don’t stop putting out media releases about the impending arrival of Iron Chef Australia (WIN, TBA).
Of course there is some non-foodie fare, including Keeping up with the Joneses (SCTEN, Thu Oct 14, 9pm) – a kind of claytons Aussie equivalent of Keeping up with the Kardashians (Prime, Tue, 10.30pm) when you can’t get the Irwins.
Sure The Bill (ABC1, Sat, 8.30pm) lost all relevance once it became a soap opera for the blue rinse set but once upon a time it was a witty and engaging low budget drama about the conmen and garden variety criminals of London. Fans from those days may want to give Farewell The Bill (ABC1, Sat Oct 23, 8.30pm) a look.
Docos this fortnight include Cleopatra, Portrait of a Killer (ABC1, Thu Oct 21, 9.30pm), Kevin McCloud Slumming It (ABC1, Tue Oct 26, 8.30pm) which takes Kevin, of Grand Designs fame, to Mumbai’s slums, Tibetan Eldorado (ABC1, Thu Oct 28, 8.30pm) which looks at a rare Tibetan animal-plant, prized by Asian pharmaceutical companies as the Viagra of the Himalayas, A History of Scotland (SBS1, Sun Oct 24, 7.30pm), The Virtual Revolution (SBS1, Tue Oct 26, 8.30pm) which marks 20 years of the webiverse.
Other stuff to catch – Rockwiz on the Road (SBS1, Sat Oct 16, 9.20pm), the season final of Deadwood (ABC2, Tue Oct 19, 9.30pm) and Sherlock (WIN, Sun Oct 17, 8.30pm).
If you have a really good road trip story that deserves to be in Wide Open Road, the new doco series from the makers of Long Way to the Top, visit abc.net.au/tv/wideopenroad .
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 28 September 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 3 months ago
Just when you thought you wouldn’t have to touch the set top box for a while, WIN launches its new channel, GEM. Like 7Mate it’s pitched at a fairly specific demographic – 35+ women. Apparently Gen X must be more fond of a night in, curled up in front of the telly than out at a show – this may come as news to the rapidly expanding touring schedule also squarely pitched at the slacker generation (Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins…). Having said that, GEM features quite a few ‘90s classics such as Friends (GEM, Mon-Fri, 6.30pm), a plethora of reality shows such as Holiday Showdown (GEM, Fri, 8pm) and a smattering of new shows, the most notable of which is The Big C (GEM, Wed Sep 29, 9.30pm) a comedy about dealing with cancer – Showtime quality, not Hallmark.
The folks at SCTEN won’t be launching their new channel, 11, until next year. In the meantime, budding screenwriters and doco makers will have the chance to get their series and special ideas on air with the Eleven out of Ten development initiative. You need to write a three-page pitch outline of your idea and submit an entry form by Friday October 15. Details at http://conference.spaa.org.au
The 7Mate schedule is shaping up nicely with the inclusion of some classic ‘70s fare with the likes of The A Team (7Mate, Sun, 5pm) with Mr T and Knight Rider (7Mate, Sun, 4pm) with The Hoff. Blackbox is still waiting for Logan’s Run and Blake’s 7. The pick of their new shows is Caprica (7Mate, Thu, 9.30pm), the prequel to Battlestar Galactica.
Fans of The Wire won’t want to miss Luther (ABC1, Fri Oct 15, 8.30pm), a psychological thriller starring Idris Elba (Stringer Bell) as a tormented detective.
September/October means sport and with that heralding a telly phenomenon waaaaay older than BMA – the program tie in. There hasn’t been a locally produced show on Prime or WIN that hasn’t has a footy finals tie-in. There’s even been a news tie-in with the Saints and Pies draw. And it doesn’t stop there. The Bathurst 1000 (Prime, Sun Oct 10, 7.30am) has Better Homes and Gardens – The Fast Show (Prime, Fri Oct 8, 7.30pm) and The Commonwealth Games (SCTEN, One Sun Oct 3-Thu Oct14, from 12pm daily) has Learn India with Hamish and Andy (SCTEN, Sun Oct 3, 7.30pm).
Don’t miss Pure Pwange (ABC2, Mon Oct 4, 9.05pm) a mockumentary about Jeremy aka the_pwnerer, an obsessive video gamer.
With the 50th anniversary of JFK’s election as US president, expect to see quite a few docos and other conspiracy-related fare about what happened in the book depository, including Virtual JFK: Vietnam if JFK Had Lived (SBS1, Tue Oct 12, 10pm) and the movie JFK: Complete and Uncut (GEM, Sat Oct 9, 8.30pm).
Docos to look out for include Dawn Porter: Extreme Wife (Prime, Tue Oct 5, 11pm), which starts with mail order brides, The Great Escape: China’s Long March (ABC1, Thu Oct 14, 9.30pm) and Tank on the Moon (ABC1, Thu Oct 7, 9.30pm).
Other stuff to put on your radar – new seasons of Supersizers Go… (SBS1, Thu Oct 7, 8.30pm) starting with …‘80s and …Medieval, The Librarians (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm), The IT Crowd (ABC1, Wed Oct 6, 9pm), Dylan Moran: Like Totally (ABC2, Thu Oct 14, 9.30pm), and Rude Boy Food (ABC2, Fri Oct 8, 6pm) with tips on West Indian cookery.
Best Movie Line Up of the Month: Go, Friday October 8 – Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (6pm), Kangaroo Jack (7.30pm – so bad it’s good), Little Shop of Horrors (9.20pm – so good it’s bad) and Helter Skelter (11.20pm – just bad)… and if you’re still up Star Trek Deep Space Nine (2am) [as the father said to his newborn – that’s a lot of poo in one night – Bossman]
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 15 September 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 4 months ago
Prime’s fourth digi channel, 7mate (ch63) launches on September 25 with the AFL Grand Final. If you can get past the stupid name and even more ridiculous promo, you’ll find a pretty decent line-up.
Sure, the schedule’s not littered with chick flicks but Blackbox is pretty sure those of us ‘burdened’ by two X chromosomes will feature quite heavily amongst the Family Guy audience. And the audience for Jersey Shore. And The Situation is just as funny to those of us who sit down to pee. Other shows slated for the bloke’s channel, but not yet scheduled, include American Dad, Last Comic Standing, Crank Yankers, Stargate Atlantis; sci-fi series Caprica; adventure series Warehouse 13 and Fifth Gear; factual series such as Life After People, The Boneyard, Ax Man, Mega Moves, Mega Structures; and observational doco cult classic Pawn Stars (yes that p-a-w-n – the shops that give you money for your useless junk). Even some of the more blokey reality fare may attract the women. After all, who doesn’t want to see just what all the fuss over Monster Garage’s Jesse James is about? So far the confirmed line-up consists of Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels (7mate, Sat Sep 25, 6.30pm) having a crack at being another Osbournes but the star (and his family) aren’t quite as loopy, and Punk’d (7mate, Sat Sep 25, 8.30pm). So now we’ve got a channel for the blokes, two channels for foreign movie buffs, two kids’ channels, a news channel, a sports channel, two channels aimed squarely at Gen X-Y (Go!, ABC2) and a channel for old people (7TWO). What we’re missing is a quality drama channel (HBO and Showtime hybrid for free?) and a sci-fi channel. Of course what we’ll likely get is more sport and crappy movies.
If you’ve got a regular telly instead of a swanky new plasma that you can’t fit in the loungeroom, and your furniture is the outcasts from mum’s garage, you may just think you’ve stepped out of a tardis and into the ‘80s this week. Stop. Rewind (ABC2, Wed Sep 21, 6pm) takes us on a journey through the ‘80s imagining of the future; Heston’s 80s Feast (SBS1, Thu Sep 23, 8.30pm) uses all the ‘80s kitchen gadgetry, and Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed Sep 22, 8.30pm) does Australiana.
Things are getting even worse with Iron Chef Australia – the network has announced Grant Denyer as host. Surely one of the out-of-character Chaser boys (or even the human cravat Matt Preston) would be more likely to create the required theatrics.
Finally, a job for the chic-chic boom girl – as part of the scamming team on The Real Hustle (WIN, Tue, 9pm) hosted by Gyton Grantley while he waits for a real acting job.
Other new shows include October Road (7TWO, Mon Sep 20, 9.30pm) which follows an author’s re-entry problems when he returns to his home town after a ten-year absence; Hellcats (Go!, Mon, 7.30pm), the cheerleader comedy drifting in on the sequined coat tails of Glee; La La Land (SBS1, Mon, 11pm) a mockumentary about an aspiring actor, a psychic and a doco maker in LA; and The Genius of Design (ABC1, Tue Sep 21, 6pm).
Don’t miss repeats of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Go!, Wed 12am, 1pm, Sat 2.30am), Thunderbirds (Go!, Sat, Sun 6am), the original Logan’s Run movie (Go!, Sat Sep 25, 11pm) – hopefully the original series isn’t far off – and the new series of Shameless (SBS1, Mon, 10pm).
Cops LAC (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm) is the disappointment of the year – as bland and paint-by-numbers as its title.
Remember – the Brownlow Medal Count (SCTEN, Mon Sep 20, 11.45pm) is for fans only.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 31 August 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 4 months ago
The travel/cooking show, Blackbox’s personal fave, is ubiquitous this season. Jamie Oliver, the socially conscience man who’s shown American school teachers and ‘pie and chips men’ how to cook, is about to embark on Jamie’s Food Escapes (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm). He joins a schedule packed with galloping gourmets including Made in Spain with Jose Andres (SBS1, Wed Sep 1, 6.30pm), Food Trip With Todd English (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 6.30pm), Taste Takes Off with Peta Mathias (SBS1, Fri Sep 3, 6.30pm), Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 7.30pm), Annabel Langbein: The Free Range Cook (ABC1, Sat Sep 4, 6pm) and Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 8pm).
In the end though, nothing can beat the pure theatre of Iron Chef (SBS1, Sat, 8.30pm), the Japanese one of course. The American version a few years back was a disaster because the gravitas of a kitchen stadium challenge is best experienced in a Japanese context with some kind of urchin as the theme ingredient – even the comic genius of host William Shatner couldn’t prevent a flop. Unfortunately such news seems to have been lost on the network execs at prime. Iron Chef Australia (Prime, TBA), featuring Neil Perry, Guy Grossi and Guillaume Brahimi is slated to launch soon.
There is some good news this week though with the start of the new season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Fri Sep 3, 9.30pm) and the post-election return of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Sep 1, 8.30pm).
Among the new shows on the box over the next couple of weeks you’ll find Horne and Corne (ABC2, Thu Sep 2, 9pm) a sketch comedy starring the two guys from Gavin and Stacey which looks much funnier than that show partly set in the (caretaker) PM’s hometown; Gary: Tank Commander (ABC2, Thu Sep 2, 9.30pm) a six-part British dramedy about a returned soldier from Iraq adjusting to life in the barracks; Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Prime, Thu, 10.30pm) the ultimate in trashy US celeb observational docos (at least since Osbournes gave up); Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (ABC1, Sat Sep 18, 9.20pm) and Parking Wars (Prime, Mon, 10.30pm) – US car chases have nothing on the stupidity of people taking on parking inspectors; it’s a hoot!
Docos to look out for include Silesia Strips (SBS1, Fri Sep 3, 10pm) about a Polish coal mining area where teenage girls strip to earn an income; The Music Instinct: Science & Song (ABC1, Thu Sep 2, 9.35pm); Life: Creatures of the Deep (ABC1, Sun Sep 12, 7.30pm); Seven Ages of Britain (ABC1, Sep 7, Tue 8.30pm), and Artscape: Obsessed with Walking (ABC1, Tue Sep 14, 10pm) in which cultural provocateur Will Self wanders through LA’s suburbs on a 120 mile trek from LAX to Hollywood.
Auntie is taking its iView responsibilities seriously with another exclusive – the new cult doco The Vice Guide to Film (iView, Mon Aug 30). Eps include a visit to Kim Jong Il’s film studio and the Narco Cinema funded by Mexico’s drug lords. Increase your bandwith now.
Anyone who’s ever done an Outward Bound course should pencil in The Goodies – Way Outward Bound (ABC2, Mon Sep 6, 8.05pm). And don’t miss The Kirk Douglas Season which starts with Spartacus (ABC2, Sat Sep 11, 8.30pm) or series two of Mad Men (SBS1, Sun, 8.30pm). Avoid: X-Factor (Prime, Mon –Thu, 7.30pm). Kyle Sandilands coming at ya four nights a week… aaaaaaagh.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 17 August 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 5 months ago
The monster that ate Canberra is about to make another appearance. Although this time it’s not pink and will be followed by more cameras and mobile TV recording units than anyone has ever seen. Yep, that’s right, the election road show is about to roll into town. And if you’re not a big enough political geek to stand in line on a Canbrrrr-a winter night to get into the National Tally Room, the expanded digital networks have plenty of coverage for you.
If you want your coverage with a bit of the everyman edge served up with a smattering of political commentary, try Election 2010: Australia Decides (WIN, Sat Aug 21, 5pm) with Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Laurie Oakes (and hopefully not Mark Latham). Your Call 2010 (Prime, Sat Aug 21, 6.30pm), continues the same theme with Sunrise all-stars Kochie, Mel and Mark Riley.
Over at Auntie, the election is pretty much the only show in town and you can see the whole thing in HD, complete with the Antony Green whip around the seats with the simulcast of Federal Election 2010 (ABC1, Sat Aug 21, 6pm). SBS are leaving things until closer to the result with World News Australia Election special (SBS1, Sat Aug 21, 8.30pm), and over at Southern Cross TEN they’re starting early with National Election Special (SCTEN, Sat Aug 21, 5.30pm), followed by the only light look at things with The Election Project (SCTEN, Sat Aug 21, 6pm), and then (predictably) Southern Cross TEN bows out and takes viewers to AFL (SCTEN, Sat Aug 21, 6.30pm) to be exact.
The big change from last election is the choice for those who just want to wake up in the morning (or next week) and see who won. Apart from the HD channels, the networks have left their secondary airwaves clear of political palaver. The best of the rest includes Once Upon a Time in the West (ABC2, Sat Aug 21, 8.30pm), Blast From the Past (Go!, Sat Aug 21, 6pm) and Wedding Crashers (Go!, Sat Aug 21, 8.30pm).
If you’ve always wanted to be a TV star and travel around the world, well here’s your chance! Applications for The Amazing Race Australia http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-amazing-race/ are now open, but will close Monday, September 6, so hurry. If you’re really desperate to be on telly, and you can’t sing, juggle or travel, there’s a new dating show on Prime. Apply here if you must: http://www.datingshowgranadamedia.com.au/ but Blackbox recommends The Amazing Race Australia. People you like are more likely to watch.
Offspring (SCTEN, Sun, 8.30pm) is the latest offering from Secret Life of Us, Love My Way and Rush creator John Edwards. Sure, there’s not a lot of action but it is witty and insightful and worth a watch.
Also new this week is spy drama Covert Affairs (Prime, Mon, 9.30pm). Not a perfect one, despite its production links to the Bourne Trilogy, but it’s a genre that’s been missing for quite a while.
Some favourites return to screens in the next few week too: Breaking Bad (ABC2, Fri Sep 3, 9.30pm), The IT Crowd (ABC1, Fri 10.15pm) and, following the post-election end of Yes We Canberra (ABC1, Wed Aug 25, 9.30pm), United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Sep 1, 9.30pm).
Docos to look out for include Visions of the Future (ABC1, Thu Aug 26, 8.30pm), The Music Instinct: Science and Song (ABC1, Thu Aug 26, 9.35pm) and Daredevils: The Flying Car (ABC2, Wed Aug 25, 8.30pm).
Don’t forget to watch the new season of Heston’s Feasts (SBS1, Thu Aug 24, 8.30pm) which begins with recreating Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompas and chocolate waterfalls here we come.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 3 August 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 5 months ago
Here at Chez Blackbox we love the hoopla and theatre of a federal election campaign; the brief period every few years when everybody wants to speak to the politically astute woman’s crumpet, ABC numbers man Antony Green. But this year, despite our first woman PM, a budgie smuggler wearing opposition leader, and a much happier looking anti-logging warrior, it’s been pretty boring television. Until Wil Anderson and The Chaser got involved. Auntie’s regular Wednesday night line-up is on hold for the election but don’t fret, Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) remains (with a Eurotrash special August 19). It’s followed by a new incarnation of The Gruen Transfer – Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) which reviews political advertising past and present with the regulars plus a mix of political campaign specialists, political commentators and ex-pollies. John Hewson was very frank on the first show. It’s followed by Yes We Canberra! (ABC1, Wed, 9.45pm), the Chaser’s latest election incarnation which serves as a warm up act for Tony Jones (wearing his Lateline hat). The first episode even garnered them an election scoop – the Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons candidate revealed that he’ll be running as an independent. The re-imagined Angry Angus ad is worth the visit to iview alone.
Speaking of comics, Jennifer Byrne Presents: Graphic Novels (ABC1, Tue Aug 10, 10.05pm) is the latest in the genre series. Guests include Nicki Greenberg, Bruce Mustard and Eddie Campbell.
Australia may not have won the World Cup [or got remotely near – AL] but the attention has meant The World Game (SBS2, Mon, 9.30pm) has graduated to panel show format reviewing the weekend games from the A League and across the world. Yet the same question remains – just what nationality is Les Murray (with apologies to TISM)?
The end of Le Tour de France has heralded new seasons of several SBS faves – Mad Men (SBS1, Sun Aug 15, 9.30pm) Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Aug 16, 8.30pm) and Heston’s Feasts (SBS1, Thu Aug 19, 8.30pm). Also back is Rush (SCTEN, Thu, 8.30pm), Burn Notice (SCTEN, Thu, 9.30pm) and Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Sun, 7.30pm).
Lovers of mysteries would be well advised to check out The Prisoner (ABC1, Sat, 9.20pm). It’s one of a series of interesting BBC dramas over the next few weeks including Criminal Justice (ABC1, Sun Aug 15, 8.30pm) about a woman accused of attempting to murder her husband.
Docos to check out include Anatomy of a Massacre (ABC1, Thu Aug 12, 9.30pm) about East Timor, Rituals: Around the World in 80 Faiths (SBS1, Fri Aug 20, 7.30pm) which looks at, amongst other things, sacrifices by Voodoo priests and an Australian Indigenous dance, Paparazzi: Next Generation (ABC2, Wed Aug 18, 8.30pm) about the new breed of paps – watch closely for your chance to pursue a career with TMZ, Five Weddings, Five Funerals (ABC2, Wed Aug 18, 9.30pm) about The Black Widow, Betty Neumar.
If you haven’t yet caught The Making of Modern Australia (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) make sure you do – it’s a great mix of archival footage and Australian Story style interviews hung together by the dulcet tones of William McInnes.
The Goodies (ABC1, Mon, 8.05pm) has some classics coming up – Blackbox fave The Winter Olympics (Aug 16) gives hope to slothful couch campers everywhere that a good massage can make up for years of no exercise.
Chez Blackbox is now enjoying round the clock ABC News 24 in HD and counting the crow’s feet on Kerry O’Brien. I bet every ABC journo is wishing for a return to old technology right about now.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 21 July 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 6 months ago
Once upon a time in a galaxy not so far, far away, ABC was really the only station you actually needed. Auntie’s schedules were overflowing with the best English comedy (Fawlty Towers, The Young Ones and Ab Fab), homegrown hilarity (Australia You’re Standing In It) and it was the home of sci-fi (Dr Who, Blake’s 7), anime (G-Force) and other Asian treats (Monkey). In the early ‘90s the Americans learnt how to do quirky and the local commercial networks were overflowing (Seinfeld, Star Trek Next Generation, X-Files, Twin Peaks). A few years ago when everything headed for pay TV land, Chez Blackbox took an egalitarian stance and waited patiently for a return on the 8c a day investment in our national broadcaster. And it’s come back in spades. In fact, as this week’s schedule proves, you could almost stick with Auntie’s four channels (except for Big Bang Theory [WIN, Mon, 8pm and Go, Sun, 7.40pm and Thu, 8.40pm]). So here are Blackbox’s Top 5 reasons to watch Auntie:
1. The best of HBO – now that the commercial networks are passing on shows already aired on Pay TV, Auntie is running entire HBO series, without interruption or ads. The latest is the fabulous Deadwood (ABC2, Tue Aug 1, 9.30pm) filling the vacuum left by The Wire. Hopefully the ABC’s letter writers are tucked safely in bed by the time it hits screens as Auntie’s usual language warning will need to be on steroids.
2. A finger that’s really on the pulse – Jennifer Byrne Presents: Graphic Novels (ABC1, Tue Aug 10, 10.05pm), The Botany of Desire (ABC1, Thu, 9.30pm) which looks at our fave plants from marijuana to potatoes.
3. The best travel (and adventure) docos – Three Men Go to Ireland (ABC1, Tue Aug 3, 6pm) which follows British comedians Griff Rhys Jones, Dara O’Briain and Rory McGrath on a trek across Ireland, Nicholas Crane’s Britannia (ABC2, Tue, 8.30pm), The Trail of Genghis Khan (ABC2, Wed Jul 28, 8.30pm) which follows Tim Cope across the Eurasian steppe from Mongolia to Hungary.
3. ABC News 24 launches this week – make sure your TV (or set top box) is HD though – Auntie, not quite totally egalitarian when it comes to news.
4. Comedy old and new – The Goodies (ABC2, Mon, 8pm) and the Chaser election series Yes We Canberra! (ABC1, Wed, 9.45pm).
5. iView – if you miss any of the best programs, you can watch them at your leisure.
Elsewhere there’s the fourth series of Skins (SBS1, Mon Jul 26, 10pm), the return of Entourage (SBS1, Mon Jul 26, 10.55pm), new episodes of Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Aug 2, 8.30pm) and a new season of Rules of Engagement (SCTEN, Sun Jul 25, 7pm).
Docos to check out include Dateline: Mothers Against Paco (SBS1, Sun Aug 1, 8.30pm) about Paco, a drug made from the waste of cocaine production, Dateline: Bee Prepared (SBS1, Sun Jul 25, 8.30pm) about the move to allow beekeeping in New York City, Roll In Babies (ABC2, Wed Aug 4, 9.30pm) – a making of doco about the roller skating babies ad that went crazy on YouTube and I Know What I Saw (ABC2, Wed Jul 28, 9.30pm).
Finally there’s a reason to watch (or record) Better Homes and Gardens (Prime, Fri Jul 23, 7.30pm) as they take a retro approach to decorating (although some of the tips are more ‘80s retro, which is a bit disturbing). The key though is Dr Harry’s spot on retro pets which includes ant farms and sea monkeys.
Don’t miss Review with Myles Barlow (ABC2, Thu Aug 5, 9.30pm) which covers the topic Killing Kyle Sandilands. ‘Nuff said.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 7 July 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 6 months ago
Last year’s surprise hit, The Gruen Transfer (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) slipped quietly back to our screens a couple of weeks back and it’s lost none of its wit. Last week’s Pitch for a campaign to justify Western Australia leaving the Commonwealth was a corker. Blackbox is lobbying for the bogan-proof fence. See it here if you missed it: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/gruentransfer/thepitch .
Ever noticed that a French accent seems to increase the superiority factor? So it is with much lauded designer Philippe Starck on his very own reality series Design for Life (ABC2, Wed, 8.30pm). He may be the most recognised designer in the world (and second only to architects in a sense of worth to the world), but when Starck screws up his face, shrugs at the contestants’ work and in his thick French accent says “it’s, for me…” you feel their hearts sink. Mind you, at Chez Blackbox there has been quite a bit of yelling at the stupidity of some of the contestants but without the French overtones…
This week Rosso embarked on his first free to air solo vehicle since the big Merrick and Rosso split. It’s called Australia Versus (Prime, Tue, 9.30pm) and is a comedy debate between Australian comedians and the international counterparts (well Ireland, England and the US, many of whom already reside in Australia). Each show has a different topic (this week’s is music) and a number of rounds – wildest festival, hottest boy band, best karaoke song (which will no doubt feature that Aussie fave Khe Sanh). Sounds a bit indulgent but so did Thank God You’re Here…
Just when you thought observational documentary couldn’t get any weirder… The Undercover Princes (ABC2, Wed Jul 21, 8.30pm) follows three bona fide princes (from India, Sri Lanka and South Africa) as they go undercover in Brighton, UK to find Ms Right (and learn how to do their own chores).
The biggest treat this week is for Mighty Boosh fans – The Mighty Boosh: A Journey Through Time and Space (SBS1, Mon Jul 12, 10pm). Noel and Julian tell the story behind The Mighty Boosh, visiting important places such as the studio where the radio show was recorded, which is now an organic supermarket.
Finally a documentary that goes beyond convicts and the ANZAC spirit to look at what shaped the Australia we live in. The Making of Modern Australia (ABC1, Thu Jul 22, 8.30pm) is a four part look at post-war history in Australia, from the childhoods of today’s baby boomers to the national obsession with owning a house. Narrated by William McInness and supported by interviews and archival material.
Other docos to check out include Life (ABC1, Sun Jul 25, 7.30pm) which boasts stunning nature visuals narrated by David Attenborough, A Good Man (ABC1, Thu Jul 22, 9.30pm) which follows sheep farmer, carer and brothel owner Chris Rohelach, Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner (ABC2, Sun Jul 11, 7.30pm), The Volcano that Stopped the World (ABC1, Thu Jul 15, 9.30pm – yes, that one) and Great Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm – Sydney Jul 13 and Hong Kong Jul 20).
Sports fanatics should stay tuned to SBS with the FIFA World Cup Final (SBS1, Mon Jul 12, 3.30am) which, for the second time in a row, is likely to feature the team that was Australia’s undoing, and the Tour De France (SBS1, live nightly 10pm, highlights nightly 6pm, updates daily 7.30am).
Fanatics can watch a repeat screening of the Lost finale (7TWO, Fri Jul 16, 11.40pm) with… wait for it… special pop up facts.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 15 June 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 7 months ago
As the whole country once again catches World Cup Fever – the PM will be watching in the Lodge rather than at UC – most of the networks are keeping a low profile, pulling new run episodes, and generally biding their time until the whole shebang is over (or at least until Australia makes an exit). Except for auntie of course. Our friends at the ABC have cleverly worked out that most of the action will take place at 4am (or at least not before 9pm), leaving the primetime schedule up for grabs. Sure Santo, Sam and Ed’s Cup Fever (SBS1, daily, 8.30pm) is entertaining and while it will probably take a while to hit its stride, at this point it’s no Roy and HG.
Auntie is using the gap in new scheduling to air the new season of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Jun 23, 9.30pm) and the second season of supernatural share house drama Being Human (ABC2, Fri Jun 18, 8.30pm) and introduce new shows such as US comedy 10 Items or Less (ABC2, Mon Jun 21, 8pm) and the BBC’s Lunch Monkeys (ABC2, Mon Jun 28, 9pm) – a sitcom about a bunch of surly school leavers in their first job at a law firm.
Prime too has taken the opportunity to repopulate its schedule, bringing back interrupted series such as Russell Brand’s Ponderland (Prime, Sun, 11.30pm).
Hung (Prime, Mon Jun 21, 9.30pm), the latest effort from Sideways creator Alexander Payne, is about a high school basketball coach who decides to become a gigolo when he falls on hard times. The plot sounds a bit preposterous and despite the obvious entendres, the show is well-acted and charming.
The HBO series are coming thick and fast with The Black Donnellys (7TWO, Wed Jun 23, 11.30pm) also making it to our screens. The NYC Irish mobster drama is thoroughly watchable – a different slant on the Italian crime bosses vs Irish cops story – and deserves a better timeslot. The only question left is will an Australian network ever air either Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (which was replaced by The Black Donnellys) or Brotherhood, the superior Irish mob show set in Providence, Rhode Island?
Not content to end the crime doco wars with WIN’s ridiculous Australian Families of Crime (WIN, Tue, 9.30pm), Prime has upped the anti with Police Under Fire (Prime, Wed Jun 23, 8.30pm) which allows them to once again roll out the Brendon Abbott story. At least WIN has the excuse of cross promotion for Underbelly (WIN, Sun, 8.30pm).
There is, thankfully, a raft of other docos to choose from including Blood Sweat and Gears (SBS1, Thu Jul 1, 10pm) to get you ready for the start of Le Tour de France on Sunday July 4, The End of the Rainbow (ABC2, Sun Jun 27, 7.30pm) which follows the closure of a music-friendly pub in Fitzroy, Bikini Revolution (SBS1, Sat Jun 26, 8.30pm) about its history, and if you really want a crime doco, The Artful Codgers (ABC2, Sun Jun 20, 7.30pm) is about a pair of geriatric art forgers.
Gluttons should check out Dinner in a Box with Curtis Stone (7TWO, Fri, 5.30pm), My Family Feast (SBS1, Thu Jun 24, 7.30pm), Oz and James Drink to Britain (SBS1, Thu Jun 24, 8pm), Delish (SBS1, Fri, 7pm) and Supersizers Eat… (SBS1, Thu Jun 24, 8.30pm), which looks at dining culture of the recent past.
Old British comedians don’t die, they just host travel docos. Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm) is the latest.
Those who committed will want to know about the series final of Flashforward (Prime, Thu Jun 24, 11.30pm). If Blackbox had a guarantee it would be one season and the storyline would actually get tied up, it may have been worth the investment…
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 26 May 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 8 months ago
Stock the fridge with Red Bull or clean out that espresso pot that’s been festering on the kitchen bench. The Football World Cup, the one with the round ball that’s the world’s biggest sporting event, kicks off with the Opening Ceremony (SBS1, Fri Jun 11, 10pm). Then it’s a couple of days’ wait for Australia vs Germany (SBS1, Mon Jun 14, 4.30am). If you’re a World Cup novice, grab a FIFA-loving friend, learn the rules and pick an underdog to cheer for when Australia’s not playing. Chez Blackbox will be cheering on Nigeria. Definitely not New Zealand, whose appearance somehow makes a World Cup berth seem much less impressive. Now that the World Cup has become something we actually have a chance of winning, the broadcast has gone Olympics-style complete with The World Cup Show (SBS1, daily from Fri Jun 11, 9pm) hosted by the subject of the ‘90s TISM tune What Nationality is Les Murray?. And Working Dog has come up with its own World Cup version of The Dream – Santo, Sam and Ed’s Cup Fever (daily from Fri Jun 11, 8.30pm). No doubt a brainstorm from soccer tragic Santo Cilauro, it also stars Ed Kavalee and Sam Peng. For uber fans, there will be a 3D broadcast available but you will have to a) shell out more money for a 3D TV than a flight to Johannesburg would cost and b) move to Sydney as Canberra has once again been overlooked.
Political thrillers are all the rage at the moment. The latest – Midnight Man (ABC1, Fri May 28, 8.30pm) – brings the fantastic James Nesbitt back to Auntie’s Friday night crime slot. While probably not his greatest offering to date, Nesbitt is a good choice for the eccentric ex-muckraking journalist, embroiled in an international conspiracy and afraid of daylight. What this really has to do with the story (apart from intrigue the vampire-obsessed to tune in) is not quite apparent.
The Riches (7TWO, Wed Jun 2, 10.30pm) is the latest high quality US drama to appear quietly on one of Australia’s commercial networks. Starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as a pair of grifters, the show is about how they, along with their children, take over the lives of a well off suburban family. We can only hope it doesn’t disappear later into the schedule only to be rescued by Auntie in five years time.
Other new offerings include Misfits (ABC2, Mon Jun 7, 9.30pm) about a group of teenagers with newly acquired and unwanted superpowers and 30 Seconds (ABC2, Fri Jun 11, 10.05pm) – a satirical drama set in the advertising world.
Docos to look out for include the series The American Future (ABC1, Thu May 27, 9.30pm) which looks to history to put modern America in context, Albino United (SBS1, Thu Jun 10, 8.30pm) about albinos in Tanzania, murdered or disfigured for witchdoctors, Art from The Arctic (ABC2, Sun Jun 6, 8.30pm) which follows 20 artists on an expedition to Spitzbergen in the Arctic circle, Leaving the Cult (ABC1, Wed Jun 2, 8.30pm) and Being Human: Unearthed (ABC2, Fri Jun 11, 8.30pm) which goes behind the scenes of the nocturnal series.
The latest reality show is a must watch for designers – Design for Life (ABC2, Wed Jun 2, 8.30pm) with a job with Philippe Starck up for grabs. For the uninitiated, he’s the Donald of the design world.
If you’ve always dreamed about being humiliated on television, auditions for the second series of Beauty and the Geek are happening in Sydney on Saturday June 5. Check out www.yahoo7.com.au/beautyandthegeek for details.
Beauty and the Geek US (7TWO, Wed Jun 2, 7.30pm) is the first of a run of new shows on 7TWO that also includes new Knightrider (7TWO, Wed May 26, 8.30pm) which pales in comparison next to the cult value of the Hoff version.
The network is also trying to put in their bid for purveyors of the new Australian pastime – cooking. Dinner in a Box with Curtis Stone (7TWO, Fri Jun 4, 5.30pm) has a complete dinner party in every ep while Delish (7TWO, Fri, 7pm) shows you how to use what you grow (and there’s tips on that too).
Don’t forget the Eurovision Final (SBS1, Sun May 30, 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 11 May 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 8 months ago
Stone the flamin’ crows – the TV Gold Logie should be renamed the ‘old bastard left standing’ award. It wasn’t enough that last year’s ‘top Australian television award’ (if you don’t count the AFIs) went to Harold Bishop, this one had to go to rival network old bastard Alf. Let’s face it – it’s the characters rather than the actors getting the votes of the square-eyed TV Week readers (and network publicists). Next year Blackbox intends to mount a grassroots campaign to give the Gold Logie to B1, so get voting forms now.
Speaking of ballots, it’s time for Eurovision – Semi Finals (SBS1, Fri May 28 and Sat May 29, 7.30pm) and Finals (SBS1, Sun May 30, 7.30pm). Polish the fondue pot and get your eurotrash on. Sure, your vote won’t count but a lucky sweep pick could just make up for that. Get prepared early with A-Z of Eurovision (SBS1, Sat May 22, 8.30pm).
And yes Lost (Prime, Wed May 26, 8.30pm) is about to get a bump in its ratings with the last episode ever. The ep airs in the US on Sun May 23 so there is plenty of opportunity to log on and find an abridged version if you can’t be bothered with the movie length finale. If you’re a true tragic, tune in to the Lost Special: The Final Journey (Prime, Wed May 26, 12pm) which looks into the many theories about what’s going on. Let’s just hope a movie exec bereft of ideas doesn’t decide to turn it into a film in a decade or two.
The much promoed Modern Family (SCTEN, Tue May 18, 8pm) starts this week, and schedules are moving around all over the place – 30 Rock (Prime, Sun May 16, 11pm) shifts to Sundays with double eps, the disappointing V (WIN, Sun, 10.30pm) gets bumped later. Glee (SCTEN, Mon, 10pm and Thu, 8pm) is set to become the new Simpsons (SCTEN, Sun-Fri, 6pm), Top Gear (WIN, Tue, 7.30pm – Go, Sun, 6.30pm and Thu, 7.30pm) or Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 8pm and Tue, 9.40pm – Go, Sun 8.40pm and Thu, 8.40pm) repeats replace the less than funny Cleveland Show.
A heap of old shows are returning including Lie to Me (SCTEN, Wed May 19, 8.30pm) and Law and Order: Criminal Intent (SCTEN, Wed May 19, 9.30pm).
If you dream of travelling to a galaxy far, far away, don’t miss auntie’s new doco series, Voyage to the Planets (ABC1, Thu May 13, 8.30pm), a visual guidebook of the planets with tips from those intimately familiar with the planets, albeit from a distance.
Other docs to look out for include The Hottest Place on Earth (SBS1, Fri May 14, 7.30pm), a series following five adventurers to the home of the Afar, the volcanic Danakil region of Africa where it reaches 60°C, Iran and the West (SBS1, Fri May 14, 8.30pm) – a two parter exploring the relationship between Iran and the US over the past three decades, Iceland’s Killer Volcano (SBS1, Sun May 23, 7.30pm) which looks at the history of the now infamous Icelandic volcano, poisonous gas from which killed a third of the population in 1783, Lani’s Story (SBS1, Tue May 25, 8.30pm), a personal story of severe domestic violence, In My Father’s Country (Tue May 25, 10pm) which looks at traditional life in one of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities, and Conviction: The true story of Clarence Elkins (ABC2, Wed, 9.30pm) which looks at the case of a man wrongly convicted of murder and rape in the US.
Get ready for the FIFA World Cup in June with the FA Cup Final (SBS1, Sat May 15, 10.30pm), UEFA Champions League Final: Bayern Munich v Inter Milan (SBS1, Sun May 23, 4am) and Women’s Asian Cup: China PR vs Australia (ABC2,, Sun May 23, 6pm).
Political tragics won’t want to miss the final episode of Dateline (SBS1, Sun May 23, 8.30pm), a British election special – by then they might even have a winner.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 April 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 9 months ago
Get your tiaras and garish costumes ready, dig out the ‘70s recipe book, open a bottle of sparkling and gather your friends – it’s time for Eurovision (SBS, Sun May 30, TBC). There are three essential ingredients for a successful Eurovision viewing party – a camp retro vibe, culturally appropriate food (usually involving toothpicks with flags) and a sweep (which needs to be drawn before Tuesday May 25 when the semis start – damn interweb). This year’s event is in Oslo, Norway, so perhaps some traditional Norwegian delicacies (most of which seem to involve salmon) or a broader Scandinavian experience (fondue perhaps) might be in order. At the very least make it as retro as possible.
Chez Blackbox is also salivating with anticipation for Psychoville (ABC1, Wed May 5, 9.30pm), the new black comedy from the makers of The League of Gentlemen. Starring Dawn French, Jason Tompkins and creators Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, the gothic series is old school British comedy mixed with a touch of Alfred Hitchcock. The BAFTA winning show will have you glued to the edge of your couch and will undoubtedly hold its own on the DVD shelf once the series is released.
Diehard fans of MTV cult classic cartoon Daria will be happy to know that while it hasn’t showed up on the box for a while, the complete series is finally being released on DVD on Tuesday May 11 after more than a decade. Those too young to remember it but who love a sardonic wit should order it now. Blackbox is tossing out the VHS copies as we speak.
Auntie has thrown up some great movie seasons on ABC2 but the latest is the best – The Clint Eastwood Season (ABC2, Sat, 8.30pm) features classics such as Coogan’s Bluff (Sat May 1), Two Mules for Sister Sarah (Sat May 8) and Play Misty for Me (Sat May 15). If you’re planning a night out, press record – sugary drinks, salty snacks, a couch and Clint make for a good hangover cure.
Docos to look out for include Wild Things (SBS1, Fri May 7, 8.05pm) which tells the story of a group of children raised collectively in a commune with one surname, Compass: The Trials of Galileo (ABC1, Sun May 9, 10.10pm) which looks at the event that pitted science and religion against each other long before some Americans sought to have creationism taught in schools, Annie Leibovitz: Life through a Lens (ABC2, Sun May 2, 7.30pm) and Close Up: Photographers at work: Portraits (ABC2, Sun May 9, 8.15pm).
Two highlights with a musical flavour – the new series of triple j TV Presents (ABC2, Mon May 3, 11pm) starts with indie darlings Phoenix and I Rock (ABC2, May 3, 9pm), the Australian dramedy following the antics of a rock band kicks off this week.
Other new or returning shows include new South Park (SBS1, Mon May 3, 10pm), Dog Squad (Prime, Wed, 7.30pm) which follows police, prison and airport dogs, new Family Guy (Prime, Thu Apr 29, 10.30pm) and Ax Men (SCTEN, Sat May 8, 2pm) which follows extreme loggers.
If you’re more concerned with what you spend your money on than what the government does with the slice you have to give them, find some place else to be on Budget night (Tue May 11).
Don’t miss Dr Who (ABC1, Sun May 2, 7.30pm) – the daleks and Winston Churchill, or the excellent new Aussie doco, Voyage to Planets (ABC1, Thu May 13, 8.30pm).
Blackbox question of the week: why are the networks keen to rerun the movie Serenity at every opportunity but not replay the brilliant Firefly series?
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 April 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 9 months ago
SC10 has created for itself a delightful circle of life – now it is done with The Biggest Loser Final (SC10, Sun Apr 18, 8.30pm), Masterchef Australia (SC10, Mon Apr 19, 7.30pm) has kicked in so we can all spend winter fattening up on delicious treats just in time to register as contestants for the next series of Biggest Loser.
It’s got to be better than watching Australia’s Got Talent (Prime, Tue, 7.30pm). Putting aside the pure mathematics of the plethora of talent shows vs our population, Blackbox doubts that even if there was a ‘SuBo’ lurking in our midst, the judging panel of Sandilands, the also-ran Minogue sister and Delta’s ex-boy-band fiancé could manage to unearth them.
Blackbox thoroughly recommends Lowdown (ABC1, Wed Apr 21, 9pm), the new comedy from Wilfred’s (SBS1, Mon, 10pm) Adam Zwar. Loosely based on Zwar’s former career as a Sunday Herald Sun columnist, Lowdown is not immediately laugh out loud comedy but it’s a grower. Like Wilfred it’s wickedly dark and self-effacing. Don’t give up after the first ep; the second is much better but relies on the comedy hooks of the first. The punchy, not-quite-novella narrations from Geoffrey Rush are a particular highlight.
It was bound to happen sooner or later – Burn Up (ABC1, Sun, 8:35pm) political thriller/spy drama set against the backdrop of climate change.
Everyone’s favourite historic dramas re-imagined with pretty people, Merlin (SC10, Sun Apr 25, 6.30pm) and Robin Hood (ABC2, Sat May 1, 7.30pm) return to screens.
While we’re on the subject of dramas filled with pretty people – instead of putting yourself through the torture of V (WIN, Sun, 9.30pm), haul out your parents’ video recorder and search e-bay for copies of the original (and cheesy) ‘80s version. Much more satisfying.
The Street (ABC2, Tue Apr 27, 8.30pm) is an intriguing new British drama in which each episode looks at the relationships in a different house through an intertwined narrative.
The Cleveland Show (SCTEN, Mon Apr 26, 10pm), Glee (SCTEN, Thu Apr 29, 8pm), Sea Patrol (WIN, Thu Apr 15, 8.30pm) and CSI: Miami (WIN, Mon, 9.30pm) are all returning.
Documentaries to catch include The Inquisition (ABC1, Thu May 6, 8.30pm) – a detailed look at the Wood Royal Commission, The 10 Conditions of Love (ABC1, Thu May 6, 9.30pm) which tells the story of the exiled Rebiya Kadeer, Feasts (SBS1, Thu Apr 29, 8.30pm) which examines the culture of India, Japan and Mexico through the ritual of their feasts and Iconoclasts: Howard Schultz and Norman Lear (ABC2, Wed Apr 28, 9.30pm) which asks the big question: what could the creator of The Princess Bride and the owner of Starbucks have in common?
As we go to press the next instalment of Underbelly, The Golden Mile (WIN, Sun, 8.30pm) is finally going to air. Set in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, it will be interesting to see the production design – it’s a fair bet we’ll see some Nirvana lookalikes in there somewhere.
Keep an eye out for Winston Churchill and the Daleks in Dr Who (ABC1, Sun May 2, 7.30pm) and the new black comedy from the League of Gentlemen folk, Psychoville (ABC1, Wed May 5, 9.30pm) and new episodes of Blackbox’s favourite comedy, Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 8pm).
ANZAC inspired fare is provided by World War II: The Lost Films (Prime, Sun, 8.45pm), The Pacific (Prime, Wed Apr 14, 8.30pm), Lone Pine Service from Gallipoli (ABC2, Sun Apr 25, 6pm) and ANZAC Day March (ABC1, Sun Apr 25, 10.30am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 30 March 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 9 months ago
Two new Australian-produced series from Auntie are due to make it to your loungeroom in the next month. The first, dramedy I Rock (ABC2, Mon May 3, 9pm), follows a band as they try to break into the Australian music scene – not really a new idea but one that hasn’t been done all that well in Australia (remember Garage Days) so there might still be hope. It’s penned by and stars comedian Josh Maplestone and includes cameos from the likes of Tim Rogers and Laura Imbruglia. Blackbox is awaiting a preview tape so stay tuned. Check out the promo clip – www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGADze5KcgY.
Lowdown (ABC1, Wed Apr 21, 9pm) is a new comedy from Adam Zwar (of Wilfred fame). Zwar stars as Alex Burchill, an entertainment reporter and gossip columnist for the fictional Sunday Sun. Zwar’s former life as a columnist for the Sunday Herald Sun has provided a fertile source for his latest effort. Narrated by Geoffrey Rush and also starring Kim Gyngell, Judith Lucy, Julia Zemiro, Steve Bisley and Beth Buchanan, the show looks like cementing Adam Zwar’s place in Australian comedy. Big call but the promo clip had Blackbox in stitches – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7sR5mwipg.
Blackbox has just returned from a trip to the good ol’ US of A and while telly viewing wasn’t top of the priority list, some gems were uncovered. That is, amongst all the news shows – American news – the only mention of Australia was about the US President not coming here. And weather – for some reason the Americans are obsessed with the weather – most news shows had more stories about weather than anything else. Anyway, among the 57 channels with nothing on, Blackbox discovered Extreme Loggers, one for fans of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers, and Brotherhood, a well written and acted dram that takes the government corruption and Irish heritage of The Wire, mixes it with the gangsters of The Sopranos (7TWO, Tue, 9.30pm) and dumps the whole thing in Providence, Rhode Island – proving there is a seedy underbelly just about anywhere.
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (WIN, Sun Apr 11, 8.30pm) [Good segue! Ed.] is about to hit the box with a two hour premiere. Unfortunately the start of WIN’s lineup proper also includes Hey, Hey it’s Saturday (WIN, Wed Apr 14, 7.30pm) on a Wednesday (!?) and Sea Patrol (WIN, Thu Apr 15, 8.30pm).
Other new series to keep an eye out for include Iconoclasts (ABC2, Wed Apr 7, 9.30pm) which pairs two artists who admire each other – Sean Penn and author Jon Krakauer travel to Alaska in the first ep to retrace the steps of the protagonist of Into the Wild, Gavin and Stacey (ABC2, Thu Apr 1, 9.30pm) the second series which disappeared from Prime’s schedule, Waking the Dead (ABC2, Fri Apr 16, 8.30pm) – British cold case drama, treated with no respect by Nine and resurrected by Auntie and Barry Humphries’ Flashbacks (7TWO, Thu Apr 15, 7.30pm) which looks back at Australian pop cultural history.
Docos to catch include Rituals Around the World in 80 Faiths (SBS1, Fri Apr 9, 7.30pm) which looks at customs and ceremonies from the world’s religions and tribes, Travels with a Tangerine (ABC2, Thu Apr 15, 9.30pm) which takes viewers on a journey in the footsteps of medieval explorer Ibn Battutah, A Son’s Sacrifice (SBS1, Sun Apr 11, 9.30pm) – the best short doco winner at Tribeca follows a young muslim American who struggles to takeover his father’s halal butchery in NYC.
The Academy season movie to watch is The Grass is Greener (ABC2, Sat Apr 16, 8.30pm) starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum. Also watch out for repeats of classic ‘70s dramedy Minder (7TWO, Sat, 10.10pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 16 March 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 10 months ago
After a year of one-off specials and the like, a brand new series of Dr Who, with a brand new Doctor, hits screens next month. Well, computer screens anyway. Auntie will first screen the series on iView (Fri Apr 6 from 12am) before broadcasting on the telly (ABC1, Sun Apr 18). And it’s within a couple of weeks of the UK debut so you don’t need to worry too much about spoiler alerts. Those who watched The End of Time will know Matt Smith (the younger brother in Party Animals). An odd choice but then David Tennant took a while to settle into the role – and he has proved one of the most popular. And if you need extra incentive, the Daleks again feature heavily this season.
From the ‘thank god we’ve got extra digital channels because you would need to strap me down and pry my eyelids open Clockwork Orange style’ box comes The Matty Johns Show (Prime, Thu Mar 25, 7.30pm). It’s not enough that WIN takes up two hours with the kind of ramshackle theatrics on show in Eddie McGuire’s Olympics coverage and their Footy Shows – now we have to have another carbon copy to avoid.
The best show ever – James May’s Toy Stories (SBS1, Fri, 7.30pm) airs its best ep Lego (Apr 2). With the help of a lot of volunteers, James builds a full size lego house, replete with a lego toilet, and holds a house warming and then spends the night in it. If only Blackbox could find a way to make money out of fun things to do when you’re five.
James May’s Top Gear (WIN, Go! more times a week than anyone can possibly remember) compatriot Richard Hammond takes on real architecture with his Engineering Connections: Guggenheim Bilbao (SBS1, Sat Apr 3, 7.30pm).
New shows include Miranda (ABC2, Fri Mar 19, 8pm) – a semi-autobiographical sitcom from British comedian Miranda Hart, Whistleblowers (7TWO, Mon, 9.30pm) – a British political thriller, and Place of Execution (ABC1, Fri Apr 2, 9.20pm) – a psychological thriller. Docos not to be missed include Human Journey: Australia (ABC2, Thu Mar 18, 8.30pm) which charts Australia’s part in the spread of homiosapiens, Fire Talker: The Life and Times of Charlie Perkins (ABC2, Thu Mar 18, 9.30pm), Serial Killers (Prime, Tue Mar 23, 10.30pm) – a doco series like Gangs of Oz that predictably starts with the body-in-a-barrel case, Chachapoya (SBS1, Sun Mar 28, 7.30pm) about a lost civilisation found high in the Andes, An Englishman in New York (ABC1, Sun Mar 28, 8.30pm) which follows the life of Quentin Crisp, I. Psychopath (ABC2, Thu Mar 25, 9.25pm) which focuses on a suspected psychopath and becomes a kind of gonzo journalism and Not Quite Hollywood (SBS1, Sat Mar 27, 10pm) which looks at Ozploitation cinema and features interviews with the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Phillip Adams. It’s followed by the most famous of them all – The Adventures of Barry McKenzie (SBS1, Sat Mar 27, 11.45pm).
Still no news on a start date for Underbelly – you can enter a competition to attend a preview screening in Sydney on Thursday April 8 (channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly) so presumably it won’t be until after that.
Blackbox Tip: If you’ve never heard of The Young Ones (ABC2, Tue, 8pm), watch it – it’s where the sitcom changed forever (and good research for that uni paper on post-modernism).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 2 March 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 10 months ago
The biggest controversy of the Winter Olympics isn’t the Russians’ indigenous ice dance, whether flamboyant ice dancer Johnny Weir can make the sign of the cross correctly or even US snowboarder Scott Lago being sent home because of that pic. The biggest question is – why didn’t someone offer Roy and HG a big wad of cash to resurrect The Ice Dream? Chez Blackbox is Winter Olympics-friendly – especially the X-Games sports, backroom bitching at the ice rink and the curling – but even with that magnificent lineup, Vancouver Gold (WIN, daily, 9.30pm) is wearing pretty thin. Mick Molloy is a great comedy writer and even actor in the right circumstance but he ain’t no commentator. And Eddie? For God’s sake, stick to the Footy Show (WIN, TBA) where homophobic pranks, juvenile jokes and chauvinistic jibes seem to be the backbone of the show and Millionaire, where the contestants (including the armchair ones) will put up with anything for the chance of winning a million.
As the Winter Olympics heads towards the closing ceremony, WIN’s 2010 lineup is (finally) taking shape. As we go to press there’s still no start date for the third season of Underbelly but one has been set for the remake of V (WIN, Sun Mar 7, 8.30pm). Sure the technology has improved – the rat swallowing is bound to look more believable this time around – but the whole thing has a seen-it-before feel to the production; a sci-fi version of Robin Hood re-imagining with pretty young things and a monochromatic backdrop. Sure the ‘80s mini-series was cheesy and there was no CGI but that’s what made it so good – Blackbox recommends searching it out. If you’re a fan of old Star Trek, you’ll love it.
Kyle Sandilands will join Danii Minogue and Brian McFadden as hosts of the upcoming season of Australia’s Got Talent (Prime, TBA). That’s at least two good reasons not to watch.
Kings (7TWO, Wed, 10:30pm) is the latest offering from Heroes creator Michael Green. The plot is a modern day imagining of the bible’s Book of David, set in the fictitious kingdom of Gilboa, that looks a lot like NYC. It’s no doubt the bible is a great plot resource and Ian McShane of Deadwood fame certainly makes for a great king. The fact that Prime has relegated it to 7TWO is probably the best indication that it’s a sophisticated, not to be missed drama.
Docos to check out include Rendezvous with Death: Kennedy and Castro (SBS2, Thu Mar 4, 7:30pm) which hypothesises that Lee Harvey Oswald was a gun for hire, Contact (ABC2, Thu Mar 4, 9.25pm) which looks at the first contact between a remote Australian indigenous mob and ‘whitefellas’ in 1964, Underdog (ABC2, Wed Mar 10, 8.30pm) which follows a Jamaican dog sledder (yes dog sled, not bobsleigh) and Natascha Kampusch: 3096 Days in Captivity (SBS1, Sun Mar 7, 9.30pm) where the former pre-Fritzl captive tells her story.
The folks who give away money at the ABC have announced a further $400,000 funding will be made available for young documentary makers under round five of the triple j TV docs initiative. You can apply for funding until Monday April 5 at www.screenaustralia.gov.au/jtvdocs .
A new series of Wilfred (SBS1, Mon Mar 8, 10pm) starts this week.
And yes, that was English star Dominic West, who plays McNulty in The Wire (ABC2, Tue, 9.30pm), putting on a half-decent Australian accent in Breaking the Mould: The Story of Penicillin last Sunday night.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 November 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 1 month ago
As Canberra melts into a Salvador Dali installation, the challenge is on to beat the heat. If you can’t find a friend with a pool and can afford to spend the entire day at the cinema, do the next best thing and find a friend with air conditioning and enjoy a summer of cricket (and other televisual delights). By a stroke of luck Chez Blackbox manages to stay quite pleasant without contributing to climate change so the beer fridge is stocked and the remotes are ready for battle. And the most important event is the new series Red Dwarf Special 2009: Back to Earth (ABC2, Mon Nov 30, 8pm). Kryten is the only character who hasn’t managed to look like he has aged ten years and the storyline is incredibly self-referential and filled with alternate realities. Fans will lap it up. ABC3 Kids starts broadcasting at the beginning of December and while it’s squarely pitched at tweens and the under fives, there’s a fair chance some bigger kids will tune in for Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab (ABC3, Fri Dec 4, 7.05pm) to see a science lab run by a Top Gear (SBS1, Mon and Fri 7.30pm) adrenaline junkie. Other new series include Moses Jones (ABC1, Tue 8.30pm), an intriguing crime thriller set against the backdrop of London’s Ugandan community, The Take (Prime, Wed Dec 2, 9.30pm), another British crime drama, set in London’s East End, Kingdom (Prime, Sat Dec 5, 7.30pm), a British odd-ball drama starring Stephen Fry, Wallander (Prime, Sat Dec 5, 8pm), a BBC crime drama filmed in Sweden and starring Kenneth Branagh, Park and Recreation (Prime, Tues Dec 1, 11pm), a US mockumentary, History of Scotland (SBS1, Sun Dec 6, 7.30pm), Heston’s Feasts (SBS1, Sun Dec 6, 8.35pm), an historical gastronomic delight, and acclaimed HBO drama John Adams (SBS1, Sun Dec 6, 9.30pm). Docos to check out this fortnight include Rudely Interrupted (ABC1, Thu Dec 3, 9.35pm), which follows the Melbourne band of the same name as they play at the UN building in New York for International Disability Day, Make ‘em Laugh: The Funny Business of America (ABC1, Mon Nov 30, 9.35pm), comedy from Charlie Chaplin to Chris Rock, Edge Codes: Beyond the Cut (ABC2, Sun Nov 29, 8.30pm), a history of film editing, Making Samson & Delilah (ABC1, Thu Nov 26, 9.30pm), Joanna Lumley in the Land of Northern Lights (ABC1, Sun Nov 29, 7.30pm), No Way San Jose: Cocktails in Costa Rica (ABC2, Wed Dec 9, 8pm), which follows two Australians trying to open a cocktail bar, and Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory (ABC2, Wed Dec 9, 8.30pm), a glimpse inside a boutique chocolate making operation. A whole lot of shows are returning with new episodes for the summer including Little Britain (SCTEN, Wed Dec 9, 9.30pm),Californication (SCTEN, Wed Dec 9, 10.05pm), Rules of Engagement (SCTEN, Thu Dec 3, 7.30pm), The Circuit (SBS1, Tue Dec 1, 8.30pm) and Ideal (ABC2, Fri Dec 4, 9.30pm). Series finishing up this fortnight include John Safran’s Race Relations (ABC1, Wed Dec 9, 9.30pm), which finishes with his nailing to a cross in The Philippines, Flashforward (Prime, Mon Nov 30, 8.30pm) and Nurse Jackie (SCTEN, Tue Dec 8, 1am), which deserves better scheduling than it got. Still feeling frazzled, talk to Ernie Dingo – his new show No Leave, No Life (Prime, Sat Dec 5, 6.30pm) gives ordinary people a holiday. Sign up now! And finally Madness fans (of which Blackbox is one), should check out Madness: The Liberty of Norton Folgate (ABC2, Sun Nov 29, 3.55pm) as the rejuvenated band plays songs from their 2009 concept album and some old hits. TRACY HEFFERNAN
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 November 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 2 months ago
The Blackbox guide to recognising that the end of the world is nigh*
1. The guide is littered with the words "season finale" (or "series finale" accompanied by "last ever" if it's been axed). This fortnight's end of season casualties include Australian Idol (SCTEN, Sun Nov 22, 7.30pm), Good News Week (SCTEN, Mon Nov 23, 8.30pm), NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Nov 24, 8.30pm), Celebrity Masterchef (SCTEN, Wed Nov 25, 7.30pm), Glee (SCTEN, Thu Nov 26, 7.30pm), RSPCA Animal Rescue (Prime, Tue Nov 17, 7.30pm) and Rove (SCTEN, Sun Nov 15, 9.30pm).
2. The words "fast-tracked" disappear from the commercial network schedules because TV execs don't want to waste time, effort and money when it won't help them sell advertising space.
3. You notice a lot of shows you've never heard of because even the networks who commissioned them aren't willing to say they're the best thing since sliced bread. The first of these is White Collar (SCTEN, Wed Nov 25, 8.30pm) - con artist captured by the FBI puts his skills to use for the powers of good at the FBI. If he was so skilled he probably would've evaded capture. Hint number two that it is drama-lite - it stars Tiffani-Amber Thiessen whose last appearances of note were on Saved by the Bell and the old version of Beverly Hills 90210.
4. Every show, from the stupidest sitcom to the most serious drama, has a Christmas episode that is usually dripping with sentiment and hardly ever fits with the show's ongoing narrative. The silly season starts with Talkin' 'bout Your Generation Christmas Special (SCTEN, Sun Nov 22, 6.30pm) and Rove Presents Hamish & Andy Regifted, Another Very Early Christmas Special (SCTEN, Mon Nov 23, 7.30pm). Surely it won't be long before there's a Christmas reality show (note to any young TV execs - you know where to send the royalties when you steal my idea).
5. WIN announces its summer of cricket. This season starts out with All Star Twenty20 (Sun Nov 22, time TBC) and features Ritchie Benaud (yay) and Shane Warne (boo) in the commentary team.
Auntie has moved the period drama into the 21st Century with Lillies (ABC1, Mon Nov 16, 8.30pm) set in '20s and '30s Liverpool against the backdrop of sectarianism in Britain.
Samson & Delilah (ABC1, Tue Nov 26, 9.30pm) has its TV premiere just in time for the IF Awards (SBS1, Thu Nov 19, 10pm). The awards season also includes the Walkely Awards (SBS1, Thu Nov 26, 10pm) for journalism.
SBS is trying to shoehorn as much Top Gear (SBS1, Mon 7.30pm, Fri 8.35pm), into their schedule as possible, (including a Winter Olympics special on Nov 16) before they have to hand over the reigns to WIN.
Docos over the fortnight include Tank on the Moon (ABC1, Thu Nov 19, 9.35pm) about the Russian remote control robots that surveyed the moon decades before the US Mars Rover program, Secrets of the Freemasons (SBS1, Thu Nov 12, 9.35pm), What on Earth is Wrong with Gravity (SBS1, Tue Nov 24), Leanne Tander - Living the Dream (Prime, Sat Nov 14, 2pm) and The Magic of Audrey (ABC2, Sun Nov 15, 8.30pm) about the life of Audrey Hepburn.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 October 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 2 months ago
Two big stories this week - one good news, the other not. Keeping with tradition, the bad news first - the Top Gear franchise is moving to WIN. The original UK series should be fine (apart from the fact there will be plenty more ads to wade through). It's the kids - Top Gear Australia - that Blackbox is worried about. What's going to happen to the kids? After a rough start where the show was trying really hard to be a carbon copy, the hosts settled in with the addition of James Morrison at the start of the second series. Morrison was witty and despite his night job with a trumpet, knows his cars. Channel Nine has already confirmed it is in talks with Shane Warne to host what is bound to be a slicker, more commercial version of Top Gear Australia. The key to the show's success has always been its irreverence, its ability to take on the top manufacturers and tell them their car is rubbish. Will the face of Advance Hair (yeah, yeah) take on the new Holden Commodore on a network where the main aim is to get advertising revenue? Perhaps not.
Usually WIN waits until it has these things settled but this time their hand may have been forced by a disgruntled SBS showing their disappointment in a press release that ended with "SBS will not comment further."
And now for the good news. Channel Seven has finally launched its new digital channel, 7TWO. Freeview Australia says it will air in Canberra and the start date is Monday November 2 but Channel 72 is not showing up on a set top box scan at Chez Blackbox yet. Aside from moving Ugly Betty (7TWO Tue Nov 3 7.30pm), Stargate Atlantis (7TWO Wed Nov 4 8.30pm), Heroes (7TWO Thu Nov 5 8.30pm) and some other programming to more friendly timeslots and adding The Jay Leno Show (7TWO Mon Nov 2 6pm), 7TWO will take Go!'s lead and resurrect some retro programming - including Dangermouse (7TWO Sun Nov 8 9am), Flipper (7TWO Tues Nov 3 8am), and Murphy Brown, The Sopranos and Six Feet Under on the coming soon list.
Elsewhere this fortnight, SBS finally has Dead Set (SBS1 Mon Nov 9 10pm), a five-part zombie thriller set on Big Brother Britain and another Chaser stalwart goes serious - Julian Morrow will deliver the Andrew Olli Media Lecture (ABC1 Sun Nov 8 10.15pm).
Las Vegas (Prime Sun Nov 1 10.30pm) winds up with weddings and a funeral. Dexter (SCTEN Sat 7 Nov 11.05pm) and the first season of The Wire (ABC2 Tue Nov 10 9.30pm) also finish up.
Docos to look out for include Artscape: The Sylvania Waters Project (ABC2 Sun Nov 1 7pm) which revisits our first ever observational doco that followed a family of cashed-up bogans living on a Sydney canal-estate, The Farewell File (SBS1 Fri Oct 30 8.30pm) about KGB agent Vladimir Vetrov, Rainforests: the secret of life (ABC2 Sun Nov 1 7.30pm) from Mt Warning, Where is the Wall? (ABC1 Tue Nov 10 8.30pm) and Busting the Berlin Wall (SBS1 Sun Nov 1 9.30pm) to mark the 20th anniversary since it came down, Guerilla Art (SBS1 Sun Nov 1 8.30pm) which looks at street art and Shintaro (SBS1 Wed Nov 4 8.30pm) about the controversy over '60s kids show The Samurai.
Movie of the week: Hitchcock's original Psycho (ABC2 Sat Oct 31 8.30pm).
Don't miss Spick and Specks '80s Revival (ABC1 Wed Nov 4 8.30pm) - mullets, new wave, early Madonna or Debbie Gibson, the garb alone will be worth the investment - guests are Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men), Ally Fowler (The Chantoozies), Dave O'Neill and George McEncroe and the winner scores a Prince Charles and Lady Diana commemorative engagement plate that could well be worth a bomb on eBay.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 October 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 3 months ago
Don't worry loyal readers, Blackbox is not going to devote an entire column to moral outrage over the "Red Faces incident." It is interesting to note though that most commentators missed the irony of the Michael Jackson face paint changing from black to white since the skit's original outing in 1989.
And while everyone has racial issues on their mind, whether it's the stupidity of Hey, Hey or the more serious issue of the safety of Indian students, in steps John Safran with a show that is bound to start a race debate (or at least have him banned from television if he was a commercial TV personality). Aside from comparing the merits of an Asian wife vs a white one, the show sees Safran go black and go undercover in Chicago, become a ladyboy in Thailand and be nailed to a cross in The Philippines. A show guaranteed not to be picked up by CBS.
FlashForward (Prime Mon 8.30pm)? Another Lost? Chez Blackbox will give it one more ep before unconditional commitment...
The Sunday night lineup on Go! has drastically improved. Following two eps of The Big Bang Theory (Go! Sun 7.30pm), two eps of South Park (Go! Sun 8.30pm), Curb Your Enthusiasm (Go! Sun 9.30pm) and two eps of Weeds (Go! Sun 10.05pm).
Now that the devastation of losing The Cook and the Chef is over, foodies should turn their attention to the Wild Gourmets (ABC Sat 6pm) who travel Britain creating meals out of naturally occurring ingredients - part Bush Tucker Man part Galloping Gourmet. Other foodie delights to look out for include Luke Nguyen's Vietnam (SBS1 Thu Oct 15 7.30pm), River Cottage Autumn (ABC1 Wed Oct 21 6.10pm) and Jamie's American Roadtrip (SCTEN Mon Oct 26 7.30pm).
Other new shows and docos to look out for include The 39 Steps (ABC1 Sun Oct 18) - a British spy drama set in the '30s, Hope Springs (ABC1 Sat Oct 24 7.30pm) - a UK comedy about four ex-cons trying to go straight, The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (ABC2 Sun Oct 18 8.30pm) - a doco looking at the 800 percent increase in the price of contemporary art in the past five years, Conspiracy Files: Lockerbie (SBS1 Sat Oct 18 9.30pm) - a doco that examines allegations the Libyans were set up, The Bisexual Revolution (SBS1 Sun Oct 18 9.30pm), Getaway's European Road Trip (Prime Thu Oct 15 7.30pm) and Wuthering Heights (ABC1 Sun Oct 25 8.30pm).
Chris Lilley's newest mockumentary, Angry Boys, a joint venture between ABC and HBO, has just gone into production with air dates yet to be announced.
Sure he's not as famous as Ringo Starr but Craig Lowndes is about to take a leaf out of the ex-Beatle's book, voicing Roary the Racing Car when the kids' series starts on ABC next year.
Also slated for release next year on ABC1 is Sleuth 101, a whodunit gameshow hosted by comedian Cal Wilson. It comes from the team behind Spick and Specks (ABC1 Wed 8.30pm), which airs the long-awaited (at least by Chez Blackbox) '80s episode on November 4.
If you're bored with the antics of Australian TV personalities, consider a move to Brazil, where reality crime show host Wallace de Souza is accused of commissioning murders to boost his show's ratings. The former policeman and ex-politician is also facing charges of drug trafficking and criminal association. The 2016 Olympics should make for interesting viewing.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 29 September 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 3 months ago
Finally the show Go won't shut up about has made it to air. Whether The Vampire Diaries (Go Mon 8.30pm) warrants all the hype is the bigger question. All the evidence points to a lamer version of Buffy/Angel/Twilight with just a bit more teen angst; not only is it based on a teen novel series, the creative team behind it is headed by Kevin Williamson of Dawson's Creek fame. If you're looking for a vampire theme, seek out True Blood (Showcase Tue 8.30pm). Unfortunately at the moment you'll need to purchase either cable or the DVD (or visit mates who've shelled out).
Over at Prime, the hype is flowing for the 'fast tracked' (wish they'd get over that) FlashForward (Prime Mon 8.30pm). With the pilot airing in the US just days before press time, critics there have likened it to Lost - asking substantially more questions than it answers with the potential to go completely off on a tangent at any moment. Having said that, the idea that the whole world will get a glimpse six months into its collective future is intriguing. Blackbox predicts sitting in Chez Blackbox writing about the new season shows for 2010 (and if Santa's feeling generous, watching previews on a very big plasma).
Also on the must watch list for teen drama addicts (and lovers of musical theatre) is Glee (SCTEN). While Glee definitely has the potential to overdo it with a Technicolor overload not seen since the '70s, the wisecracking antics of Jane Lynch as the school's cheerleading coach (and arch-enemy of the Glee Club) saves it from itself. Not worth seeking out but watchable in a pinch.
The latest reality show to go Aussie is The Secret Millionaire (WIN Thu Oct 8 9.30pm). It's hosted by big Russ(ell Crowe) but it will be interesting to see who parts with their hard-earned.
Rockwiz (SBS1 Sat Oct 3 9.20pm) kicks off its new season with American singer/songwriter Victoria Williams and Henry Wagons, leader of Melbourne-based country rock sextet, Wagons.
The Denton-produced Hungry Beast (ABC2 Wed 9pm) features 19 newcomers to the world of telly (Blackbox advertised the talent call earlier in the year) who are charged with telling us all something we don't know. As well as the half hour of TV, there's also daily web content at http://www.abc.net.au/tv/hungrybeast.
The promo material for Dead Famous (ABC1 Thu Oct 8 8.30pm) warns Blackbox to seek legal advice before saying much about the doco that features analysis of Melbourne's infamous gangland war. So, instead of incurring the wrath of BMA's (really enormous) legal department or landing on some defamation hitlist, Blackbox will simply say: watch it.
Collectors (ABC1 Fri Oct 9 8pm) celebrates its 200th episode this fortnight with collections of TV memorabilia, cocktail paraphernalia, Kinder Surprises and the ABC's own heritage collection.
Other docos to seek out include Inside the Vatican (SBS1 Fri Oct 2 7.35pm) which looks at everyday life and work within the world's smallest independent state, Manhunters (SBS1 Fri Oct 2 10pm) about British women finding men in the Caribbean, The Mysterious Death of Cleopatra (ABC1 Tue Oct 13 8.30pm) and for the foodies The Wild Gourmets (ABC1 Sat Oct 17 6pm)
Sad news of the week - United States of Tara (ABC1 Wed Oct 14 9.30pm) winds up its first season.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 15 September 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 4 months ago
The talented folk of Canberra haven't really featured heavily in the plethora of reality shows. Sure there's been a couple of chicks on Big Brother over the years and some Canberra musicians that have had varying degrees of success on Australian Idol but a new show that premieres on Prime in October is about to show Canberra's true strength. The Australian version of Beauty and the Geek (Prime TBC) features two Canberrans - Jeremy, 24, a radio communications engineer and Paul, 23, a research economist and data analyst - among the eight geeks. That's a quarter of the geeks from a town with less than two percent of Australia's population. Blackbox feels a 'proud to be a Canberra geek' marketing opportunity coming on... (Mates who want to out them should feel free to drop Blackbox a line.)
Anyone who was shocked into buying a bitsa from the RSPCA after watching Pedigree Dogs Exposed last week on the ABC should watch Catalyst (Thu Sep 17 8pm) which looks at Australia's pedigrees. It'll also make you feel good about your imaginary friend.
While Money for Jam (WIN Wed 8pm) is a catchy title, the show is yet to provide any thoroughly useful information like how to find the rent money when you really want to buy beer.
The much talked about Celebrity Masterchef (SCTEN Wed Sep 30 7.30pm) should finally answer the big question - is the Queensland Premier better at cooking than she is at defending her appearance on the show?
It will be interesting to see if NCIS: Los Angeles (SC10 Wed Sep 30 8.30pm) can hold audience attention, even with the likes of Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J. It's the idiosyncratic characters that make the original show such a success. Operations Manager Hetty (played by Linda Hunt, most memorable for her role in Kindergarten Cop) is likely to win over some viewers.
Little Britain USA (SCTEN Sun 9.50pm) and Nurse Jackie (SCTEN Sun 10.25pm) are holding down the post-Rove (SCTEN Sun 8.30pm) slot.
Fashionistas hanging out for the next Sex in the City (SCTEN Sun 11.10pm) movie should check out Video Hits presents: The music of Madonna (Sun Sep 27 10am) for tips - Carrie's flashback sequence is a none-too-subtle re-imagining of Madonna's early wardrobe.
Not only has digital telly brought The Wire (ABC2 Tue 9.30pm), Gossip Girl (Go! Thu 8.30pm) and Seinfeld (Go! Mon-Fri 8pm) reruns to our screens, Go! is also bringing back classic cartoons such as Josie and the Pussycats (Go! Sat 10am), Scooby Doo (Go! Sat 9.30am), The Flintstones (Go! Sat 12pm) and The Jetsons (Go! Sat 11am) as well as The Thunderbirds (Go! Sat 6am).
This fortnight's docos include Inside the Bombay Railway (SBS Fri Sep 18 7.30pm) which goes behind the scenes of the Mumbai rail system that moves 6.5 million people a day, Yellowstone (ABC Sun Sep 20 7.30pm), a four part series that follows the seasons in the infamous Yellowstone National Park starting with winter, Athens: The truth about democracy (ABC1 8.30pm) and The US vs John Lennon (SBS Tue Sep 29 10pm) which looks at the US government's efforts to stop John Lennon's public criticism of the Vietnam War.
Among this week's returns and new shows are Highway Patrol (Prime Mon Sep 21 7.30pm) and new seasons of Torchwood (ABC2 Fri Sep 18 8.30pm) and East West 101 (SBS Tue Sep 29 8.30pm). Don't forget Skippy (ABC1 Thu Sep 17 8.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 1 September 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 4 months ago
Don't let anyone tell you spending all day making Youtube videos is a waste of time - the guys behind the popular Youtube video that spread faster than swine flu are about to have the fruits of their labour air as a new ABC2 series. Beached az (ABC2, Thu Sep 10, 9.25pm) goes beyond the seagull encounter that made 'I'm beached bro' part of the lexicon but promises it will be the first kiwi animation never to feature a sheep.
Of course we will never agree to steer clear of the kangaroo and the star of them all gets her just recognition in Skippy: Australia's first superstar (ABC1, Thu Sep 15, 8.30pm). Not only does the doco show us what happened to the kid who played Sonny, it also features an interview with the ageing diva herself - Skippy's frank admissions make compelling viewing.
BBC comedy FM (ABC2, Thu Sep 10, 9pm) has finally arrived. Featuring familiar faces from the IT Crowd and Teachers, it depicts life in an FM radio station - kind of. For a laugh at '80s rock, check out Rock of Love (SCTEN, Sun Sep 12, 1am) a US reality show where contestants are competing for the affection of Poison lead singer Bret Michaels. Scary.
Sad news this week with the final episode of the Cook and the Chef (ABC1, Wed Sep 16), which ensured everyone had heard of verjuice even if nobody still understands what it is. Maggie and Simon will be sorely missed in the kitchen at chez Blackbox. Fortunately Maggie's delectable delights are available locally.
Jennifer Byrne Presents (ABC1, Tue Sep 8, 10pm) turns, inevitably, to Monsters and Bloodsuckers. Fans of the genre will recognize authors Catherine Jinks and Will Elliott, academic and Australian Horror and Fantasy mag ed Leigh Blackmore. Model turned crime writer Tara Moss, an avid reader of the genre, also joins the discussion.
Other new shows to hit screen this week include Gary Unmarried (Prime, Thu Sep 3, 7.30pm) another 'I can't help it I'm a guy comedy' starring the not especially funny Jay Mohr, Billable Hours (ABC2, Thu Sep 10, 10.30pm) a Canadian legal comedy, Little Britain USA (SCTEN, Sun Sep 13, 9.50pm), Nurse Jackie (SCTEN, Sun Sep 13, 10.25pm) and The Urban Monkey with Murray Foote (ABC2, Mon Sep 14, 8.55pm), an Alby Mangels style mockumentary from comedian and Triple J personality Sam Simmonds.0
Docos in the must watch category include the final ep of Stephen Fry in America (ABC1, Sun Sep 13, 7.30pm) which heads to any grunge fan's mecca, Seattle and Hawaii where fry meets a real Magnum P.I., Artscape: Marc Newson in Conversation (ABC1, Tue, 10pm) - the Aussie designer tells why he doesn't own one of his famous Lockheed lounges.
Rove presents: Hamish and Andy's American Caravan of Courage (SCTEN, Thu Sep 10, 7.30pm) builds on the popular Rove (SCTEN Sun 8.40pm) segment as the hapless duo take the RV from Miami to LA. Not much sign of Rove though, thankfully.
Speaking of Hamish, Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed Sep 9, 8.30pm) celebrates its 200th episode with Paul Grabowsky, Ella Hooper, Meshel Laurie and almost-permanent-fixture Hamish.
Blackbox just pips them at the post celebrating its 202nd column this issue - sure its traditional to mark the 200th but Go's arrival had Chez Blackbox just too damn excited (and Blackbox doesn't have an enormous marketing team to keep tabs on these things).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 4 August 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 5 months ago
It’s not often the first ep lives up to the hype but the only criticism of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed, 9.30pm) is that it is packaged in comedy-sized bites. While Tara certainly has the comedic overtones Diablo Cody tickled us with in Juno, like that film there is drama at its core. While wanting more is good, satisfied and wanting more will bring the audience back. Tara runs the risk that viewers will wait for the DVD.
While Blackbox is not usually over-confident (hungry, insecure writers are good – any ed will tell you that) after one ep of TV Burp (Prime, Thu, 9pm) it’s unlikely Blackbox’s loyal audience will be tuning in for their telly news. Billed as bringing you the highlights and lowlights on the box, Burp is just a lame sketch comedy on a vomit-inducing set that’s, presumably, meant to be hip. Leave the psychedelics to Yo Gabba Gabba (ABC1, Mon-Fri, 9.05am) and the comedy to the next incarnation of The Chaser, if indeed their next venture is a comedy.
Chris Taylor’s next appearance on our screens is in Australia’s Heritage: National Treasures (ABC1, Thu Aug 6, 6.50pm) a series of ten-minute docos looking at a raft of items on the Heritage List starting with the Eureka Flag.
Other new shows to hit our screens include Law and Order: UK (SCTEN, Wed Aug 12, 9.30pm), the first US drama to be adapted for the UK, it’s set in London, Go Girls (SCTEN, Fri Aug 7, 10pm) a sort of north shore version of Outrageous Fortune – Auckland’s north shore but much the same sentiment applies, Ashes to Ashes (ABC1, Mon Aug 10, 9.35pm) a follow up to the original Life on Mars and How Not to Live Your Life (ABC1, Thu Aug 6, 9pm).
There are loads of series about to return to the weekly lineup – some new seasons, others that the networks yanked mid-season because of the cricket or the school holidays or some other indiscriminant reason that was really about ratings. SCTEN wants us to forget the way Dexter (SCTEN, Mon Aug 10, 9.40pm) was moved all over the schedule and is trying to make up for it with Season 3. Also returning are Numbers (SCTEN, Wed Aug 19, 9.30pm), Burn Notice (SCTEN, Thu Aug 20, 9.30pm), Las Vegas (Prime, Sun Aug 9, 10.30pm), East West 101 (SBS1, Tue Aug 18, 8.30pm) and City Homicide (Prime, Mon Aug 10, 7.30pm). The first night is a double episode and, if you’re a big enough fan to skive off work, Prime is airing the last two eps of last season at 12pm.
Docos to look out for include On Board Airforce One (Prime, Mon Aug 10) which takes you on a ride with the new US president and Stephen Fry in America (ABC1, Sun Aug 9, 7.30pm) which takes the UK comedian through all 50 states (what is it with UK comedians and travel shows?), To Russia with Love: The Great Radio War (SBS1, Fri Aug 14, 8.30pm) about Radio Free Europe and the award winning Forbidden Lies (SBS1, Tue Aug 18, 10pm) which looks at the lies of author Norma Khouri.
It’s not often that a Saturday Night Movie is worth watching but Serenity (SCTEN, Sat Aug 22, 8.30pm) never disappoints. But don’t watch it if you haven’t seen Firefly.
TV moment not to miss – Darnell cover in the Witness Protection Program is blown – My Name is Earl (Prime, Wed Aug 19, 9.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 21 July 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 6 months ago
TV land is inundated with good news this week (and it's not often Blackbox gets to say that). The folks at Nine launched their new digital channel this week and for once Canberra will get it at the same time as the rest of the civilised world. At least if you have a HD setup. In a WIN news advertorial on Friday night they let slip that from early August Go! will be available on channel 80, the current HD channel but not on the second non-HD channel until October. It may be worthwhile upgrading to HD though - WIN has suddenly realised that people under 40 have plenty of cash to spend - cue advertisers and a move of 'youth-oriented programming' to Go! The schedule will be interesting - they are coordinating the programming on different nights - reality on Tuesday, sci fi on Wednesday and girl's night in on Thursdays.
Fans of The Wire who've spent oodles of cash and time searching for the DVDs will now be spoilt for choice. Other shows slated to rear their head on Go! are Gossip Girl, The Hills, Fringe, Terminator - Sarah Connor Chronicles, Weeds, Survivor, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, CSI, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Not sure there'll be much point tuning into the regular channel.
The other big news is that the much-heralded Diablo Cody-penned drama series United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Jul 29, 9.30pm) hits screens next week. Toni Collette as the multi-personalitied Tara takes viewers on a wild ride. Over the past 20 years writers have shied away from taking on this type of material but Cody, like the writers of Big Love, has hit the right strategy. United States of Tara uses dissociative personality disorder as a device rather than a subject. This is a family sitcom; the everyday life of a family - it's just that Tara's disorder makes the stories more interesting.
The 40th anniversary of the moon landing, an event which should have had us living in moon colonies and getting around with jetpacks by now, is permeating the telly schedule at every turn. One of the most interesting ways is Mythbusters: Moon landing hoax (SBS, Sat Jul 25, 7.30pm) where the team put the conspiracy theories to the test.
The time-honoured tradition of encore screenings has started once again with shows such as Airways (Prime, Tue, 7.30pm, Fri, 11.45pm, Sat, 8pm) and the 7pm Project (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm, 3.30pm) filling every available gap.
New shows include a new season of East of Everything (ABC1, Sat Jul 25, 7.30pm), Love Lies Bleeding (ABC1, Fri Jul 31, 9.40pm) a two part thriller starring Martin Kemp, Gavin & Stacey (Prime, Tue, 9.30pm) award-winning British sitcom set in Wale and Essex not to be confused with Ned & Stacey, a US sitcom from the mid '90s, Agent Moura (SBS1, Thu Jul 23, 8.30pm) about the Russian noblewoman who became a British spy, and Sin City Law (ABC2, Wed Aug 5, 8.30pm) which takes a 360 degree view of real Nevada cases.
Shows winding up include Being Human (ABC1, Fri Jul 24, 9.20pm), Spooks (ABC1, Mon Aug 3, 9.35pm) and the last ever eps of Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Tue Jul 28, 11.30pm) and Prison Break (Prime, Wed Jul 29, 11.30pm).
This week's shows to avoid - Australia's Perfect Couple (WIN, Wed, 7.30pm) - who cares, Dance Your Ass Off (WIN, Tue, 7.30pm) worse than the American Biggest Loser and True Beauty (Prime, Thu, 9.30pm) US makeover show hosted by Vanessa Minnillo of trashmag fame.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 8 July 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 6 months ago
Sick of Michael Jackson? You wouldn't be the only one. And it isn't over yet. As we go to press, there is no word on which network will air the memorial service but Rage (ABC1, Sat Aug 1, 10am) has put together a package spanning 40 years of his career.
Last Word Monologues (ABC1, Fri Jul10, 10pm) is a trio of monologue stories from Hugo Blick (of Up in Town fame). The first stars Rhys Ifans as a framer trying to break free from his mother. Subsequent weeks feature Bob Hoskins as a hitman and Sheila Hancock as a woman in a euthanasia clinic. Worth the investment.
Blackbox is blaming Idol, its siblings and the revival of Fame for Glee (SCTEN, Sun Jul 19, 9pm). It was only a matter of time before TV execs cottoned on to the potential of a modern musical comedy series about a high school choir. Nominated for three teen choice awards. That about says it all.
Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun Jul 19, 7.30pm) winds up next week - check out The Cook and the Chef (ABC1, Wed, 6.30pm) for your cooking fix. The much-promoted 7pm Project (SCTEN, Mon Jul 20, 7pm) will fill the weekday slot. While there's no doubt Hughsie, and Charlie Pickering are entertaining, dissecting the news of the day may not be their forte. Perhaps the razor sharp wit and insightful comedic critique of Wil Anderson or Paul McDermott may have been a better fit. And Ruby Rose? Entertainment reporter? Please. If the selection criterion was number of mentions in a trash mag, no wonder she got the gig.
WIN have just announced that Little Britain (WIN, Tue Jul 7, 10.30pm) is 'premiering'. Why on earth would anyone tune in to watch a show with ads that a) has already run on another network without ads and b) is readily available on DVD? Is it possible that WIN has secured the rights to HBO's Little Britain USA and this is just a warm up? We can only hope.
ABC's Sunday night slot will be filled with The Last Enemy (ABC1, Sun Jul 19, 8.30pm), about an international 1984-style conspiracy. Funny how the immediate future is always about doom and gloom, big brother, terrorists, machines taking over the world and destruction and the distant future a utopian (Star-Trek style) imagining of the world. This eve of destruction thriller stars the brilliant Robert Carlyle so it can't be all bad.
If you're looking for a good doco check out Ned Kelly Uncovered (ABC1, Thu Jul 9, 8.30pm) as Tony Robinson (intrepid British history sleuth) conducts an archeological dig at Glenrowan, Spirit Stones (ABC1, Thu Jul 9, 9.30pm) looks at stone showers reported in south west Victoria in the '40s and '50s, We are Wizards (ABC2, Wed Jul 22, 8.30pm) which looks at Harry Potter Fans that have taken it to a trekkie level, Artscape: Brian Eno in conversation (ABC1, Tue Jul 21, 9.50pm) which shows great insight into one of the world's greatest producers, or World's Greenest Homes (ABC1, Thu Jul 30, 6pm).
Returning series include Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 8pm), Q&A (ABC1, Thu Jul 23, 9.30pm) and Rush (SCTEN, Mon Jul 13, 8.30pm).
Strangest casting of the year - Corinne Grant will host Airways (Prime, Tue Jul 14, 7.30pm) the new Tiger Airways fly-on-the-wall doco.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 24 June 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 7 months ago
Debate has raged over the past few weeks about The Chaser's War on Everything (ABC2, Wed, 9pm) - yanked from the schedule due to a stunt everybody seemed to find offensive. So far not a single person has said they found it funny, despite it being offensive. Because it wasn't. And that's the problem with the latest series. The desire to be as shocking and newsworthy as possible has drowned out the wit and panache with which The Chaser team once plied their trade. They were at their best when they were writing an anonymous satirical newspaper. Now they've become the celebrities they once skewered so eloquently.
The following comment will probably mean that a chasm opens under Chez Blackbox and it is sucked into Hades but doesn't anyone else see the absolute hypocrisy in shows like Random Acts of Kindness (WIN, Sun, 6.30pm)? First, the company/agency etc that donates the goods gets a free ad that would usually cost a lot more. Meeting stars is no less profitable - they usually have a movie to flog. The hosts are from other WIN shows, providing a great cross-promotional opportunity (and a boost to their careers). And shows like this cost very little to produce. Sure, deserving people are on the receiving end of the largesse but the motive is the same as The Chaser. Ratings.
The British have long been superior at penning and producing cops shows and spy dramas (with a few exceptions like The Wire) and comedy. Now they've taken a punt with the supernatural. Being Human (ABC2, Fri, 9.20pm) slots comfortably into the Friday night sci-fi lineup. The show about a vampire, werewolf and ghost who share a house is far more sophisticated than it sounds. And the scripts walk all over recent efforts in this genre. Sure, the vampire is man candy but that's the nature of the beast, and the storylines explore much more than the mythical stereotypes.
If you've always wanted to be a TV star but can't act, sing or juggle, two new casting calls may set you on your way to stardom. ABC is looking for presenters for a number of projects on its new digital kids channel, ABC3 - visit abc.net.au/meon3. The Apprentice is coming to Australia. No Donald though - visit ninemsn.com.au/Apprentice to apply.
Looking for cool telly to keep little tykes busy - Yo Gabba Gabba (ABC2, Mon Jul 6, 9.05am) - DJ Lance Rock, The Ting Tings, Jack Black...
Trouble in Paradise (WIN, Thu Jun 25, 8.30pm) shows you where and what to avoid when you go overseas.
While it sounds like an accountant's ultimate fantasy, The Ascent of Money (ABC, Thu, 8.30pm) is proving to be very interesting for those of us who don't understand why a whole lot of bad home loans in the US means that our money is suddenly worth less. As it Happened: 1929 The Wall Street Crash (SBS1, Fri Jul 3, 8.30pm) is a good companion.
Docos to check out include La Paloma (ABC2, Sun Jun 28, 9.35pm), about the oft recorded tune, Are We Alone in the Universe?Australian Biography: Noel Tovey (SBS1, Wed Jul 1, 10pm) which follows the extraordinary life of the indigenous actor, choreographer and writer, Slave Revolution (SBS, Sun Jul 5, 7.30pm) which looks at the first slave revolution in Haiti, Can GM Food Save the World (SBS1, Tue Jul 7, 8.30pm) and Journos (SBS1, Sun Jul 5, 9.30pm). (SBS1, Tue Jun 30, 7.30pm),
Sports fans will be in heaven with the launch of ONE in the ACT from July 2 as well as Tour de France (SBS1, from Sat 4 Jul, 10pm) and The Ashes (SBS1, from Wed Jul 8, time TBA).
New series Prime has slated for the next few months include Airways - an observational doco inside Tiger Airways so you can see how it all goes wrong, Double Take - a new sketch parody show and TV Burp - a look at the week's TV with comedian Ed Kavalee, which probably won't put Blackbox out of a job - after all, 'you gotta dance with the one who brung ya'.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 10 June 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 7 months ago
Is anybody else sick of the Freeview ads tugging at your heart strings with TV moments from before you were born, promising much but delivering little? Despite trumpeting the advent of 15 channels, we still only have seven. The five we already had plus the recently launched SBS TWO, expanding the news channel to include foreign language films and repeats, and a growing stable of programs on ABC2. SC10 is yet to pick up ONE HD, Channel 10’s sports channel but you can already get it through Foxtel. That’s right – the one extra free-to-air channel that’s available can only be seen in Canberra on pay TV, while free-to-air networks run ads to tell us why they’re better than pay TV. Lucky Auntie is taking things seriously otherwise Chez Blackbox might have to rethink its principled stance against paying for television. Now if Foxtel got rid of the ads…
On another front, SCTEN’s loss is a Flight of the Conchords (SBS, Mon, 9pm) fan’s gain with the second series on air in a much more respectable (and predictable) timeslot. It may have been a better show for SCTEN if it hadn’t been subject to being pushed later by Rove (SCTEN, Sun, 8.45pm) and whichever inane reality show preceded him.
Merlin (SCTEN, Sun, 6.30pm) is really paint-by-numbers stuff. Take a British legend – preferably set sometime when there were busty women, jousting, crusades and when the men wore tights – and add some pretty people with more hair product than you’d find backstage at a drag show. Hard to tell you’re not watching the latest Robin Hood incarnation.
Harper’s Island seems to have turned out a dud – from 9.35pm to midnight to gone in the space of two weeks. Dave in the Life has also been hastily replaced with South Park (SBS, Mon, 8.30pm).
Three Acts of Murder (ABC1, Sun Jun 14, 8.30pm) ticks all the right boxes – an Australian period crime drama – this time set in the 1930s – based on a true story – serial killer Snowy Rowles, who took his inspiration from an Arthur Upfield novel, before it was even published. Confused? Tune in.
Spooks (ABC1, Mon, 9.35pm) is proving to be riveting viewing – in the next few weeks the focus moves from Iran and the middle east to Russia and there’s a new addition to the cast, Richard Armitage as MI5 officer Lucas North, captured in Russia eight years ago.
It sounds incredibly boring but The Ascent of Money (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) is actually fascinating, particularly if you can’t understand how you can wake up one day and be in the middle of the GFC without it having something to do with fried chicken.
Docos to look out for include Artscape: Circus Oz: The Big Birthday Bash (ABC1, Tue Jun 16, 10pm) which follows the circus on its 30th anniversary tour, Back Home (ABC1, Thu Jun 25, 9.25pm) which takes a Rwandan genocide survivor on a return trip through his country, Wordplay (SBS, Tue Jun 16, 10pm) which looks at the culture and history of The New York Times crossword, Nature’s Great Events (ABC1, Sun Jun 14, 7.30pm) which begins with the Arctic’s yearly melt.
Don’t miss Family Guy (Wed, Jun 10, 10.30pm), which promises the audio from the now infamous rant from Christian Bale.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 19 May 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 8 months ago
The new black in tellyland has got to be the panel quiz show – cheaper than a Millionaire-type quiz where you have to give prizes to the boring contestants and more interactive than straight panel shows. The recipe goes something like this… take two or three regular team leaders who have a knack for comedy, being starstruck and some knowledge of the show’s subject matter, add some guests – a mix of comedians and celebrities who have something to spruik and add a well-loved and funny host and you’ve got a winner. The concept is not new – Good News Week (SCTEN, Mon, 8.30pm) has been around for more than a decade, originally on the ABC, and Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS, Sat, 9.20pm) have both proved must-watch telly for music trivia geeks – but it is spreading. Talkin ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Tue, 7.30pm) just started and SBS’s new sports quiz show The Squiz (SBS, Sat May 23, 8.30pm), hosted by Anh Do, kicks off this weekend.
India is certainly on the TV producer’s radar. Following the Story of India recently aired on Auntie, comes Jamie’s Journey with the Children of India (Prime, Sat May 23, 4.30pm) featuring pretty boy gardener Jamie Durie, Office Tigers (SBS, Wed May 27, 8pm) – a four-part doco that follows American corporate trainers as they teach young Indian workers in Chennai and Mumbai Calling (ABC1, Tue, 9.35pm), the new Sanjeev Bhaskar comedy about a call centre in India – Richard E. Grant stars in the May 26 ep.
If you can’t remember the last time you went to bed sober before 3am then you should make sure you set your recorder for Dead Tired (SBS, Wed May 27, 8.30pm) which proves that (apparently) lack of sleep is slowly killing us all… better to burn out than fade away takes on a whole new meaning.
Ever the speed lover, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond steps away from the race track (but not too far) for Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections (SBS, Sat May 30,ww 7.30pm) that looks at Airbus A380 and Taipei’s 101 Tower among other engineering marvels.
Should I Smoke Dope (ABC2, Wed May 27, 9.30pm) takes immersive journo Nicky Taylor on a pot-smoking journey where she explores whether cannabis should be re-classified as a class B drug in the UK and treated differently to heroin and cocaine, including taking part in a medical trial to see if pot makes you mad.
Other docos and new shows to look out for over the next three weeks include Lost Worlds: And Man Invented Animals (SBS, Sun May 24, 7.30pm) tracking the taming of wild animals over the centuries to produce cute kitties and puppies for your home, Lugosi: Fallen Vampire (ABC2, Sun May 24, 9.35pm) which tells the story of the first actor to play Dracula, the legendary Bella Lugosi, Michael Palin: Around the World in 20 Years, where Palin revisits some of his adventures and the people he met along the way and the return of Sea Patrol (WIN, Mon May 18, 8.30pm).
And the big news is the return after their post-APEC hiatus of The Chaser’s War on Everything (ABC1, Wed May 27, 9pm) – celebrities, politicians, public servants and shoppers beware. They’re on the streets again.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 May 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 8 months ago
The recent trend towards setting drama in the mid-late 20th century, in Blackbox faves such as Life on Mars (SCTEN, Fri, 10.30pm), Mad Men (SBS, Thu, 8.30pm) and Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (WIN, Mon, 8.30pm) begs the question: are writers trying to turn a mirror on the past to show us why we should be thankful for today or are they just fed up with the political correctness that underlies every word they write in a modern drama? Mad Men in particular echoes outrageous sentiments that were the accepted norms of the time – so much so that there was no need to articulate them in shows made in the 1950s and ‘60s. You don’t see Darren from Bewitched remonstrating about the fact that his wife’s place is at home, in the kitchen, as a homemaker. And witch or not she dutifully accepts that as her role. And she does it without a cigarette hanging out of her mouth. Whether a serious social message is at their heart, these shows must be loads of fun for the writers. There are loads of tongue-in-cheek jibes at cultural icons. And the costume and set designers must have a blast. Blackbox feels another round of vintage dressing approaching…
On the topic of Life on Mars, it appears fans of long-running crime franchise, Law and Order, in particular Law and Order: Criminal Intent (SCTEN, Thu May 14, 8.30pm) will see their icons back on the regular timeslot with Life on Mars heading to Friday nights. Jeff Goldblum joins the Criminal Intent cast as rockstar detective Zach Nichols.
Harper’s Island (SCTEN, Sun May 10, 9.40pm) is one of those revolutionary ideas that spends so much time on the revolutionary it falls flat on the delivery – a little like the BBC’s Wallpaper/Echo Beach duo (ABC). Harper’s Island is a teenage horror series set around a wedding on an island. It is a 13-part series with a finite end and the promise of at least one character dying each episode – sort of a modern horror version of Agatha Christie. There is a companion web series, Harper’s Globe – the story of a new reporter at the island’s newspaper that gets drawn into the drama.
Talkin ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Tue May 5, 7.30pm) which looked like a promising social challenge just turns out to be a formula for a new quiz show.
Refugees from Perth who miss the music scene back home (or anyone who is interested in the culture behind music) should tune in to Something in the Water (ABC2, Wed May 13, 9.30pm).
Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss Christian the Lion (Prime, Tue May 5, 7.30pm) which tells the 1960s story behind last year’s Youtube star or Foreign Correspondent: Queen of the Mountains (ABC1, Tue May 5, 8pm) about breeding snow leopards in the Himalayas. Snow leopards also feature in the return of The Zoo (Prime, Tue May 5, 7.30pm).
Other shows to watch out for over the next three weeks include The Brothers Warner (ABC2, Sun May 3, 8.30pm) about the movie studio siblings, Jeff Tweedy: Sunken Treasure Live in the Pacific Northwest (ABC2, Mon May 4, 9.55pm) which follows the Wilco frontman on his solo tour, Dave in the Life (SBS, Mon May 11, 8.30pm) which follows the guy imbedded with Sheikh Hilaly into other people’s lives, Cyber Guerillas (SBS, Tue May 12, 8.30pm), When Borat Came to Town (SBS, Tue May 12, 10pm) about the Kazakh village Sacha Baron Cohen depicted, Mumbai Calling (ABC1, Tue May 12, 9.35pm) the latest Sanjeev Bhaskar comedy about a call centre in Mumbai and the return of Thank God You’re Here (Prime, Wed, 7.30pm) in its new home, Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Tue May 5, 10.30pm) and Top Gear Australia (SBS, Mon May 11, 7.30pm).
And yes The Logies (WIN, Sun May 3, 8pm – Red Carpet at 7.30pm) are on. Blackbox thinks they should include a category for best TV critic/commentator/columnist but of course that would be against the sycophantic nature of the awards (and BMA isn’t controlled by Channel 9).
For much more fun with awards shows, try Eurovision Song Contests Semi Final 1 & 2 and Final (SBS, Fri May 15, Sat May 16, Sun May 17 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 22 January 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years ago
So it looks like another year of crime drama, but at least it’s getting slightly more imaginative. No doubt the over-hyped show of 2009 will be the new Underbelly series A Tale of Two Cities (WIN), set in the ‘70s and ‘80s in Griffith and Sydney. It’s going to have to do big things to even come close to the intensity of Roberta’s bogan ways. Sure, you can believe Matthew Newton as a sleazy drug boss, but whether we can see the man most famous as the Mayor of Parkes as a mafia boss or Sally Fletcher as a gangster’s wife remains to be seen. The beauty of the first series was the relatively unknown actors in the lead roles - sure there were a couple of faces from long dead ‘80s soaps, and Frankie J Holden, but our faves, like Roberta, were newcomers. The ‘70s garb and the locations in downtown Griffith alone won’t cut it - Blackbox is just praying the script is as good as the original.
One show that most of you have probably already put on the don’t-watch-unless-every-other-channel-goes-to-test-pattern list is the US version of Life on Mars (SCTEN), and while the fact that they killed the continuing mystery in the original series and David E. Kelley pulled out before the pilot was re-written, there is one reason to tune in. Harvey Keitel. That makes it at least worth a peek.
The show you really should put on the list is the Australian version of Ladette to Lady (WIN). Cringe (non-cultural).
Elsewhere it’s wall-to-wall observational docos, reality and lifestyle. Bondi Vet (SCTEN) doesn’t promise anything new apart from a vet who’s more attractive than Dr. Harry, but Guerrilla Gardeners (SCTEN) might prove more interesting – instead of the backyards of battlers it makes over urban spaces. Talkin’ ‘bout my Generation (SCTEN), a panel show that will feature different generations discussing issues, could prove entertaining depending on the panelists. While it could be completely self indulgent, Toasted and Roasted (WIN) brings the US concept to our screens. The only problem is we’ve been doing it for years without a TV show deeming it OK.
As usual Auntie wins in the comedy stakes with The Chaser’s War on Everything (ABC1) returning and John Safran taking on yet another taboo topic with John Safran’s Race Relations (ABC1).
Dr Who fans will be pleased that a new Doctor has been announced – Matt Smith from summer hit Party Animals (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm) - and that Auntie will screen this year’s Christmas episode with David Tennant at the end of February. Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VLFli9i9Jw for a preview.
While the summer viewing was pretty thin on the ground – Chez Blackbox managed to get through at least two seasons of The Wire and some other assorted retro fare such as The X-Files and Northern Exposure – the pick of the new shows was Big Bang Theory (WIN, Sun-Mon, 8pm). Sure, there are a lot of predictable geek jokes and some of the peripheral characters are lucky to make two dimensions, but Jim Parsons is brilliant as the arrogant yet whiny Sheldon and Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert successfully recreate the chemistry that often saw them steal the show on Roseanne.
Of course special mention should go to the highly addictive Gossip Girl (WIN, Wed, 11.30pm), although WIN seems to have ditched it a few times in favour of Temptation (WIN, Mon-Fri, 11.30pm). Game shows are not an 11.30pm show. Bring back the bitches of New York society!
While you wait for the new shows to start, keep yourself amused with Animation Season (SBS, Tue, 10.55pm), Rockwiz featuring Adalita of Magic Dirt fame (SBS, Sat Jan 24, 9.20pm), new comedy Chandon Pictures (ABC1, Wed, 9.05pm) and Food Safari USA (SBS, Wed Jan 28, 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 11 December 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 1 month ago
Freeview, the consortium of free to air networks has started marketing itself and the new digital channels that are due to arrive in 2009 but there’s no air date, or many details so far. Just one. SCTEN has announced that its second (non-HD) channel will be dedicated to sport. Presumably the ‘Berra won’t be the first market to get tuned in so if you’re paying for pay TV, don’t tear up your subscription just yet.
Speaking of pay TV, the transition of Gossip Girl (WIN, Wed, 10.30pm) is further proof that it’s all about waiting (as long as the network doesn’t axe it because it’s not rating well enough). Dirty Sexy Money (Prime, Tue, 11.30pm) is in danger with its move to late night.
Looking for a trip away but can’t afford to leave the couch? Go on a culinary tour of the world with Food Safari (SBS, Wed, 7.30pm) and visit delectable delights from Persia, Africa, Syria as well as (scarily enough) the UK and US. Check out Iron Chef America: Cheese (SBS, Wed Dec 24, 3.10pm) for a taste.
New shows for the summer include In Plain Sight (SCTEN, Tue Dec 16, 9.30pm) which is another crime show, Gangland Graveyard (ABC1, Mon Jan 5, 8.30pm) another one and Nigel Marven’s Ugly Animals (ABC1, Sun Jan 4, 7.30pm).
Docos to search out in coming weeks include Hitler’s Museum (SBS, Fri Dec 12, 8.30pm) tracing Hitler’s plan to pillage Europe’s museums to build his own, Celebrity Dominick Dunne (ABC1, Mon Dec 15, 8.30pm) which follows the legendary 82-year-old commentator as he follows the murder trial of Phil Spector, Roller Derby Dolls (repeated ABC2, Wed Dec 15, 8.05pm), Expedition Bhutan (ABC1, Mon Dec 22, 8.30pm), The Real Mrs Doubtfire (ABC1, Mon Dec 22, 10.15pm), 638 Ways to Kill Castro (SBS, Mon Dec 29, 8.30pm) which speaks to a number of men who have tried to assassinate Fidel Castro, Destiny in Alice (SBS, Thu Jan 1, 9.30pm) looks at lesbianism in Alice Springs and AC/DC – Legends of Rock (Prime, Wed Dec 17, 9.30pm).
If you want to look forward rather than back as the year comes to a close, check out At the Movies Summer Special (ABC1, Sun Dec 14, 6pm) and let David and Margaret help plan your summer.
In the true tradition of celebratory specials, Myf Warhurst will ‘host’ New Year’s Eve – The Best 0f 2008 with Myf Warhurst (ABC 1, Wed Dec 31, 8.30pm) strings together a series of (mostly) repeats of The Gruen Transfer, Spicks and Specks, The New Inventors and Enough Rope. It does, however, begin with the Chaser-produced Happy News Year.
Over at SBS, they have a more novel approach to the new year (while you recover from your hangover). Terry Jones traces The Story of 1 (SBS, Thu Jan 1, 8.30pm).
Don’t miss 1 Giant Leap – What About Me? (ABC2, Wed Dec 31, 8.05pm). The series takes musicians Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto as they travel around the world with their music, adding layers to the music through the cultures of the places they travel to. Alongside the music there are interviews with some famous actors and some of the world’s greatest thinkers on all aspects of the human condition.
Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and check out the following shows while you get excited bout the white-bearded fat man in the red suit. Scrooged (Prime, Sat Dec 20, 11.20pm), Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel (ABC1, Sun Dec 21, 8.35pm), Christmas Lights (ABC1, Wed Dec 24, 8.05pm), Jamie at Home: Christmas Special (SCTEN, Wed Dec 24, 7.30pm), Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight (WIN, Wed Dec 24, 8.30pm), Catherine Tate Christmas Special (ABC1, Wed Dec 24, 9.35pm), Father Ted Christmas Special (ABC1, Wed Dec 24, 10.10pm), An Irish Christmas (ABC2, Wed Dec 24, 11.05pm), Santa Claus Parade (SCTEN, Thu Dec 25, 6am), A Very Barry Christmas (ABC1, Thu 25, 8.15am), The Grinch (SCTEN, Thu Dec 25, 12pm), Creature Comforts: Merry Christmas (ABC2, Thu Dec 25, 9.50pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 30 October 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 2 months ago
While the Australian series of Top Gear (SBS, Mon, 7.30pm) is still finding its feet, it is already attracting a loyal following. And rightly so. The challenges and commentary on cars available in Australia are a hoot and cartoonist Warren Brown is proving a winner. Last week’s lawn bowls segment was inspired, and the show is taking on Australian topics like this week’s investigation of the ‘Toorak Tractor’ phenomenon. The only criticism that can be directed thus far is the show’s strict adherence to the British format – right down to the copycat set, the camera angles, voiceover and the personalities of the hosts. Hopefully, with a bit of time, the hosts, in particular Charlie Cox, will step out of the shadow of their UK counterparts and let their own personality shine. Personality is largely what has made the UK show so successful and it would be a pity for the Aussie version to suffer an identity crisis on this basis. Attempting to copy a show lock stock and barrel may have worked for Steve Vizard in the ’80s but in these days of ‘fast-tracking’ (a term that should be relegated to the cutting room floor) and in a situation where the original show has such a loyal audience, it simply doesn’t wash. Just ask those few who even bothered to watch last week’s debut of the US version of Kath and Kim. After one poorly performing ep and a panning in the press, Prime have seen the error of their ways and yanked the show, preferring to air reruns of the original Kath and Kim (Prime, Sun, 7pm), even acknowledging in their own publicity as ‘the original and best’. Let’s face it, Kimmy needs a muffin top, Kath needs to be unfashionable, Brett is supposed to be a dork, and Kel as a sandwich shop owner just doesn’t quite cut it. The US version of The Office (SCTEN, Sun, 11.20pm) has managed to find an audience because it developed its own flavour – a satirical look at the US workplace.
A copycat that is probably likely to work (as reality or observational docos often do) is Face Painting with Bill Leak (ABC1, Mon Nov 17, 8pm) which builds on the Rolf Harris show. In Leak’s version, the subjects are no longer with us and he goes on a quest to find out what they were really like before completing their portrait.
SCTEN have had a bit of a shake-up in their schedule – Californication (SCTEN, Sun Nov 9, 10.40pm) will need to re-program recorders as repeat episodes of NCIS (SCTEN, Sun, 9.40pm) push it to a later timeslot. And Friends is gone from the weeknight slot replaced with reruns of Will and Grace (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm).
Those who’ve not made the commitment to Life (SCTEN, Thu, 9.30pm) should take the opportunity this week with a special double episode. Good scripts and plots and an ongoing theme make this a show to add to your regular viewing roster.
Docos to keep an eye out for include Humpbacks: From Fire to Ice (ABC1, Sun Nov 16, 7.30pm), The Howard Years: Change the Government, Change the Country (ABC1, Mon Nov 17, 8.30pm), Sunday Arts (ABC1, Sun Nov 16, 5pm) which features an article with film director Julien Temple (The Great Rock and Roll Swindle, The Filth and the Fury, Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten) who is in Sydney directing Eternity Man, Cooking in the Danger Zone – Chernobyl (SBS, Wed Nov 5, 8pm) and Hairtales (ABC1, Thu Nov 20, 9.30pm) which takes an offbeat look at hair, including an ex-gothic mortician, a Canadian hair academic, a country girl bikini waxer and a myopic hair artist.
Political geeks will be in heaven this week with the US election. Auntie’s new ABC News Breakfast (ABC2, Mon Nov 3, 6am) premieres just in time, World News Australia: America Decides (SBS, Wed Nov 5, 3.30pm) follows the action live with the help of CNN, and Dateline (SBS, Wed Nov 5, 8.30pm) airs live from Washington. On the lighter side is Mr Firth Goes to Washington (SBS, Tue Nov 4, 8.30pm) part docudrama, part mockumentary, the show follows The Chaser’s Charles Firth as he goes to Washington and attempts to get an interview with George Bush. The following week British political satire The Thick of It (ABC1, Fri Nov 21, 9.40pm) hits our screens.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 16 October 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 3 months ago
The music industry’s night-of-nights is almost upon us and unlike the Oscars, Emmys or Logies, sunglasses and bondage wear are guaranteed to make an appearance on the red carpet. The 22nd Annual ARIA Awards (SCTEN, Sun Oct 19, 7.30pm) will be hosted by Hamish, Andy and James Mathison, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Without platinum selling albums from Silverchair or Powderfinger, the awards might even warrant a wager with friends.
On a musical note, Rainman goes to Rockwiz (SBS, Wed Oct 22, 8pm) as it follows music aficionado Mark Boerebach as a guest on Rockwiz. Mark, who was born blind and diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, is a font of knowledge about Australian ’80s music and lists the Xanadu soundtrack as his favourite album. The episode of Rockwiz (SBS, Sat, 9.20pm) airs on October 25.
Other music shows to look out for include London Live (ABC2, Sun Oct 19, 12pm) with Morrissey, Mohair, Wolfmother and Goldfrapp, Classic Albums: Sex Pistols: Never Mind the Bollocks (ABC2, Fri Oct 24, 10.30pm) and Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (ABC2, Sun Oct 26, 8.30pm) which features interviews with the likes of David Bowie, Radiohead, Jarvis Cocker, Alison Goldfrapp and Brian Eno.
Fans of Californication (SCTEN, Sun, 10pm) who were concerned that last season’s happily-ever-after tie-up would be the end of Hank’s sleazy ways should be unconcerned, if last week’s season opener is anything to go by, the writer’s aren’t done with jumping over boundaries. The best news of the fortnight is the return of Stupid Stupid Man (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) filling the void left by The Hollowmen, which will be sadly missed.
The folks behind Pizza have a brand new comedy – Swifty and Shift Couriers (SBS, Mon Oct 27, 8.30pm) has an eclectic cast that includes Ian Turpie, Amanda Keller, Melissa Tkautz, Paul Fenech and Angry Anderson among others.
Now Blackbox is not usually a forum to promote any kind of business news or financial show but the topic for this week’s Insight (SBS, Tue Oct 21, 7.30pm) is an exception. In the wake of the financial market uncertainty the program is looking at whether greed is to blame – could make interesting viewing. In the documentary stakes, First Australians (SBS, Sun, 8.35pm and Tue, 8.30pm) continues until November, Run Granny Run (SBS, Tue Oct 21, 10.05pm) looks at 89-year-old Doris Haddock, who after walking 3200 miles to protest against the influence of big money in US elections, became a senator, The Choice 2008 (SBS, Tue Oct 28, 10.05pm) which looks at the biographies of Barack Obama and John McCain, and Infamous Victory: Ben Chifley’s battle for coal (ABC1, Thu Nov 6, 8.30pm). West Wing fans and other political geeks shouldn’t miss Mister President (SBS, Fri Oct 31, 7.30pm) which looks at how the White House is portrayed on film and TV. Series returning this week include The Office (SCTEN, Sun Oct 26, 10.20pm), The Zoo (Prime, Tue Oct 21, 7.30pm).
Thought for the week – Battlefronts (WIN, Sun, 6.30pm) – if the networks scrape any further for lifestyle show ideas, they are sure to put a hole in the bottle of the barrel soon.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 18 September 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 4 months ago
There’s so much going on in TV land over the next few weeks that it’s hard to know what’s the biggest news. Until you get to the SBS email. Yes folks, the much-vaunted local version of Top Gear (SBS Mon Sep 29 7.30pm) kicks off in just over a week. Carlovers, revheads and comedy fans who catch the bus will be holding their breath to see if the series measures up. On the plus side, the cars will be available here and some of the hosts, such as inimitable cartoonist Warren Brown have a personality and love for motoring that should fit the format. Like all localised versions, though, it will probably need a settling-in period for the viewers to see it as a stand-alone show and for the hosts to avoid trying to mimic their counterparts. Except for The Stig. And it remains to be seen whether the Australian Stig can be as successful as TISM at protecting his real identity. Perhaps The Stig is actually a member of TISM…
The new 90210 (SCTEN Mon 8.30pm) has managed to copy its longer monogrammed predecessor and offer a real surprise in the teen drama genre. Sure all the actors are pretty – no Andrea or David Silver here – but, elaborate backstories notwithstanding, the characters are less vapid and vacant than many of the show’s contemporaries. While not challenging viewing or Emmy-award winning scripting, Blackbox predicts 90210 will become the guilty pleasure to replace the void left by Dirty Sexy Money.
Whether the new Knightrider (Prime Sat Sep 27 9pm) will mange the same feat, remains to be seen. This is likely to be one case where the original retains its cult status, cheesy acting from The Hoff and all. And what’s with the new K.I.T.T? Taking a regular black rev head coupe and adding a red light to the bonnet and a couple of props from the Star Trek set does not an icon make.
Spicks and Specks (ABC1 Wed Oct 8 8.30pm) takes a different tack with Hamish Blake hosting a behind-the-scenes special. While there’s expected fare such as viewers’ comments and how the questions are picked, the team interviews will reveal the rudest, crudest and weirdest guests. Voyeuristic viewing at its best.
New police dramas Rush (SCTEN Tue 9.30pm) and The Strip (WIN Thu 8.30pm) have yet to solidly cement themselves in the Chez Blackbox schedule but neither is reach-for-the-remote fare. Of course it could be Callan Mulvey in the former and endless scenes of summer in the latter that are holding the attention.
While the premise of a comedy actor reprising a film role to do a documentary about toilets around the world could have been a disaster, Kenny’s World (SCTEN Wed 8pm) is incredibly well-researched with plenty of quirky finds.
The same can’t be said for Taken Out (SCTEN Mon-Fri 7pm). This woeful dating show makes Perfect Match, replete with compatability-calculating robot Dexter, look sensitive.
In the documentary department don’t miss The Lost World of Tibet (ABC1 Sun Oct 5 7.30pm) which uses archival footage shot before communism, Two in the Top End (ABC1 Tue 8pm) with intrepid travelers Tim Flannery and John Doyle, Four Wives, One Man (SBS Tue Sep 30 10.05pm), which follows a polygamist family in Iran over three years and Iconoclasts: Eddie Vedder and Laird Hamilton (ABC 2 Wed Oct 1 9.20pm) which looks at the lives of the Pearl Jam singer and the surfer through their friendship.
Sadly, some Blackbox faves are approaching season cliffhangers including The Hollowmen (ABC1 Wed Oct 8 8.30pm) which actually ran two seasons, Doctor Who (Sun Sep 28 7.30pm) which winds up with Davros and a cast of thousands and Dexter (SCTEN Sun Sep 28 10.10pm) which should cure the nightmares about the ice truck killer.
Amusing note of the week: A new season premiere of NCIS (SCTEN Tue Sep 30 8.30pm). Hard to recognize when a season ends amongst all those repeats.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 4 September 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 4 months ago
Promised riches, promoted ad nauseam throughout the unimpressive Olympics coverage have finally reached our screens, with all networks flooding schedules with new programming this week. And the new rush of observational documentary and lifestyle programming looks just like the old, except that they’ve joined two concepts to make one show – Outback Wildlife Rescue (Prime, Sun, 7pm), for example, takes the RSPCA concept, adds a bit of wildlife doco and throws in Ernie Dingo for good measure. You can just imagine the producers of The Outdoor Room (Prime, Sun, 6.30pm) and Bondi Rescue: Bali (SCTEN, Wed, 7.30pm) sitting around thinking ‘let’s come up with an idea that involves us getting to travel’.
The new shows kick off on Monday with Taken Out (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm), a kind of noughties version of ’80s dating show Perfect Match and 90210 (SCTEN, Mon, 8.30pm), a noughties version of ’90s teen drama Beverly Hills 90210. Blackbox recommends avoiding both. However do check out Secret Diary of a Call Girl (WIN, Tue, 10.30pm).
On Tuesday John Doyle (better known as Rampaging Roy Slaven) and Tim Flannery jump in a car instead of a tinnie and discover the north in Two in the Top End (ABC1, Tue Sep 16, 8pm). Follow that up with new cop drama Rush (SCTEN, Tue, 9.30pm) starring Roger Corser and Callan Mulvey of Underbelly (which is as good a reason as any for Blackbox viewing).
Wednesday, it’s worth sticking with The Hollowmen (ABC1, Wed Sep 24, 9pm). Many have been disappointed and, while it won’t have you rolling on the floor, it’s actually clever satire – maybe a bit too close to the bone. Elsewhere there’s the much promoed world tour of lavatories, Kenny’s World (SC10, Wed, 8pm).
Thursday is reserved for new glitzy Gold Coast cop drama The Strip (WIN Thu 8.30pm), starring McLeods Daughters’ Aaron Jeffrey and Frankie.J.Holden who seems to be in demand as a cop lately.
Don’t let the glossy new shows blind you to an absolute nostalgic gem. Doctor Who: The Stolen Earth (Sun, Sep 21, 7.30pm) sees a plethora of the Doctor’s companions on hand including new girl Donna, Rose Taylor, Martha Jones and ’70s stalwart Sarah-Jane Smith. In those circumstances, the Doctor should consider taking on an earth-style nickname – Heff perhaps? Follow the Doctor with Black Box’s new fave show, Dexter (SCTEN Sun 10.40pm).
And when is somebody going to buy The Wire off WIN? Black Box is not in the least bit surprised at the contempt WIN showed for such a great show but now it’s getting really hard to find the DVDs! Please Auntie, do what you did for West Wing fans a few years ago – buy The Wire and keep it in a reliable and reasonable timeslot.
One offs to look out for include Australia’s Greatest Islands (Prime, Sat Sep 13, 6.30pm), Flipping Out (SBS, Tue Sep 16, 10.05pm) which is about young Israelis who travel to India after their compulsory military service, Rear Window (ABC2, Sat Sep 20, 8.30pm) which kicks off a Hitchcock season, Great Australian Albums (SBS, Sat Sep 20, 10pm) and The Boy Who Sees Without Eyes (ABC2, Wed Sep 17, 8.20pm). And the new series of NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Sep 16, 8.30pm) winds up. No doubt the rolling repeats will continue.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 21 August 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 5 months ago
Patriotic souls will have noticed Prime bombarding viewers with ads for dramas that are coming soon. Those looking for respite from Johanna Griggs and Bruce McAvaney will have noticed the same phenomenon on the other networks. Amongst all the froth and bubble about the exciting new schedule, at press time, on the commercial networks, there was only a start date for one – new Australian drama Packed to the Rafters (Prime, Tue Aug 26, 8.30pm). Starring Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Michael Caton and a bunch of relative newcomers (including Kick’s Zoe Ventoura), it’s about a suburban family and doesn’t involve police, a legal firm or a doctor’s surgery, which has got to be good.
Prime has also announced a start date for the Jack Thompson–hosted Find my Family (Prime, Tue Aug 26, 8pm), which helps people find family members they have never known. And yes, just in case you missed the 500 ads, Australian Idol (SCTEN, Sun Aug 24, 7.30pm) is back.
And what of the Olympics? The lack of HG and Roy was a great disappointment. Sure the timing was lousy and there’s probably few people watching anyway, but Andrew Daddo had to have known his show was just filler, something to plug the gap between Sunrise and competition. The Dream was must-watch-telly. Yum Cha was not.
And as far as the general coverage goes, there was too little focus on those odd sports that you only ever see at the Olympics. Rather than see Grant Hackett’s heat swim repeated 15 times, it might have been nice to see more table tennis, handball or BMX.
While not dedicating themselves to blanket coverage, it’s safe to say that the folks at good old Auntie will have more Paralympic coverage than any broadcaster in the world, with two one-hour highlight packages (ABC1 daily from Sun, Sep 7, 6pm and 11.30pm) and stacks of live stuff on ABC2 and ABCHD. Head of the commentary panel for the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony (ABC1 and ABC2, Sat Sep 6, 9.50pm) will be Adam Hills.
Between ABC and SBS, there are quite a few gems over the next fortnight, including what they’re calling series two of Hollowmen (ABC1, Wed Sep 3, 9pm). There’s also the new comedy from the people behind The Librarians. Small Business (ABC1, Wed Sep 3, 9.30pm) stars Stupid Man’s Wayne Hope and like The Librarians, will grow on you but probably not become don’t-miss-TV.
Top Gear’s affable, yet oft pilloried James May takes his technical ability on a journey looking at some of the world’s technological advances in James May’s 20th Century (SBS, Sun Aug 24, 8.30pm). Like Top Gear, it’s much more entertaining than it sounds – he talks to Status Quo about the electric guitar, gets his brain photographed while looking at cars and takes a drive with Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay in his replica Lunar Rover.
In the don’t miss basket is Roller Derby Dolls (ABC, Tue Sep 9, 8pm), a doco about a group of Brisbane women who have just set up a roller-derby league. The full contact women-only sport is having a resurgence lately and plans are afoot for a local league. Check out the doco and then visit http://crdl.wikispaces.com for more info on what’s happening locally.
Still on full contact sport and repeated Murderball (ABC2, Wed Sep 3, 8.30pm) is about the guys who play wheelchair rugby.
Other shows to catch include the SBS Australian movie season starting with Look Both Ways (SBS, Sun Aug 24, 9.05pm) and Home Song Stories (SBS, Sun Aug 31, 9.10pm), Great Australian Albums: The Go Betweens -16 Lovers Lane (SBS, Sat Sep 6, 10pm), Nynne (SBS, Sat Sep 6, 11pm) a kind of Danish Bridget Jones made into a series, The Cook and the Chef (ABC1, Wed Sep 3, 6.30pm) go to Nimbin and new series of Southpark (SBS, Mon Aug 25, 8.30pm), The Mighty Boosh (SBS, Mon Aug 25, 8.55pm), Shameless (SBS, Mon Aug 25, 10.05pm), Mythbusters (SBS, Sat Aug 30, 7.30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS, Sat Aug 30, 9.20pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 24 July 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 6 months ago
If you don’t like sport or re-runs of the crap Star Wars films (like Phantom Menace), stock up on DVDs. Now. The Olympics is ‘just days away’. Buried somewhere within Prime’s 127-page press kit was the revelation that from the Opening Ceremony (Prime, Fri Aug 8, 9pm) to the Closing Ceremony (Prime, Sun Aug 24, 10pm), the network will have wall-to-wall coverage. Beijing is two hours behind so live coverage will start in the morning and run until bedtime. And there’ll be no Dream this time around. Of course, never ones to miss the action, Sunrise (Prime, 6am, Mon-Fri) - the only show not really affected by live coverage - will be broadcasting from Beijing from August 4.
Even Auntie, who usually couldn’t give a stuff about ratings, will take the Working Dog’s political staffer satire Hollowmen (ABC, Wed, 9.30pm) off air during the games. SBS will join in the action with Olympic team sports such as handball, beach volleyball, women’s basketball and football as well as boxing and cycling.
Cue cheering from the bleachers - Big Brother is over. And perhaps after the dismal ratings, it will mean an end to the torture (and Kyle and Jackie O’s telly career). This year’s contestants are such duds that SCTEN has used footage of original housemates like Sara Marie in the promos.
McLeod’s Daughters (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm) has returned for its final season - about time too, with the original daughters far, far away.
Top Gear (SBS, Mon, 7.30pm) has become such a staple part of the Black Box diet, it often doesn’t get the glory it deserves. Watch out for two upcoming episodes - the boys take on the Britcar 24-hour enduro with their own biodeisel (Jul 24) and turn an electric car into a radio-controlled vehicle just for sport. Don’t miss it.
The magnificent Flight of the Conchords (SCTEN, Sun Jul 27, 10.40pm) is winding up. Yes, it took a while to get into a groove with this show but once it got under the skin it featured prominently on The Black Box ‘don’t miss even if your pants are on fire’ list. Ahh Jermaine, Brett and Murray, especially Murray - we’ll be waiting for the next fan club meeting. Also finishing up is Mark loves Sharon (SCTEN, Mon Aug 4, 10.30pm) which, although it had its moments, is a large comedic ocean away.
Also getting the quick wind-up through double episodes is Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Sun Jul 27, 9.30pm).
After just bringing Futurama to the screen, SCTEN has removed it from the schedule to bring back the last eps of Rules of Engagement (SCTEN, Thu Jul 24, 7.30pm) and Back to You (SCTEN, Thu Jul 24, 8pm).
If you like Xtreme sports, check out Ice Road Truckers (SCTEN, Sat 6.30pm), except it’s not a sport, it’s a job, and these guys are more crazy than your average boardrider.
The mY Generation series takes a look at Student Politics in Electioneering (SBS, Wed Aug 6, 8pm) and living online with Age of Avatars (SBS, Wed Aug 6, 10.05pm) while Virtual Adultery and Cyberspace Love (SBS, Wed Aug 6, 10.35pm) looks at what happens when it all goes too far.
Looking for something to do on a cold and miserable Sunday afternoon? Check out Australia’s Celtic Country (SCTEN, Sun Aug 3, 3pm) where Mal Leyland visits New England - if you haven’t got a fire at home there’s bound to be one here to make you feel cosy - and Journeys to the Ends of the Earth (SCTEN, Sun Aug 3, 4pm) where David Adams searches for living indigenous culture in remote places.
Pants on fire playlist: Dexter (SCTEN, Sun, 9.40pm), Burn Notice (SCTEN, Mon, 9.30pm) Hollowmen (ABC, Wed, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss This is Your Life Presents… Bert’s 70th Birthday (WIN, Wed Jul 23, 7.30pm). Yes it will be full of old farts but that won’t stifle Bert’s wit.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 25 June 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 7 months ago
Just as the inner workings of Melbourne’s underworld were revealed in Underbelly (sorry, ‘hit-series Underbelly’), so too are the inner workings of Canberra about to be revealed. No seedy underside of Canberra’s nightlife, no plot to rob national institutions, not even roundabout rage - The Hollowmen (ABC, Wed Jul 9, 9.30pm) is set in the arena of federal politics (and no, Carl Williams doesn’t break out of jail to organize a hit on Kevin). Hollowmen is a dramedy set in the offices of the Central Policy Unit, set up by the PM to get re-elected. The Working Dog production, written by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch is set to do for political staffers what Frontline did for current affairs television. Unlike the disaster of Corridors of Power a few years ago, this is likely to cut much closer to the bone. It would be nice if just once a series set in Canberra moved away from the house on the hill…
If you’ve been watching the annoying ads for Mark loves Sharon (SCTEN, Mon Jun 30, 9.30pm), don’t be fooled; they haven’t found a couple as dumbly entertaining as Nick and Jess. The show is a spoof (the network’s calling it a mockumentary) of the rash of American reality shows like Newlyweds from the team behind The Wedge. That in itself is a reason to switch off. Mark is apologetic sportstar Mark Wary and his girlfriend Sharon (or is it Karen). The Mark Wary sketches were the best part of The Wedge, but that’s not a great compliment.
Still on the topic of football stars off the rail is Valentine’s Day (ABC, Sun Jul 6, 8.30pm), a movie starring Rhys Muldoon as a famous Aussie Rules footballer fallen on hard times who is given community service to coach a small town football team. Nice to see fallen footy stars as fodder for the box, it makes a change from crime drama - at least a detour, anyway.
Prime’s new girlie show, Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Sun Jun 29, 9.30pm), starts this week. Although it’s based on a Candace Bushnell book, it’s got a much sleazier, more plastic feel than Sex and the City - worth a watch, but maybe not a girls’ night in. It follows the debut of Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Private Practice (Prime, Sun Jun 29, 8.30pm).
Good news - the Doctor is in. Following on from the Christmas special with Kylie, Dr Who (ABC, Sun Jul 6, 7.30pm) returns to the box with Catherine Tate (of the Catherine Tate Show) reprising her role as the runaway bride from a previous Christmas special and becoming his sidekick.
In a bid to stretch out its programming, SBS is following SC10’s lead and repackaging its long-running programs - we’ve already had repackaged Top Gear (SBS, Sat, 7.30pm) and now it’s South Park: The Early Years (SBS, Mon, 9pm). There were some classics though - Cartman Gets an Anal Probe is a case in point.
It may seem a bit tabloid for Aunty, but Family Fortunes (ABC, Tue Jul 15, 8pm) looks at dramatic reversals of fortune in some of Australia’s more high-profile families. Developed by the team that brought us Dynasties, the show’s approach is more Australian Story than Today Tonight, which is just as well because the first family under the microscope is that of racing legend Peter Brock. Watch out for tales of a pokie king, Victorian landed gentry and artist John Olsen. Not hard to guess whose fortunes went south.
For the kid in us all, The Mr Men Show (ABC, Thu Jul 17, 4pm) returns with new adventures from Little Miss Chatterbox and Mr Nervous. Tune in and ask the inevitable - which Mr Men are you?
Docos to look out for this fortnight include Car of the Future (SBS, Sun Jul 6, 8.30pm), Bill Gates: How a geek changed the world (SBS, Tue Jul 8, 8.30pm), The Seven Sins of England (SBS, Tue Jul 1, 10pm) and A Northern Town (SBS, Fri Jul 11, 7.30pm) which looks at Kempsey, known as the most racist town in Australia.
Sports fanatics should tune in for the UEFA Euro 2008 Final (SBS, Mon Jun 30, 4am) and the Tour de France (SBS, Sat Jul 5 to Sun Jul 28, 10pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 12 June 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 7 months ago
The big news this week is that Sesame Street icons Bert and Ernie will reveal their legs in a new claymation series from the folks at The Children’s Television Workshop. The nerdy pair, with a penchant for rubber duckies, will star in Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures (ABC, Wed Jun 25, 8.35am).
OK, there is one bigger piece of news - Dr Who: Voyage of the Damned (ABC, Sun Jun 29, 7.30pm). Britain loves a panto at Christmas and there’s been no bigger Christmas draw than ‘our’ Kylie. So this little Christmas offering, with the space ship Titanic and Kylie, had all the trimmings for the sci-fi series not scared to laugh at itself.
All those of you still at home mooching off your folks, stand up. You are to blame for yet another observational doco The Nest (SBS, Sat Jul 5, 7.30pm). Apparently two thirds of those between 20 and 26 are still at home - and they called Gen-X the slacker generation.
Flight of The Conchords (SCTEN, Sun, 10.40pm) is a grower. On the first watch the subtlety of the deadpan humour can be lost, but give it a second go and it will soon be on your must watch list.
While The Gruen Transfer (ABC, Wed, 9pm) has many of the hallmarks of the ABC’s comedy panel shows (such as Good News Week (SCTEN), Spicks and Specks (ABC Wed 8pm) and Wil Anderson’s televisual launch pad, The Glass House), it burrows into a profession that’s managed to keep its tactics to itself for a long time - more incisive and creative than World’s Greatest Ads and more entertaining too.
The networks are squarely aiming at their girlie audience (women and the boys that like girlie shows) with the ‘new Sex and the City’ Lipstick Jungle and Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Private Practice due to make Prime’s prime-time list this month. The former is based on the best-selling book by Sex creator Candace Bushnell and the latter is the star vehicle for McDreamy and McSteamy ex Kate Walsh. Scheduled timeslot TBC.
Nice to see the Top Gear guys are pumping the money back into the show rather than extending their own garages - in Top Gear Botswana Special (SBS, Mon Jun 23, 7.30pm), they race each other across Africa in 30-plus-year-old cars. Look out for the Stig on the London tube and Hammond on a bike the following week.
While binge drinking appears to be a modern problem, The Seven Sins of England (SBS, Tue Jul 1, 10pm) takes us back through the UK’s 1000-year-old drinking problem, discovering the first law to control binge-drinking was passed in 616AD and other tidbits. It’s followed by Attack of the Happy People (SBS, Tue Jul 1, 10.55pm) which charts the history of ecstasy.
While Auntie’s mantra might be to provide us with quality entertainment, SBS, aside from their second language responsibilities, seem to be tasked with finding the weird and wonderful. The Fabulous Flag Sisters (SBS, Fri Jul 4, 7.30pm) a doco about an Italian TV trio of drag queens, including an Australian, is certainly that.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being Australia’s Next Top Model (girls and guys), you’ll have to drive to Sydney this weekend for the audition (details at www.yahoo7.com.au/supermodel ). Apparently Canberrans aren’t pretty (or interested) enough to rate a local audition.
What is it with the networks and movies? How many times have we seen Bridget Jones’s Diary (Prime, Fri Jun 13, 9.30pm), America’s Sweethearts (Prime, Fri Jun 20, 9.30pm) and My Best Friend’s Wedding (SCTEN, Fri Jun 27, 9.30pm) in the past six months? Isn’t it about time for some new movies or even a re-hash some much older movies? The viewing public can probably recite Bridget’s snow in her undies speech easier than Hamlet’s soliloquy.
New to the box are a new series of Futurama (SCTEN, Thu Jun 19, 7.30pm), Ice Road Truckers (SCTEN, Sat Jun 28, 6.30pm), the return of Psych (Sat, Jun 21, 7.30pm) and Calling all Aliens (SBS, Sun Jun 22, 8.30pm).
Don’t miss Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert. Just because.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 29 May 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 7 months ago
News of the week - no Dream at Beijing. Seven have decided that without an audience in the studio and with many events running into the late night slot, Roy and HG won’t be on the plane. Instead, they’re offering a morning show, Yum Cha, complete with requisite Daddo (Andrew). More sleep looks like an appealing option.
Eurovision tragics will be aware that British commentator Terry Wogan takes the Eurotrash pop comp very seriously, in fact the comedy that comes from that has been a feature of Eurovision coverage for many years. But Terry lost that edge and started sounding like a whiney two-year-old with nappy rash. While his suggestion that Eastern Europe, as it divides itself up into smaller and smaller slivers of land, has a stranglehold on voting is probably fair enough, his whining about the UK being last on the leader board is not. The UK, a country that has produced some of the world’s biggest recording artists, regularly sends a range of crap musicians to Eurovision. While Terry takes the whole thing very seriously, the UK public doesn’t, with the most famous British Eurovision winners including Brotherhood of Man, Bucks Fizz, Lulu and Katrina and the Waves. Enough said. And as for Terry, he’s got a tough decision to make - will he be back next year? What else is he going to do.
From Eurotrash to the seedier Hollywood kind, with two trashy celebrities trying to redeem themselves by appearing on sitcoms.
Paris’s star turn in My Name is Earl (Prime, Sun, 8pm) didn’t improve her standing as an actress, but don’t miss Britney’s star turn in How I Met Your Mother (Prime, Thu Jun 5, 7.30pm). And Britney’s biggest shock yet? She can act.
Top Gear (SBS, Mon/Sat 7.30pm) is back with a vengeance and on June 9, they revisit one of their stupidest (and most hilarious) stunts yet. And it gets bigger. The amphibious car race will this time be a race across the English Channel.
For something almost as funny, check out Kung Faux (ABC2, Mon, Jun 2) which mashes up ‘70s martial arts movies, adds music, re-dubbed hip-hop voices and comic book graphics.
The folks at SCTEN are up to their old tricks - if it works put it on as often as you can - running double episodes of House (SCTEN, Wed, 8.30pm). Just like NCIS, the second ep is a repeat.
More good news for The Strip, the police drama set on the Gold Coast that’s in production - one of the Underbelly writers is on board.
It was bound to happen sooner or later - Eataholics (ABC, Wed Jun 4, 8.30pm) is an observational documentary series, trying to change the eating habits of Britain’s fatty boombas with nutrition and psychology. Should be an easy fix. One; get rid of all that stodgy food and two; learn that a takeaway vindaloo doesn’t really rate as ‘exotic’.
Culture this week comes from Talking Heads (ABC, Mon Jun 2, 6.30pm) and an interview with architect Glenn Murcutt.
Fans of AC/DC will want to tune into The Guitar Show (ABC2, Sun Jun 8, 1.30pm) for an interview with Angus Young. It’s a repeat but if you missed it the first time, you’ll want to set the recorder.
Other music highlights include The Cure: Trilogy, Live in Berlin (ABC2, Mon Jun 2, 10.25pm) where the band played three albums in their entirety live over two nights in 2002.
If you didn’t give up about two seasons ago, you’ll want to tune in for the season finale of Lost (Prime, Thu Jun 5, 9.30pm). This modern take on Gilligan’s Island seems like it’s never going to end. Also winding up is The State Within (ABC, Thu Jun 5, 8.30pm).
So soon? Gladiators (Prime, Sun Jun 1, 6.30pm) is up to its second quarter final.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 15 May 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 8 months ago
Autumn is the Blackbox pick for season of the year. Despite the fact it requires enduring the most biased awards show in the world – The Logies – autumn is also host to the best. That’s right ladies and gentlemen – it’s time once again for the glorious kitsch of the Eurovision Song Contest. The continent that takes itself seriously when it comes to culture and the arts is also able to laugh at the absurdity of this multilingual pop-fest. It’ll be held in Belgrade and this year there are semi-finals over two nights (SBS, Fri May 23, Sat May 24, 8.30pm) before the final (SBS, Sun May 25, 7.30pm). It’s hosted by Julia Zemiro and of course there’ll be the obligatory commentary from Terry Wogan – it wouldn’t be Eurovision without it. So grab your friends, put together a spread of the most retro Euro snacks you can muster, open the champagne and have a sweep – guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat longer than the Melbourne Cup.
If you have been wondering why the likes of Andrew Denton and Adam Hills were going hard at the product placement at The Logies or have been ringing the ABC to complain about ads, you’ll be pleased to know it was all publicity for The Gruen Transfer (ABC, May 28, 9pm), a show about advertising, hosted by Wil Anderson.
While many are still reeling from the disappearance of the ultimately watchable Terminator spin-off from WIN’s schedule, the folks at Prime have shoved Dirty, Sexy Money tapes into the basement and shut the door. Its demise makes way for a new series of the fabulous Boston Legal, which has made even Blackbox come around to Shatner. Perhaps it’s the fallibility of Denny Crane that makes the most annoying Starfleet captain actually likeable.
The runaway success of Underbelly (rumoured to be followed by a prequel) has lead to resurgence in the production of crime dramas. The Strip, a 13-part police drama for WIN, is about to start filming on the Gold Coast. And while the location may have leant itself to a CSI Miami feel, with Wildside and East West 101 producers and stars such as Aaron Jeffrey and Bob Morley, it’s likely to have a distinctly Australian flavour. It’s good to see Australian television finally finding stories in our cities (where most of us live) rather than the outback or seachange destinations where we holiday.
Prime follows the crime route with Crimes That Shook the World (Prime, Tue May 13, 9.30pm) beginning with The Green River Killer.
As predicted last column, Louis Theroux (Prime, Mon May 19, 10.30pm) has been packaged as a series and is well worth a look.
If you’ve been wondering what Lateline (ABC1, weeknights, 10.30pm) host Tony Jones has been up to since he cut his hours back, don’t fret – you’re about to see a lot more of him. He’s already on air with Q&A (ABC1, Thu, 9.35pm) and his new vehicle ABC Fora (ABC2, Thu May 29, 5.35pm and Fri May 30, 8am). The show promises talks, lectures, public addresses and debates from Australia and around the world. So if opinion and debate is your bag, Tony will help you out.
The development of ABC2 has given Auntie the chance to take risks on programs that it might otherwise have avoided. Moving Wallpaper (ABC2, Fri May 30, 8.30pm) and its partner program Echo Beach (Fri May 30, 8.55pm) are a good example. Moving Wallpaper is a comedy drama about the making of a TV soap and Echo Beach is the soap (or the subtle piss-take of a soap in this case).
Science geeks or the inquisitive should tune into Absolute Zero (SBS, Sun June 1, 8.30pm).
Black Box thumbs up for the new series of Big Love (SBS, Sat, 8.30pm), The State Within (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) and the new series of Spooks (ABC1, Fri, 9.20pm)
Don’t miss Taxi Driver (ABC2, Sat 31 May, 9.30pm) for De Niro’s classic line and of course the aforementioned Eurovision Song Contest.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 1 May 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 8 months ago
Big Brother (SCTEN, daily, 7pm) is upon us and it appears there are some changes… apart from adding TV’s biggest tool Kyle and his vapid sidekick Jackie O as hosts. It’s pure irony that the man who couldn’t last five minutes on the ill-fated celebrity version of the show because of the coffee (shameless publicity seeking alert), will be grilling the ‘contestants’. On the plus side, this pair is more likely to give the show it’s goldfish bowl quality. It always felt a bit too much like Gretel was protecting her kids. From the promos, it appears they’ve also rid themselves of the decision to fill the house with pretty people who spend all day complaining about not having any hair product. Instead they’ve gone completely base level, choosing people who will once again make all Australians look bad. How can they put someone who thinks she’s like Pauline Hanson in the house with a clear conscience? Gone too are the late-night feeds so it’s back to telemarketing for night-owls. Unfortunately, the Friday night live show (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm) continues to provide a steady income for two of the ex-housemates. The one good decision – no return of the uncut show. Instead there will be a panel show, Big Mouth (SCTEN, Mon, 9.30pm), hosted by Tony Squires and Rebecca Wilson, that will appeal to an entirely new audience and almost make BB worth watching. Almost.
Most will be happy to hear of the Biggest Loser Final Weigh-in (SCTEN, Sun Apr 27, 6.30pm), even if it does herald the beginning of BB. This is the interesting episode for those that cringe at making fun of fat people’s ability to cry when asked to do push-ups. Here there will also be tears but you get to see all the contestants next to a Jenny Craig style before image.
And the TV stations are up to their old tricks. With SCTEN that means scheduling repeats to fill up prime time. Just as we get a new series of NCIS (SCTEN, Tue, 8.30pm) it’s followed by repeats at 9.30pm. How long until they start seeping into the 8.30pm timeslot? And WIN has once again alienated its sci-fi audience. After pushing Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles into a late night timeslot without warning, the show has followed so many others and disappeared altogether. Perhaps if fans had been shown a little respect by being told where it had gone…
Intrepid doco maker and sub-cultural explorer Louis Theroux goes inside the controversial Westboro Baptist Church with the Phelps family in The Most Hated Family in America (Prime, Mon May 5, 10.40pm). While this was designed as a one-off, Prime is starting a series with it.
If you want to know how hard it is to break into the US music industry (and you haven’t watched any of the multitude of ‘follow the struggling band’ docos) then check out Flight of the Conchords (SCTEN, Sun May 11, 10.10pm).
Returns this fortnight include a new series of Boston Legal (Prime, Mon May 5, 9.30pm) – no that’s not a misprint – 9.30pm, Ugly Betty (Prime, Wed May 7, 7.30pm) and a news series of Spooks (ABC1, Fri May 16, 9.20pm).
Also worth looking out for are How to Look Good Naked (SCTEN, Mon, 8pm) where Queer Eye’s Carson Kressley teaches women the aforementioned art, Michael Palin’s New Europe (Prime, Sat May 10, 7.30pm) visits Poland, Freddie Mercury – The Tribute Concert (ABC2, Sun May 11, 2pm) and Death in Santaland (ABC1, Thu May 15, 9.35pm), which looks at a Columbine High style mass murder plot in the town of North Pole, Alaska, named and founded for the tourist dollar Lapland has managed to capture.
Buy a DVD, darn some socks or spend your evening on Facebook on Tuesday, May 13 – it’s Budget night.
Don’t miss The State Within (ABC, Thu May 2, 8.30pm) and the new series of Big Love (SBS, Sat May 10, 8.30pm) and watch out – Eurovision is coming.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 17 April 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 9 months ago
Canal Road (WIN, Wed, 9.30pm) is slated to fill the void left by Underbelly (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm). The folks at WIN are hyping the show as another gritty Melbourne drama. Tip: when the promo material consists of glamour shots and the stars were clearly chosen for their sex appeal, it might be wise to drop the gritty tag. No fat-boy here.
There are also some interesting British dramas coming our way. The State Within (ABC, Thu May 1, 8.30pm) will appeal to West Wing-nuts and fans of Spooks. This convoluted thriller set in the British Embassy in Washington during a terrorist attack looks like living up to the BBC reputation for this kind of thing.
Mistresses (Prime, Apr 29, 9.30pm) which also sits in the thriller camp (if you’re a genre nazi) looks at the lives and complex relationships of four female friends. Sounds gushy but it’s the deceit and their undoing that provides the real drama (and danger) here – the new Cold Feet.
Architecture is not usually associated with murder but the tale of iconic modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright includes some quite salacious revelations. Frank Lloyd Wright: Murder, Myth and Modernisation (ABC2, Sun Apr 27, 8.30pm).
Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be a new idea for an observational doco, Prime comes to the party with Find my Family. The show, which is about to begin production purports to reunite loved ones – only a slight step removed from existing missing persons shows Blackbox suspects.
Life in Cold Blood (WIN, Mon, 7.30pm) sounds like something that should find itself in a much later timeslot but the prefix ‘David Attenborough’s’ tells nature doco lovers they’re in for a ride through the reptile and amphibian part of the animal kingdom. Still all a bit creepy crawly.
Of all the things SCTEN is known for, hard-hitting public service docos aren’t usually high on the agenda. Its ‘special presentation’ The Truth about Binge Drinking (SCTEN, Mon Apr 21, 7.30pm) doesn’t do anything to change that. “Binge drinking is everywhere from city slickers to underage kids on the streets and desperate housewives to celebrities,” it says… pahleeeeze. Read “serious television project for UK pop star Michelle Heaton” – Saving Kids with Damien Leith ringing any bells?
First there was the bidding war, then the controversy about clashes with existing schedules. Now finally, Indian Premier League –Twenty20 cricket (SCTEN, mid-late evening, from Fri Apr 18) hits our screens.
Adrenalin junkies will be pleased to hear of the return of Red Bull Air Race (SCTEN, Sun Apr 20, 12pm). The first race comes direct from Abu Dhabi.
East of Everything (ABC, Sun May 4, 8.30pm) winds up this fortnight but the void will be filled with Kerry Armstrong’s new drama Bed of Roses (ABC, Sat May 10, 7.30pm). After her wealthy husband dies and leaves her bankrupt, she too returns home to her mother in Rainbow’s End. Not quite up to East of Everything but it explores similar territory.
And for some feel-good telly, watch Millionaires Mission (ABC, Tue Apr 29, 8.30pm). Eight British business leaders spend three weeks in a makeshift camp with World Vision. They each donate $32,500 to a fund and they have to use their skills to improve the living standards of a remote Ugandan community. Sure it’s just television but if the Ugandan village is better off and it shames some other big spenders (and the rest of us) into action, it’s good television.
Don’t miss Michael Palin’s New Europe (Prime, Sat, 7.30pm) where the world’s most intrepid traveller finds special parts of Eastern Europe that others won’t.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 3 April 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 9 months ago
“Are you ready?” the glossy promo material for re-invented ’90s game show Gladiators (Prime, Sun, 6.30pm) asks. Your answer should be no. Australia is very good at emulating some American traits (like a love of anything with cheese), but that WWF-style bravado/ego where the stars take themselves incredibly seriously while everyone else is laughing at you is not something we’ve managed to pull off successfully. Of course, there are those poor misguided souls who believe the WWF to be a sport – it’s on television and based on circus acts of old people. You’ll probably see some of them (and your local gym junkies) as challengers on the show. And Greg Harrigan, who made his name as a football referee should be ashamed of himself for using his whistle for this. Gladiators may turn out to be a more effective fitness motivator than The Biggest Loser (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm) – while it may not shift tellytubbies from the couch, it will surely make them switch off the box.
Lovers of anime will want to rearrange their Monday viewing schedule for Death Note (ABC2, Mon Apr 14, 9.30pm). The Madman Entertainment series features a notebook with the power of life and death and all the sorts of noble goals you expect from anime.
Art Safari (ABC2, Sun Apr 13, 9.30pm) returns for another up-close-and-personal look at interesting artists. The first ep explores the work of Japan’s answer to Warhol, Takashi Murkami.
Rev heads may want to check out Scrapheap Challenge: Tanks (ABC2, Sat Apr 19, 6.35pm), because there’s nothing quite like a tank built from junk, and Mini Challenge (Prime, Sat Apr 5, 1.30pm), because there’s nothing cooler.
While the Power of 10 (WIN Mon 7.30pm) means putting up with game show contestants and host Steve Jacobs, it’s an interesting case study on what people think. Family Feud surveyed the audience for their response – this purports to survey ‘Australians’. If only they had Bert to host. Blackbox would of course be interested to hear from anyone who has been ‘surveyed’ for this program.
Looks like the folks at WIN realised there are only so many stories about a Navy Patrol boat off the Aussie coast – Sea Patrol II The Coup (WIN, Mon, 8.30pm) gives them an actual enemy.
Oh how the once-mighty have fallen. One of the hit shows from five or six years ago, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (SCTEN, Fri Apr 11, 4am), returns with new episodes in the bleary-eyed timeslot known only to serial killers, insomniacs and shift workers.
The Dog Dominatrix takes an interesting turn with It’s Me or the Fat Dog (SCTEN, Sat Apr 12, 6.30pm), putting porky pooches through their own Biggest Loser hell. And if the dog and you have been chowing down on Maccas over the summer recess, you’ll be glad to know Jamie at Home (SCTEN, Thu Apr 10) is back to save you from yourself.
Rove returns to our screens (SCTEN, Sun, 9pm) and has Delta’s new squeeze, Mr Boyband Brian McFadden, on the show on April 6.
Music viewing this week should include Planet Rock Profiles: Beck (ABC 2, Sun April 13, 1.25pm), Madness: Live at Finbsbury Park (ABC 2, Sun April 13, 4pm), Jane’s Addiction: Three Days (ABC 2, Mon April 14, 10pm).
And now we know who to blame for the woeful term emo: Red Dwarf (ABC 2, Mon, 8pm). The ep entitled Emohawk Polymorph II about an ugly tribe selling engine parts airs April 14. Pity we can’t blame them for the music. Address all complaint letters to Editor, BMA Magazine.
Lastly this week, the return of two of the greatest comedy finds in the last couple of years – The IT Crowd (ABC, Wed April 16, 9pm) is back for a second season and My Name is Earl (Prime, Sun, 8pm) is back for a third. And don’t miss Michael Palin’s Europe (Prime, Sat April 5, 7.30pm).
| United States of Tara |
Located near the Austrian border, what is the name of Germany's highest mountain? | BMA Magazine Canberra Streetpress
The Last Blackbox Ever
Date Published: Tuesday, 3 December 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 1 month ago
The year is drawing to a close and so too is Blackbox. This, the 301st edition of this columnist’s rants and viewing tips, will be the last.
Back in February 2001 when Blackbox first appeared in the pages of BMA, the digital revolution was close to a decade away, Canberra had five free-to-air stations and people only connected Foxtel for the sport. Broadband was in its infancy and download so slow it took half a day to procure an episode of The Simpsons. Bit torrent sites were the domain of serious IT nerds and it was record companies, not film studios, worried about illegal downloads. The first iPod was still eight months away and your TV really was a black (or silver) cathode ray-powered box. (The Black Box in the column’s name, by the way, was also a reference to the intel from a plane’s flight recorder.)
Fast forward almost 13 years and the television landscape has changed dramatically. TV isn’t about channels anymore – it’s about platforms. And instead of time-shifting, we talk about television on demand. And that’s the point. BMA is a printed magazine with quite long deadlines. At a time when bloggers are putting up reviews within an hour of airtimes, most of you have downloaded the show at least a week before BMA is published, which makes a fortnightly TV column a bit redundant.
But rather than dying the slow, drawn out death that was predicted 15 years ago, television, or at least the content, has thrived. It’s not uncommon to hear people say, “I don’t watch TV.” But they do. They just watch it in a different way. You can call it episodic drama but it’s TV content designed to be viewed as episodes.
It was a phenomenon that took shape in the early ‘90s – mixing the mini-series format and discreet weekly episodes to produce series with longer story arcs entwining across multiple episodes. By 2001, pioneers of this genre, such as the X-Files and Buffy were nearing their natural end. Agents of S.H.I.E.LD. creator Joss Wheedon’s cult hit Firefly, which starred a pre-Castle Nathan Fillion and sealed the sci-fi fate of Summer Glau, was still a year off. The golden age of writing and production typified by the HBO catalogue had barely begun. The first of these, The West Wing and The Wire, were so poorly treated by commercial networks that the ABC reran them from start to finish years later. There was also some great British and local fare in shows such as Teachers and Rake.
The late ‘90s also introduced us to the scourge of free-to-air-TV: reality programming. 2001 was the year Survivor filmed in Australia and an Oscar was first awarded in this category. Australian Idol was yet to appear on the scene.
It would be years before teen drama would take on the glitz of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars or re-imagine the vampire-fuelled success of Buffy. In 2001, teens were obsessing over the intellectual discourse of a group of teens from the mid-west in Dawson’s Creek.
Talk, panel, and game shows also made a resurgence, albeit in a hipper format, usually with a comedian at the helm. There was Wil Anderson’s The Glasshouse which looked at events of the week, the Tony Squires-hosted sport panel The Fat, and Andrew Denton’s long-running Enough Rope. Rockwiz brought music trivia to the box in May 2005 and Spicks and Specks followed soon after. It was also the decade television made the laconic underground publishers of The Chaser the most recognisable faces in the nation.
It was also the decade where animation hit the big time. The Simpsons and South Park were already hits in 2001 as was Blackbox’s favourite, Daria. The sublime humour of Archer wouldn’t hit the Box for another ten years.
I’ve missed a lot – a plethora of ob docos, lifestyle shows, unsurpassed comedy, and some of the best documentaries ever made. But I’m almost out of time, and note this last column also marks the closure of a lengthy chapter in my life. For the past 17 years, almost every issue of BMA has featured my byline. It has been a stellar ride. I have met loads of incredibly inspiring, talented and interesting people, and made quite a few life-long friends. I’d like to particularly thank Vanessa Bowden, Lisa Howdin, Scott Layne, and also the many editors who’ve put up with my deadline tardiness. And most of all, I’d like to thank you, the readers of this column. Rest assured I will still be watching the box and unleashing TV news, views and abuse through Twitter. But for now, in the best BMA tradition, I’ll leave you with the top five TV moments from the past 13 years:
1. The return of Dr Who – the childhood fodder of almost every Gen X-er was given a new lease on life, and last weekend the show celebrated its 50th anniversary.
2. HBO – because its approach to quality TV drama has raised the stakes, and audiences are the winners. Think The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Da Ali G Show, Deadwood, and of course, Game of Thrones.
3. The doco Great Australian Albums – if only because The Triffids reformed (with guest vocalists) to play Born Sandy Devotional live. Oh, and Koolism winning an ARIA.
4. NCIS chief Gibbs asking, ‘What’s emo?’ on the show’s second episode, and being given the answer, ‘Emotional music,’ as the writer’s mocked the world’s silliest genre title.
5. The episode of The Lone Gunmen which featured a hijacked plane about to crash into the World Trade Centre which screened just days before one actually did.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 19 November 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 2 months ago
If you own more than about four or five records (or LPs, as we called them in the olden days), chances are one of them has a Geffen label. King of Hollywood: Inventing David Geffen (SBS1, Sun Nov 24, 9:35pm) is a rare portrait of the man behind the label – the agent, manager, and producer who has been behind some of the biggest careers over more than 40 years. And it features interviews with Yoko Ono, Cher, and Steven Spielberg, among others.
Other docos to check out include Songs of War: Music as Weapon (SBS1, Tue Nov 19, 2pm), Opening Shot 2: Suicide and Me (ABC2, Wed Dec 4, 9:30pm) which talks to three suicide survivors, Bill Bailey’s Jungle Hero (SBS1, Wed Nov 27, 7:30pm) in which the comedian retraces the steps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace through Asia, Korraiyn (NITV, Sun Nov 24, 8pm) about the Indigenous surfing titles, Freedom Ride (NITV, Wed Nov 27, 8:30pm) which looks at the 2011 recreation of Charles Perkins’ infamous Freedom ride, and Secrets of the Irish Landscape (SBS1, Fri Nov 22, 7:30pm).
The term ‘event TV’ is oft bandied about and more so over the past few years as free-to-air networks struggle for relevancy. This time though it is an appropriate, if not understated description. This Sunday, Dr Who fans, young and old across the world, will simultaneously tune in for the 50th Anniversary Special – Dr Who: The Day of the Doctor (ABC1, Sun Nov 24, 6:50am). Of course, the time difference means watching rage for a few hours after you get back from the pub. Keep drinking – the daleks are bound to freak you out more. Chez Blackbox will be regressing to childhood, and watching in snuggled up in jammies. And if you squint hard enough, Matt Smith kind of looks like a younger Jon Pertwee. For those less worried about the simulcast and more interested in the content, it will be repeated at 7:30pm followed by Dr Who – An Adventure in Space and Time (ABC1, Sun Nov 24, 8:45pm).
JJ Abrams’ latest action disaster series Revolution (WIN, Tue, 8:30pm) has finally hit free-to-air screens in Australia. Like everything the man touches, the series is being lauded, but really it’s just more of the same against a slightly different world. This time it’s about all modern technology blacking out and a band of freedom fighters fighting the oppressive militia, a story that’s never, ever been told before …
Also airing into the summer break are Top Boy (ABC2, Mon Dec 2, 9:30pm), a new British drama about life on the edge in east London, Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals (Go, Wed, 8:30pm), the second season of department store drama The Paradise (ABC1, Sat Dec 7, 7:30pm), the fifth season of Fringe (Go, Tue, 11:30pm), the final season of Weeds (WIN, Tue, 11:40pm), and The Walking Dead (SBS2, Tue Nov 19, 9:30pm) from the beginning.
Love her or hate her, she certainly makes riveting viewing – even for the costumes alone – Gaga (Go, Thu Nov 28, 11:30pm).
There’s a plethora of retro flicks on the box including JFK (GEM, Fri Nov 22, 8:30pm), Superman II (Go, Sun Nov 24, 6pm), the one with the leather clad villains from Krypton, the original Total Recall (Prime, Sat Nov 23, 9pm), Top Gun (Prime, Fri Nov 22, 8:30pm), Twilight Zone The Movie (GEM, Mon Nov 25, 12:15am), Jailhouse Rock (GEM, Fri Nov 29, 12pm), Summer Holiday (GEM, Sat Nov 30, 9:30am), The Picasso Summer (GEM, Sat Nov 30, 2:20pm), and Casablanca (GEM, Sat Nov 30, 4:20pm) as well as some slightly newer fare such as District 9 (Go, Sun Nov 24, 9:30pm) and Finding Nemo (Prime, Sat Nov 23, 7pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 5 November 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 2 months ago
The most original music competition on the box (and quite frankly the one most likely to uncover the kind of bands Chez Blackbox enjoys) is about to kick off. Exhumed (ABC1, Thu Nov 14, 8pm) has been searching the country for the best bands that never were. The rules were simple – be unsigned, unrecorded, unrecognised, and play for the love. Oh, and at least some of the band members needed to be old farts. There were more than 1400 from across the country, and every local ABC station chose a winner. Six of them will compete in the Grand Final at (of course) Rooty Hill RSL in Western Sydney. The four-part series follows the competition and includes some illuminating personal stories.
On a different musical front is Yarrabah! The Musical (NITV, Sun Nov 10, 8pm) which is the outcome of a partnership between Opera Australia, writer/director Rhoda Roberts, and the people of Yarrabah to produce a musical that tells the story of the community’s protest against the Queensland Protection Act in 1957.
Now that The Chaser team are far too recognisable to pull their own pranks, Craig Reucassel has to be content with looking back at the shocking exploits of others in another season of Shock Horror Aunty (ABC2, Wed Nov 6, 8:30pm).
What is it about offices, call centres, and IT people that makes such good comedy? Adding to the list of comedies in this genre (though not outshining Blackbox favourite The IT Crowd), is The Call Centre (ABC2, Wed Nov 13, 8:30pm). And where does the funny come from? It’s about Britain’s newest maligned country – Wales.
Docos to check out include Young, Mormon and Single (ABC2, Wed Nov 6, 9:20pm) which looks at the Mormon version of spring break, Richard Hammond’s Miracle of Nature (SBS1, Wed Nov 6, 7:30pm) looking at biomechanics, Bodyline (ABC1, Sun Nov 17, 7:30pm) which takes a fresh look at (one of) Cricket’s biggest controversies with comedian Adam Zwar recreating the famous moment, Joel Parkinson – One Perfect Day (WIN, Sat Nov 9, 4pm) which follows the Aussie surf champion through the Pipe Masters in December 2012, and Nordic Wild (SBS1, Sat Nov 16, 7:30pm) which looks at the creatures of Scandinavia, starting with the first signs of snow melt.
The SBS JFK season continues on with Jack Without Jackie (SBS1, Sun Nov 10, 9:10pm) which recounts conversations with the world’s most famous first lady only a few months after the assassination, and JFK (SBS1, Tue Nov 12, 7:30pm) which follows the story of the president, not just his assassination. Auntie also gets in on the action with Four Corners: JFK: The Lost Bullet (ABC1, Mon Nov 11, 8:30pm).
The last episode of period detective series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Nov 22, 8:30pm) takes on a serious turn of the century subject when they investigate the death of a teenager at the infamous Magdalene Laundries.
While away Sunday afternoon dreaming of your next holiday with Explore Ireland (GEM, Sun Nov 10, 12:25pm) and repeats of Getaway (GEM, Sun Nov 10, 1:25pm).
Movies to keep a look out for include Se7en (WIN, Sat Nov 9, 10pm) the mid-90s thriller (and the seven deadly sins), Blown Away (GEM, Sun Nov 10, 8:30pm) from the same era about an Irish bomber, Shrek 2 (Go, Sun Nov 3, 6:30pm), Australian classic The Sundowners (GEM, Sat Nov 16, 1:40pm), ‘70s British spy drama Zeppelin (GEM, Sat Nov 16, 4:25pm), Tomorrow When the War Began (SCTEN, Sat Nov 16, 8:30pm), and German alternate reality flick The Door (SBS2, Sat Nov 16, 9:35pm).
And yes, that really was ‘80s teen staple Corey Feldman on #7DaysLater (ABC2, Tue, 9pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 22 October 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 3 months ago
Given regular television broadcasting only began at the BBC in 1936, (1948 in the US and 1956 in Australia), the idea that any show, with the exception of news broadcasting, could survive half a century, is unfathomable. Even Sesame Street (ABC2, Mon–Sun, 8:30am), which has adapted well to the changing needs of three tofive-year-olds, has only been on air for 44 years. Sure Dr Who had a 15-year hiatus that took in the entire ‘90s, but the idea of a concept brought to screens in black and white in 1963 surviving until 2013 is extraordinary. Sure the sets aren’t made of foil and every planet in the universe doesn’t look like the same quarry on Britain’s south coast, but the basic storyline is the same. And many of the characters, although somewhat modernised, have survived – just like Robocop, the daleks have evolved enough to negotiate stairs. Australian audiences will join Dr Who fans in 75 countries around the world for a simulcast of Dr Who 50th Anniversary Special (ABC1, Sun Nov 24, TBC). The show will be repeated at 7:30pm and then made available on iView for those not quite as excited about the global simulcast. The special includes David Tennant, Billie Piper, and John Hurt as a previously unknown incarnation of the Doctor. To get you there, iView is hosting 47 classic episodes from Auntie’s archives. The first three tranches have already gone on the site, with a fourth to go up on Saturday October 26. There is also a series of Doctor Who Specials (ABC2, Sun, 7:30pm) including a look at the Science, Women, and Destinations, and a repeat of last season’s final ep, The Day of the Doctor (ABC2, Mon Nov 25, 7:30pm).
New stuff on screens includes the second series of the brilliant Redfern Now (ABC1, Thu Oct 31, 8:30pm), The Sarah Silverman Program (SBS2, Wed Nov 6, 9:30pm), part sit com, part musical comedy, Rebel Wilson’s much touted comedy Super Fun Night (WIN, Tue, 8pm), the return of Nikita (WIN, Wed, 1am) and NCIS (SC10, Tue, 8:30pm), and so-so new US thriller Cult (Go, Sat Nov 2, 11:30pm).
No doubt everyone is earnestly awaiting the return of Chris Lilley’s most successful character in Ja’mie: Private School Girl (ABC1, Wed Oct 23, 9:05pm). Everyone except this column’s author. While you can’t fault Lilley’s brilliance, there are plenty of more innovative, original characters he has created over the years that far outshine the two dimensional Ja’mie. Minority view? Definitely, but Chez Blackbox will be hoping for a very big dose of Mr G to keep it on the viewing roster.
What will be on the viewing roster is A Different Breed (ABC2, Fri Oct 25, 8:30pm). The new ob doco from the makers of Pineapple Dance Studios makes Christopher Guest’s brilliant mockumentary Best in Show look like a serious study of dog shows. And it’s not just dog shows – there’s grooming salons, professional dog walkers, dog crèches, and even a doggie dancing competition.
Other docos worth a look include The Sunnyboy (ABC2, Sun Nov 3, 9:25pm), exploring Jeremy Oxley’s battle with schizopherenia, and Paul Kelly: Stories of Me (ABC2, Sun Oct 27, 9:25pm).
Movie picks include the very B-grade Trick’r Treat (WIN, Sun Nov 3, 12:20am), and iconic ‘80s hits Poltergeist (Go, Mon Oct 28, 12am), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (Go, Wed Oct 30, 9:30pm), and Gremlins (Go, Fri Nov 1, 10pm).
JFK: The Smoking Gun (SBS1, Sun Nov 3, 8:30pm) and four-parter JFK (SBS1, Tue Nov 5, 7:30pm) kick off a JFK season on SBS to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. New conspiracy theory – Dr Who did it…
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 8 October 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 3 months ago
Some actors were born to play a certain kind of role. There are those that lack talent and can only ever play themselves – Sylvester Stallone, Kevin Costner, and almost every comedic actor who ever lived, I’m looking at you. There are also those so convincing that we think they are the character – is there anyone who hears Patrick Stewart and doesn’t think Captain Picard? And it will certainly take some adjustment seeing Peter Capaldi transition from The Thick of It’s (ABC1, TBC) foul-mouthed political fixer Malcolm Tucker to Dr Who (ABC iView). Then there are the character actors – a term once reserved for those who didn’t suit the mould of the Hollywood star and played a supporting character with unusual traits or eccentricities. Character actors have long been the stars of comedy but better writing, particularly in series drama, has meant character actors take the lead and often drive the success of the show. The most notable pioneer is of course the late great James Gandolfini. There were some stellar performances and phenomenal writing on The Sopranos but Gandolfini’s portrayal of mob boss Tony Soprano was key.
Two new shows that kicked off last week may also owe their success to character actors. Since his earliest roles in ‘80s classics Wall Street, Less Than Zero and Pretty in Pink, James Spader has played evil narcissists but played them with such a degree of intrigue that your gaze is often torn from the central plot. With the end of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Mon Oct 7, 9:20pm), Spader as former FBI agent and concierge of crime Raymond Reddington on The Blacklist (Prime, Mon, 8:40pm) may well replace Walter White as TV’s new anti-hero.
Less obvious, hidden by the blazing lights of the Marvel franchise and Joss Whedon creator credit, is Clark Gregg's continuing portrayal as Agent Coulson in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (Prime, Wed, 8:30pm). Gregg’s fate as a law enforcement character actor was sealed the day he took the role of Special Agent Casper on The West Wing and despite his ability to step outside that mould, it is a role in which he excels. Gregg may not have all the superhero kick-ass moves but he is the link with Marvel franchise and his character is the one that will have loyal fans coming back for more. Not for nothing, but it’s Mandy Patinkin, not Claire Danes, that loyal Homeland (SCTEN, Mon, 8:30pm) fans tune in to see.
Diving headfirst into crowd sourcing (and not the predictable funding model) Auntie’s #7DaysLater (ABC2, Tue Oct 22, 9pm) uses an ensemble cast of YouTube celebrities plus a surprise weekly guest star to turn crowd sourced ideas into five minute comedy to screen on ABC2 – you guessed it – seven days later. Join in via YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Other new shows on the box this week include four-part high-end Irish crime drama Corp and Anam (NITV, Sun Oct 20, 8:30pm), Rebel Wilson’s Super Fun Night (WIN, Tue Oct 15, 8pm), and Chris Lilley’s latest Ja’mie: Private School Girl (ABC1, Wed Oct 23, 9:05pm).
Docos to keep an eye out for include the controversial BBC film about the building of the Sydney Opera House Autopsy on a Dream (ABC1, Sun Oct 20, 9:25pm), Richard III: The King in the Carpark (SBS1, Sun Oct 20, 8:30pm), about identifying remains to see if they belonged to the King, Sunday Best: American Teen (ABC2, Sun Oct 20, 8:30pm), a real life Breakfast Club, Dr Who Explained (ABC2, Sun Oct 20, 7:30pm), featuring interviews of Doctors past and present, The Art of Australia: Strangers in a Strange Land (ABC1, Tue Oct 22, 8:30pm).
Movie picks include Swedish vampire spoof Frostbite (SBS2, Sat Oct 26, 9:30pm) and Sydney Pollack’s 1974 noir gangster flick The Yakuza (WIN, Sat Oct 19, 2am).
With less than shopping days until Christmas, the final ep of Heston’s Fantastical Food (SBS1, Thu Oct 24, 8:30pm) is definitely one for Christmas tragics.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 September 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 3 months ago
As the fall season gets into the swing in the US, we are starting to see local airdates for the big ticket shows including political crime thriller Hostages (WIN, Wed Oct 2, 8:30pm) and the third season of Homeland (SCTEN, Mon Sep 30, 8:30pm).
As we go to print, Prime still has a heap of primetime holes in its schedule in the week starting Mon Sep 30, just ripe for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which kicks of in the US on Fri Sep 24, The Blacklist, starting Thu Sep 23 and the third season of Scandal, due to air in the US on Thu Oct 3.
Following the ongoing obsession with mid (last) century drama, Auntie’s newest offering Serangon Road (ABC1, Sun, 8:30pm) leaves behind the prim and proper pop art sensibilities of shows like Mad Men and takes the audience into the competing cultural tensions of colonial Singapore. The lush co-production with HBO Asia is essentially an episodic detective story, but that doesn’t give it enough credit. The underlying story arcs speak much more about the relationships between the characters and the cultural clash of colonialism set against a quickly modernising world. Hopefully the first of more co-productions to leave the void left by ABC losing the first run rights to BBC content.
Set in a somewhat similar time period, but with all the trappings of the Mad Men palette is docu-drama Masters of Sex (SBS1, Thu Oct 3, 9:30pm) which tells the story of sexual research pioneers Virginia Johnson and Dr William Masters.
Other new shows on the box this fortnight include Canadian fantasy-noir series Lost Girl (SBS2, Tue Oct 8, 8:40pm), and Chinese dating show If You are the One (SBS2, Tue Oct 1, 7:45pm) – much less schmaltzy than its local equivalents.
The second season of Prisoners of War (SBS1, Wed Oct 2, 9:30pm), the Israeli drama that inspired Homeland, offers a much more nuanced look at returned hostages than its American interpretation, with plenty of drama but less wailing, and, sadly, less Mandy Patinkin.
There are also new seasons of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror (SBS2, Tue Oct 8 9:30pm), the original CSI (WIN, Wed Oct 2, 9:30pm), and Whitechapel (ABC1, Sat Oct 12, 8:30pm), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (ABC2, Thu Oct 3, 8:30pm), the final season of How I Met your Mother (Prime, Thu Sep 26, 8pm), and the new season of Sons of Anarchy (Showcase, Wed Sep 11, 9:30pm) kicked off a couple of weeks back.
For those who haven’t seen it through other means, Auntie is running all 16 eps of the final season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Mon Oct 7, 9:20pm). With the final ep due to air on Sun Sep 29, there probably won’t be time for withdrawal pains.
Docos to keep a look out for include Kakadu (ABC1, Sun Oct 6, 7:30pm), filmed over 12 months through the experience of rangers and traditional owners, Jennifer Byrne presents Tim Winton (ABC1, Thu Oct 10, 8pm), Redesign my Brian with Todd Sampson (ABC1, Thu Oct 10, 8:30pm) which looks at neuroplasticity, Big Name, No Blanket (ABC1, Sun Sep 29, 9:30pm) about former Warumpi band lead singer George Rrurrambu, and Blur: No Distance Left to Run (ABC2, Wed Oct 3, 8:30pm).
Movies to check out this fortnight include 1983 vampire flick The Hunger (Go, Mon Sep 30, 1am), one of a number of films from this era starring David Bowie, Sherlock Holmes (WIN, Fri Oct 4, 8:30pm), the one with Robert Downey Jr, Blow (Go, Mon Sep 30, 9:30pm) with Johnny Depp as an ‘80s cocaine king, Daleks – Invasion Earth 2150 AD (GEM, Sat Sep 28, 2am), and Superman/Batman Apocalypse (Go, Sat Oct 5, 11:50pm), proof that nothing good ever comes from superhero sci-fi character mash ups.
Look out for BMA alumni The Bedroom Philosopher doing his own version of a promo for ABC2.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 September 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 4 months ago
After the past couple of seasons filling the telly schedule with sub-standard suburban Australian drama and wall-to-wall reality programming, Prime has just started to get interesting again. Apart from obdocs American Pickers (7Mate, Mon and Wed, 9:30pm) and Hardcore Pawn (7Mate, Wed, 8:30pm), or reruns of Seinfeld (7Mate, Mon–Fri, 6pm), Homicide: Life on the Streets (7Mate, Tue–Fri, 12:30pm), Chez Blackbox gave the whole network a miss. Until now.
The comeback started a month ago with the brilliant Mr Selfridge (Prime, Mon, 8:40pm). Part period drama, part history of shopping, with a good helping of scandal and social commentary, wrapped in a well-written (and performed) drama. Alas, Prime has seen fit to gallop through it, airing double episodes for the foreseeable future.
Also in the Prime catalogue are two of the most talked-about shows from recent pilot screenings in the US, where they both start in late September – but sadly no firm local air dates as yet. The Black List (Prime, TBC) stars James Spader as a master criminal who surrenders himself to the FBI to help them bring down serious criminals and terrorists. Spader’s character has a Silence of the Lambs-style obsession with a particular detective, and as always Spader plays creepy with aplomb. Also queued up on Prime’s ‘coming soon’ list is Joss Whedon’s highly anticipated superhero franchise Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D (Prime, TBC).
Elsewhere there’s Sleepy Hollow (SCTEN, Tue Sep 17, 9:30pm), a psychological horror featuring time travel and the four horseman of the apocalypse, new drama from Aunty with the brilliantly executed Serangoon Road (ABC1, Sun Sep 22, 8:30pm), a detective story set in 1960s Singapore, a new season of Tractor Monkeys (ABC1, Wed Sep 25, 8pm) which starts with a look at fashion, Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery (ABC1, Wed Sep 25, 9:05pm) where the host walks well-known comedians down memory lane, zombie drama In the Flesh (SBS2, Tue Sep 17, 8:35pm), and Power Games: The Packer-Murdoch Story (WIN, Sun, 8:30pm, Go!) has finally gone to air. If you missed the first ep, it’s on repeat (WIN, Fri Sep 13, 10pm and Sat Sep 14, 9:45pm).
Docos to look out for include Sunday Best: The Tillman Story (ABC2, Sun Sep 22, 8:30pm), which looks at the circumstances surrounding the death of US Army poster child Pat Tillman, and The Tundra Book (NITV, Mon Sep 16, 8:30pm) which takes a journey through the culture of Russia’s Arctic communities.
This issue’s movie picks include The Never Ending Story (Go, Fri Sep 20, 7:30pm) for the day-dreamers, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (WIN, Sun Sep 15, 11:35pm) because it’s a classic, and Happy Feet (Go, Sat Sep 21, 6:30pm) – who doesn’t love penguins? There are plenty of other movie choices too, such as Revenge of the Nerds II (Go, Wed Sep 18, 9:30pm) and Kindergarten Cop (Prime, Fri Sep 23, 8:30pm). Elsewhere you’ll find 1962’s Rome Adventure (GEM, Sun Sep 15, 1:30pm), Cliff Richards '60s musical-come-comedy Wonderful Life (GEM, Sat Sep 21, 11am), and 1973 police drama Cleopatra Jones (GEM, Sun Sep 22, 1am).
Don’t miss Tropfest TV (SBS2, Sun, 10pm) but steer clear of The Bachelor Australia (SCTEN, Sun, 7:30pm). At least when it was just a US show it was less embarrassing.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 August 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 4 months ago
As election fever grips absolutely no one around the country, even Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed, 8:30pm) and Hamster Decides (ABC1, Wed, 9:05pm) aren’t proving a source of water cooler chat like they once did. In a stroke of election hazed genius it’s rage (ABC1, Sat Aug 31, 10:30am and 11:20pm) to the rescue. Can’t decide on who you want to run the country? Maybe the pollies’ musical taste will sway you. Anthony Albanese, Julie Bishop and Adam Bandt take to the rage couch (separately, of course) to talk about their fave tracks. Apparently there are fans of PJ Harvey and French house music amongst them. Should be good for a laugh (and hopefully the rage folks cut out any electioneering).
Once it comes to election night, the action moves from the second string channels that hosted the debates to the main event, including Australia Votes: Election Night: the Vote Count (ABC1, Sat Sep 7, 6pm), The Election Project with Hugh Riminton (SCTEN, Sat Sep 7, 6pm), and Election 2013 (WIN, Sat Sep 7, 6:30pm).
And just in case you really are an election tragic, there’s some political-themed movie choices, including 1972’s The Candidate (GEM, Sat Sep 7, 1:20pm), and Dave (Go, Sat Sep 7, 6:30pm). But where is the ultimate political tragic’s movie, Bob Roberts?
New shows this week run the spectrum from intelligent, witty and classy – Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Sep 6, 8:30pm) – to a celebration of the 20th century’s boldest and tackiest decade – The Amazing ‘80s (WIN, Mon, 8:30pm ). There’s also a new season of Archer (ABC2, Tue Sep 3, 9:05pm), animated comedy Unsupervised (11, Wed Sep 4, 10pm), and news and pop culture panel show from standup Anthony Jeselnik, The Jeselnik Offensive (SBS1, Mon Sep 2, 10pm) in between.
Plenty of ads but no airdates yet for Power Games – The Packer–Murdoch Story (WIN, TBC), and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Prime, TBC).
Docos to keep an eye out for include Supersized Earth: A Place to Live (ABC1, Sun Sep 1, 7:30pm), about how humans have transformed the world in a generation, Sunday Best: Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (ABC2, Sun Sep 8, 8:30pm), about the Chinese artist’s work and life, Beyonce – Life is But a Dream (ABC2, Wed Sep 11, 8:30pm), Coming Out Diaries (ABC2, Fri Sep 13, 9:20pm), following three gay and transgender teens as they come out to friends and family, a new series of Who Do You Think You Are? (SBS1, Tue Sep 3, 7:30pm) starting with Annie Lennox, Eddie Izzard’s Marathon for Mandela (SBS1, Sat Sep 7, 8:35pm), and Sunday Best: Where Soldiers Come From (ABC2, Sun Sep 1, 8:30pm), which follows four young Americans from joining the National Guard to Afghanistan and back.
If you haven’t had enough bleary-eyed mornings from the mortifying Ashes series, perhaps you’ll be able to see Australia redeem themselves in the One Day Series (WIN, Fri Sep 6 7pm). Perhaps not …
Other movies include The Music Man (GEM, Sat Sep 7, 3:30pm) and Klute (GEM, Sun Sep 8, 12:20am), as well as The Smurfs (7Mate, Sat Aug 31, 6:30pm), Con Air (7Mate, Sat Aug 31, 8:40pm), I Am Legend (Go, Wed Aug 28, 9pm), Rockstar (Go, Wed Aug 28, 11:15pm), Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (GEM, Sun Sep 1, 8:30pm), The Karate Kid (Go, Sun Sep 1, 5:30pm), Conan the Barbarian (Go, Sun Sep 1, 9:30pm), over-the-top Chinese action satire Let the Bullets Fly (SBS2, Sat Sep 7, 9:40pm), The Shawshank Redemption (WIN, Sat Aug 31, 8:45pm), and the original 1981 version of Arthur (WIN, Sat Sep 7, 1pm).
ABC’s brilliant drama The Time of our Lives (ABC1, Sun Sep 8, 8:45pm) winds up this fortnight. If you missed it, catch up on iView (or go old school and buy the surely soon-to-be released DVD).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 August 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 5 months ago
If, like Chez Blackbox, your eyeballs are bleeding watching the wall-to-wall Tony and Kevin roadshow, there are some true gems to ensure your TV set doesn’t explode in protest, including the thoroughly charming intrigue of turn-of-the-century department store trading in Mr Selfridge (Prime, Mon, 8:30pm), and the not-so-charming but still mesmerising Norse antics in Vikings (SBS1, Thu, 9:30pm). And for early evening respite Parks and Recreation (SBS1, Mon-Fri from Mon Aug 26, 7:05pm).
If you must watch election coverage, Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed, 8:30pm) and The Hamster Decides (ABC1, Wed, 8:30pm) are the only sensible way.
The only reality comp Chez Blackbox has truly been (read: admitted to) enjoying was Design for Life where Philippe Starck weeded out the best design student to win a job for a year. Work of Art: The Next Great Artists (SBS2, Wed Aug 28, 8:35pm) is in the same vein but because it’s American slightly flashier – artists win a solo show at Brooklyn Museum and $100,000. On the other end of the trash scale is RuPaul’s Drag Race (SBS2, Sat Aug 31, 8:45pm). Other new shows include relationship drama Wonderland (SCTEN, Wed Aug 21, 8:30pm).
Docos to look out for this fortnight include the six-part Charley Boorman’s Extreme Frontiers South Africa (SBS1, Wed Aug 14, 8:35pm), and The Secret History of Our Streets (SBS1, Fri Aug 30, 7:30pm) which looks at 125 years of history of six of London’s streets.
Most loyal Dr Who fans (or pretty much anybody else) would know who will be the next Doctor – such is the torment of a fortnightly column – but for those that don’t, it’s Peter Capaldi, better known as foul-mouthed political fixer Malcolm Tucker from The Thick of It. Make of that what you will …
As promised, news on the new shows to look out for from the critics summer press tour in the US – Penny Dreadful, a psychological horror story, Years of Living Dangerously, a climate change doco, Fargo, a ten-part series based on the film but without the same characters, starring Billy Bob Thornton and with support from the Coen Brothers, Trending Down, a comedy starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, described as ‘a blistering attack on our youth-obsessed culture’, The Wrong Mans, a thriller about two office workers who get caught up in a criminal conspiracy, from the producers of The Thick of It, Quick Draw, a comedy western that’s funnier than it sounds, Trophy Wife, also much funnier than the premise would suggest, The Awesomes, an animated anti-superhero comedy from Seth Meyer, Sleepy Hollow, another psychological horror (with time travel and the four horseman of the apocalypse), Brooklyn Nine Nine, a well made and written cop comedy, The March, a documentary to mark the 50th anniversary of the civil rights march on Washington, Side by Side, a Keanu Reeves documentary about digital cinema, War of the Worlds, new Sherlock, The Black List, a Silence of the Lambs-style affair starring James Spader, a remake of Ironside, and Joss Whedon’s highly anticipated superhero drama Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The bad news is that in the long tradition of ruining British and Australian TV shows with remakes, Fox is going to murder the brilliant Broadchurch (ABC1, Fri, 8:30pm). Also avoid Almost Human, crime drama with a cop and his half-robot partner.
Don’t miss the Rockwiz season finale (SBS1, Sat Aug 31, 8:30pm) with Tex Perkins, Mia Dyson and Don Walker.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 30 July 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 5 months ago
Along with other midwinter delights (like snow, Splendour in the Grass and Christmas in July), the networks are finally airing the big ticket shows they’ve been spruiking since January. Chez Blackbox is relieved that Underbelly: Squizzy (WIN, Sun, 8:30pm) has finally gone to air – the ads have taken up more airtime than the entire drama will. It started solidly enough but while the sets and costumes are lush, and the story well known, just like The Great Gatsby, only time will tell if its (real and depicted) decadence is enough to live up to the hype.
Also based on a real life event is Ripper Street (SCTEN, Sun, 8:30pm) the BBC’s reimagining of the Jack the Ripper case. Set during the police investigation, the show is everything it should be – part CSI, part British costume drama and all tied up in a tightly scripted, well acted and directed gritty and harrowing look at the streets of Victorian London.
Auntie’s new comedy, Upper Middle Bogan (ABC1, Thu Aug 15, 8:30pm), is just what it sounds like – a fish out of water affair where the adopted daughter of a ‘well-to-do’ family discovers her real parents are bogans, played by everyone’s favourite bogan dad, Glen Robbins.
Don’t miss Game of Thrones withdrawal cure Vikings (SBS1, Thu Aug 8, 9:35pm) and Adam Hills Tonight: Princess Bride Special (ABC1, Wed Aug 7, 8:30pm).
At press time, the date of the federal election was still a closely guarded secret (and may still be as you read this). That hasn’t stopped auntie gearing up. There won’t be a national tally room this year but there will be at least four episodes of both Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed Aug 21, 8:30pm) and The Hamster Decides (ABC1, Wed Aug 21, 9:15pm).
Other new shows to look out for include Free Radio (SBS2, Thu Aug 8, 8:40pm), improvised comedy from Lance Krall as a DJ so bad that his ratings go up because of his incompetency, The Kroll Show (ABC2, Thu Aug 15, 8:30pm), sketch comedy from Community and Parks & Rec regular Nick Kroll, It’s a Date (ABC1, Thu Aug 15, 9pm), a narrative comedy series from Peter Helliar which features thematically linking two dates in each episode, and new seasons of Him & Her (SBS2, Thu Aug 8, 9:10pm), Friday Night Lights (One, Fri Aug 2, 8:30pm) and Grand Designs Revisited (ABC1, Sun Aug 4, 7:40pm).
Docos worth checking out include A Year in the Wild (SBS1, Sat Aug 17, 7:30pm), which ventures through Britain’s national parks, Sunday Best: Bill Cunningham: New York (ABC2, Sun Aug 11, 8:30pm), about the career of the New York Times style section photographer, Ladyboys (ABC2, Fri Aug 16, 9:20pm), which follows British men who set up new lives in Thailand with their ladyboy lovers, The Last Woman Standing (ABC2, Tue Aug 13, 9:30pm), the girl’s version of Last Man Standing, which took a bunch of Western blokes to remote areas of the world, The Iraq War: Regime of Change (ABC1, Sun Aug 11, 9:25pm), a series telling the inside story from both sides, and Artscape: Comic Book Heroes (ABC1, Tue Aug 13, 10pm), which follows Australia’s Gestalt publishing duo as they take on the US market, including San Diego Comic Con International.
Movies to keep an eye out for include A Nightmare on Elm Street (Go, Fri Aug 2, 9:30pm), The Taking of Pelham 123 (Go, Sun Aug 4, 9:30pm), Good Will Hunting (Go, Sat Aug 10, 8:30pm), Little Fockers (SCTEN, Sat Aug 10, 8:30pm), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (WIN, Sat Aug 10, 7:30pm), Aces High (WIN, Sun Aug 11, 12:25am), Dirty Harry flick The Enforcer (WIN, Sat Aug 3, 1am), The Champ (WIN, Sun Aug 4, 1:30pm), 1939’s Dodge City (GEM, Sun Aug 4, 4:15pm), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (GEM, Sat Aug 10, 2:20pm), and Cool Runnings (7Mate, Sat Aug 3, 6:30pm).
Deep Space Nine (11, Thu Aug 1, 10:30pm) heats up when Worf is posted to the station.
Next ish … all the news from the US Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 16 July 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 6 months ago
It’s not up there with Game of Thrones for scripting and the tagline ‘The storm is coming’ may be a bit too close for comfort, but Michael Hirst’s latest drama Vikings (SBS, Thu Aug 8, 8:30pm) will fill the void left by GoT, and, surprisingly, Sons of Anarchy. Not because of its subject – like he did with The Tudors, Hirst has faithfully recreated a real period in history, albeit with lashings of artistic licence – but because of its testosterone-fuelled sword battles and the vikings’ penchant for plundering.
While it’s not the most popular viewpoint, Chez Blackbox is excited at the return of The Newsroom (Showcase, Mon, 8:30pm). A bit too Sorkin-preachy for most, but if you can get past that, its in-depth portrait of the way media should be, mile-a-minute dialogue and idiosyncratic characters are worth the effort.
Sci-fi geeks rejoice – Summer Glau will have a continuing role in Arrow (WIN, Wed Jul 24, 8:30). Maybe the CW-produced show will get some nerd cred.
Better Man (SBS1, Thu Jul 25, 8:30pm), the harrowing two-part mini-series from acclaimed filmmaker Khao Do, is heart-wrenching drama at its best. And as much as any of the high-profile Australian docudramas this year, it’s a story begging to be told.
Other new shows include Dexpedition (SBS2, Sun, 7pm), a travelogue from Dex Carrington that’s the antidote to a middle-aged British person showing you how to have the most boring time of your life in any given destination, and the similarly themed Hamish and Andy’s Gap Year Asia (WIN, Mon Jul 22, 8pm). But where’s Squizzy (WIN, TBC)? Reeeeeally sick of the coming soon ads now.
The original Danish series of The Killing (SBS1, Wed Jul 24, 9:30pm), Housos (SBS1, Mon Jul 22, 9:30pm) and 2 Broke Girls (WIN, Mon, 10pm) all return for new seasons, and South Park Season 16 (SBS2, Sun Jul 28, 8:30pm) makes its free-to-air debut.
Docos to check out include David Bowie: Five years in the making of an icon (ABC2, Wed Jul 24, 8:30pm), exploring five separate years of Bowie’s career – ‘71, ‘75, ‘77, ‘80, and ‘83, Pain, Pus and Poison (SBS1, Mon Jul 22, 8:30pm), which looks at how the world’s most useful drugs were created, Australia Sunday Best: Facing Ali (ABC2, Sun Jul 28, 8:30pm), a tribute from ten of his acclaimed rivals, and Ten Bucks a Litre (ABC1, Thu Aug 1, 8:30pm), where Dick Smith looks at Australia’s energy use in his own inimitable way.
The fifth season of The True Story (ABC2, Sat Jul 27, 7:30pm) goes behind a series of major films, starting with Star Trek and including Platoon, Die Hard 4.0, Scream and The Da Vinci Code, to explore the real stories that inspired them.
Look out David and Margaret, there’s a new movie show in town. Sort of. Marc Fennell presents the best cult, action, thriller and horror flicks in Movie Mayhem (SBS2, Sat Jul 27, 9:35pm), starting with British thriller The Disappearance of Alice Creed.
Other movies to keep an eye out for include Revenge of the Nerds (Go, Sat Jul 27, 9pm), 1970 hammer horror flick Lust for a Vampire (GEM, Sat Jul 27, 12:55am), described by one of its stars as the worst film ever made, Shaun of the Dead (7Mate, Wed Jul 24, 10:30pm), a cult classic that actually deserves that title, Romancing the Stone (One, Sat Jul 20, 8:30pm), an ‘80s adventure romp with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and (of course) Danny DeVito, another ‘80s jewel Lethal Weapon 2 (WIN, Sat Jul 20, 9:45pm), Carry on Spying (GEM, Sat Jul 27, 2:45am), one of the earlier and more revered Carry On films, and more spying in the Cold War-era Ice Station Zebra (WIN, Sun Jul 21, 2pm) with Rock Hudson. The most curious flick is Romper Stomper director Geoffrey Wright’s 2006 (almost straight-to-video) reinvention of Macbeth (WIN, Sat Jul 27, 1am) in Melbourne’s Gangland War.
Don’t miss the re-runs of The Hollowmen (ABC1, Wed, 10pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 26 June 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 6 months ago
Finally, a talent search that might be worth watching – Exhumed (ABC, TBC) is a nationwide competition for unsigned, unrecorded, unheard and, until now, unwanted bands. The only real rule is that you can’t actually make a living out of music. The emphasis is on those who play for fun (like the weekly jam session in the shed next door to Chez Blackbox) and those who never quite made it. Blackbox is waiting with baited breath for the return of The Killer Dolphins.
The big new drama this fortnight is The Dome (SCTEN, Tue, 8:30pm). Based on a Stephen King novel, it explores what happens when an impenetrable dome inexplicably traps the inhabitants of a small town. An interesting concept that has started well, but, like so many similar concepts that explore the way characters deal with the situation, only time will tell whether there’s a series in it. At least this has a novel – rather than a short story – backing it up.
It’s been a long time since Chopper Read has entered the public consciousness but Heath Franklin, whose parody of Chopper reached saturation point in the years following the Eric Bana flick and the real Chopper’s stage show, is back with Heath Franklin’s Chopper: Harden the F#@k up Australia (Go, Wed Jul 3, 9:30pm). Flogging a dead horse?
Other new shows include: satirical talk show Morgan Spurlock’s New Britannia (SBS2, Sat, 8:30pm), which takes a humourous look at the differences between British and American culture; failed sitcom Man Up! (Prime, Sat, 12pm) – don’t get too attached, it only ran for eight eps; Would you rather? With Graham Norton (One, Thu Jun 27, 11:30pm), which is just what it sounds like; and new seasons of twentysomething (ABC2, Thu Jun 27, 8:30pm); Kitchen Cabinet (ABC1, Tues Jul 2, 8pm); True Blood (Showcase, Mon, 8:30pm); and The Newsroom (Showcase, Mon Jul 15, TBC).
Docos to keep an eye out for include: Sunday Best: Catfish (ABC2, Sun Jun 30, 8:30pm), which explores human nature in the digital age; the latest cultural confrontation from Joe Hildebrand, Shitsville Express (ABC2, Tue Jul 2, 9:30pm); Chris Masters takes a look at Australia in the ‘20s and ‘30s in The Years That Made Us (ABC1, Sun Jun 30, 9:25pm); Ellen Fanning’s The Observer Effect (SBS1, Sun, 8:30pm), which looks at what Australia’s mavericks, power-brokers and celebrities are really like; The Fall of Versailles (SBS1, Fri Jul 5, 8:30pm), which looks at the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI; Sunday Best: Camp 14 Total Control Zone (ABC2, Sun Jul 7, 8:30pm) about a North Korean man who grew up in an internment camp; and Compass: Archie Roach (ABC1, Sun Jul 7, 6:30pm).
Members of the Academy will be finalising their Emmy ballots in coming days with Game of Thrones, The Americans (SCTEN, Mon, 9:30pm), Homeland, Girls, Louie, Breaking Bad, Mad Men and Breaking Amish among those being talked about for the gongs.
Old B-grade movies can be such fun on a cold winter’s night and there are a few to choose from this fortnight: 1956 sci-fi thriller The Brain Machine (GEM, Sun Jun 30, 10am); 1984’s sci-fi parody The Ice Pirates (GEM, Sun Jun 30, 11:30am) with Anjelica Huston and Ron Perlman; and Shalako (GEM, Sun Jun 30, 2pm), a Western starring Sean Connery (as Shalako) and Brigitte Bardot – Blackbox is tuning in just to hear Mr. Connery utter his character’s name.
Other flicks on the box include: ‘60s British spy comedy Our Man in Marrakesh (GEM, Mon Jul 1, 12pm); British horror parody The Horror of Frankenstein (GEM, Sat Jul 6, 3am); Batman: the Movie (Go, Sat Jul 6, 7pm); and the very ‘80s Superman II (Go, Fri Jul 5, 10:45pm), complete with a trio of leather clad villains.
Don’t miss an intriguing series of Dr Who’s Greatest Moments (ABC2, Mon-Thu Jul 1-4, 7:40pm) to celebrate 50 years.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 4 June 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 7 months ago
With the final ep of Game of Thrones (Showcase, Mon Jun 10, 8:30pm) about to go to air, don’t be too hasty to reclaim your Monday night. This year’s best new show (as endorsed by Chez Blackbox), The Americans (SCTEN, Mon, 9:30pm), has only just begun and there’s also the sixth season of True Blood (Showcase, Mon Jun 17, 8:30pm) to fill the GoT void.
In terms of (non-biopic) Australian drama, the big news is The Time of Our Lives (ABC1, Sun Jun 16, 8:30pm). From some of the creative minds behind Gen X twenty-something drama Secret Life of Us, and also starring Claudia Karvan, this one’s about the relationships in an extended Australian family (although strangely quite a lot of them probably fall in the same demographic). For actual twenty-something drama (and some laughs) there’s a second series of Twentysomething (ABC2, Thu Jun 27, 8:30pm).
Grand Designs (ABC1, Sun, 7:30pm) is back, starting with a rebuild from the ruins of Cloontykilla Castle in Southern Ireland.
The Alternative Comedy Experience (ABC2, Tue Jun11, 9:05pm) unearths underground comedians pushing boundaries in a world of stadium tours from the long established comic voices. If Bill Hicks was here today, he’d be proud.
Also new this fortnight are British legal thriller Injustice (ABC1, Sat Jun 8, 8:30pm), panel show Mock the Week (ABC2, Thu Jun 20, 9pm) from the creators of Whose Line is it Anyway?, Reef Doctors (SCTEN, Sun Jun 9, 6:30pm), the Great Barrier Reef medico drama (think commercial TV version of ABC’s RAN), Hamish McDonald’s The Truth is? (SCTEN, Mon, 8:30pm), NY underground short film comedy from Human Giant (SBS2, Mon Jun 10, 9:30pm) and travel blog Departures (SBS2, Tue Jun 11, 8:40pm).
The first ep of the CW’s re-imagined Beauty and the Beast (SCTEN, Wed, 9:30pm) aired a couple of weeks ago. It stars the not-very-beastly Jay Ryan of Go Girls fame. Think Arrow (WIN, Thu, 10:30pm) and you’re about there.
Docos to check out include Artscape: The A-Z of Contemporary Art (ABC1, Tue Jun 11, 10pm), a bluffer’s guide to the art world over two weeks, Compass: Britain’s Wicca Man (ABC1, Sun Jun 9, 6:30pm), about the man behind modern pagan witchcraft established in the ‘30s, Sunday Best: Born Rich (ABC2, Sun Jun 16, 8:30pm), about the lives of the less publicity-seeking Paris Hiltons of the world, On Borrowed Time (ABC1, Sun Jun 16, 9:30pm), in which filmmaker Paul Cox turns the camera on himself to film his own struggle against cancer, and William Yang: My Generation (ABC1, Sun Jun 16, 10:25pm), which tells the stories behind his photographs of Sydney’s art, literary, theatrical and queer circles in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Despite the high-wasted acid wash jeans and terrible décor, Seinfeld (7Mate, Tue, 6:30pm) still stands up against plenty of new comedy offerings. It’s time for the infamous Soup Nazi ep though.
Auntie’s next Aussie biopic has gone into production. Carlotta (ABC, TBC), about the iconic Les Girls headliner, will be filmed throughout Sydney, stars Jessica Marais in the title role and includes Caroline O’Connor and Alex Dimitriades in the cast.
Coming our way in future are UK comedy Vicious (Prime, TBC), starring legends Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi as a grumpy old gay couple, and more of the fabulous Jack Irish (ABC, TBC), again in telemovie format.
Movies to keep an eye out for include the 1989 flick that started the trend in tortured superheroes – Batman (Go, Sat Jun 15, 7:30pm), Norwegian zombie flick The Snow (SBS2, Sat Jun 15, 9:30pm) and French stoner comedy The Dope (SBS2, Sat Jun 15, 11:45pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 20 May 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 8 months ago
Winter (and the rich tapestry of ratings winners it brings) is definitely here. Grab a blanket, a hot cocoa (or espresso martini, if you prefer) and curl up for these five not-to-be-missed appointments with the box:
1. The Americans (SCTEN, Mon May 27, 8:30pm) – The Cold War set spy drama finally goes to air a full two weeks after the season ended in the US. This brilliantly executed drama follows the exploits of two deep cover Russian spies. If you only have room for one new show this year, make this it.
2. Robot Chicken Star Wars: Episode II (SBS2, Mon Jun 3, 9:30pm) – Stop-motion animated Star Wars skits. Up there with Blue Haven and the lego stop motion of Eddie Izzard’s Star Wars standup.
3. Paper Giants: Magazine Wars (ABC1, Sun Jun 2, 8:30pm) – The second instalment, after Asher Keddie’s award winning portrayal of Ita. This time it’s the ‘80s, the explosion of chequebook journalism and the battle between the editors of Murdoch’s New Idea and Packer’s Woman’s Day to be the top selling tabloid magazine in the country.
4. Whitlam: The Power and the Passion (ABC1, Sun May 26, 7:30pm) – Narrated by Judy Davis, the two part doco traces arguably Australia’s most famous Prime Minister’s journey from his start in the Labour party, through the dismissal, cataloguing his legacy – some lasting reforms as well as his place in constitutional history.
5. World B-Boy Championships (SBS2, Sun Jun 2, 6:30pm) – The six part series follows top break crews around the world as they battle to represent their country at the world finals.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also Cliffy (ABC1, Sun May 26, 8:30pm), a biopic of Australia’s favourite marathon running potato farmer, Longmire (GEM, Wed, 9:30pm), a police procedural set against the backdrop of Wyoming, The Life and Times of Tim (SBS, Thu May 23, 9:05pm), an animated series from the mind of Steve Dildarian about a self-conscious young guy who can’t catch a break, and new seasons of Dallas (GEM, Thu May 23, 11:30pm), Skins (SBS2, Thu Jun 6, 9:35pm), Nurse Jackie (11, Mon May 20, 10:40pm), Rules of Engagement (11, Tue, 7:30pm), Offspring (SCTEN, Wed May 29, 8:30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat May 25, 8:30pm), which kicks off with Steve Kilbey, Tex Perkins and Russell Morris at Bluesfest.
Docos to keep an eye out for include Climb Every Mountain: The Story Behind the Sound of Music (SBS1, Fri May 24, 8:35pm), Kidnap Terror on Seymour Avenue (SBS1, Sun Jun 2, 9:30pm), a look at the story of the three girls rescued in Cleveland this month, Making of The Great Gatsby (WIN, Sat Jun 1, 1pm), worth it just for the costumes and jewels, Sunday Best: When We Were Kings (ABC2, Sun Jun 2, 8:30pm), about Mohammed Ali and George Foreman’s infamous Rumble in the Jungle, and Her Majesty’s Prison: Aylesbury (ABC2, Tue Jun 4, 9:30pm), a look inside the prison housing some of the UK’s worst young offenders.
Lovers of vintage (and all that crafty stuff) may enjoy Kirstie’s Vintage Home (ABC1, Thu May 23, 8:30pm), which shows classic techniques to create vintage interiors.
SBS is kicking off its Australian film series with Snowtown (SBS1, Sat May 25, 9:30pm) and The Tree (SBS1, Sat Jun 1, 9:30pm). Other movie picks include 1965’s The Great Race (GEM, Sat Jun 1, 3:30pm), Made in America (Go, Fri May 24, 9:40pm), Die Hard (SCTEN, Sat Jun 1, 8:30pm), Kill Bill Vol. 1 (Go, Tue May 28, 9:30pm), Clerks II (Go, Wed May 29, 10:40pm), Dirty Dancing (Go, Thu May 30, 9:30pm), Mars Attacks! (Go, Sat Jun 1, 8:40pm), the original Superman (WIN, Sat May 25, 9:50pm), and Gone in 60 Seconds (7Mate, Sun May 26, 6pm).
Don’t miss the World Cup Qualifier: Japan vs Australia (SBS1, Tue Jun 4, 9pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 7 May 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 8 months ago
Time to put on your best faux fur, grab the tiara and open a bottle of bubbly as the annual ritzy glitzy Eurotrash-tastic spectacle brightens up your lounge room. And this year you really can pull the fondue kit out of the cupboard as the yodelling caravan of Eurovision (SBS1, Fri-Sun May 17-19, 7:30pm) winds its way to the Sweden’s Malmo – the Mecca for fans of Eurovision’s most famous victors, ABBA. It starts with Julia Zemiro’s travelogue throughout Eurovision country– The Heart of Eurovision (SBS1, Fri May 17, 7:30pm) and then we get down to business. This year’s highlights include the return of croaky voiced ‘80s Brit songstress Bonnie Tyler, bookie’s favourite Emmelie de Forest from neighbouring Denmark and the 95-year-old Emil Ramsauer of Swiss band Takasa. But if you’re looking for this year’s Lordi – which Chez Blackbox definitely is – you can’t go past Greek Balkan ska band Koza Mostra. Pick your favourites from sbs.com.au/eurovision , organise a sweep and get your glasses ready to hear the sweet sound of ‘zero points’.
New shows on the box include YouTube sensations The Midnight Beast (SBS2, Mon May 13, 9:30pm), Trashmag panel show Dirty Laundry Live (ABC2, Thu May 16, 9:30pm), Some Girls (Comedy, Wed May 8, 9pm), described by some as a girl’s version of Inbetweeners, finally some new eps of The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Wed May 1, 7:30pm) and season six of Dexter (11, Mon, 9:30pm).
Compass: Holy Switch (ABC1, Sun May 12, 7:30pm), which follows six religious young Australians from different faiths – Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Anglican, Buddhist and Hindu – as they switch lives, Stephen Fry: Gadget Man (ABC1, Thu May 9, 9:25pm), The Pitch (SBS2, Wed May 8, 9:35pm), an obdoco series about the advertising industry, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now (SBS 2, Tue May 21, 9:40pm), which investigates some extreme medical practices, and there’s a distinct royal flavour with obdoco Our Queen (ABC1, Thu May 9, 8:30pm), which gets up close and personal with the monarch, her family and staff throughout her jubilee year, and The Queen’s Mother-in-law (SBS1, Fri May 10, 8:30pm, which looks at Prince Philip’s mother, a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
The FA Cup Final 2013 (SBS1, Sat May 11, 1am) will be a David and Goliath battle between Wigan Athletic and Manchester City.
The team behind At Home with Julia are bringing together political impersonations, satirical characters to hash out the week’s political and cultural events in front of a live studio audience, with a bit of musical comedy thrown in. Wednesday Night Fever (ABC1, TBC) is due to air mid-2013.
Keep an eye out for Rectify, just launched on the Sundance channel in the US. The drama focuses on Daniel Holden (played by Aden Young) who has been freed after almost 20 years on death row. Critics Blackbox usually agrees with are raving.
The US version of Celebrity Splash (Prime, Tue, 7:30pm) just featured Tony Hawke doing a dive with a skateboard. We get Brynne Edelsten in a sequined (almost) bikini. Where’s the justice?
There is a swathe of vintage ‘90s flicks this fortnight to complement the return of black velvet, lace and doc martens in our shopping malls including Singles (Go, Sat May 11, 10:30pm), Seven (GEM Tue, May 7, 10pm), and ‘90s by virtue of its Tarrantino link – Kill Bill Vol. 1 (Go, Thu May 9, 9:30pm). There’s also a smorgasbord of older classics including Carrie (Go, Fri May 17, 9:30pm), Wrath of God (GEM, Fri May 17, 11:05pm), April in Paris (GEM, Sat May 18, 1:15pm), and 55 Days at Peking (GEM, Sat May 15, 3:20pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 23 April 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 9 months ago
The world’s most accomplished hardcore hero cum social commentator/comedian, Henry Rollins, is about to bring his unique perspective to our screens. Last seen on screens here as a white supremacist leader on Sons of Anarchy (Showcase, Sep, TBC), the latest offering is more in line with Hank’s philosophy, if not his appearance. Animal Underworld (SBS2, Tue May 7, 9:30pm) takes Hank on a journey to find out why some people choose to go head to head with the world’s most disturbing and dangerous animals.
Bad news for Auntie (and lovers of British comedy and drama who don’t have cable) – the network’s 50 year deal with the BBC will end mid-next year with almost all new content going to a new Foxtel Channel.
Those who get their storytelling fix from literature (instead of endless stock of serialised drama) will be interested to hear the new series of Jennifer Byrne Presents (ABC1, Tue Apr 30, 10pm) will feature chats with authors Ian McEwan, PD James, Ian Rankin and Margaret Atwood.
Also returning is the new, succinctly monikered Adam Hills Tonight (ABC1, Wed May 15, 8:30pm), Celebrity Apprentice (WIN, Tue Apr 30, 8:40pm) and Arrow (WIN, Wed May 1, 8:40pm) finally goes to air after much hoo haa and at least one false start.
No doubt most fans Breaking Bad (ABC1, Mon Apr 29, 9:30pm) have already seen season four but in case you haven’t, Auntie’s got you covered
Docos to check out include Head First (ABC2, Wed May 1, 9:30pm) where Sabour Bradley immerses himself in the lives of unknown Australians living extraordinary lives, including a nurse searching for her brother in Syria, and carrying out a sting against internet dating scammers, and Murdoch (SBS1, Sun May 5:30pm) a two-parter about the media magnate.
Teasers have started running in the US for the second season of The Newsroom (Showtime, Jul, TBC) which will start airing there July.
Filming on the 50th Anniversary Dr Who Special (ABC, TBC) has begun, with David Tennant and Billie Piper reprising their roles and a guest appearance by John Hurt.
Planning has begun for a Once Upon a Time (Prime, TBC) spin-off – Once: Wonderland will give the same treatment to Alice and Wonderland in a self-contained 13 episode series (provided it goes to pilot stage of course).
More Aussie shows may be headed to US pilots, including A Moody Christmas and The Straits. A new series of The Moodys (ABC, TBC) which takes the family beyond Christmas will go into production later this year. ABC announced last year that there would only be one season of The Straits.
Filming has started on a number of other local projects including a telemovie based on Peter Temple’s crime thriller The Broken Shore (ABC, TBC). The compelling Indigenous drama Redfern Now (ABC, TBC) has been renewed for another six episode season. Dawn French will be one of the judges on the next series of Australia’s Got Talent (WIN, TBC).
This fortnight’s movie picks include Mad Max (Go, Mon Apr 29, 9:30pm), Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Mate, Sun Apr 28, 9pm), King Richard and the Crusaders (GEM, Sun Apr 28, 2pm), Kelly’s Heroes (GEM, Sat May 4, 3:30pm) starring a range of ‘70s tough guys including Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas and Donald Sutherland, The Maltese Falcon (GEM, Sun Apr 28, 4:20pm), the Humphrey Bogart detective story made in 1941, not another Star Wars spin-off.
Mark this date – Eurovision Final (SBS1, Sun May 19, 7:30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 9 April 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 9 months ago
Winter’s not coming anymore. It’s here. And the networks have brought out the big guns as we all start to hibernate. Sure, everyone already knows about Game of Thrones (Showcase, Mon, 4:20pm, 8:30pm) – it broke records here on Foxtel, in the US and on download sites and has just been renewed for a fourth season – but there are plenty of other big name shows that have begun since Easter (or are about to) including Mad Men (SBS1, Mon, 9:30pm), superhero drama Arrow (WIN, Tue Apr 16, 8:30pm), Shameless (SBS2, Sun Apr 14, 9pm), Veep (Showcase, Mon Apr 15, 4:45pm) and serial killer drama The Following (WIN, Wed, 8:30pm).
Also new are psychological thriller Case Sensitive: The Other Half Lives (ABC1, Sat 27 Apr, 8:30pm), Danish drama Borgen (SBS1, Wed Apr 24, 9:35pm) from the makers of The Killing (One, Wed, 10:30pm), You Tube comedians The Midnight Beast (SBS2, Mon Apr 22, 9:30pm) and new eps of quirky comedy Portlandia (ABC2, Thu Apr 18, 9pm), The Ugly Americans (SBS2, Mon Apr 22, 10pm), Californication (11, Tue, 10:10pm) and Supernatural (11, Mon, 8:30pm).
But where’s The Americans (SCTEN, TBC)? The Ten network has the Australian rights and the critically acclaimed ‘80s spy drama is into its tenth episode in the US. Talk about slow-tracked – at this rate the DVDs will be available before the pilot airs. Hope they don’t do the same with Homeland (SCTEN, TBC) when it starts airing in September. Also showing in the US with a delayed airdate here is Bates Motel (Fox 8, Sun May 8, TBC), a prequel to the movie Psycho.
Auntie has long had a problem with filling the ten mins after a 50-minute program. Its two latest solutions are repackaged satirical news show The Roast (ABC2, Mon Apr 8, 7:30pm) and Canberra-produced The Boffin, The Builder, The Bombardier (ABC1, Sun, 8:15pm), part history lesson, part Mythbusters (SBS2, Mon-Fri, 7:30pm), part dad joke comedy.
There really is no end to what they’ll come up with for reality programming. Celebrity Splash (Prime, TBC) takes a bunch of former sports stars who’ve proved they can talk in front of a camera, a couple of comedians, B-list celebrities and network starlets, and a smattering of serial offenders (yes, Brynne Edelsten, we’re looking at you) and instead of ballroom dancing, they learn to dive. What’s next? Celebrity teeth brushing where a panel of dentists (whose faces can’t be shown) judge contestants on the state of their pearly whites?
Full disclosure: Blackbox, usually an advocate for mandatory bans on reality TV, is addicted to Fashion Star (11, Tue, 8:30pm). Let the flagellation begin.
The King of talk shows, (Sir) Michael Parkinson, returns with Parkinson: Masterclass (ABC1, Sun Apr 14, 10pm), a series of interviews with artists, authors and musicians.
Docos to check out include Urban Secrets (SBS1, Fri Apr 19, 7:35pm), where Alan Cumming unearths the secrets of urban environments, starting with some recently uncovered Sex Pistols graffiti in London; Hard Time (ABC2, Tue Apr 16, 9:30pm), which goes inside a maximum security prison in the US state of Georgia; Artscape: The Sharp Edge: The Art of Martin Sharp (ABC1, Tue Apr 16, 10pm), which celebrates the artist’s influence on the 50th anniversary of Oz magazine; and Artscape: Love and Fury: Judith Wright & Nugget Coombs (ABC1, Tue Apr 23, 10pm), which explores their ambitions for Australian culture and society.
Movie choices include the retro Gremlins (Go, Fri Apr 26, 5:30pm), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (GEM, Fri Apr 26, 8:40pm), The Neverending Story (Go, Fri Apr 26, 5:30pm), the vintage Key Largo (GEM, Sun Apr 21, 11:30pm), the bizarre Corpse Bride (Go, Sun Apr 14, 5:30pm) and St Trinian’s (Go, Sun Apr 14, 8:30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 March 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 10 months ago
While the major commercial networks continue to play cat-and-mouse games with their post-Easter schedule, Foxtel and Auntie aren’t so coy, announcing ‘fast tracked’ airdates for two of the year’s most anticipated returns – Dr Who (ABC1, Sun Mar 31, 7:30pm) and Game of Thrones (Showcase, Mon Apr 1, 4:20pm, 8:30pm).
Just as SCTEN announce they are no longer devoting themselves to the 18-35 demographic, SBS has crowned itself (or at least the SBS2 channel) as a youth broadcaster from Monday April 1 with a line-up that includes a new season of Skins (SBS2, Thu Apr 11, 9:30pm); Community (SBS2, Mon Apr 1, 7pm); Bullet in the Face (SBS2, Mon Apr 1, 9:30pm), an action comedy series with Eddie Izzard parodying graphic novel noir films; Dudesons in America (SBS2, Mon Apr 1, 9pm), a bunch of Finnish pranksters being Jackasses in the US; Threesome (SBS2, Thu Apr 4, 8:30pm), a comedy about raising a baby conceived as the result of a threesome; Him & Her (SBS2, Thu Apr 4, 9pm), a comedy about a couple of slackers who don’t leave their flat (much less the bed) and the bunch of characters who keep visiting; and Warrior Road Trip (SBS2, Tue Apr 2, 9:30pm), a fish-out-of-water doco series following two Maasai warriors as they travel the US.
Instead of the usual post-event packaged offering, Auntie will do a live-to-air broadcast of triple j’s One Night Stand (ABC2, triplej.net.au , Sat Apr 13, 7pm) from Dubbo with Flume, The Rubens, Ball Park Music and Seth Sentry.
Sketch comedy returns to Auntie too with The Elegant Gentleman’s Guide to Knife Fighting (ABC1, Wed Apr 3, 9pm) with the comedic talents of Patrick Brammall, Brendan Cowell and Phil Lloyd.
Docos to keep an eye out for include Graffiti Wars (SBS2, Apr 4, 9:30pm), exploring the creative tension between ‘80s legend King Robbo and Banksy; Exit Through the Gift Shop (SBS2, Sun Apr 6, 9:30pm), Banksy’s film that tells the story of Thierry Guetta – hoax mockumentary or documentary – you decide; Who’s been Sleeping in my House?: Gunning (ABC2, Fri Apr 12, 8pm), which looks at the lawless past of the local village; Artscape: Don’t try this at home (ABC2 , Tue Apr 1, 10pm), which explores performance art; Conspiracy Road Trip (ABC2, Wed Apr 3, 8:30pm), which takes on some big conspiracies starting with UFOs; Barefoot in Ethiopia (ABC2, Wed Mar 27, 10:10pm), which follows two Australians as they attempt to start an aid organisation in northern Ethiopia.
Auntie has just launched Opening Shot 3 for filmmakers under 35. If you have a doco idea head to openingshot.abc.net.au/about . Apps close Tuesday April 12. Opening Shot 2 (ABC2, TBC) will air later this year.
US adaptations of The Bridge, based on the Scandinavian drama that aired here on SBS, and Low Winter Sun, based on the British mini-series, will air later in the year on FX.
Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Spiderman) will make his TV directorial debut on the US Rake pilot. Eep!
The Chaser team will be back for the federal election campaign with a show they say is likely to be called The Election Hamster to save on sets.
Movies include classic The Godfather (ABC2, Fri Mar 29, 9:30pm), The Godfather Part II (ABC2, Sat Mar 30, 9:30pm) and Part III (ABC2, Sun Mar 31, 9:30pm); The Great Gatsby (ABC2, Sat Apr 6, 9:30pm); Cadillac Records (WIN, Fri Apr 5, 8:30pm), starring Beyoncé and Mos Def among others; Heath Ledger’s turn as Ned Kelly (WIN, Sun Mar 31, 8:30pm); ‘80s American Pie predecessor, Porky’s (WIN, Tue Apr 2, 10:30pm); Sex and the City (WIN, Wed Apr 3, 9:30pm); ‘80s Bratpacker classic Young Guns (WIN, Sat Apr 6, 8:40pm); American History X (WIN, Thu Apr 4, 9:30pm); The Interpreter (Prime, Thu Mar 28, 8:30pm), Twins (Prime, Fri Mar 29, 8:30pm); and The Gods Must be Crazy (One, Sat Apr 6, 8:30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 March 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 10 months ago
The most intriguing show to debut on the box this week has slipped right under the radar. Lilyhammer (SBS1, Sat Mar 30, 8:35pm) is a Norwegian fish-out-of-water crime drama with Sopranos alumni Steven Van Zandt starring as a New York mafia boss under witness protection in the Norwegian ski town. Strange premise but a compelling series.
The Fades (ABC 2, Mon Mar 18, 9:30pm) is a new British supernatural drama from the makers of Skins and This is England. The central character is a 17-year-old bedwetter, maligned at school, who’s also a psychic and can see ghosts. Again, much better than it sounds from the précis.
Other new shows airing this fortnight include Inspector George Gently (ABC2, Sat Mar 23, 8:30pm) based on the detective stories that reveal the dark underbelly of ‘60s Britain, and Transporter: The Series (FX, Wed Mar 20, 7:30pm).
Maybe it’s because the drama’s moved into the ‘20s, but Downton Abbey (Prime, Sun, 8:30pm) has suddenly become even more appealing. Dammit – that’s the hook that Underbelly (WIN, TBC) keeps using, with Squizzy (WIN, TBC) the next instalment.
Of course all the networks are playing coy about their post-Easter line-ups in order to outfox their competitors (and ensure us regular folk don’t end up watching). Expect announcements for Arrow (WIN, TBC) and The Following (WIN, TBC) as well as Game of Thrones (Foxtel, TBC) and Mad Men (TBC) which start airing in the US Sunday March 31 and Sunday April 7 respectively.
Just in case you thought there weren’t enough comedy quiz shows about, here comes Tractor Monkeys (ABC2, Wed Mar 20, 8:30pm). A nostalgia-based show mining Auntie’s archive, the Merrick Watts/Dave O’Neill/Monty Dimond-led chaos has a companion app that allows audiences to play along in real time (and if they’re good, make it on the leader board).
Docos to check out include Artscape: Anatomy – Stomach (ABC2, Tue Mar 19, 10pm) which looks at sideshow artist and sword swallower Aerial Manx, Kangaroo Dundee (ABC2, Thu Mar 22, 8:30pm) which follows the life of outback kangaroo rescuer Brolga, Compass: Patrick: The Renegade Saint (ABC1, Sun Mar 17, 6:30pm), uncovering the man behind the green-tinted legend – luck of the Irish alright, The Ultimate Mars Challenge (SBS1, Sun Mar 24, 8:30pm), and The Pluto Files (SBS1, Sun Mar 17, 8:30pm), about the planet not the Disney dog.
Blackbox’s reality comp guilty pleasure Fashion Star (11, Tue, 8:30pm) is back. No, of course it’s not The Voice (WIN, TBC).
Projects in development are a new Chris Lilley series for Auntie, and US pilots for Gothica, a gothic modern-day soap that incorporates the legends of Dracula, Jekyll and Hyde, Frankenstein and Dorian Gray, a remake of The Tomorrow People, The Hundred, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story about a ship of 100 teenage delinquents who are sent back to Earth 97 years after a nuclear war to try and recolonise, and Lucky 7, about seven employees of a Queens gas station whose lives are changed when their lottery syndicate wins the jackpot. Be warned – all but Lucky 7 have a whiff of CW teenage drama about them.
The best of this fortnight’s movies include How the West was Won (GEM, Sat Mar 23, 3:30pm).
For sports fans there’s the Australian Formula One Grand Prix (SCTEN, Sun Mar 17, 10am) and the FIFA World Cup qualifier, Australia vs. Oman (SBS1, Tue Mar 26, 8pm).
First Eurovision (SBS, May, TBC) news: Bonnie Tyler of Total Eclipse of the Heart fame will represent the UK. Giving them perhaps less chance of winning than when they wheeled out Englebert Humperdinck.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 February 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 10 months ago
The self-deprecating comedy of Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’s Gen Y captain Josh Thomas now has its own sitcom. Please Like Me (ABC2, Thu Mar 7, 9:30pm) is a perfect vehicle for Josh; part drama, part comedy, with him grappling with 101 things, constantly digressing and usually not really coping very well. If you like Josh’s particular brand of comedy (and Blackbox does) and aren’t offended by two boys making out or vomit from an overdose of Panadol, you’ll be back.
Canberra gets a guernsey for its birthday with Canberra Confidential (ABC1, Thu Mar 14, 8:30pm) where Annabel Crabb rummages through our secrets and scandals (mostly political, of course).
Other new shows to look out for include Shaun Micalleff and Kat Stewart in Mr & Mrs Murder (SC10, Wed, 8:30pm) and The Chaser team’s look at consumer affairs, The Checkout (ABC1, Thu Mar 21, 8pm) – yes, Wil Anderson, they got there first.
Docos to check out include: Meet the Young Americans (ABC2, Mon Mar 4, 8:35pm), which takes the Stacey Dooley style of immersion reporting to a boot camp prison for girls, young Mexican border runners and controversial gay conversion therapy; My Tattoo Addiction (ABC2, Wed Mar 6, 9:30pm), with access to two of the UK’s top tattooists and their clients; Dig 1940 (ABC2, Sun Mar 3, 6pm) that follows an archaeological dig examining World War II evidence from 1940; David Attenborough’s Galapagos (ABC1, Sun Mar 17, 7:30pm) and Wildest Arctic (SBS1, Wed Mar 13, 7:30pm).
The US version of Rake has made it to pilot stage – Blackbox is dying to see the results. The question is: acerbic rant or pleasant surprise?
The new Dr Who (ABC, TBC) season kicks off in the UK on Saturday March 30. With a bit of luck, Auntie will make it available on iView directly after.
New eps of Up All Night (Prime, Thu Feb 28, 11:45pm) which include a guest spot from Stevie Nicks may be some of the last you’ll see, with news Christina Applegate has left the show. There’s also new Revenge (Prime, Mon, 8:45pm), How I Met Your Mother (Prime, Mon, 9:45pm), Supernatural (11, Mon, 8:30pm), American Horror Story (11, Mon, 9:30pm) and CSI (WIN, Sun, 9:30pm).
There’s an eclectic round of movies this fortnight, including The Great Train Robbery (GEM, Sun Mar 3, 4pm) starring Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland; ‘60s spy drama The Double Man (GEM, Sun Mar 3, 1:50pm) with Yul Brynner and Britt Ekland; Sliding Doors (GEM, Fri Mar 8, 20:30); Australia’s own ‘70s sex romp Alvin Purple (GEM, Sat Mar 9, 11:30pm); Pretty Woman (Prime, Fri Mar 1, 9pm); Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Go, Sat Mar 2, 6:30pm); 10 (WIN, Sat Mar 9, 11:30pm) starring Dudley Moore and Bo Derek; Harry Brown (SBS1, Sat Mar 9, 9:30pm), a gritty critique on British society starring Michael Caine; Bonfire of the Vanities (WIN, Sun Mar 3, 12:25am); Million Dollar Baby (Go, Fri Mar 1, 9:40pm); Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Go, Tue Mar 5, 8:30pm) and Inception (Go, Sun Mar 3, 8:30pm).
And for something incredibly camp, catch 1964’s Wonderful Life (GEM, Sun Mar 3, 10am) starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows as a band stranded on the Canary Islands making a musical version of a veteran director’s comeback.
Cure your Saturday afternoon hangover with a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (11, Sat, from 12pm) marathon.
Don’t miss reruns of classic ‘80s Aussie sketch comedy Fast Forward (One, Thu, 9:30pm). Now if Auntie would just drag The Late Show out of the archives...
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 11 February 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 11 months ago
While we indulge in the new big ticket premieres the networks can’t help telling us about – yes, yes, we know Downton Abbey (Prime, Sun, 8:30pm) is back – Chez Blackbox is quietly awaiting news of a start date for The Americans (SCTEN, TBC). With a stamp of approval from the US critics that matter (and a Canberra one with far less cachet), the ‘80s-era spy drama about KGB officers deep undercover in the US is the ultimate Cold War drama. But it’s not all just spy action. As well as looking at the duality of life undercover, it also explores the mixed loyalties that real spies must have endured during the Cold War. As much a case study of what the human spirit can endure as a racy spy drama (think Breaking Bad with Russian spies instead of malcontent drug manufacturers).
Best. News. Ever: arguably the greatest Star Trek franchise, Deep Space Nine (Eleven, Thu Feb 14, 8:30pm), gets a rerun from the beginning.
Other new shows that have kicked off with the advent of the ratings season include Girls (Showcase, Tue, 5:45pm), Enlightened (Showcase, Mon, 5:15pm), CSI: NY (WIN, Thu Feb 14, 10:40pm), Revenge (Prime, Mon, 8:45pm), Castle (Prime, Sun, 9:40pm) and new action thriller Last Resort (Prime, Wed Feb 20, 8:30pm), about a US nuclear submarine crew who have been branded fugitives after questioning a suspicious order.
At the Movies (ABC 1, Tue Feb 19, 9:30pm) has moved days – you can catch Margaret and David a little earlier in the evening every week before The Book Club (ABC1, Tue Mar 5, 10pm) once a month.
Docos to check out include Kevin McCloud’s new series Man Made Home (ABC1, Sun Feb 17, 7:30pm), a new season of Australian architecture in Dream Build (ABC1, Sun Feb 17, 8:20pm), Ewan McGregor: Cold Chain Mission (SBS1, Wed Feb 27, 8:30pm), where the Scotsman goes on a mission to deliver vaccines to children in remote communities across the world, and The Dust Bowl (SBS1, Fri Mar 1, 8:35pm) that looks at the environmental catastrophe in the US in the ‘30s and features the tunes of Woody Guthrie.
Also seek out The Legend of Cool "Disco" Dan, narrated by Henry Rollins. It premieres in Washington on Sat Feb 23 and comes recommended by Hank himself (which is not the case with all of his work).
If you’ve had about as much as you can take of the cold-faced stares of chefs and judges on the endless roundabout of reality cooking shows and you ventured out to enliven your tastebuds at the Multicultural Festival, let some real chefs show you how to recapture the heady aromas at home with Yotam Ottolenghi’s Mediterranean Feasts (SBS1, Thu Feb 28, 8:35pm), Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Feb 21, 7:30pm) and Jerusalem on a Plate (SBS1, Thu Feb 21, 8:30pm).
The new reimagining of Dallas (WIN, TBC) was left with a bit of a conundrum when Larry Hagman died last year. With half the season shot and the need to kill off the character, they decided to go retro, revisiting the popular ‘Who Shot JR?’ cliffhanger of 1980.
Odd guest spots are the bread and butter of cult sci-fi stars. Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon & Tue, 8pm) alone has provided superannuation supplements to Leonard Nimoy, George Takei and Summer Glau, but now Mr Sulu will play an alien on US sci-fi sitcom The Neighbors (No Australian airdate).
Don’t miss Tropfest (SBS1, Sun Feb 17, 8:30pm).
Just 47 days until new Game of Thrones (assuming you read BMA on the day of issue and Foxtel fast-tracks it).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 29 January 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 3 years, 11 months ago
Maybe it’s the ‘80s fashion, maybe it’s that Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are at the helm, or maybe it’s just that nothing could be worse than Sex and the City 2, but The Carrie Diaries (FOX8, Tue, 8:30pm) has made the don’t miss list. The prequel to the ‘90s’ most risqué drama focuses on Carrie Bradshaw’s late teenage years. And yes, the fifth character of the original series and Schwartz’s previous work – NYC – still features heavily. With a heavy dose of nostalgia for the time and original series, it could have gone horribly wrong, but the quality of the writing is keeping it nicely balanced so far.
Ironically, given the infamous game that bears his name, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, the actor is still most often associated with Footloose (and the game). That may well change with his first TV role as FBI agent Ryan Hardy in The Following (WIN, TBC), opposite James Purefoy as a serial killer with an Edgar Allan Poe obsession. The show opened well in the States and while the premise isn’t original, the strong performances should give it a lengthy shelf life.
Don’t forget Elementary (SCTEN, Sun Feb 3, 8:30pm), the Johnny Lee Miller/Lucy Lui reimagining of Holmes and Watson which takes the Homeland timeslot. Incidentally if you need a Homeland fix, try the original, Prisoners of War (SBS1, Sat, 8:30pm).
There’s also Mindy Kailing’s comedy The Mindy Project (Prime, Mon, 9pm), and more returning shows including Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Feb 14, 7:30pm), The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon Feb 4 & Tue Feb 5, 8pm), Two and a Half Men (WIN, Mon Feb 4, 9pm), Person of Interest (WIN, Mon Feb 4, 9:30pm), Two Broke Girls (WIN, Tue Feb 5, 9pm), Anger Management (WIN, Tue Feb 5, 10pm), Up All Night (Prime, Thu Jan 31, 11:30pm), Mike and Molly (Go, Sun Feb 6, 8:30pm) and Good Game (ABC2, Tue Feb 12, 8:30pm).
The Chaser’s Craig Reucassel has found another use for his talents with the two part Shock Horror Auntie (ABC1, Wed Jan 30, 8:30pm), looking at the comedy that’s outraged viewers or management. Compadre Chas Licciardello will be back with more Planet America (ABC24, Fri Feb 1, 7:30pm).
More Game of Thrones news as we edge closer to the US season premiere on Sunday March 31 – the new characters include Clive Russell as Bryndon ‘The Blackfish’ Tully, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jojen Reed, and Diane Rigg as Lady Olenna Tyrell, ‘The Queen of Thorns’. New pics also show Daenerys Targaryen leading an army. Season 3 is based on A Storm of Swords, heralded as one of the best George R. R. Martin books.
Docos to check out this fortnight include Wildest Latin America (SBS1, Wed Feb 6, 7:30pm), Luke Nguyen’s Memories of Vietnam (SBS1, The Feb 7, 8:30pm), Monty Hall’s Great Irish Escape (SBS1, Fri Feb 8, 7:30pm), Louis Theroux’s Wild Weekends:UFOs (ABC2, Mon Feb 11, 8:35pm), and Andy Warhol (ABC1, Sun Feb 3, 10:05pm).
Blackbox has just returned from a couple of weeks in mainland China and in keeping with this column’s occasional international reviews, Chinese TV can be summed up pretty easily – lots of locally produced news and soap operas – both enthralling in their own way. Oh, and the Disneyland Hotel in Hong King doesn’t show Disney movies (but you can have breakfast with Pluto).
Best summer find: Wedding Band– it could have gone either way but has turned out a high enough laugh quota to keep Chez Blackbox returning. Unfortunately it’s been axed in the US so last week’s season finale was it.
Best of the movies are 1967’s Jules Verne’s Rocket to the Moon (GEM, Sun Feb3, 10am), 1976’s Network (Go, Fri Feb 1, 9:30pm) and Dog Day Afternoon (Gem, Sat Feb 9, 12am).
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 14 January 13 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years ago
The days are still sweltering and we’ll be waiting a while before the leaves start turning but it’s a different story on the box: the season’s upon us – the ratings season, that is. In case watching the cricket (or anything else) hasn’t reminded you enough about what’s coming soon, here’s the recap…
SCTEN is relying heavily on proven fare and new reality offerings. The newbies from OS to look out for are Elementary, the reimagined Sherlock Holmes with Lucy Lui as Watson. Not completely woeful but also not a patch on the British Sherlock, Ripper Street and The American. Locally there’s the delayed drama Reef Doctors, and Mr and Mrs Murder, Secrets & Lies: The Track, Batavia and Wonderland. The best of the new reality is probably Masterchef: the Professionals (SCTEN, Sun Jan 20, 7:30pm). There’s also a second series of Puberty Blues, a third of Homeland and more Modern Family, NCIS and The Simpsons.
Eleven will pick up the CW’s reimagining of Beauty and the Beast and Sons of Anarchy and An Idiot Abroad will return to ONE (sorry no GoT, which stays on pay).
WIN has followed its recent formula with lots of locally produced historical drama including Underbelly: Squizzy, a remake of ‘80s miniseries Return to Eden, Power Games, about the competition between the Packer and Murdoch families for ownership of Australian media, Schapelle, Gallipoli and literature brought to the small screen with Parade’s End. The network also has a couple of international standouts with Arrow, based on The Green Arrow comics, and crime drama The Following, about an FBI officer’s hunt for a serial killer. And, in case you thought reality cooking was over, there’s The Great Australian Bake-Off.
It’s a similar story over on Prime with Mrs Biggs, about the notorious bank robber’s wife, and A Place to Call Home, set in rural Australia in the ‘50s.Their O/S fare includes Last Resort, about the crew of a nuclear submarine branded fugitives, Red Widow, about a suburban housewife pulled into a life of organized crime, Zero Hour, a sci-fi offering which borrows heavily from central X-Files themes, and Mr Selfridge, a period drama set in the famous department store. And the most bizarre reality show – Celebrity Splash, where celebrities show their diving skills.
SBS’s centerpiece is Prisoners of War (SBS1, Sat Jan 19, 8:30pm), the Israeli drama series on which Homeland is based.
Over at Auntie there’s Peep Show (ABC2, Thu Jan 24, 9:30pm), the next installment of Paper Giants: Magazine Wars, detective series Serangon Road, 1950s crime sleuthing in The Dr Blake Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Feb 1, 8:30pm), telemovie Cliffy about Australia’s most unlikely sporting hero, long form drama in The Time of Our Lives, about three generations of the one family with the likes of William McInnes, Stephen Curry and Claudia Karvan, and the doco Whitlam: The Power and the Passion. Comedy-wise there’s a new Chris Lilley project, Upper Middle Bogan, new Spicks and Specks and Twenty Something, Indigenous sketch comedy in Don’t be Afraid of the Darkies, and the Merrick Watts and Dave O’Neill gameshow Tractor Monkeys. The Chaser take on consumer affairs in The Check Out and Joe Hildebrand is back.
In its drive to bring quality stand-up to your loungeroom, Auntie is premiering Set List (ABC2, Thu Jan 24, 9pm), with fully improvised sets from the likes of Ross Noble, Tim Minchin, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, Frank Skinner and Dara O’Briain, using an unseen list of phrases and audience wild cards.
Whether you are looking to awaken a yearning for yet more ‘70s nostalgia or just feed your penchant for glittery kitsch, you can’t go past Abba: Bang a Boomerang (ABC1, Wed Jan 30, 8:30pm). Hosted by everybody’s fave Kiwi, Allan Brough, the doco takes a trip down memory lane to chart the Abba journey in Australia, starting with Molly admitting he never said he liked Abba because he thought everyone would think he was gay, and on to features interviews with fans, music journos, promoters, publicists and even the tour security guard.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 4 December 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 1 month ago
The weather is heating up, the wading pool in the backyard is full, got the cricket on the box and a beer in-hand. What more do you need? Despite the advent of the silly (off-ratings) season, there?s actually plenty to keep the telly on. While you're waiting for the next Game of Thrones instalment (around April), get your medieval fix fromThe Pillars of the Earth (ABC1, Sun Dec 9, 8:30pm) adapted from the Ken Follet novel set in the 12th century;The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (WIN, Fri Dec 7, 8:30pm) and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (WIN, Fri Dec 14, 8:30pm).
Also new to screens are Brian Austin Green's newbie, Wedding Band (SCTEN, Wed Dec 5, 8:30pm), silly fun with hilarious covers of some long-forgotten tunes; mockumentary The Arecibo Message (SBS1, Mon Dec 17, 9:30pm);Cult (Prime, Wed Dec 5, 10:30pm), another paranormal offering with a mysterious cult in New Zealand; new Go Girls (SCTEN, Mon-Thu, 10:30pm); and crime dramas Breakout Kings (One, Tue Dec 19, 10:40pm) and Mafia's Greatest Hits (One, Tue Dec 19, 9:30pm). There's more to come with new seasons of Peep Show (ABC2, TBC) and Misfits (ABC2, TBC). Sadly, the wonderful Hit & Miss (ABC2, Mon Dec 10, 9:30pm) winds up this week and won't be back for a second season.
The impending arrival of that fat bearded guy in boots has also brought some gems - if you haven't watched A Moody Christmas (ABC1,Wed Dec 5, 9pm) get thee to iView or your local DVD retailer now. Of course, there's the annual Doctor Who Christmas Special (ABC1, Wed Dec 26, 7:30pm).
If you're looking for festive inspiration in the kitchen there's plenty on offer, including Maggie Beer's Christmas Feast (ABC1, Tue Dec 18, 8:30pm); Rick Stein's Spanish Christmas (ABC1, Tue Dec 4, 8:30pm); Nigellissima Christmas Special (ABC1, Tue Dec 11, 8:30pm); River Cottage Christmas Special (ABC1, Sat Dec 22, 6pm);Jamie's Christmas with Bells On (SCTEN, Thu Dec 20, 7:30pm); Jamie's Best Ever Christmas (SCTEN, Sat Dec 22, 4pm); and Better Homes and Gardens Countdown to Christmas Prime, Mon-Fri, 7pm).
Docos include Sunday Arts Up Late: Marina Abramovic - the Artist is Present (ABC1, Sun Dec 9, 10:15pm);Freddy Mercury: The Great Pretender (ABC2, Sun Dec 9, 8:30pm); Martin Luther King: The Assassination Tapes (SBS1, Fri Dec 7, 8:35pm); The Crusades (SBS1, Dec 16, 7:35pm); Cities of the Underworld (7Mate, Wed Dec 5, 7:30pm); and The Truth About Exercise (SBS1, Tue Dec 11, 8:30pm).
Don't miss: Celebrating 25 Years of rage - 2007 2011 (ABC1, Sat Dec 22, 11pm) and rage FIFTY (ABC1, Sat Dec 29, 11pm); Dr. No (Prime, Sat Dec 6, 6:30pm); From Russia with Love (Prime, Sat Dec 6, 8:45pm); Empire Records (Go, Wed Dec 19, 9:30pm); Airheads (Go, Sat Dec 22, 9:30pm); Ned Kelly (Go, Fri Dec 14, 9:10pm); and the last ep of Blackbox's own guilty pleasure, Gossip Girl (Fox, Tue Dec 18, 8:30pm). Definitely do miss: Andre Rieu Home for Christmas Special (WIN, Sat Dec 22, 3pm) and Rod Stewart: Merry Christmas Baby (GEM, Sat Dec 15, 2:25pm).
SANTA WATCH: Carols from St Peter's Cathedral (ABC1, Mon Dec 24, 6pm); The Santa Clause (Prime, Fri Dec 7, 8:30pm); and The Simpsons (SCTEN, Sat Dec 22, 6pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 20 November 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 2 months ago
There are 33 shopping days* until the fat guy in the red suit crawls down your chimney (or in through the reverse cycle air conditioner) and, so far, there’s not much on the box to herald his arrival. Except for the deliciously quirky oz comedy, A Moody Christmas (ABC1, Wed, 9:30pm), and Big Fat Gypsy Weddings: My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas (WIN, Wed Nov 21, 8:30pm).
Australian music’s night of nights will be broadcast on Go!, kicking off with pseudo-celebs strutting the ARIA Red Carpets (Go, Thu Nov 29, 7:30pm) followed by the ARIA Awards 2012 (Go, Thu Nov 29, 7:30pm). In a scheduling nightmare, the awards are preceded by One Direction: A Year in the Making (Go, Thu Nov 29, 6:30pm). For much more interesting musical history, there’s Crossfire Hurricane (ABC2, Sun Nov 25, 8:30pm), an insight into what makes The Rolling Stones.
One thing that crystallises at this time of year is that not everybody in the world is having a party. So, while you’re trimming the tree or shopping on eBay, check out the fabulous series of docos on Auntie as part of the global media event, Why Poverty? There’s Park Avenue (ABC2, Mon Nov 26, 9:30pm), which looks at the extreme wealth and inequality in the US; Give Us the Money (ABC2, Tue Nov 27, 9:30pm), examining how and why celebrities have become the spokespeople for Africa’s poor; Stealing Africa (ABC2, Wed Nov 28, 9:30pm), about global trade and corruption in Zambia; Solar Mamas (ABC2, Thu Nov 29, 9:30pm), looking at how women are finding ways out of poverty, and Welcome to the World (ABC2, Fri Nov 30, 9:30pm), about the prospects of the newest generation.
Other docos to check out include Opening Shot: Queen of the Desert (ABC2, Sun Nov 25, 9:30pm), about a remote central Australian youth worker; Top Gear: 50 Years of Bond Cars (WIN, Tue Nov 27, 7:30pm), and 10 Aussie Books to Read Before You Die (ABC2, Tue Dec 4, 9:30pm).
Other new stuff includes the All Creatures Great and Small prequel, Young James Heriot (ABC1, Sat Dec 1, 8:20pm), Sam Simmons’ Problems (ABC1, Wed Nov 21, 9pm), more fairytale action in Grimm (Prime, Tue, 9:30pm), Swedish thriller Real Humans (SBS1, Sat Dec 1, 9:30pm), and the return of House of Lies (One, Thu Nov 29, 9:30pm), Once Upon a Time (Prime, Thu Nov 22, 7:30pm) and Brand X (One, Thu Nov 29, 10:10pm).
A raft of projects have begun filming locally, including An Accidental Soldier, a telemovie set in WWI; the next instalment of Paper Giants, Wentworth; the reimagined version of ‘80s classic Prisoner, and Underbelly: Squizzy, marking a return to the ‘20s.
The West Wing’s Brad Whitford will guest star in the US version of Shameless, and in the can’t-believe-it-hasn’t-happened-already basket, Mythbusters will do a Breaking Bad episode.
Movies include Brother Sun Sister Moon (ABC2, Sat Nov 24, 8:30pm), Finding Nemo (Prime, Sat Nov 24, 6:30pm), Nightshift (WIN, Sat Dec 1, 1am), The Wizard of Oz (WIN, Sat Nov 24, 7:40pm), and Rush Hour (Go, Mon Nov 26, 9:30pm).
Don’t forget to check out the second-last instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 2003-2006 (ABC1, Sat 24 Nov, 11pm) or reruns of This is England ’88 (SBS1, Mon Nov 26, 9:30pm).
*assuming you’re reading BMA on publication day and you shop on eBay.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 6 November 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 2 months ago
First up, an apology: last issue, Blackbox suggested that the reappearance of Red Dwarf (ABC1, Wed Nov 7, 9:30pm) was a replay of the original series. In fact, it’s actually the hotly anticipated Season 11. If you’re reading early enough, there’s still time. Otherwise, it’s available on iView. Plus, it’s Red Dwarf – new or old, you should be watching.
How much better can it get than a telly show about telly shows? America in Primetime (SBS1, Tue Nov 13, 8:30pm) is part history, part analysis – basically porn for TV geeks.
Finding Your Roots (SBS1, Tue Nov 20, 7:30pm) is a spin on the six degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon game that takes two celebrities with similar ancestry and looks at that history. And yes, Kevin Bacon is featured.
Hunted (SBS1, Sat Nov 24, 8:30pm) – created by X-Files producer Frank Spotnitz and produced by the team behind Spooks – has an impressive pedigree, but the proof will be in the second and third episodes. Speaking of spies, don’t miss the double episode of Homeland (SCTEN, Sun Nov 11, 8:30pm), Hit &Miss (ABC2, Mon, 9:30pm) and doco Modern Spies (ABC2, Mon Nov 19, 8:30pm).
Other new shows to catch include: Chris O’Dowd’s latest effort, Moone Boy (ABC2, Fri Nov 9, 8pm), about a chaotic family in ‘80s Ireland; Michael Palin’s Brazil (ABC2, Sun Nov 11, 7:30pm); Devil’s Dust (ABC1, Sun/Mon Nov 11/12, 8:30pm), the mini-series about asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton; Artscape: The Making of the Reef (ABC1, Tue Nov 13, 10pm), which follows the composition and filming behind multimedia performance The Reef (ABC2, Sun Nov 18, 10pm); and dramedy The Wedding Band (11, Tue Nov 13, 7:30pm).
Micronation (11, Sun, 10:30pm), the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it five-minute comedic interlude with a premise that takes longer to explain than an episode, rises a wry smile and even a giggle. You can’t argue with that, given the small investment of time.
Docos to check out include: Sam and Evan: From Girls to Men (ABC2, Fri Nov 9, 9:30pm), following the journey of two transgender teenagers; America Revealed (SBS1, Fri Nov 9, 8:30pm), which looks at the systems that keep America fed, powered and moving; Quest for the Lost Maya (SBS1, Sun Nov 18, 7:35pm); and Gaddafi: Dead or Alive (SBS1, Wed Nov 21, 9:30pm).
Some interesting series under development here and in the US at the moment include: Heathers, based on the cult 1988 movie but, like other shows of the same ilk, set in the present day with some of the old characters as adults; and a new imagining of Wonder Woman with a Smallville-style plot; Beverly Hills Cop, which focuses on Axel Foley’s son and guest stars Eddie Murphy; ‘60s detective drama Serangon Road, an ABC/HBO Asia co-production set in Singapore; and Steven Spielberg has just bought the rights to Aussie supernatural novel Embrace for a series. Can’t wait for new BBC2 drama The Fall to make it to our shores. With a bit of luck, the psychological thriller starring Gillian Anderson will get picked up by Auntie.
Amongst this fortnight’s movies, you’ll find Shane (ABC2, Sat Nov 10, 8:30pm), A Knight’s Tale (7Mate, Sun Nov 11, 6:30pm) and Dune (Go, Sat Nov 17, 12:50am).
Don’t forget to check out the next instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 2003-2006 (ABC1, Sat 22 Nov, 11pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 23 October 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 3 months ago
An Australian version of The Street, with six stories of Indigenous inner-city life, Redfern Now (ABC1, Thu Nov 1, 8:30pm) is the first drama series written, produced and directed by Indigenous Australians. And a moving series with loads of humour. And it features the magnificent Kelton Pell. Don’t miss it.
Other new shows this week include Luke Nguyen’s Greater Mekong 2 (SBS1, Thu Oct 25, 8pm), Outback Truckers (7Mate, Thu, 9:30pm), the Aussie version of the inimitable Ice Road Truckers, UK drama Blackout (SBS1, Sat Nov 3, 8:30pm), about a corrupt councilman looking for redemption, I Just Want my Pants Back (Prime, Tue, 11:45pm), an MTV comedy based on the David Rosen novel, Melbourne 1880s period drama The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (ABC1, Sun Oct 28, 8:30pm), based on the Fergus Hulme novel, House of Lies (One, Mon Oct 29, 9:30pm) a US comedy about a bunch of cutthroat management consultants, telemovie Dangerous Remedy (ABC1, Sun Nov 4) about Dr Bertram Wainer, and UK drama Hit and Miss (ABC2, Mon Nov 5, 9:30pm), starring Chloe Sevigny as a transgender contract killer.
Not content to take over the world Gangnam-style, Asian pop is about to have its own version of Eurovision: the Asia Broadcasting Union TV Song Festival (SBS1, Sun Oct 28, 9:30pm). The good news – Australia will be represented – by DJ Havana Brown. The bad news – there’s no voting. The SBS broadcast is hosted by PopAsia (SBS1, Sun, 8:30am) hostess Jamaica dela Cruz.
As regular readers are no doubt aware, Chez Blackbox is a sucker for the retro smorgasbord multi-channel programming has brought but Auntie has hit the jackpot, replaying Red Dwarf (ABC1, Wed Nov 7, 9:30pm) from the beginning. Still waiting for The Jetsons, which turned 50 this year, and a flying car.
Docos to check out include the ultimate observational doco (before there was a name for it), 56 Up (SBS1, Tue Oct 30, 7:30pm), The Hunt for AI (SBS1, Sun Oct 28, 8:30pm), Jimmy and the Giant Supermarket (SBS1, Thu Nov 1, 8:35pm), which follows a free range food advocate working with UK supermarket Tesco, Foreign Correspondent: Goin’ Up Around the Bend (ABC1, Tue Nov 6), Annabel Crabb’s journey through Florida ahead of the US election, Louis Theroux: The City Addicted to Crystal Meth (ABC2, Mon Nov 5, 8:30pm) and Opening Shot: The H Bomb (ABC2, Sun Nov 4, 9:30pm), the first in a series from young Australian doco makers. This one’s about herpes.
Best news is that Auntie has commissioned a third season of Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8:30pm), although the man who created it and plays Cleaver Green to perfection has suggested three might be the end. The really disturbing news – there will be a US version. We all know how that goes.
Just in case you don’t have a Christmas countdown app or didn’t notice the Christmas puddings in the supermarket, the TV signs that Christmas is around the corner have arrived. There’s new comedy, A Moody Christmas (ABC1, Wed Oct 31, 8:30pm), which features the dysfunctional Moody family’s Christmases over six years, Christmas specials – That ‘70s Show – An Eric Forman Christmas (7Mate, Tue Oct 30, 6pm) – and the summer telly details have started to arrive, but more about that next ish.
Don’t miss Kitchen Cabinet: Barnaby Joyce (ABC2, Wed Oct 31, 9:30pm) and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (ABC2, Sat Nov 3, 8:30pm). It’s also time for the next instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 1999-2002 (ABC1, Sat Oct 27, 11pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 8 October 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 3 months ago
On your couch is once again the place to be seen on Sunday nights, so grab some pizzas and beers (or go the gourmet route with wine and cheese) and settle in for the long haul. And you don’t even have to use the remote – (read in commercial radio voiceover tone:) SCTEN is fast-tracking it right to your door.
The fun starts with Merlin (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 6:30pm) followed by Modern Family (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 7:30pm), The New Normal (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 8pm) a comedy with two men and a surrogate baby, Homeland(SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 8:30pm) and ‘60s period drama Vegas (SCTEN, Sun Oct 14, 9:30pm). If that’s not enough, set the DVR for Jack Irish (ABC1, Sun Oct 13, 8:30pm), with Guy Pearce as the former criminal lawyer turned private investigator and debt collector from Peter Temple’s books.
Also starting this fortnight are comedy Ben and Kate (SCTEN, Mon Oct 15, 8pm), the Chaser team’s foray into commercial telly, The Unbelievable Truth (Prime, Thu Oct 11, 9:30pm) and new seasons of Mike and Molly(WIN, Tue Oct 16, 10pm), Survivor: Philippines (WIN, Tue Oct 16, 10:30pm), Supernatural (11, Mon Oct 15, 6:25pm) and The Graham Norton Show (SCTEN, Sat Oct 20, 8:30pm), which kicks off with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There’s still more to come, including Elementary (SCTEN, TBC) the Sherlock Holmes reimagining with Lucy Lui as Watson, and Scandal (Prime, TBC) a political thriller with everyone’s fave government flack, Josh Malina. The Foxtel fast-tracking list (which they’re calling ‘Express from the US’) is also growing, with new seasons ofBoardwalk Empire (Showcase, Mon, 3pm), Dexter (Showcase, Thu, 8:30pm), The Walking Dead (FX, Tue Oct 16, 8:30pm), Gossip Girl (Fox8, Tue Oct 9, 8:30pm), The Vampire Diaries (Fox8, Wed Oct 17, 7:30pm) and JJ Abrams’ newbie, Revolution (Fox8, Wed, 8:30pm).
And if that’s a drama overload, there’s plenty of docos, including Mega Builders: Glitz City (ABC2, Mon Oct 8, 7:30pm), which follows the building of a huge casino resort in Vegas, My Transsexual Summer (ABC2, Fri Oct 12, 9:30pm) which follows the journey of seven transgender individuals, Gypsy Blood (ABC2, Sun Oct 21, 8:30pm), which takes a more serious look at Gypsy culture, and a new series of Who Do You Think You Are? (WIN, Wed Oct 10, 10:30pm) which begins with Martin Sheen. The best fly-on-the-wall doco since Newlyweds and The Osbournes is Brynne: My Dedazzled Life (Prime, Thu, 7:30pm). Avoid Geordie Shore (Eleven, Tue Oct 16, 9:40pm). You have been warned. But don’t miss Peter Garrett on Kitchen Cabinet (ABC2, Wed Oct 24, 9:30pm).
There’s so much new telly coming our way, Blackbox hasn’t mentioned the seemingly endless stream of classics in a while. Look out for Thunderbirds (Go!, Sun, 6am) and the original early ‘80s version of Battlestar Galactica(7Mate, Thu, 2am).
The best of the flicks are Tropic of Cancer (ABC2, Sat Oct 13, 8:30pm), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Go!, Fri Oct 19, 7:30pm), Caddyshack (Go!, Fri Oct 19, 9:30pm), Pulp Fiction (Go!, Sat Oct 20, 9:30pm), Jaws 3 (7Mate, Sun Oct 14, 9pm) complete with (crappy) 3D effects, and Whip It (Go!, Tue Oct 16, 9:30pm), which is followed by Roller Derby X-Treme (Go!, Tue Oct 16, 11:50pm).
Finally, fanatics won’t want to miss the Dr Who Symphony Spectacular (Sydney Opera House, Sat-Sun Dec 15-16).
Date Published: Tuesday, 25 September 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 3 months ago
The casualty of Foxtel’s fast-tracking to stop the pirates may be the spoiler alert
The big ticket shows may have already engulfed your flatscreen but there are some hidden gems among the second string shows premiering in the next few weeks, including Killing Time (Prime, Sun Oct 7, 8:30pm), starring David Wenham as notorious Melbourne criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser, Strikeback (Prime, Sun Sep 30, 8:30pm) a thriller about a British counter terrorism unit from HBO/ UK Sky and Black Mirror (SBS1, Mon Oct 8, 9:30pm), a black dramedy set in three different future universes.
The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Tue Oct 2, 8:30pm), Covert Affairs (Prime, Mon, 9:30pm), Two Broke Girls (WIN, Tue Oct 2, 9pm). New Girl (SCTEN, Mon Oct 1, 7:30pm), NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Oct 2, 8:30pm) and Kitchen Cabinet (ABC2, Wed Oct 10, 9:30pm) also return.
Docos to check out include the best ever Sunday Best: Strummer (ABC2, Sun Oct 7, 8:30pm) a biopic of The Clash lead singer from punk doco legend Julien Temple, Barack Obama: Great Expectations (SBS1, Wed Oct 10, 9:30pm), Jerusalem: The Making of a Holy City (SBS1, Fri Sep 28, 8:30pm), which looks at the history of the city through the prism of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, Battle Castle (SBS1, Sun Sep 30, 7:35pm) the tale of six medieval castles and Living with the Amish (SBS1, Wed Oct 3 8:30pm), which follows six British teenagers living in US Amish communities.
The new season premieres continue in the US, including Nashville, a dramedy with a country music flavour, Arrow, the Green Arrow series, and returns of Community, The Walking Dead, Homeland (SCTEN, Sun, TBC), Revenge and finals seasons of Fringe and Gossip Girl. Whether Fox’s strategy of airing shows such as Sons of Anarchy (Showcase, Wed, 3:10pm) and 666 Park Avenue (Fox 8, Mon Oct 1, 9:30pm) almost immediately after the US will actually have any effect on illegal downloading remains to be seen. But it will at least mean looking at the interweb without covering your eyes. Let’s hope all the free-to-air networks will follow suit. Even superb local content isn’t going to save you.
Skins USA (11, TBC), which has already aired in the US and here on Pay, will get another run on free-to-air and US comedy The B*tch in Apartment 23 (Arena, Mon, 7:30pm), starring Dawson’s Creek’s James Van Der Beek as himself, is airing on Pay.
The best part of First Tuesday Book Club (ABC1, Tue Oct 2, 10pm) is often the guests and with Marieke Hardy, Dave Graney and Indira Naidoo in the mix it’s sure to be a good one. And don’t miss The Muppets All-Star Comedy Gala (SCTEN, Sun Sep 30, 6:30pm).
It’s anybody’s guess how Roberta Williams goes down in the UK, Europe and the Middle East but the original series of Underbelly has been sold to CBS who plan to broadcast it in those markets, starting with the UK in the next couple of weeks.
Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8:30pm) certainly started with a bang, prompting former NSW premier Kristina Kenneally to tweet “ah, the hair has a life of its own”. The West Wing cast have reunited – not for a movie – but for a political ad (YouTube, walk and talk the vote).
A great grab bag of flicks coming up including Donnie Brasco (Go, Thu Sep 27, 8:30pm), Sherlock Holmes (Go, Thu Oct 4, 8:30pm), Revenge of the Nerds (Go, Fri Oct 5, 8:30pm) and A Fish Called Wanda (GEM, Mon Oct 1, 12am).
Date Published: Tuesday, 11 September 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 4 months ago
Our publicly funded broadcasters serve up the Chaser and Steve Buscemi
The worst-kept secret in Australian television is finally out – the Chaser crew haven’t completely ditched auntie for the cold hard cash. The Hamster Wheel (ABC1, Wed Sep 26, 9:05pm) is back as most astute Canberrans and readers of The Riot Act would know from their prank at a Parliament House protest a month or so back. They haven’t completely taken the pauper route, though – half the crew will make a name for themselves on the network that sued them (Prime) later this year with the Australian version of The Unbelievable Truth.
One of the greatest things about being Australian is the knowledge that we have two taxpayer-supported free-to-air channels. Not only do they bring us great locally produced fodder such as Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8:30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS, Sat, 8:30pm) and a plethora of docos, they also ensure (sometimes belated) access to cable shows like Boardwalk Empire (SBS1, Sat Sep 29, 9:30pm). And they’re not afraid of the ratings monster. ABC’s Dr Who (ABC1, Sat, 7:30pm) debut on iView immediately after its UK premiere and a week before it hit TV broke records.
Docos to check out include Artscape: Subtopia (SBS, Tue, 10pm), which looks at Blender co-op founder, artist, activist and academic Adrian Doyle, who put street art on Melbourne’s map, Empire (Prime, Thu Sep 13, 7:30pm), which looks at the NY icon, Sunday Best: Jig (ABC2, Sun Sep 23, 8:30pm) which follows the intrigue of Irish dancing world champs, Tyson (SBS1, Sun Sep 16, 9:30pm), Sunday Best: Surviving Progress (ABC2, Sun Sep 16, 8:30pm), Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die (SBS1, Sun Sep 23, 9:30pm), JK Rowling (ABC1, Thu Sep 27, 8pm), her only Australian interview – with Jennifer Byrne – and Prohibition (SBS1, Sat Sep 29, 8:30pm), which cleverly precedes Boardwalk Empire.
Masterchef may be well and truly over but there’s no shortage of foodie fodder to indulge your palate, including a new season of The Great Food Truck Race (ABC2, Fri Sep 14, 7:30pm), Poh’s Kitchen Lends a Hand (ABC1, Tue, 8pm), Yes Chef (SCTEN, Sat Sep 15, 3pm), A Taste of Travel (SCTEN, Sat Sep 15, 3:30pm), with aforementioned Masterchef contestants travelling the country and globe to find the best food, Love to Share (SCTEN, Sat Sep 15, 4pm), with more Masterchefers, and Rick Stein’s Spain (ABC1, Tue Sep 25 8:30pm).
Best. News. Ever. Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson are reprising their Bottom roles in Hooligans Island – set to air in 2013. Filming has started on Auntie’s comedy, Upper Middle Bogan, from the team behind The Librarians and Very Small Business – also set to air in 2013. (Second best news ever: The Shire has been axed.)
There are more new shows in the US Autumn schedule to look out for in coming months including Copper, a BBC America production about an Irish-born police officer in 1860s New York, and Go On, a new Matthew Perry-driven comedy. Vegas, set in ‘60s Las Vegas when The Strip was just getting started, starts in the US on Tue Sep 25.
Of course, the next most anticipated return (when it gets its (hopefully) free-to-air start) will be season two of Homeland (TBC). The trailers are already airing in the US. And it looks awesome. Sadly, a new season of Game of Thrones is a long way off – they’re still casting – and The Wire’s Dominic West turned them down. McNulty would have made a perfect King beyond the wall.
The Emmys (Fox8, Mon Sep 24, 9am) don’t seem to have a free-to-air home. And on award shows, this year’s ARIAs will be on Go with public voting categories. And the biggest football comp of the year is here: UEFA Champions League (SBS1, Wed Sep 19, 4:30am).
Don’t miss the third instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage – 1995-98. Here at Chez Blackbox there’ll be plenty of (ANU) bar flashbacks in store... And if that’s not enough, an avid fan has put together a site of all rage eps from 1998- 2012: rageagain.com
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 28 August 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 4 months ago
While the ‘70s pop cultural journey of discovery (or trip down Memory Lane for some) of Howzat: Kerry Packer’s War (WIN, Sun, 8:30pm) and Puberty Blues (SCTEN, Wed, 8:30pm) has kept Chez Blackbox enthralled, the most anticipated series of 2012 is yet to arrive. But it’s close. And the second season of Rake (ABC1, Thu Sep 6, 8:30pm) is a humdinger. In the first couple of eps, our good friend Cleave, the world’s most inappropriate barrister, has an affair with the Premier (Toni Collette) and gets sued for defamation by Harry – sorry, David.
Of course Chez Blackbox is also shivering with anticipation at the prospect of new Dr Who (ABC1, Sat Sep 8, 7:30pm) within a week of its UK and US premiere.
And they aren’t the only shows to let the post-Olympic dust settle before launching. There’s a second season of Lowdown (ABC1, Thu Sep 6, 9:30pm), GCB (Prime, Mon, 8:30pm), a comedy about grown-up mean girls starring the inimitable Kristen Chenoweth, the much promoted House Husbands (WIN, Sun Sep 2, 8:30pm), Broadway drama Smash (Prime, Tue, 9:30pm), Kath & Kim: The Souvenir Editions (Prime, Sun, 7:30pm), repackaged just in time for the movie, Up All Night (Prime, Mon, 10:30pm), Kevin’s Grand Design (ABC1, Sun Sep 9, 7:30pm), Rick Stein Tastes the Blues (ABC 1, Tue Sep 11, 8:30pm), full of soul food from America’s south, Glory Daze (Go, Sat Sep 8, 11pm), college comedy set in the ‘80s – a cult hit since it was canned, Sinbad (ABC1, Sat Sep 8, 8:20pm), a modern reimagining from the folks behind Primeval, and new seasons of Episodes (WIN, Tue Sep 4, 9pm) and Weeds (WIN, Tue Sep 4, 11:55pm).
Meet the Amish (SBS1, Wed Sep 5, 8:30pm) is the ultimate fish out of water doco. It takes a mob of Amish kids from the American mid-west to live with contemporary British families in London. They go from a quiet rural existence to South London in episode one.
Aaron Sorkin’s Newsroom (SoHo, Mon, 8:30pm), which is about to reach its conclusion in the US (to the joy of many critics), has been picked up here on cable. Unsurprisingly, it’s not the only new US show to go cable with JJ Abrams’ post apocalyptic sci-fi, Revolution, and 666 Park Avenue, pitched as an Alfred Hitchcock psychological thriller rather than a horror gore-fest, bypassing free-to-air.
The Beer Factor (Go, Sat Sep 1, 10:30pm) is a curious hybrid – part beer company marketing ploy, part comedy. It’s hosted by Tom Gleeson, who is on the hunt for Australia’s funniest beer inventions and is tied to the Hahn ‘pioneering beering’ campaign.
There’s more promising shows in the works here and OS including Whitlam, a two-part doco on the former PM from the crew behind Bombora and Wide Open Road, a new season of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Better Man, about Van Tuong Nguyen, the Australian who was executed in Singapore in 2005 for drug trafficking, Janet King, a political thriller off the back of Crownies, Mockingbird Lane, an NBC re-imagining of The Munsters with Portia De Rossi and Eddie Izzard, Dracula, based on Bram Stoker’s tale, a Marvel comic superhero show to be developed by Joss Wheedon, a-yet-to-be-named-drama about an interpreter being described as West Wing in the UN to be written Tom Brady, Slings and Arrows, a new Ben Elton Comedy and a reimagining of classic ‘80s BBC sci-fi Blakes 7 from the folks behind Battlestar Galactica.
As teen dramas go, the re-booted 90210 (11, Sun, 5pm) and Melrose Place (11, Tue, 10:30pm) leave a lot to be desired. Wait for the final season of Gossip Girl (airing in the US in October and here on cable) or seek out the early ‘90s originals. Better still, wait for next year and get your retro on with the mid-‘80s trip that is The Carrie Diaries.
After press time last issue, SC10 announced they would air Canberra-produced drama Space (11, Sun, 10pm). If you missed the first ep, catch the encore (11, Sun Sep 2, 1am) and follow Chez Blackbox on Twitter for the stuff that happens between eps – sorry, issues.
Don’t miss Clerks (Go, Wed Sep 5, 9:30pm). One of the best cult movies ever.
Date Published: Tuesday, 14 August 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 5 months ago
How WIN lost the Olympics
Before launching into the smorgasbord of post-Olympic viewing opportunities, something has to be said about Nine’s terrible free-to-air coverage of the world’s biggest event. Chez Blackbox was bubbling with excitement at the prospect of two weeks of weird and wonderful sports, postcards from London and fun. Unfortunately what we got was an extended version of Wide World of Sports with a little too much Karl and way too much Eddie. No Roy and HG, no Bruce McAveny, no wider cultural backstory and very little coverage of weird sports – just the same races repeated over and over, endless commentary about the swim team and information about what footy team they support. No doubt the Paralympics (ABC1, from Thu Aug 30, 5.20am) will be better viewing. Adam Hills is hosting the Opening Ceremony for starters.
What the Olympics has done is jump-start a round of new viewing across the networks, beginning with Puberty Blues (SCTEN, Wed Aug 22, 8.30pm) which is so far showing the right mix of elements to make it worth the investment – great cast, good backstory, excellent (and well-researched) writing. SCTEN released the first ep on Facebook for 24 hours last week and it left Chez Blackbox wanting more, despite giggling every time the girls called each other molls.
The new version of Dallas (WIN, Wed Aug 22, 9.30pm) isn’t as bad as expected – the creators actually made some good decisions. 1) They retained more than a token of the original cast to reprise their roles – JR, Bobby, Sue-Ellen and Lucy are all back. 2) Instead of totally filling the cast with pretty, vacant starlets, they’ve got some real talent like Josh Henderson in the lead roles.
While Chez Blackbox is usually not a fan of reality TV, the concept behind Don’t Tell the Bride (SCTEN, Tue Aug 21, 7pm) is intriguing but here lies the rub – would any bride let their hubby organise a wedding if there was any possibility they would totally screw it up?
Elsewhere there’s Howzat! Kerry Packer’s War (WIN, Sun Aug 19, 8.30pm), Destination Flavour (SBS1, Thu Aug 16, 8pm), a foodie trip around Australia with Adam Liaw, Renee Lim and Lily Serna, Can of Worms (SCTEN, Tue Aug 20, 8.30pm), with Chrissie Swan not Dicko, House of Lies (SCTEN, Tue Aug 20, 9.40pm), the US comedy starring Don Cheadle as a management consultant, I Will Survive (SCTEN, Wed Aug 22, 7pm) – despite the marketing campaign it isn’t yet clear whether these guys will be performing as drag queens – otherwise it’s just a rural version of Idol or The Voice, Underbelly Badness (WIN Mon Aug 20 8.30pm) the saving grace will be Anthony LaPaglia in the lead role, Charlie Sheen’s new comedy Anger Management (WIN Tue Aug 21 8.30pm) and Big Brother (WIN, Mon-Fri, 7pm).
Docos to check out include God Bless Ozzy Osborne (ABC1, Wed Aug 29, 9.30pm) – sure, it’s produced by Sharon but it does feature interviews with Sir Paul McCartney and Henry Rollins, Compass: My Brother’s Cult (ABC1, Sun Aug 19, 6.30pm) about a Sydney cult, the next instalment of the Three Men Go franchise – Three Men Go to New England (ABC1, Tue Aug 28, 8.30pm), Sunday Best: Murderball (ABC2, Sun Aug 26, 8.30pm), which looks at the world’s roughest sport – wheelchair rugby, Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story (SBS1, Sun Aug 19, 9.30pm) and Male Hookers Uncovered (ABC2, Fri Aug 24, 9.30pm).
Movies include 2001: A Space Oddity (SCTEN Sun Aug 26 1.50am), In Bruges (Prime, Thu Aug 16, 9.50pm), A Nightmare on Elm Street (Go!, Thu Aug 23, 9.30pm), Mad Max (Go!, Sat Aug 25, 9.30pm), and The Addams Family (WIN, Sat Aug 18, 7.30pm).
Weirdest TV listing – WIN celebrating the Ten Year anniversary tour of Auntie’s Long Way to the Top (WIN, Sat Aug 18, 3pm) without so much as a nod in ABC’s direction.
Don’t miss the second instalment of rage’s trip down memory lane, Celebrating 25 years of rage: 1991-1994 (ABC1, Sat Aug 25, 11pm). More new shows next week.
Date Published: Tuesday, 31 July 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 5 months ago
A memory trip down rage lane and the best TV of 2013
The second instalment of Celebrating 25 Years of rage: 1991-1994 (ABC1, Sat Aug 25, late) will be stellar: the (commercial) birth of grunge; big beefy guitars; the first Big Day Out; the rise of the DJ; and the reinvention of punk, ska and hardcore. Episode one featured some gems from Run DMC, Stone Roses and The Pixies, along with some cringeworthy fare from Tone Loc, Fine Young Cannibals and Kylie.
Chez Blackbox is eagerly awaiting the Olympic Opening Ceremony in the wee hours of the morning as we go to press, and hoping, dear readers, that if you don’t like sports, you like movies. With ads. Because that’s what’s showing on most networks (other than WIN) for the next couple of weeks. On the plus side, there are some standouts that you forgot (or didn’t know existed) including Seven (Go!, Wed Aug 8, 9.30pm), Go (Go!, Tue Aug 7, 9.45pm), Maverick (Go!, Fri Aug 10, 7.30pm), Child’s Play (Go!, Sat Aug 11, 12.10am), The Man With Two Brains (Go!, Sat Aug 11, 11.30pm), Some Like It Hot (ABC2, Sat Aug 4, 8.30pm), and Planet of the Apes (One, Tue Aug 7, 8.30pm).
Almost everything else appears to be on hold. If you’re really desperate there will still be Masterchef All Stars (SCTEN, Sun Aug 5, 7.30pm), The Shire (SCTEN, Sun, 8pm), The Voice US (Go!, Tue Aug 7, 8.30pm), Being Lara Bingle (SCTEN, Tue, 8pm), and 90210 (11, Sun, 5pm).
One little awesome late-night find Fresh Meat (11, Tue, 9.30pm) will continue. Best described as a cross between Spaced and Peep Show (with lots of the same comedians) but with a pinch of Young Ones absurdity.
Of course, there’s also still new Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat, 8.30pm) to save you, and some doco fare including: The Last Explorers (SBS1, Wed Aug 8, 8.30pm); Dream Build (ABC1, Sun, 8.15pm); Three Men Go To Scotland (ABC1, Tue Aug 7, 8.30pm), and; Websex: What’s the Harm? (ABC2, Fri Aug 3, 9.30pm).
Two new Aussie dramas have just gone into production: Seven’s A Place to Call Home set in rural Australia in the ‘50s, and ABC’s The Time of Our Lives, a Gen-X drama from The Secret Life of Us creator Amanda Higgs.
The place to be this weekend is in the Beverly Hills Hotel where hundreds of US TV critics will get to see the first full episode of the next season of Homeland. It’s part of the TV Critic Association’s press tour, with previews of the new shows and panels of actors, directors, studio execs, and show runners (much more glamorous than the odd preview DVD that arrives in the mail at Chez Blackbox...). The Twitterverse has been ablaze with commentary on the new shows and, if the critics that get the Blackbox seal of approval are right, the shows to watch out for include: comedies The Mindy Project (from Office star Mindy Kailing), Ben and Kate, Gordon Ramsay’s Hotel Hell and new seasons of Downton Abbey and Fringe. And there are still offerings from ABC, FX, CBS, Showtime, The CW and HBO to come.
Finally, in appreciation of the audience rather than advertisers, Go! is airing full uncut 45-minute episodes of, well, Episodes (Go!, Thu, 10.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 17 July 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 6 months ago
Come Friday July 27, there’ll only be one show in town. A little sporting event on a little island in the North Sea has wrapped the telly schedule in patriotism, scaring big ticket shows like Downtown Abbey (Prime, Sun Jul 22, 7:30pm), Revenge (Prime, Mon Jul 23, 8:30pm) and Episodes (WIN, Tue Jul 24, 9:30pm) into wrapping up next week. Masterchef (SCTEN, Wed Jul 25, 7:30pm) and Australia’s Got Talent (Prime, Wed Jul 25, 7:30pm) even reveal their winners the same night to defy the sudden ratings drop that comes with being pitted against Olympic Games 2012 coverage.
For some reason it seems we’d prefer to watch skeet shooting if it comes with the Olympic rings. And that’s the point – there’s something for everyone. If the celebrity of the Australian swim team makes you see red, take Blackbox’s lead and seek out the weird and wonderful. Find out why people put themselves through a pentathlon, whether all fencers are private school boys and how synchronised swimmers stop water from going up their noses. And to satisfy Chez Blackbox’s penchant for kitsch, the biggest ticket in town is the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony (WIN, GEM Sat Jul 28, 6:30pm). Lucky for us the live coverage starts during primetime but the finals will be in the wee hours.
Outside the wall-to-wall WIN coverage there’s a host of Olympics-related programming such as Gruen Sweat (ABC1, Wed Jul 25, 8:30pm), scheduled for the four weeks of the Olympics advertising bonanza, Absolutely Fabulous (ABC1, Thu Jul 26, 8pm), which sees Eddy and Pats gate-crash The Olympics, and Dateline: Olympics Special (SBS1, Tue Jul 24, 9:30pm) for an inside look at the corporate organisation of the Games.
Of course the Closing Ceremony heralds the floodgates to a raft of new shows (and gives the host broadcaster, WIN, a corner on the promos). You can expect to see Boardwalk Empire (SBS), Smash (Prime) a US musical drama about a Broadway musical based on Marilyn Monroe, Puberty Blues (SC10) an Aussie series based on the infamous ‘70s novel, Underbelly: Badness (WIN), The Chasers’ The Unbelievable Truth (Prime), I Will Survive (SCTEN), essentially a drag queen talent quest (although it’s not quite being billed that way), Big Brother (WIN), and Howzat! The Kerry Packer Story (WIN).
In the meantime there’s Fresh Meat (ELEVEN, Tues, 9:30pm), the (very) bad remake of Melrose Place (ELEVEN, Sat, 5pm), and cute but ugly Wilfred (ELEVEN, Tue, 9:30pm). For the really ugly there’s The Shire (SCTEN, Mon, 8pm) and for some culture there’s Australia’s answer to Grand Designs, Dream Build (ABC1, Sun 22 Jul, 8:15pm).
Game Of Thrones fans should check out the Australian Centre for the Moving Image’s Live In The Studio forum (Thu Jul 26, 7pm) at www.acmi.net.au .
New shows heading for US schedules in the coming months include Last Resort, a drama about the crew of a nuclear sub who go rogue and set up their own country, Elementary, the US reimaging of Sherlock Holmes (with Lucy Lui as Watson), Vegas, a period mobster drama set in the ‘60s, and Dallas, which is set for the Nine network here later this year.
Final news is that the sixth and final season of Gossip Girl started filming in New York last week. It’s slated to air in the US in October.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 3 July 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 6 months ago
Oh, to be witty, likeable and know the right people. While it’s true everybody loves celebrity, it’s usually the off-camera antics of the Paris Hiltons of the world that draw the most followers. If you really want a long-term audience, the key is to be a slightly funnier yet still inherently daggy version of the rest of us. Think Myf Warhurst, Adam Hills, Hamish Blake or Andy Lee. Sure, Andy may have dated a top model and Myf may have met more celebrities than Canberra has roundabouts but they still ask the stupid questions we would ask and get starstruck. And everything they touch turns to gold. What’s that, Hamish and Andy? You want to spend a year hanging out in NY, finding odd things about the city and generally getting up to mischief? Sure. Now you want to do it all again in Europe? No problem – we’ll just call it Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year (WIN, Thu, 8pm). We won’t even need marketing. So, Myf, you want to take a personal journey back to the pop culture of the ‘80s? That’s nice. We can call it Myf Warhurst’s Nice (ABC1, Wed, 8pm). And the king of everymen has Stephen Fry’s 100 Greatest Gadgets (ABC1, Thu, 9:30pm). Alas, even roller derby and a pet a llama wouldn’t be enough to save Blackbox’s Canberra Gap Year from a 10am Saturday timeslot on SBS.
Other new shows this fortnight include Audrey’s Kitchen (ABC1, Sat Jul 14, 6:25pm) the latest Working Dog creation where celebrity chefs get the Frontline treatment, Episodes (WIN, Tue, 9.30pm), a new comedy starring Tamsin Greig and Greg Mannigan as UK TV producers remaking their show for a US audience, and new seasons of Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat Jul 7, 8:30pm), Futurama (11, Wed Jul 11, 8pm) and Wilfred (11, Tue Jul 10, 9pm).
John Clarke is never far from anything mildly Olympics-related. The satirist looks at why we take sport so seriously on Sporting Nation (ABC1, Sun, 7:30pm).
Stories about travel and food sell almost as well as sex, and there’s plenty of them: Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey (ABC1, Tue, 8:30pm), Gordon’s Great Escape (ABC1, Tue, 9:25pm), which takes Gordon Ramsay on a culinary journey through south-east Asia, A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (SBS1, Fri Jul 6, 7:30pm), and the ultimate American road trip with Billy Connolly’s Route 66 (Prime, Sun, 7:30pm).
Docos to seek out include Forest Designs (SCTEN, Sat Jul 7, 2:30pm), which looks at Tasmanian artisans using native timbers, Sunday Best: Kumare (ABC2, Sun, 8:30pm), in which filmmaker Vikram Gandhi poses as a guru as a social experiment, Compass: Nigeria’s Millionaire Preachers (ABC1, Sun Jul 15, 6.30pm).
No free-to-air appearance of True Blood in sight but Season Four is out on DVD, Season Five is airing in the States and has just started here on Showcase. Those in search of other HBO shows can catch Bored To Death (ABC2, Mon, 9:30pm) or repeats of Deadwood (ABC2, Mon, 12:20am), and something equally compelling in AMC’s Breaking Bad (ABC2, Mon, 11:55pm).
The much-anticipated Aaron Sorkin drama Newsroom has just kicked off in the States and it looks well worth the effort. (How can you not eagerly anticipate a Sorkin show?) Emmy nominations are announced Thursday July 19. Send tips.
Movies to check out include Woody Allen’s Play It Again, Sam (ABC2, Sat Jul 14, 8:30pm), The African Queen (1951) (ABC2, Sat Jul 14, 9:50pm), so-bad-it’s-good Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde (WIN, Sun Jul 8, 2:40am), Pride and Prejudice (SCTEN, Fri Jul 13, 9pm), Shaun of the Dead (7Mate, Sun Jul 8, 9:45pm), X Files: I Want To Believe (11, Tue Jul 11, 9:30pm). The best (pre-Voyager) Star Trek villains get the human touch in Star Trek Next Generation: I Borg (11, Thu Jul 5, 9:30pm).
You can now watch all your fave Aunty goodness on the move (as long as you have an iPhone). The free iView app is available on iTunes. News is that iView is about to overtake piracy. Now if they’d only get Game of Thrones…
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 June 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 7 months ago
Let’s face it: the one thing Aussie TV has honed in recent years is producing stories of important characters or events in our recent past. Think Ita, the soon to be released Packer biopic, Bastard Boys, the original Underbelly, Hawke and Keating (who fittingly got a musical instead). These were stories filled with characters we knew well.
Mabo (ABC1, Sun Jun 10, 8.30pm) is something else altogether. Despite his name being synonymous with the struggle for Indigenous land rights, this beautifully shot and detailed story of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo is an informative tale of a determined man, a tender love story and a revealing look at Australia’s recent past.
Dollhouse (ELEVEN, Mon Jun 11, 9.30pm) is almost the complete opposite of Mabo and has slid quietly into the TV guide without a peep. Penned by the revered Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly and The Avengers), the sci-fi series is about a corporation programming ‘actives’ with temporary personalities and skills for wealthy clients. Like Firefly, it was cancelled while airing, this time during the second season.
Myf Warhurst’s Nice (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 8pm) is a personal trip through the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s looking at music food, fashion, photography, art and design. It’s Australian pop culture through a Gen-X lens. By the time you’re done you’ll recognise the girl in the Chico Roll ads and be singing love duets with the best of them. The first episode features Kenny Rogers and Paul Gray from Wa Wa Nee. And it gets better from there.
Jennifer Byrne has been busy of late. When not appearing on hubby Andrew Denton’s Randling (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm), she’s been compiling a series of bookworm specials for winter shut-ins: Jennifer Byrne Presents: Punchlines (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10pm); Erotica (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10.05pm) and Books That Changed The World (ABC1, Tue Jun 26, 10.15pm).
There’s heaps of other new stuff hitting screens this fortnight, including Ricky Gervais’ mockumentary Life’s Too Short (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 9.05pm), amateur photo comp Photo Finish (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 8pm), HBO comedy Bored To Death (ABC2, Mon 9.30pm), BBC dramedy Death In Paradise (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 7.30pm), Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year (WIN, Thu Jun 14, 8.30pm), new Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Jun 18, 8.30pm) and reruns of The Wonder Years (ABC1 Sat Jun 9 5pm) and Kojak (7TWO, Mon-Fri 12pm & 3.30am).
Docos include Dumb, Drunk and Racist (ABC2, Wed Jun 20, 9.30pm), in which Joe Hildebrand gives Indians a look at Australian culture, Utopia Girls (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 9.30pm) on how women won the vote, Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters (ABC2, Thu Jun 7, 9.30pm), Ross Kemp: Extreme World (ABC1 Wed Jun 20 10pm), Death Unexplained (SBS1, Jun 19, 8.40pm) and Foreign Correspondent Presents: 20 Years (ABC1, Tue Jun 19, 8.30pm).
Plenty for the foodies too, including Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 6pm) and Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita (SBS1, Thu 8pm).
There’s a raft of ‘80s films including Mystic Pizza (ABC2, Sat Jun 9, 8.30pm), Pretty in Pink (WIN, Sun Jun 10, 8.35pm) and Teen Wolf (ABC2, Sat Jun 16, 8.30pm).
Finally, fans of The Wire should check out Maxim’s interview with the creators and stars of the show, which features some great insights for fans.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 6 June 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 7 months ago
Let’s face it: the one thing Aussie TV has honed in recent years is producing stories of important characters or events in our recent past. Think Ita, the soon to be released Packer biopic, Bastard Boys, the original Underbelly, Hawke and Keating (who fittingly got a musical instead). These were stories filled with characters we knew well.
Mabo (ABC1, Sun Jun 10, 8.30pm) is something else altogether. Despite his name being synonymous with the struggle for Indigenous land rights, this beautifully shot and detailed story of Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo is an informative tale of a determined man, a tender love story and a revealing look at Australia’s recent past.
Dollhouse (ELEVEN, Mon Jun 11, 9.30pm) is almost the complete opposite of Mabo and has slid quietly into the TV guide without a peep. Penned by the revered Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly and The Avengers), the sci-fi series is about a corporation programming ‘actives’ with temporary personalities and skills for wealthy clients. Like Firefly, it was cancelled while airing, this time during the second season.
Myf Warhurst’s Nice (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 8pm) is a personal trip through the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s looking at music food, fashion, photography, art and design. It’s Australian pop culture through a Gen-X lens. By the time you’re done you’ll recognise the girl in the Chico Roll ads and be singing love duets with the best of them. The first episode features Kenny Rogers and Paul Gray from Wa Wa Nee. And it gets better from there.
Jennifer Byrne has been busy of late. When not appearing on hubby Andrew Denton’s Randling (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm), she’s been compiling a series of bookworm specials for winter shut-ins: Jennifer Byrne Presents: Punchlines (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10pm); Erotica (ABC1, Tue Jun 12, 10.05pm) and Books That Changed The World (ABC1, Tue Jun 26, 10.15pm).
There’s heaps of other new stuff hitting screens this fortnight, including Ricky Gervais’ mockumentary Life’s Too Short (ABC1, Wed Jun 13, 9.05pm), amateur photo comp Photo Finish (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 8pm), HBO comedy Bored To Death (ABC2, Mon 9.30pm), BBC dramedy Death In Paradise (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 7.30pm), Hamish and Andy’s Euro Gap Year (WIN, Thu Jun 14, 8.30pm), new Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Jun 18, 8.30pm) and reruns of The Wonder Years (ABC1 Sat Jun 9 5pm) and Kojak (7TWO, Mon-Fri 12pm & 3.30am).
Docos include Dumb, Drunk and Racist (ABC2, Wed Jun 20, 9.30pm), in which Joe Hildebrand gives Indians a look at Australian culture, Utopia Girls (ABC1, Thu Jun 14, 9.30pm) on how women won the vote, Wallis Simpson: The Secret Letters (ABC2, Thu Jun 7, 9.30pm), Ross Kemp: Extreme World (ABC1 Wed Jun 20 10pm), Death Unexplained (SBS1, Jun 19, 8.40pm) and Foreign Correspondent Presents: 20 Years (ABC1, Tue Jun 19, 8.30pm).
Plenty for the foodies too, including Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking (ABC1, Sat Jun 9, 6pm) and Island Feast with Peter Kuruvita (SBS1, Thu 8pm).
There’s a raft of ‘80s films including Mystic Pizza (ABC2, Sat Jun 9, 8.30pm), Pretty in Pink (WIN, Sun Jun 10, 8.35pm) and Teen Wolf (ABC2, Sat Jun 16, 8.30pm).
Finally, fans of The Wire should check out Maxim’s interview with the creators and stars of the show, which features some great insights for fans.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 22 May 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 8 months ago
Pour the champagne cocktails, pull out the fondue pot and get your best Eurotrash on. It’s Eurovision time! If you’re a devotee there are the semi-finals (SBS1, Fri-Sat May 25-27, 8:30pm) and The Road to Azerbaijan with Julia Zemiro (SBS1, Fri-Sat May 25-27, 7:30pm). But the Eurovision Final (SBS1, Sun May 27, 7:30pm) where you get to hear them say ‘[Small European nation ending in -stan] – no points’, is definitely the main event. This year the entry du jour is the emotional ballad and host nation Azerbaijan has led the charge. As always there’s a good share of trashy dance tracks and novelty entries from countries trying not to make it through. The UK has sent Englebert Humperdink; the token hard rock track comes from Slovakia who have opened a portal to the late ‘80s; and Austria look like an industrial version of the Revenge of the Nerds finale. Sweden’s Loreen may be the favourite but Blackbox points go to Montenegro’s Rambo Amadeus. There’s a donkey in the film clip. You have to give points for a donkey.
Elsewhere it’s all about bikies: Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms (SCTEN, Tue, 8:30pm) continues and Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed May 23, 9:40pm) has a start date. Insight (SBS1, Tue Jun 5, 8:30pm) is getting into the act and there’s even a bikie-themed episode of CSI (GEM, Sat May 26, 10:30pm).
New shows this week include Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell (ABC1, Fri May 25, 8pm) a round up of the week’s news Micallef-style, the most inventive talent show Bollywood Star (SBS1, Sat Jun 9, 7:30pm) with the prize of Bollywood stardom, Archer (ABC2, Tue, 9pm) an animated spy comedy, new Fringe (Go!, Mon May 28, 10:30pm), Sanctuary (ABC2, Tue Jun 5, 9:25pm) and Downton Abbey (Prime, Sun, 8:30pm).
Docos to check out include Sunday Best: We Were Here (ABC2, Sun Jun 3, 8:30pm) about AIDS in the ‘80s, The Truth About Child Brides (ABC2, Wed May 30, 9:30pm) and The Story of Wales (SBS1, Fri Jun 1, 8:30pm). There are some great shows airing in the US at the moment starting with the jaw-dropping second season of Game of Thrones on Fox. There are also a couple of newbies that will hopefully get some free-to-air investment. Girls is an enthralling drama about four twenty-somethings in NYC. It straddles the timeline between Gossip Girl and Sex and the City (11, Fri, 9:40pm) but is grittier and pushes more boundaries. Veep is a US adaptation of The Thick of It starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the Vice President.
The new season US shows were announced last week and include comedies The Neighbours about a gated community where aliens reside and dramas 666 Park Avenue about a haunted NYC apartment building, Zero Hour, starring Anthony Edwards as the editor of a skeptics mag, and Arrow, based on DC Comics character.
New Australian projects include Aunty’s This Christmas, a six-part comedy about an anti-Christmas family to air (you guessed it) in the lead up to Christmas, Mr &Mrs Murder a 13-part comedy crime series starring Shaun Micallef and Kat Stewart for SCTEN which has just been funded by Screen Australia and a telemovie of Peter Temple’s The Broken Shore.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 8 May 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 8 months ago
The death of Beastie Boy Adam Yauch is the biggest loss to music in some time. Like them or loathe them, the Beastie Boys drove hip hop to new heights, changed music and minds and provided a killer soundtrack to life. BMA was there back in ’92 when they lifted the roof off the ANU Bar and had everybody fighting for their right. rage has announced they will air a tribute to MCA on the weekend of Sat-Sun May 12-13, which will no doubt include the extended, cameo laden version of that track directed by Yauch. No details of date or time as we go to print. Check www.abc.net.au/rage .
On the other end of the music spectrum, dust off the fake fur and big sunnies – it’s time for Eurovision. The comp is on the weekend of Fri-Sun May 25-27 but start revising with Secret History of Eurovision (SBS, Fri May 11, 8.30pm)
The free-to-air commercial networks wonder why people find other ways to watch their fave shows. After Blackbox pleaded with readers to support HBO-style drama on free to air, Ten network folks pulled Sons of Anarchy from One to screen it on SCTEN. No air date yet but in all likelihood they’ll link it to their first foray into local Underbelly style drama, Bikie Wars (SCTEN, Tue May 15, 8.30pm) and replace their Super Sunday with Bikie Tuesday.
There’s finally an airdate for the much promoted fantasy drama Once Upon a Time (Prime, Tue May 15, 7.30pm). This habit of promoting shows months out but without pertinent information like when it’s on is annoying. It’s hardly likely to ensure an audience. Other new shows include Louie (ABC2, Mon May 21, 10pm) starring comedian Louis C.K, and the sure-to-be cringe worthy new real people obdoco The Shire (SCTEN, Wed May 16, 8.20pm).
Everything old really is new again. A rebooted The Price is Right (Prime, Mon-Fri, 5pm) hosted by game show fave Larry Emdur kicked off this week with a tribute to Price is Right king Ian Turpie. Some other interesting old shows are quietly creeping into schedules undetected. Keep your eyes peeled for Buck Rogers (7Mate, Sat, 6.30am) and The Incredible Hulk (7Mate, Sat, 7.30am).
Docos to keep an eye out for include Sunday Best: The Hollywood Complex (ABC2, Sun May 13, 8.30pm) which follows the child actors that flock to Hollywood for their big break, American Movie (ABC2, Sun May 20, 8.30pm) which follows Mark Borchardt as he makes his first independent film, Artscape: A Law unto Himself (ABC1, Tue May 15, 10.05pm) about artist and puppeteer Roger Law, and Patrick White: Will they read me when I’m dead (ABC1, Tue May 22, 10pm). Documentary series include Secrets of Superbrands (ABC1, Thu May 17, 9.30pm) a series looking at our obsession with brands, The Diamond Queen (ABC1, Sun May 13, 7.30pm), a three-parter following the life of QEII to celebrate her diamond jubilee, and Easter Island: Underworld (SBS1, Sun May 13, 7.30pm) which looks at the vast cave system underneath the island.
If you’re a sporting junkie, don’t forget to book in early July for the Olympics. WIN will simulcast in HD on GEM with the promise of 14 hours live (6.30pm-9am) plus highlights twice daily.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 April 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 9 months ago
The magnificent Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed Apr 25, 9.30pm) returns this week with the free to air debut of season three. Chez Blackbox will be tuning in, not just because the goings-on in the SAMCRO clubhouse make for riveting viewing but because it’s well-written, big budget episodic drama accessible to everyone. SCTEN, SBS and good old Auntie are making sure some of the HBO-style drama gets aired either after the pay channels are done or (in the case of Mad Men and Big Love) before. Join Blackbox in supporting them. There’s something great about watching TV drama the way it was intended – with anticipation and an enquiring mind, wondering who shot JR or killed Laura Palmer and re-watching last week’s episode for clues.
Also new and worth the investment are sci-fi drama Touch (SCTEN, Sun Apr 29, 8.30pm), new episodes of Person of Interest (WIN, Mon Apr 30, 10pm), Andrew Denton’s long-awaited game show Randling (ABC1, Wed May 2, 8.30pm), British legal drama Silks (ABC1, Thu Apr 26, 8.30pm) and a new series of Laid (ABC1, Wed May 2, 9pm).
Prophets of Science Fiction (SBS, Sun Apr 29, 8.30pm) got off to a great start last week with Jules Verne and his steam punk motif. With H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick to come, it’s already made the Blackbox must watch list.
Ever notice that the world’s philosophers and thinkers usually come from cold places? Winter is coming and with it a feast of thought-provoking documentaries like Deliver us From Evil (ABC2, Sun May 6, 8.30pm), the story of the Catholic Church’s most notorious paedophile. Also Mark Zuckerberg: Inside Facebook (ABC 2, Thu May 10, 9.30pm), Steve Jobs: Billion Dollar Hippy (ABC1, Thu May 3, 9.30pm), Sarah Palin: You Betcha (ABC2, Sun Apr 29, 8.30pm), Wildest India (SBS1, Wed Apr 25, 7.30pm), a five-parter that looks at wildlife and landscape, Long March to Freedom (SBS1, Fri Apr 27, 9.30pm), a three-parter looking at the Red Army’s advance to Germany in 1945, Machu Picchu Decoded (SBS1, Sun May 6, 7.30pm), and Extreme Frontiers: Canada (SBS1, Wed May 9, 8.30pm), a new Charley Boorman four-parter. Amazing the sort of career you can build from being Ewan McGregor’s riding buddy.
Two on the Great Divide (ABC1, Sun Apr 29, 7.30pm) come to our neighbourhood this week, climbing Mt Kosciuszko and explaining the vagaries of Lake George. The WIN folks are moving shows around so much that unless you’re tuned in to them 24/7 you’d never know when anything was on. This time it’s 2Broke Girls (WIN, Sun Apr 29, 6.30pm). Do you have it or know someone who does? Computer Game Addiction on Catalyst (ABC1, Thu Apr 26, 8pm). Step away from the Xbox. Loving Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri 8.30pm) and her wardrobe. Not your usual drab period drama.
In production are two period dramas. Telemovie Dangerous Remedy, a 1960s political thriller set in Melbourne, and a serial version of the Carey-Lette 70s coming of age novel Puberty Blues.
This fortnight’s movies include The Thomas Crown Affair (ABC2, Sat Apr 28, 8.30pm), Vantage Point (Go!, Sun Apr 29, 9.30pm), Wayne’s World 2 (7Mate, Sun Apr 29, 7pm), the 1966 Dr Who flick, Daleks – Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (GEM, Sat May 5, 9.30am), Every Which Way You Can (WIN, Sat May 5, 12am), 1972 romp Dracula A.D. (WIN, Sat May 5, 2.10am), and Alien (One, Fri May 4, 8.30pm). Good to see TMZ (Go!, Mon-Fri, 12am) return to a slightly friendlier timeslot.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 April 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 9 months ago
The quiet achiever in the musical landscape celebrates 25 years on air this month: rage – Silver Jubilee (ABC1, Sat Apr 21, 10.20pm) takes a Tim Rogers-hosted journey through history, so watch, upload your rage party pics on Facebook and tweet (#maintaintherage). It’s spawned the best compilation CDs, filled hard drives with inerasable guest programming slots and brought Countdown to a whole new audience. Congratulations rage – looking forward to your Golden Jubilee. Blackbox’s fave rage moment remains Frenzal Rhomb’s predictably ironic guest programming slot. What’s yours? The best one gets a mystery Blackbox prize.
The SCTEN folks are filling the void left by Homeland with critically acclaimed supernatural drama Touch (SCTEN, Sun Apr 22, 8.30pm). Dirk Gently (ABC2, Mon Apr 23, 9.30pm) delivers everything you’d expect from Douglas Adams’ detective. Entries for Open Shot 2 are open now. If you’re under 35 and have a great idea for a doco, you can apply for up to $80,000 and have your doco on the telly. www.abc.net.au/independent .
Get some inspiration from All the Way (ABC1, Thu Apr 12, 9.30pm) about Australia’s alliance with the USA during the Vietnam War, and from Wildest Africa (SBS1, Wed Apr 18, 7.30pm) about cultures and wildlife of Africa. Two on the Great Divide (ABC1, Sun Apr 22, 7.30pm) sees John Doyle and Tim Flannery at it again, and I Can Change your Mind about Climate (ABC1, Thu Apr 26, 8.30pm) takes Anna Rose of the Youth Climate Coalition and former Senator Nick Minchin around, followed by a special Q&A. Prophets of Science Fiction (SBS1, Sun Apr 15, 8.30pm) looks at science fiction thinkers such as H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick.
Some old favourites are back with new seasons. Being Human (ABC2, Tue 10 Apr, 9.30pm), Whitechapel (ABC1, Sat Apr 14, 8.30pm), Offspring (SCTEN, Wed Apr 18, 8.30pm), Nurse Jackie (11, Tue Apr 17, 9.30pm), Californication (11, Tue Apr 17, 10pm), Shameless (SBS1, Mon Apr 16, 9.30pm), and Community (Go, Thu Apr 12, 8pm).
Blackbox is not usually one to spruik Dancing with the Stars (Prime, Sun Apr 15, 6.30pm) but the inclusion of Brian Mannix in the line-up might make the first few episodes worthwhile. There’s a grab bag of other stuff to look out for including The Family UK (SBS1, Thu Apr 12, 9.30pm), a doco that follows the lives of a British Indian family, Heath Franklin’s Chopper – Harden the F#ck up Australia (One, Fri Apr 20, 11.30pm) and Jamie’s Big Feastival (SCTEN, Sat Apr 14, 6.30pm), a big day out for musical foodies.
ANZAC viewing includes 480:ANZAC, a series of mini-docos on indigenous ANZACs (daily on ABC1, Apr 23-26, 6.50pm), ANZAC (Prime, Sun Apr 15, 12.20am), a series of B&W docos hosted by Bud Tingwell, The Overlanders (GEM, Wed Apr 25, 12pm), a Chips Rafferty flick about WWII in the top end, ANZAC Day March (ABC1, Wed Apr 25, 10.30am) and Gallipoli Dawn Service (ABC1, Wed Apr 25, 12.30pm) for those too lazy for the local dawn service.
Movies include Twilight Zone (WIN, Sun Apr 15, 1.10am), Addams Family Values (Go!, Fri Apr 13, 7.30pm) and the John Hughes classic Sixteen Candles (Prime, Sun Apr 15, 1.30pm). Don’t miss: Family Guy Star Wars Trilogy (7Mate, Mon Apr 16, 8.30pm). Avoid The Logies (WIN, Sun Apr 15, 7.30pm). Yawn.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 March 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 10 months ago
If you’ve got Foxtel, look out for the brilliant new drama Awake starring Michael Britten as a detective who wakes up in two different realities, and Justified, based on a short story by Elmore Leonard. If not, queue up at the video store like the rest of us and spend Sunday might watching NCIS reruns (SCTEN, Sun Apr 1, 8.30pm) after the year’s best drama Homeland winds up.
Ob docos and lifestyle programming are usually not Chez Blackbox faves but exceptions can be made for Toughest Place to be a… (SBS1, Wed Mar 28, 8.30pm) which follows a UK binman, fisherman and train driver doing their job in Jakarta, Sierra Leone and Peru respectively, Seven Dwarves (ABC2, Wed Apr 4, 9.30pm) which looks at the lives of seven little people acting in a pantomime, How to cook like Heston (SBS1, Thu Mar 29, 8pm) which, as you’d expect, drops a bit of science in the mixing bowl and Jamie’s Fish Suppers (SCTEN, Sat Mar 31, 6.30pm) because we all should be eating more of it and we may as well do it right.
Also look out for new seasons of Shameless (SBS1, Mon Apr 9, 9.30pm) and Being Human (ABC1, Tue Apr 10, 9.30pm), sadly without Mitchell.
Docos to check out include In The Name of The Family (SBS1, Thu Mar 29, 7.30pm) which looks at honour killings in the west, Martin Scorsese: Emotions through Music (SBS1, Sat Mar 31, 8.30pm) in which the legendary director talks about the influence of music on his life and work, Sunday Best: Thrilla in Manila (ABC2, Sun Apr 8, 8.30pm) about the infamous boxing match, The Cove (ABC2, Sun Apr 1, 8.30pm) about the dolphin hunt in Japan, and Insight: Nineteen (SBS1, Tue Apr 10, 8.30pm) – a recent Aussie version of 7Up.
Filming has started on a couple of new tele-movies and mini-series including Devil’s Dust, which follows the story of Bernie Banton’s fight against James Hardie, and Cliffy, starring Kevin from Seachange as marathon runner and sheep farmer Cliff Young.
Filming on season 2 of Rake starts in April which means an airdate is still way too far away.
Movies to keep an eye out for include Dog Day Afternoon (WIN, Sat Apr 7, 11.50pm), Samson and Delilah (ABC2, Sat Apr 7, 8.30pm), The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (Prime, Sat Apr 7, 1.30pm), The Big Steal (ABC2, Sat Mar 31, 8.30pm), The Black Balloon (ABC2, Sat Mar 31, 10.10pm), Come Fly with Me (GEM, Sat Apr 7, 12.40) about three air hostesses made in the golden age of commercial flight – the ‘60s, The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (GEM, Good Fri Apr 6, 12pm) – one of the lesser known religious epics of the ‘50s, The Addams Family (Go!, Good Fri Apr 6, 7.50pm) and Anna and The King (SCTEN, Sat Apr 7, 1pm) – the Jodie Foster version or better still find the Yul Brynner original.
Stuck at home bored at Easter? Try a marathon of Glee (SCTEN, Good Fri Apr 6, 8pm) or 2 Broke Girls (Go!, Thu Apr 5, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss the first ever mass same sex TV wedding on Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight (ABC1, Wed Mar 28, 8.30pm) with Adam Ant (who Blackbox can report still has it) as the wedding singer.
If you’re desperate enough for fame, Beauty and the Geek is looking for contestants.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 March 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 10 months ago
Just as digital music opened a door to a massive candy store of long forgotten classics ripe for reinvention and reinterpretation, dusting off TV classics to fill ever-expanding schedules has exponentially increased the volume of TV remakes. Except that TV moguls are more like pub cover bands than recording artists. There are some success stories, mainly in the sci-fi genre – Star Trek, which moved the universe on a bit and dumped the Kirk-style bravado for a more eloquent, sophisticated approach; Dr Who, which replaced that quarry with sophisticated sets and CGI while maintaining the character-based plots that served the original so well and even Battlestar Galactica, which has captured a sizable niche following. The list of failures though is lengthy – Knight Rider, Beverly Hills 90210, Get Smart, The Love Boat, Bionic Woman, Melrose Place. The key thing the failed shows have in common – vanilla characters and a cast filled with pretty faces that all look the same. In fact they’re so alike the characters are easily mixed up. At least, barring late night talk shows and reality TV where there are fame and prizes to be won, Australia has been spared local remakes of US or UK shows. So why waffle on about this? Because there are a raft of remakes or reinventions in the works including Wentworth, a new version of Prisoner for Foxtel, The Munsters, a return to Dallas (with Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy reprising their roles), The Flintstones, Bewitched and two Beauty and the Beasts – one based on the original tale, the other a remake of the ‘80s cult show.
And on cue: Maggie Kirkpatrick, best known as Prisoner’s Joan “The Freak” Ferguson appears in this week’s Talkin’ about Your Generation (SCTEN, Wed Mar 21, 8.30pm).
There’s also stunning (and much hyped) wildlife doco The Great Barrier Reef (WIN, Sun, 6.30pm), Danish crime drama The Killing (SBS2, Wed Mar 21, 8.30pm) and new Damages (WIN, Tue, 1am) although it’s been relegated to the wee hours.
Other docos on offer include the sensationalised One series Ross Kemp on Gangs (One, Tue, 9.30pm), Sunday Best: The King of Kong (ABC2, Sun Mar 18, 8.30pm) about Donkey Kong champions and not the Fay Wray movie, Brave New World with Stephen Hawking (SBS1, Sun, 8.30pm) – a five-parter looking for the next scientific great leap forward, The Real MASH (SBS1, Fri Mar 16, 9.30pm) which looks at the real MASH units in Korea that inspired the show, and Sunday Best: Aileen: The Life And Death Of A Serial Killer (ABC2, Sun Mar 25, 8.30pm) which looks at the case of serial killer Aileen Wuoronos.
Food seems to have bumped travel from primetime but there are still a few shows including Places We Go (One, Sat, 5pm), An Idiot Abroad – The Bucket List (SCTEN, Sat, 9.30pm) – squirm-worthy as well as informative, and Getaway (WIN, Sat, 5.30pm).
If you’re still looking for food, check out Food Truck (7TWO, Sun, 6.30pm) which follows kiwi chef Michael Wan De Elzen making restaurant quality van food.
Auntie’s classic movie slot has gone all Australian with Malcolm (ABC2, Sat Mar 17, 8.30pm), Oyster Farmer (ABC2, Sat Mar 17, 9.50pm), Lucky Miles (ABC2, Sat Mar 24, 8.30pm) and The Coca Cola Kid (ABC2, Sat Mar 24, 10.10pm).
Good to see TMZ (Go!, Tue-Sat, 12.30am) at a slightly more respectable time.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 28 February 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 10 months ago
Once upon a time in the ‘burbs, a group of Canberra 20-somethings with not much else to do created a series of short schlock horror films about a teddy bear named Kuddles. It involved some unscrupulous acts with Barbie dolls, purposefully bad acting and a lot of fake blood. Back in the days before YouTube it was passed around on a videotape. No doubt Danger 5 (SBS1, Mon, 9.30pm) started life in much the same way. Set in WWII and reimagined as a B-grade ‘60s spy thriller, replete with bad acting, establishing shots with poorly constructed cardboard models, and plenty of scantily clad vixens it’s like the bastard love child of the Thunderbirds, Austin Powers and Top Secret! (it was the ‘60s). Destined to be a cult hit – miss it at your peril.
Elsewhere in comedy land there’s Grandma’s House (ABC2, Thu, 10pm ) starring comedian Simon Amstell, best known as the host of UK’s version of Spicks and Specks – Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 2BrokeGirls (WIN, Tue, 8pm) which has its moments and cult hit Portlandia (ABC2, Thu, 10pm).
The Chaser team will be back in the year with The Goodies’ Graeme Garden for an Australian version of The Unbelievable Truth. The British show (which features Garden) makes comedians tell unbelievable stories while managing to pass off five facts as fiction. Probably something the Chaser team will excel at, one would think.
The Ricky Gervais Show (SBS1, Mon Mar 5, 10.05pm) is a bit of a money spinner – the audio podcasts of Gervais, Merchant and Pilkington and whacking an animation on top. Gervais makes more money without really having to do anything.
For those with a hankering for more crime there’s a new series of Waking the Dead (ABC1, Sun Mar 11, 8.35pm) and for medico fans a new season of House (SCTEN, Sun, 9.45pm).
Docos to check out include Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags (ABC2, Wed Feb 29, 8.30pm) – a series following the songstress as she and her sister set up a clothing business, Fry’s Planet Word (ABC2, Sun Mar 11, 9.30pm) where Stephen Fry takes a look at sixth development of language, including participating in a Klingon version of Hamlet, Fukushima: Is nuclear power safe? (SBS1, Sun Mar 4, 8.30pm) which asks the question not just in Japan but more broadly, The Spice Trail (SBS1, Thu Mar 8, 8.30pm) – a three-parter that looks at 15th century spice trade, Aung San Suu Kyi – Lady of no fear (SBS2, Thu Mar 8, 7.30pm), Vivienne Westwood: Do it yourself (SBS2, Sat Mar 10, 8.30pm) which looks at the life and work of the designer, and Sunday Best: Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (ABC2, Sun Mar, 4 8.30pm).
Classic movies to check out include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (GEM, Sat Mar 3, 2.40pm), Broadcast News (SCTEN, Sat Mar 3, 10.30pm), Fight Club (Go!, Mon Mar 5, 9.30pm), Gremlins (Go!, Fri Mar 9, 7.30pm) and Zombie Strippers (Go!, Fri Mar 9, 9.40pm) with Jenna Jameson in the lead role.
Don’t miss new Spooks (ABC1, Sat Mar 2, 8.30pm), Charlie Sheen Roast (WIN, Thu Mar 1, 11pm) for voyeuristic reasons of course, and CSI: Miami – Wheels Up (WIN, Wed Mar 7, 10.30pm) which delves into the world of Roller Derby.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 14 February 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 11 months ago
Chez Blackbox is mourning the end of another long running successful series with intelligent British spy caper Spooks (ABC1, Sat Mar 3, 8.30pm) winding up with season ten about to go to air. While some shows can peter out with poor plot lines and actors going through the motions, Spooks will have you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the very end. It always leaves you wondering when a show that’s still going strong decides it’s time to go. Until, when you’re re-watching your special edition boxed set, it hits you. It’s so much better to burn out than fade away.
For every end there is a new beginning. While Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (ABC1, Fri Mar 2, 8.30pm) is set in roaring ‘20s Melbourne, the protagonist of Kerry Greenwood’s crime novels is every bit as sharp as any modern crime fighter. And there are flappers to boot.
Revenge (Prime, Mon Feb 20, 8.45pm) on the other hand has a fair bit to prove. The story of a woman who plots revenge on an entire family who wronged her barely lasted half a season on Gossip Girl (Go!, Mon, 12am).
There are another two new comedies – US sketch show Portlandia (ABC2, Thu Feb 23, 9pm) with SNL’s Fred Armisen and Sleater-Kinney guitarist Carrie Brownstein, and Frank Woodley’s first story driven show, Woodley (ABC1, Wed Feb 22, 8pm). While it has a narrative, it’s classic Woodley slapstick.
Like to mix your gourmet with politics? Don’t miss Kitchen Cabinet (ABC2, Wed, 9.30pm) with Annabel Crabb who cooks then natters with the pollies in their own kitchens.
More favourites are returning too, with new seasons of Good Game (ABC2, Tue, 8.30pm), NCIS (SCTEN, Tue, 8.30pm), American Dad (7Mate, Mon, 9pm), Family Guy (7Mate, Mon, 9.30pm), Mad Men (SBS1, Sat Feb 25, 9.15pm), Glee (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm) and An Idiot Abroad: The Bucketlist (SCTEN, Sat Feb 18, 9.30pm), The Tudors (ABC2, Mon Feb 20, 9.30pm).
Of course the schedules are again littered with reality shows– either the same ones as last year or slight variations on a theme including The Biggest Loser Australia (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm) now with the lovelorn, Excess Baggage (GEM, Mon-Fri, 7pm) which has already been bumped from the main channel, My Kitchen Rules (Prime, Mon, 7.30pm), Please Marry My Boy (Prime, Mon, 8.45pm), A Farmer’s Life For Me (ABC2, Tue, 6pm) which sets eight couples up on an English farm. The worst is probably The Marriage Ref (Prime, Wed, 11.05pm) – a mix between agony aunt and comedy, the Jerry Seinfeld panel show advises couples on what could only be manufactured marital disputes.
There are some fabulous docos around at the moment, including Tea Party America (ABC1, Wed Feb 15, 9.30pm), Artscape: Life Architecturally (ABC1, Tue Feb 28, 10pm) which follows architect Robert McBride and his wife interior designer Debbie Ryan, Arctic with Bruce Parry (SBS1, Wed Feb 22, 8.30pm) – a five- part journey, God in America (SBS1, Fri Feb 24, 8.30pm) about the history of religion in the US, Cocaine Cowboys (ABC2, Sun Feb 19, 8.30pm) about Miami’s part in the ‘70s and ‘80s and Wild Ones: Kangaroo Mob (ABC2, Tue Feb 21, 8.30pm) which follows city roos for a year.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Date Published: Tuesday, 31 January 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 4 years, 11 months ago
Blackbox - Three out of four new comedies on the telly get the Blackbox stamp of approval.
TV comedies, like good drama, need really good writing and at least one cast member with exceptional skills. Comedy, though, also needs the ability to hook you in from the very beginning. Audiences will forgive a lumbering drama, conceding that a complex backstory needs to be put in place. But when it comes to comedy, if it doesn’t make you laugh by the first ad break, you ain’t going back. Ever. Fortunately New Girl (SCTEN, Sun, 8pm) had Chez Blackbox in stitches by the time the opening credits started. Zooey Deschanel stars as Jess, the geeky flatmate of three guys. The schmaltzy moments are still funny and Chez Blackbox has already adopted the douchebag jar. The only thing SCTEN could do to improve its Sunday lineup is drop the irritating cross promos from The Project people.
Outland (ABC1, Wed Feb 8, 9.30pm) looks promising in an absurd kind of way. The John Richards penned comedy (with Adam Richard co-writing the first three episodes) about a gay science fiction fan club is a comical farce in the great British-Australian tradition of over-exaggeration.
Coincidentally one of the best British examples from the late ‘80s returns this fortnight – Absolutely Fabulous 20th Anniversary Specials (ABC1, Wed Feb 8, 8pm) revisits Eddy and Pats over two weeks, for a few bolly stolly cocktails. If you haven’t seen the original, get thee to the DVD store now.
Also back from the dead is Minder (ABC1, Sat Feb 11, 6.10pm). Britain may have moved on but the dodgy businessman from the East End is a stereotype that’s hard to shake.
Chez Blackbox knows that with all your fave series returning you only have room for a couple of new shows. Don’t waste it on Suburgatory (Go!, Sun Feb 5, 8.30pm) – a fish out of water comedy about a NYC teenager who moves to the burbs. Desperate Housewives (Prime, Thu, 8.30pm) and Weeds (GEM, TBC) have already done cartoon suburban pastiche.
Series returns include House (SCTEN, Sun Feb 5, 9.35pm), Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Wed Feb 8, 8pm), Glee (SCTEN, Fri, 7pm), An Idiot Abroad: Bucket List (SCTEN, Sat Feb 4, 7.30pm), CSI (WIN, Thu Feb 2, 9pm), Adam Hills in Gordon St (ABC1, Wed Feb 8, 8.30pm), Dexter (SCTEN, Tue, 9.30pm), The Office (SCTEN, Tue, 9pm), How I Met Your Mother (Prime, Mon, 9.40pm), The Tudors (ABC2, Mon Feb 13, 9.30pm) and Damages (WIN, Tue Jan 31, 1am).
Docos to check out include the four part Putin, Russia and The West (SBS1, Wed Feb 1, 9.30pm) which looks at the world’s favourite action hero, Dancing with Dictators (ABC2, Sun Feb 12, 10pm) about Burma’s only media company, Singapore 1942 – End of Empire (SBS1, Fri Feb 10, 8.30pm), the four part History of Celtic Britain (SBS1, Sun Feb 5, 7.30pm) with the incredibly intense Neil Oliver who could probably look at joining the cast of Minder if archaeology doesn’t work out.
Movies on offer include Star Trek (2009) (SCTEN, Wed Feb 8, 9.30pm), The Sound of Music (Fri Feb 10, 8pm), The Towering Inferno (GEM, Sat Feb 4, 4.10pm), When Harry Met Sally (GEM, Sun Feb 5, 8.30pm) and Dracula Prince of Darkness (GEM, Mon Feb 6, 1.50am).
Chez Blackbox has joined the twitterverse. Look out.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 17 January 12 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years ago
Chez Blackbox is simply giddy with excitement at the prospect of the new ratings season. Not since the original Underbelly series (which brought the trash whore lingo of Roberta Williams into the lexicon) has there been this much excitement at new free-to-air TV series. And this year there are two – one from Showtime, one from Auntie – offering very different takes on crime.
Homeland (SCTEN, Sun Jan 22, 8.30pm) is the latest slickly produced drama from Showtime. From the folks behind 24 with a stellar cast including Claire Danes and everybody’s favourite almost-bad-guy Damien Lewis, the political-come-espionage thriller has a lot to live up to. And it does. Danes’ portrayal of a paranoid and slightly mentally unhinged CIA agent is compelling – perhaps honed from all those years with Ben Lee. And Lewis puts in another Emmy-worthy turn as a US soldier held captive by terrorists for eight years, a man returned as a hero but who Danes suspects is a sleeper. It sounds like an obvious plot but it's executed with an incredible attention to detail, slick dialogue, and compelling performances. Should be water cooler worthy for fans of good drama.
Once you get past the title sequence, which is a straight rip off of the True Blood credits, The Straits (ABC1, Thu Feb 2, 8.30pm) is the best totally fictional crime series Australia has seen for an eternity. The story of a crime family running drugs and guns through the Torres Straits, using their own island connections, has the right mix of drama, violence and humour to hold even the most jaded TV addict’s attention. With an opening sequence that involves a drug deal gone wrong with Papuan tribesmen, automatic gunfire, and a spear through the face, it is refreshing that the series isn’t trying to highlight indigenous injustice but rather entertain through the prism of islander culture. And the humour? Tripped out drug dealers seeing the iconic kangaroo warning signs as a hitch-hiker, brothers who blow up a meth lab with a mobile phone, and an Indian dentist found floating in a large esky. And that’s just for starters.
DO NOT MISS The Wild Ones: Cane Toads – The Conquest (ABC1, Tue Jan 31, 8.30pm) the follow up to the best doco ever – 1988’s Cane Toads – An Unnatural History. You have been warned.
Other new offerings to look out for in the next couple of weeks include News Exchange (ABC News24, Fri Feb 3, 8pm) a web focussed news program that also looks at social media; Jamie Cooks Summer (SCTEN, Fri Jan 20, 7.30pm) with, presumably, a book from Mr Oliver to follow; and the Zooey Deschanel vehicle New Girl (SCTEN, Sun Jan 22, 8pm).
There’s also new series (or at least episodes) of CSI: NY (WIN, Thu Jan 26, 9.30pm), The Graham Norton Show (SCTEN, Sat Jan 21, 8.50pm), Dexter (Eleven, Tue Jan 24, 9.30pm) and The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon Jan 23, 7.30pm).
Auntie’s love is being spread around with Sea Change (7TWO, Fri Jan 20, 7.30pm) being shown from the beginning.
Docos to check out include Persecution Blues (ABC2, Wed Jan 25, 8.30pm) a homage to legendary Melbourne venue The Tote, Autoluminescent: Rowland S. Howard (ABC2, Wed Jan 25, 9.30pm) about the Melbourne punk scene, Nick Cave: Triple J’s Tribute (ABC2, Thu Jan 26, 9.30pm), Oz and Hugh Raise the Bar (SBS1, Thu Jan 26, 8:30pm) following Hugh Dennis and wine expert Oz Clarke as they collect the best of British drinks for their British pub (a must for home brewers), Video Killed the Radio Star (ABC2, Sun Jan 22, 7pm) which charts the rise of the music video through the eyes of the producers and artists that made them happen, From Sydney to Tokyo By Any Means (SBS1, Wed Feb 1, 8.30pm) and the best Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil so far – Donald Trump vs Viagra (ABC2, Thu Jan 31, 10.25pm).
True romantics (or those with an eye for a Parisian romance) should be sure to catch Sex and the City – An American Girl in Paris (Eleven, Fri Jan 27, 9.40pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 6 December 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 1 month ago
The sweet smell of summer is in the air – fresh cut grass, drinks that should, ideally, have little umbrellas in them, the cricket on the box, DVD box sets of Sons of Anarchy, True Blood, Game of Thrones and X-Files under the tree (hint, hint Santa) and the last issue of BMA for 2011. The smart networks have started their 2012 hype early, perhaps realising BMA folk will be out hitting what’s left of the festival circuit, catching some rays and sipping the aforementioned cocktails with accoutrement instead of chained to a typewriter in the Gorman House basement.
And the winner for most appealing 2012 line-up so far is good ol’ Auntie. At least one inhabitant of Chez Blackbox is wetting her pants in anticipation of a new season of Rake in 2012! Auntie’s also serving up Josh Thomas in Please Like Me, Outland – about a gay sci-fi fanclub, crime drama The Straits, Planet America – a look at the US election, Myf Warhurst’s pop cultural journey in Nice, Annabel Crabb talking food with the pollies in Kitchen Cabinet, the Ab Fab anniversary specials, Shaun Micallef is Mad as Hell and new seasons of Lowdown and Laid. Elsewhere Nine has the London Olympics, a Hamish and Andy show in the leadup to the Olympics, a resurrected Big Brother and three miniseries – Howzat: The Kerry Packer Story, Beaconsfield and The Great Mint Swindle. Seven serves up new projects from the Kath and Kim crew and Working Dog and Good Christian Bitches from the makers of Sex and the City. Over at Channel 10 there’s new Puberty Blues, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms – an Underbelly-style drama about the Milperra Massacre, Showtime thriller Homeland, Fox sitcom New Girl, and Robert de Niro’s cop show The 2-2.
There’s also a feast of sci-fi for serious hermits including two Terry Pratchett series – Going Postal (ABC1, Sat Dec 17, 7.30pm), Dr Who At The Proms 2010 (ABC1, Sat Dec 24, 11.30pm), Dr Who: The Next Doctor (ABC1, Sat Dec 17, 10.45pm), and Star Trek Voyager (11, Sat Dec 10, 9.30pm).
Amongst the next month’s movies are a raft of ‘80s comic treats. If you look past the poor production values and excruciating ‘80s fashion, you’ll find a few gems like Teen Wolf (Go!, Sun Dec 18, 9.30pm), Spaceballs (Go!, Mon Dec 19, 9.30pm), and Caddyshack (Go!, Thu Dec 22, 9.30pm).
SANTA WATCH: The Graham Norton Show: Christmas Special (ABC2, Sat Dec 24, 10pm), Peep Show: Seasonal Beating (ABC2, Sat Dec 24, 11pm), The Vicar of Dibley (Prime, Sun Dec 11, 7pm), Happy Days (11, Sun Dec 25, 1.30am), The Flintstones (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 7.30am), Bewitched (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 1.30pm), Just Shoot Me (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 2.30pm), Top Gear Middle East Special (Go!, Sat Dec 24, 6.30pm), South Park (Go!, Sat Dec 25, 12.20am), Little Britain (WIN, Sat Dec 24, 11pm), The Smurfs – A Christmas Carol (Prime, Sat Dec 17, 8pm), SOS: Santa: The Fascist Years (SBS1, Sun Dec 25, 12.40am), Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat Dec 24, 9.30pm), The Legends of Santa (SBS1, Sat Dec 24, 5.30pm) and for the traditionalists Carols from St Andrews (ABC1, Sat Dec 24, 6pm) and It’s a Wonderful Life (ABC2, Sat Dec 24, 1pm).
It’s time to mix a margarita (sans umbrella), whack Do They Know It’s Christmas on the turntable and put up the tree. Merry Christmas to all…
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 22 November 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 2 months ago
There’s a raft of musical history treats this fortnight including Queen: Days of Our Lives (ABC2, Wed Nov 30, 9.30pm). The two parter charts the band’s history, Australian Story style, including their infamous spats with the NME and The Sex Pistols, quite a few old interviews with Freddie Mercury and unseen early gig footage. It’s nothing fans of the band wouldn’t know but it is a great study on how four very different, strong minded and talented musicians continued to work together for four decades. Oh and a good lesson on overdubbing and why the porn star ‘tache should come off after Movember.
Same era, different result – The Agony & Ecstasy of Phil Spector (ABC2, Sun Nov 27, 8.30pm) is from an interview given during his first trial where he talks about his life and work, including his friendship with John Lennon.
Elsewhere, triple j Presents Sparkadia (ABC2, Tue Nov 29, 10.25pm), and a new series of Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat, 9.30pm) continues.
Other docos to check out include Running to America (ABC1, Thu Dec 1, 8.30pm) about four indigenous men trained by Canberra’s own Robert de Castella to run the NY marathon, Artscape: Ben Quilty and the Maggots (ABC1, Tue Nov 29, 10pm) which repeats the brilliant doco about the artist, Spellbound (ABC2, Sun Dec 11, 8.30pm) – behind the scenes at America’s National Spelling Bee, Trapped in an Elevator (SBS1, Thu Nov 29, 7.30pm) which tells the history of elevators, interspersed by the story of someone who got stuck in one for 41 hours, and Scarlet Road: A sex worker’s journey (SBS1, Fri Dec 2, 10.05pm) which looks at the work of sex worker Rachel Wotton who works with people with disabilities.
The less glitzy of the award shows, the 2011 Walkley Awards (SBS1, Sun Nov 27, 10.15pm) for journalism round up the year and so you don’t fall asleep, The Chaser (sorry, Hamster Wheel) boys will appear.
Summer programming has arrived. But don’t panic, there are a few gems including Green Wing (ABC2, Tue Nov 29, 9.30pm) – a hospital-based, soapie style comedy from the makers of Smack the Pony, two The Thick of it Christmas Specials (ABC1, Wed Nov 30 and Wed Dec 7, 9pm), and Lewis Black’s Root of all Evil (ABC2, Tue Dec 6, 10.25pm) which pits two comedians against each other to make the case for which pop cultural icon or pursuit is worse including Paris Hilton vs Dick Cheney, and weed vs beer.
Movies to check out include restored cult classic Dogs in Space (ABC2, Fri Dec 9, 9.30pm) in its first airing in 20 years starring Michael Hutchence and set in a group house at the centre of Melbourne’s ‘70s punk scene, Here I Am (ABC1, Thu Dec 8, 8.30pm) – the award-winning debut from Beck Cole shot in Port Adelaide, Brideshead Revisited (ABC1, Sun Nov 27, 8.30pm), Steve Martin classic The Jerk (ABC2, Sat Nov 26, 8.40pm), American History X (Go, Sat Dec 3, 10.50pm) and Poltergeist (WIN, Sun Dec 4, 1.50am).
SANTA WATCH: Better Homes and Gardens Christmas at Dr Harry’s Farm (Prime, Fri Nov 25, 7.30pm), Mythbusters: Christmas Lights (7Mate, Tue Nov 22, 7.30pm), and Six Million Dollar Man: A bionic Christmas carol (7Mate, Wed Nov 23, 6.30am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 8 November 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 2 months ago
This month marks a sad day in Australian television history – Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed Nov 23, 8.30pm) airs its finale. The upstart music quiz show that should have been a cult hit got so popular its host earned two gold Logie nominations and his own tonight show. It turned a music savant into a household name and made a triple j contributor so famous she only needed one name, like Madonna. Each moment has been played out in our living rooms – from the agony of Myf’s Nirvana blunder to the joy on Hamish Blake’s face when he finally got a question right (exactly how a radio personality can know nothing about music is in itself bizarre). Who will be able to forget a breathless Dave O’Neil on a stationary pushbike in Malvern Stars on 45, the world’s most boring text, Measurement in Australia sung to the tune of Born to be Wild by Shaun Micallef or BMA’s own Justin Heazlewood (aka The Bedroom Philosopher) performing Musical Clearance Sale. Adam, Alan and Myf, we salute you – hard to believe it’s only been seven years. Of course, there’s one option left – Spicks and Specktacular hits town for shows at The Royal Theatre from Saturday-Monday December 10-12.
Some of the retro TV fare currently gracing our screens hasn’t stood up well but well-written classic British comedy even from as far back as the ‘70s is still as witty in 2011. The latest series to join the retro revolution is Yes Minister (GEM, Sun and Wed, 8pm). While more modern political comedies such as The Thick of It and The Hollowmen may cut closer to the bone, public servants about town will no doubt be aware of Sir Humphreys in their midst.
How do you know summer TV is on its way? All the networks’ big budget shows are winding up. Underbelly Razor (WIN, Sun, 8.30pm), Rush (SCTEN, Thu Nov 17, 8.30pm) and Crownies (ABC1, Thu Dec 1, 9.30pm) have either just finished (time to watch on the catch up sites) or will soon.
Don’t miss new series The Hour (ABC1, Mon Nov 21, 8.30pm) – a thriller set at the BBC in ‘50s Britain and telemovie The Night Watch (ABC1, Sun Nov 20, 8.30pm) based on a Sarah Walters novel about four young Londoners in 1940s wartime Britain.
If you’re looking for a movie offering, check out Meryl Streep’s unconvincing Aussie accent in Evil Angels (GEM, Wed Nov 9, 9.30pm), Robert Carlyle doing comedy with his kit off in The Full Monty (SCTEN, Fri Nov 18, 9.30pm), Arnie and Jamie Lee Curtis doing comedy in True Lies (SCTEN, Sat Nov 19, 8.55pm), the 1950s reimagined ‘80s style in Back to the Future (SCTEN, Sat Nov 19, 6.30pm), Bond flick The Living Daylights (7Mate, Sun Nov 13, 8.30pm), Patrick Swayze and Charlie Sheen in Red Dawn (7Mate, Fri Nov 18, 12pm), Eric Bana’s nerd outing in Star Trek (SCTEN, Fri Nov 11, 9.30pm), X-Men: The Last Stand (SCTEN, Sat Nov 12, 9pm) and Clint Eastwood in Hang ‘Em High (7Mate, Wed Nov 16, 12pm).
For Ausmusic Month, rage has a collection of Aussie acts guest programming including Boy & Bear (ABC1, Sat Nov 5, 12.15am), Horrorshow (ABC1, Sat Nov 12, 11.25am), The Jezabels (ABC1, Sat Nov 19, 11.25pm) and Bag Raiders (ABC1, Sat Nov 26, 12.10am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 25 October 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 2 months ago
OMG. Could the producers of the Australian version of Celebrity Apprentice (WIN, Mon-Fri, 7pm) have chosen a more embarrassing collection of pseudo celebrities? Let’s just hope this disaster waiting to happen never sees the light of day on foreign shores. At the very least someone should pass a law that Pauline Hanson is never allowed to appear on TV again. You could also add Warwick Capper (who should never be described with terms like ‘‘80s icon’) and ‘celebrity agent’ Max Markson (who doesn’t deserve that title if he advises his clients to be involved in this claptrap).
On the back of shows like The Gruen Transfer and Gruen Planet (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) that use the sausage-making in advertising and PR as a comedy vehicle, film and telly have been given the same treatment in The Bazura Project (ABC1, Thu, 9pm) and The Joy of Sets (WIN, Tue, 9pm). And while Bazura is less wooden and more entertaining than the Tony Martin/Myles Barlow effort, they have limited themselves to a series of cheap gags without the insight of Gruen. Blackbox is a huge fan of Martin and a devotee of Working Dog’s champagne comedy and really really wanted to love it but so far Joy of Sets is more sparkling Chardy.
Yes, there is some good news in TV land and it starts with Haven (ABC2, Mon Nov 7, 8.30pm), a new supernatural series set in Maine, complete with an FBI investigator. Based on a Steven King novella, it’s essentially The X-Files in one place without the government conspiracy.
Add to that American Horror Story (11, Tue Nov 1, 9.30pm) and you’ve got a decent suspense/mystery line-up at last. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a suspense/horror series that was more about the story and the fright than the pin-up quality of its cast, but American Horror Story with the inimitable Jessica Lange does this well. Also watch out for Psychoville Halloween Special (ABC2, Mon Oct 31, 10.15pm) to put you in the mood.
Not to be missed docos include Sunday Best: Out of the Ashes (ABC2, Sun Nov 6, 8.30pm) which follows the Afghan cricket team, Happy Hookers (SBS1, Fri Nov 4, 10pm) which looks at young women in London turning to escort work to fund their lavish lifestyles, Sunday Best: Born into Brothels (ABC2, Sun Oct 30, 8.30pm) which looks at children who grow up in India’s red light districts while the mothers work in the sex industry.
The 7pm Project has changed name to The Project (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 6.30pm) and will stretch out to an hour taking over the George Negus spot.
If you’re looking for a movie escape there’s Bond classics Moonraker (7Mate, Sun Oct 30, 8.30pm) and For Your Eyes Only (7Mate, Sat Nov 5, 8.30pm), early ‘90s spy comedy Sneakers (Prime, Sun Oct 30, 2pm), Borat (11, Sun Oct 30, 9pm) and Stanley Kubrick’s The Killing (ABC2, Sat Nov 5, 8.30pm).
It’s about to become even easier to catch up with your fave shows from Auntie, as long as you’ve got an X-box. Auntie’s catchup site will arrive on the X-box platform over summer.
A musical interlude comes from triple j Presents Drapht (ABC2, Tue Nov 8, 10.15pm).
Christmas has arrived at pretty much every Canberra shopping destination and that means time to start Blackbox’s annual Santa Watch. This year 30 Rock (Prime, Mon Oct 31, 11.30pm) kicks off our countdown (probably by accident rather than design) with an ep entitled Secret Santa followed by Die Hard 2 (SCTEN, Sat Nov 5, 9.05pm). BTW: the Android app says 61 days to go.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 11 October 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 3 months ago
Chez Blackbox is extremely excited about Auntie’s latest doco series, Wide Open Road (ABC1, Sun, 8.30pm) which looks at Australia’s love affair with the car, from the family cars of the ‘50s and ‘60s through to the golden era of ‘70s muscle cars, the fuel crisis, suburban car culture and the environmental future. Hot on the heels of Blackbox’s fave sporting event of the year, the Bathurst 1000 and referencing Australia’s best-ever driving song, The Triffids’ Wide Open Road, what’s not to love?
Handmade enthusiasts and artisans will love the BBC ob doco Mastercrafts (ABC1, Thu, 6pm). Each episode takes three creative types and starts to train them in a number of artisan crafts including heirloom weaving.
Docos to check out include All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace (SBS1, Tue Oct 18, 8.30pm).
Finally – new episodes of Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 7.30pm).
Other new and returning shows include Keeping Up With The Joneses (GEM, Thu Oct 22, 8.30pm), last year’s ob doco following a family in the outback, Bored to Death (ABC1, Fri, 10.05pm), from the team behind Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Destiny of Rome (SBS1, Sun Oct 23, 7.30pm), a two part mini-series bringing to life the passions, loves and politics of the Roman Empire, Housos (SBS1, Mon Oct 24, 10pm) a comedy set in the Sunnyvale housing estate from the crew behind Pizza, Kill Arman (SBS1, Mon Oct 24, 8.30pm) an ob doco following a martial arts novice as he trains in a series of different martial arts.
If you’re looking for movies on the box, check out the Cohen Brothers’ classic The Big Lebowski (GEM, Sat Oct 15, 10.30pm), and A Fish Called Wanda (GEM, Sun Oct 16, 9pm), with a Python laden cast and sensibilities.
Those with a talent not covered by shows about singing, cooking or being a geek should head to Sydney Showground on Friday October 21 and Saturday October 22 for Australia’s Got Talent auditions.
Blackbox celebrates its 250th issue this fortnight. Thanks to all those loyal readers who have shared a passion for square-eyed fervor, addiction to late night local advertising, and most of all an appreciation for the quirkier side of the programming schedule over the past decade. So break open the Cheezels and beer (or tea and iced vovos) and join Chez Blackbox in toasting the next decade.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 September 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 3 months ago
Blackbox has been enjoying the televisual delights of Turkey over the past few weeks which pretty much consist of Turkish versions of English game and reality shows, and low budget over-acted soap operas. Picking up three years after the film, This is England-1986 (SBS1, Mon, 10pm) continues its portrayal of life growing up working class in Thatcher’s Britain. The movie and the show are based on British filmmaker Shane Meadows’ own upbringing and paint a grim picture of alienation that was a feature of the time.
One would have thought we might have dropped the term ‘fast tracking’ by now as all US series (apart from anything really good like Treme) are now played to Australian audiences just days after their US debut. Anyway the latest ‘fast tracked premiere’ is Unforgettable (WIN, Thu Oct 6, 8.30pm) a US drama starring ‘Australia’s own’ Poppy Montgomery as an ex-detective with a disorder that means she remembers everything clearly. Of course she is lured back to help the police solve a murder. It’s based on a J. Robert Lennon short story.
Also ‘fast-tracked’ is Person of Interest (WIN, Sun, 9.30pm), a crime drama set amongst crime, corruption and cops in New York, where a presumed dead federal agent teams up with a computer genius to beat the system. It’s created by Jonathan Nolan (Memento), Bryan Burk and the legendary J.J. Abrams.
Franchising, like any good advertiser should, The Gruen Transfer has given birth to Gruen Planet (ABC1, Wed Sep 28, 9pm) which will look not just at advertising but at how advertising and public relations affect how we see the world – why everything is spin, branding, advertising and image control.
Also coming are series three of Breaking Bad (ABC 2, Thu Sep 29, 9pm), new United States of Tara (ABC2, Tue Sep 27, 8.30pm), the new Charlie’s Angels (WIN, Tue Sep 27, 7.30pm), a new season of CSI (WIN, Wed Sep 28, 8.30pm), William Shatner’s Weird or What? (SBS1, Mon Oct 3, 7.30pm), Big Love (SBS1, Thu Oct 6, 10pm) and The Hamster Wheel (ABC1, Wed, 9.35pm) which sees The Chaser crew looking at how journalism works which is really just an excuse for more pranks.
The final episode of Catalyst (ABC1, Thu Sep 29, 8pm) looks specifically at GM crops, asking Frankenfood or famine buster?
Other docos to check out include Planet Egypt (SBS1, Sun, 7.30pm), a series looking at what transformed an agrarian society into one of the world’s great empires, Compass: Death in Brooklyn (ABC1, Sun Oct 2, 10pm) which looks at the New York neighbourhood of Crown Heights where racial tensions between Orthodox Jews and African Americans resulted in riots 20 years ago, Rome Wasn’t Built In a Day (ABC1, Tue Oct 4, 8.30pm) follows the construction of a Roman villa using only Roman methods, Choccywoccydoodah: Failure Is Not An Option (ABC2, Fri Oct 14, 6pm) which goes behind the scenes at the infamous British chocolate shop that helped Tim Burton create Willy Wonka’s world, Sunday Best: Jesus Camp (ABC2, Sun Oct 9, 8.30pm) which looks at the evangelical Christian camps that recruit born-again Christian children to become an active part of America's political future, Louis Theroux: Louis and the Nazis (ABC2, Wed Oct 12, 8.30pm) which sees Louis meet members of the White Aryan Resistance including everyone’s favourite baby-faced warblers Lamb and Lynx.
Don’t miss Triple J Presents Architecture in Helsinki (ABC2, Tue Oct 11, 10.20pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 September 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 4 months ago
One of the biggest guitar heroes of all time died 31 years ago but the legacy of Jimi Hendrix lives on in all self styled guitar heroes (even those proficient only at the air model). The brilliant autobiography, Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child (ABC2, Sun Sep 18, 8.30pm) brings the legend to life.
Big news of the week is that The Chaser crew are returning with a new show – The Hamster Wheel – on ABC later this year.
Sunday Best (ABC2, Sun Sep 25, 8.30pm) brings a series of feature length documentaries to auntie’s second digi channel including Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, the story of the infamous oil spill, Lesson Plan, Teenage Paparazzo directed by Entourage’s Adrian Greiner, Hoop Dreams, Born into Brothels, The Most Dangerous Man in America, Jesus Camp and Out of the Ashes, the story of the Afghan cricket team.
Other docos to check out include Kill it, Cook it, Eat it (ABC2, Wed Sep 14, 9.30pm), which follows meat production from farm to table, The Truth Behind: Crop Circles (7Mate, Thu Sep 15, 10.30pm), and Stealing Shakespeare (ABC1, Tue Sep 27, 8.30pm) which follows the story of con man Raymond Scott who tried to sell a folio of Shakespeare’s original plays.
A special episode of Collectors (ABC1, Fir Sep 16, 8pm) takes a guided tour of the Tasmanian private art gallery that’s putting the southern state on the map.
The seasonal changeover continues and it’s not just the pink cherry blossoms and the squawk of magpies. New and returning faves are filling TV screens including the third season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Thu Sep 29, 9pm), the second half of the new series of Dr Who (ABC1, Sat Sep 17, 7.30pm), Father & Son (ABC2, Mon Sep 19, 8.30pm), a new BBC series about a British gangster trying to leave his former life behind, a new season of United States of Tara and The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency (ABC1, Sun Sep 25, 8.30pm) based on the novels of Alexander McCall-Smith.
Adam Hills takes his stand-up routine to the small screen with Adam Hills Live: Joymonger and Characterful (ABC1, Sat Sep 17, 9.25pm).
Those with a criminal underworld obsession will love new ob doco Lockdown (7Mate, Thu, 9.40pm) which takes viewers inside the US justice system’s most notorious prisons.
The Bazura Project (ABC2, Mon Sep 29, 9.30pm) is a six-part comedy about the movies. Well, a look at how they are made and the six essential ingredients – sex, violence, money, profanity, drugs and fame.
At the Movies is running a comp to celebrate their 25th anniversary (albeit on a couple of different networks). All you need do is create a trailer for a fake movie for David and Margaret to review. It closes Monday September 19. Visit http://bit.ly/atmcomp for details.
Movies to check out include classic Western The Magnificent Seven (ABC2, Sat Sep 17, 8.30pm) starring Yul Bryner and Charles Bronson.
Don’t miss This is England (SBS1, Sat Sep 24, 10.05pm). Set in a working class council estate in Britain in the ‘80s, the film looks at the relationship between those drawn to skinhead culture as a way to fit in and the National Front in what was then referred to as Thatcher’s Britain.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 30 August 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 4 months ago
There’s new Australian comedy on auntie this week with Twentysomethings (ABC2, Tue Sep 6, 9pm) and At Home With Julia (ABC1, Wed Sep 7, 9.30pm). Twentysomethings is witty, well-written and most of all, about having fun. At Home With Julia is just what its name suggests, a parody of life at the lodge with the PM and her partner Tim.
There really is no end to the ridiculous premises for low cost reality, talent and ob doco programs – this fortnight’s gems include: Same Name (WIN, Wed, 7.30pm), where celebrities swap places with regular people who have the same name, and Are You Fitter Than A Pensioner (Go!, Thu, 7.30pm) which, yes, is just as the name suggests.
Other new and returning shows include Rush (SCTEN, Thu Sep 1, 8.30pm), Good News World (SCTEN, Mon Sep 5, 9.30pm), Louis Theroux Specials (ABC2, Wed Sep 7, 8.30pm), Swift & Shift Couriers (SBS1, Mon, 8.30pm), Top Gear Australia (WIN, Tue, 8.30pm) and triple j Presents (ABC2, Tue Sep 13, 10.20pm).
Despite its tenuous link to a Canberra institution, the first eps of Underbelly Razor were underwhelming. With the plot already written for them, is it too much to ask for some creative dialogue?
Predictably many of this fortnight’s docos focus on the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which were broadcast live during prime time in Australia. The occupants of Chez Blackbox, like many Canberrans, were watching The West Wing when the pictures started rolling in. Docos include: 9/11: The Day That Shook The World (SBS1, Tue Sep 6, 8.30pm), which shows minute by minute how the disaster was managed, Engineering Ground Zero (SBS1, Sun Sep 11, 7.30pm), Love Hate Love (SBS1, Sun Sep 11, 9.30pm) a Sean Penn film which tells the story of three families affected by terrorism, Children of 9/11 (SCTEN, Tue Sep 6, 9.30pm), which looks at the families affected, Dateline: 9/11: Ten Years On (SBS1, Sun Sep 11, 8.30pm), Rebirth (ABC1, Sun Sep 11, 8.30pm) which follows those affected by 9/11, and Compass: 9/11 Ten Years On (ABC1, Sun Sep 11, 10pm).
Other docos include Artscape: 3 Days in Venice: Biennale 2011 (ABC2, Tue Sep 20, 10.05pm), Joanna Lumley Jewel of the Nile (GEM, Thu Sep 1, 7.30pm) which follows the British actress on a journey along the Nile River, and The Passionate Apprentices (SBS1, Sat, 6pm) following artisan apprentices such as knifemakers and beekeepers, The September Issue (ABC1, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm) a fly on the wall view of Vogue magazine, and Julien Temple’s Glastonbury (ABC2, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm).
Apparently it’s less than 120 days until Christmas and just to remind you there are Christmas specials including Absolutely Fabulous (ABC2, Sun Sep 4, 11.35pm), and Family Guy (7Mate, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm).
Movie picks include Age of Consent (ABC2, Sat Sep 3, 8.30pm) from 1969 with a young Helen Mirren, Donnie Brasco (GEM, Fri Sep 2, 9.30pm), Henry V111 And His Six Wives (GEM, Sat Sep 3, 2.25am) a historically inaccurate ‘70s flick starring Charlotte Rampling as Anne Boleyn, Almost Famous (Go!, Sun Sep 4, 8.30pm), Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (Go!, Wed Sep 7, 9.30pm), ‘80s adventure flick The Jewel of the Nile (SCTEN, Sat Sep 3, 8.40pm) and Tarantino classic Pulp Fiction (Go!, Fri Sep 2, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss Rosso’s house on Better Homes and Gardens (WIN, Fri Sep 2, 7.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 16 August 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 5 months ago
Apparently, according to incessant commercials running on all three of WIN’s digi channels, Sunday August 21 is television’s biggest night of the year because a) it hosts the final of The Block (WIN, 6.30pm) and b) the first episode of the latest Underbelly instalment, Underbelly Razor (WIN, 8.30pm). Blackbox wholeheartedly agrees with part a) because it takes the most annoying reality series of the year off the box, but is less convinced about part b). Sure the first season of Underbelly that brought Melbourne’s gangland killings to life and featured Kat Stewart’s riveting portrayal of Roberta Williams, was awesome television but the following two instalments haven’t really lived up to expectations.
Also returning (with slightly less fanfare) are new seasons of Weeds (GEM, Mon, 11pm), The Big C (GEM, Mon, 10.30pm), and Hung (Prime, Tue, 10.30pm).
Other new shows include On Track (ABC2, Fri Aug 26, 9.15pm) which focuses on artists recording, Suits (Prime, Mon, 9.40pm) a new legal series that’s part of the US summer roster from the people who brought you Burn Notice, Accused (ABC1, Fri Aug 26, 9.30pm), a series of six teleplays from writer Jimmy McGovern where an ordinary person winds up in the dock, Monroe (ABC1, Sat Aug 27, 8.30pm) a new James Nesbitt series, this time a medical one, and ob doco Drug Bust (Prime, Thu Aug 18, 7.20pm). Really the only question is why it took so long – much more intriguing than drink driving, parking infringements or the endless stream of drunk, drugged and prostituting bust on COPS (One Tue, Wed, 8.30pm).
And if you enjoy intrigue, put Emmy Award winning Danish series The Protectors (SBS1, Thu, 10pm) on your viewing roster.
Carlos (ABC2, Mon Aug 29, 8.30pm) is a three part drama from Olivier Assayas that portrays the life of notorious revolutionary and terrorist, Ilich Ramírez Sánchez aka Carlos the Jackal.
If you want to join the next series of Amazing Race Australia, you’d better be quick. Applications close on Friday August 19. Check yahoo7.com.au/theamazingrace for details.
Gastronomes will enjoy Jamie Oliver’s European adventures in Jamie Does (SCTEN, Sat, 6.30pm) which takes in the cuisine of Andalucia on Saturday August 20 and Stockholm (Blackbox’s fav city) on Saturday Aug 27.
Coming soon to Prime – Wild Boys, a story about bushrangers, power and government corruption in the 1850s – Australian version of Deadwood?
Docos to check out include The Cove (ABC1, Sun Aug 28, 8.30pm), the story of an elite team of activists, who penetrated the site of a dolphin hunt, Artscape: Stunt Love (ABC1, Tue Aug 30, 10.05pm), the life of Australian stunt director J.P ‘Jack’ McGowan in the early 20th century, and In The Shadow Of Hollywood: Race Movies And The Birth Of Black Cinema (ABC2, Sun Aug 21, 8.30pm).
The cutest babies on earth are baby animals and Zoo Babies (GEM, Tue, 7.30pm) is chock full of them – gibbons, zebras, elephants…
The pick of this fortnight’s movies are Pulp Fiction (Go!, Fri Aug 26, 9:50pm) – what Tarrantino was doing before Kill Bill, 50 First Dates (Go!, Fri Aug 19, 7.30pm) – what Adam Sandler was doing after Happy Gilmore, Hitchcock classic North by Northwest (GEM, Sat Aug 27, 2.40pm), and Star Trek (SCTEN, Sun Aug 21, 8.30pm) the Eric Bana film not the Shatner one although Leonard Nimoy makes an appearance.
Trekkies should catch a repeat of Getaway (WIN, Wed Aug 21, 2.05pm), which features the world’s only organised tour conducted in Klingon.
Guest star of the week – Gene Simmons in Castle (Prime, Sun Aug 21, 9.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Monday, 1 August 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 5 months ago
The latest Chez Blackbox obsession Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed Aug 10, 9.30pm) gets even better this fortnight as it swings into the season two storyline and the great Henry Rollins joins the cast. Hank does a star turn as (ironically) a white supremacist. Playing against type is status quo for Hank – fans should seek out The Chase, an early ‘90s b-grade action flick which also features cameos by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and porn legend Ron Jeremy.
Friday Night Lights (ABC1, Fri, 8.30pm) does for middle America what The Wire did for Baltimore – showing a true portrayal of the characters that inhabit what bureaucrats call the flyover states.
Other shows new to screens in coming weeks include Valemont (ABC2, Tue Aug 16, 8.30pm) – another Supernatural series that went straight to the web in the US, Renovators (SCTEN, Sun Aug 7, 7.30pm) – the network’s replacement for Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun Aug 7, 6.30pm), Big Trouble in Thailand (Go!, Thu, 8.30pm) following British cops working alongside Thai police, The Hotel (SBS1, Wed Aug 10, 8.30pm) – an ob doco about a hotel in the UK and new seasons of Talkin’ ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Wed Aug 10, 8.30pm), Law & Order UK (SCTEN, Fri Aug 12, 8.30pm) and Law & Order (SCTEN, Fri Aug 12, 9.30pm).
Just when you thought the networks had run out of premises for talent shows, along comes The Voice (Go!, Tue Aug 9, 7.30pm), hosted by Carson Daly, which apparently takes looks out of the equation. Judges on the US show have their backs to the contestants and only get to see them after they make a decision. Not sure what happens in the casting audition though.
Finally Buffy the Vampire Slayer (11, Sat, 11.30pm) makes it onto the late night roster. Unfortunately it’s at the expense of Roseanne but only on the weekend. For a bit of Australian cultural history night owls can also catch Skippy (WIN, Sun, 5.30am).
It was bound to happen sooner or later – WIN has announced production of a Beaconsfield telemovie. No air date yet but it will star Shane Jacobson and Lachy Hume. Come to think of it, the WIN folks are yet to reveal an air date for Underbelly Razor despite relentless promotion for at least the past year.
Docos to check out include Erasing David (ABC1, Wed Aug 3, 9.30pm) where UK filmmaker David Bond sees whether he can actually disappear without a trace, Artscape: Carnival Queen (ABC2, Tue Aug 23, 10pm) which follows Finucane and Smith’s Carnival of Mysteries as it is prepared for the stage, Ingrid Betancourt: 6 years in the Jungle (ABC1, Wed Aug 17, 10.20pm) which recounts what happened to Colombia’s most famous hostage, and The Invention of Dr Nakamats (ABC2, Wed Aug 10, 9.20pm) – the world’s most prolific patent holder and inventor of the CD.
Movie picks this fortnight include In the Heat of the Night (ABC2, Sat Aug 20, 8.30pm), Tropic Thunder (SCTEN, Sun Aug 7, 9.35pm), Thank You For Smoking (SCTEN, Sat Aug 6, 10pm), Chocolat (GEM, Fri Aug 12, 8.30pm), Rio Bravo (GEM, Sat Aug 13, 3.05pm), The Omega Man (WIN, Sat Aug 13, 2am) and the premiere of Australian horror flick The Tunnel (iView from Sun Aug 14).
Also don’t miss the new series of British political satire The Thick of It (ABC1, Thu, 10pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 19 July 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 6 months ago
As a foodie at heart (a pastime that can at least in part be enjoyed slothing about in front of the telly with a pinot or three), the endless gastronomic advice now available through digital TV channels was welcomed, as long as it didn’t come from Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun-Fri, 7.30pm). But now, the networks have gone into a time warp flooding our screens with home reno shows – besides the five nights a week of The Block (WIN) which is now casting for its next season, there’s Jamie Drury’s Top Design (WIN, Wed, 8pm), 60 Minute Makeover (7TWO, Sun, 9.45pm) and repeats of Room for Improvement (7TWO, Wed, 2.30am). If you really want to know about home renovation, stick with the new series of Grand Designs (ABC1, Sun, 7.30pm) where you might also learn a thing or two about architecture, design and not looking like the CAD rendered drawing on the real estate brochure.
The much promoted Hamish &Andy’s Gap Year (SCTEN, Thu Jul 28, 8.30pm) takes the intrepid duo to the US now that Spicks and Specks has wrapped. Other new shows include the premiere of pawn shop obdoco Hardcore Pawn (7Mate, Wed Jul 20, 8.30pm), Off The Map (Prime, Thu Jul 21, 10.41pm), already cancelled medical drama set in South America, the much awaited Friday Night Lights (ABC2, Fri Jul 29, 8.30pm) and the one-off comedy show We ain’t Terrorists (ABC2, Thu Jul 28, 9.30pm).
If you’re a fan, make sure you catch Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) – there’s only a few months left of this season, its last. For a triple treat, it’ll soon be followed by The Gruen Transfer (ABC1, Wed Aug 3, 9pm) and Judith Lucy’s Spiritual Journeys Transfer (ABC1, Wed Aug 3, 9.30pm), which put’s the comedienne’s spin on the topic that spurned the John Safran and Fr Bob phenomenon.
Collectors (ABC1, Fri Jul 22, 8pm) promises two not-to-be-missed segments - a look at Boardgames and a chat with bma’s own Justin Haezlewood.
There’s a plethora of documentary series coming up including Tropic of Capricorn (SBS1, Wed Aug 3, 7.30pm) which follows Simon Reeve as he circumnavigates the southern hemisphere, Seduction in the City (SBS1, Wed Jul 27, 8.30m) which looks at the history of shopping, Sex: An Unnatural History (SBS1, Fri Jul 29, 10pm), expertly hosted by Julia Zemiro.
Other docos to check out include Compass: Bali High Wedding (ABC1, Sun Jul 24, 10pm), Secrets of Stonehenge (SBS1, Sun Jul 31, 7.30pm), James May at the Edge of Space (SBS1, Sun Jul 24, 9.30pm), and Final 24: John Belushi (7Mate, Thu Jul 28, 11.30pm)
There’s a weekend pyjama fest for fans of xtreme and death defying sports including skateboarding with Drive (One, Sat Jul 23, 11.30am), Pro Bull Riding (One, Sun Jul 24, 10am), Snowboarding: TTR World Tour (One, Sun Jul 24, 11.30am), World of Free Sports (One, Sun Jul 24, 11am) and Cycling: UCI BMX World Championships (SBS2, Sun Jul 31, 8.30pm)
Movies this fortnight include Juno (SCTEN, Fri Jul 22, 9pm), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (GEM, Sat Jul 30, 3.40pm), The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (ABC2, Sat Jul 30, 8.30pm) and Mary Poppins (7Mate, Sat Jul 30, 1.30pm)
And what is it with franchises and L.A.? First the woeful NCIS: LA (SCTEN, Tue, 9.30pm) and now Law and Order: LA (Prime, Thu, 8.40pm). What next? CSI: LA?
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 5 July 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 6 months ago
There are two types of drama in the US. The first is the good, well scripted variety that usually comes out of the Showtime or HBO stables and eventually makes its way to Australian free-to-air networks, usually via pay TV here. Think Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed, 9.30pm), The Wire (ABC2, Fri, 10.30pm), Californication (11, Tue, 10pm), The Big C (GEM, Mon, 11.10pm), Deadwood (ABC2, Mon, 9.30pm), Mad Men (SBS, TBC) and True Blood (still waiting for free-to-air debut). The second is the replicating an old TV show, movie, or worse still, Americanising a show that’s been successful in another English speaking country. Buffy and The Office (11, Tue, 8.30pm) were successful, Kath and Kim less so.
This week’s new offerings are most definitely the second type. Teen Wolf (Prime, Mon July 11, 9.30pm) takes the ‘80s Michael J Fox teen movie and turns it into a series. Or tries to.
The US network execs have taken the British cult underworld drama Being Human (11, Mon, 9.30pm) about a vampire, werewolf and ghost sharing a house, transplanted it in Boston and done what every network exec is bound to do – filled it with pretty people. What is it about Americans needing their TV casts to look like they stepped out of a photo shoot for banality? This comes off the back of the US version of Wilfred (11, Tue, 9.30pm), which is watchable because of Elijah Wood, but mostly because Jason Gann has reprised his role as Wilfred. Watch out for the US version of Shameless with William H Macy.
Good old Auntie has fresh Australian drama with Crownies (ABC1, Thu July 14, 8.30pm) set in the courts and legal chambers. While this is no Rake, it is still worth a look.
Marchlands (ABC1, Sat July 23, 8.25pm), is an innovative and intriguing BBC drama about a haunted house, with three interconnecting plotlines set in 1968, 1987 and 2010.
The ‘much funnier when he was an acerbic judge on idol’ Dicko hosts SCTEN’s newie Can of Worms (SCTEN, Mon, 8.45pm).
Other new series include a new season of Grand Designs (ABC1, Sun, 7.30pm), Jail (7Mate, Thu July 14) an ob doco series on… well, jail, Young, Dumb and Living off Mum (Prime, Mon, 10.30pm), and brilliant UK political satire The Thick of It (ABC2, Thu July 21, 10.15pm).
Docos to check out include: The King of Calls (SBS1, Sun July 17, 9.30pm) which looks at the day-to-day operations of an Indian call centre, The Buddha (SBS2, Tue July 19, 7.30pm) a two-parter narrated by Richard Gere to tell the story of the Buddha, Triple J’s One Night Stand (ABC2, Sun July 17, 8.30pm), 7 Ages of Marriage (ABC2, Wed July 13, 8.30pm) about how people approach weddings, and Jennifer Byrne Presents: Fantasy (ABC1, Tue July 12, 9.55pm) with guests Jennifer Rowe (aka Emily Rodda), Lev Grossman and Fiona McIntosh.
Cycling junkies won’t want to miss Le Tour de France - live nightly (SBS1, nightly 10pm until Sunday July 24), morning updates (SBS1, daily 7.30am) and daily highlight packages (SBS1, daily 6pm and SBS2, daily 8.30pm).
Movies to look out for include spaghetti western For a Few Dollars More (ABC2, Sat July 23, 8.30pm) and New York, New York (ABC2, Sat July 16, 8.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 14 June 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 7 months ago
One man’s hoarder is another man’s collector and there are plenty of shows to cater for the obsession including American Pickers (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 9.30pm),which follows Mike Wolfe and Franz Fritz as they unearth rare finds in people’s garages and junkyards across the US Midwest, Hardcore Pawn (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 10.30pm), a fly on the wall doco about a family owned pawn shop in Detroit, Antiques Roadshow (Gem Sat, Sun 6.30pm, Mon-Fri 4.30pm) and Australia’s favourite (and the best) Collectors (ABC1, Fri, 8pm) which peers into some of the most eclectic collections imaginable.
Mate is really living up to its moniker with a slew of very blokey new observational docos including Monster Nation (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 11pm), Monster Garage with ordinary people, Swamp People (7Mate, Thu Jun 30, 7.30pm), which follows the alligator season in Louisiana, and repeats of Mythbusters (7Mate, Wed Jun 29, 7.30pm).
It’s all about the observational doco this issue with viewers finally getting a peek behind the scenes of UK policing with Behind the Force (SBS1, Tue Jun 28, 8.30pm) and yes Chez Blackbox will be most disappointed if it turns out to be more like COPS (One; Tue, Wed, 8.30pm) than The Bill (7TWO, Thu 8.30pm, ABC1, Mon-Fri, 4am).
And the new Chez Blackbox fave ob doco is An Idiot Abroad (One, Mon, 8.30pm). More a rollicking travel comedy, really - Ricky Gervais (which usually spells don’t watch) has sent his mate Karl Plinkington off around the world to sample other cultures. If Karl was Australian he’d probably come from Bogangate and question why you’d want to go to Sydney, let alone Brazil. As it turns out, he does go to Brazil and as you’d expect makes some hilarious observations.
Those who fancy a fash mag career should check out Marie Claire – Under the Cover (7TWO, Sun 6.30pm, Prime, Sat, 2pm). The BMA office is much more exciting… just sayin’. Those who dream to be a famous product designer should get a taste of the reruns of Design for Life (ABC2, Sun, 8pm) – not sure Philippe Starck really disproves the arrogance of the French.
Other docos to check out include Leigh Hart’s Mysterious Planet (ABC1, Tue, 9pm), which looks at the world’s greatest mysteries, like the Loch Ness Monster, The True Story (ABC1, Wed, 9.30pm) looks at the real stories that inspired Hollywood adventure flicks such as Pirates of the Caribbean and James Bond, Nuclear Meltdown (SBS1, Sun Jun 19, 9.30pm) looks at the situation at Fukushima, and Go Back to Where You Came From (SBS1, Tue Jun 21, Wed Jun 22, Thu Jun 23, 8.30pm) takes six Australians on the reverse journey that refugees have taken to reach Australia.
If you like Will Ferrell, you can now catch him on the small screen in Eastbound and Down (7Mate, Tue, 10.30pm) as burnt out baseball player Kenny Powers. Pure unadulterated Will Ferrell and Danny McBride.
Looking for some non-footy sports viewing? The FIFA Women’s World Cup is on (SBS1, starts Mon Jun 27, 1.30am) and should be good for the patriotic spirit – Australia’s women’s team is ranked 11th in the world. Tennis fans will be pleased to hear Prime will be broadcasting Wimbledon live.
The brilliant Rake (ABC1, Sat Jul 2, 9.30pm) is repeated (again) and don’t miss Stephen Fry’s latest dramedy Kingdom (ABC1, Sat Jun 18, 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 May 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 8 months ago
Chez Blackbox is (en)raptured by Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed, 10.30pm). The US drama about the original chapter of the fictional Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club has brilliant characterisation, well thought out scripts, just the right amount of violence and a sprinkling of moral ambiguity. Blackbox will be waiting patiently on the couch, Buffy survival kit at the ready, watching Sons of Anarchy, True Blood and Treme (if the two latter shows ever get picked up on free-to-air). When better than the apocalypse than to dream of square-eyed heaven?
Biggest disappointment of the new season offerings has got to be Jersey Shore. Sure, it’s great for caricatures, but it’s not even mildly funny or even entertaining in a morbid sort of way. It’s just sad. Really sad.
The jury’s still out on Amazing Race Australia (Prime, Mon, 8.30pm). Australians just aren’t as whiney as Americans and the teams are a little too contrived. Farmers who haven’t left Australia – please…
And there are more new shows including Outcasts (ABC1, Sat May 28, 8.30pm) a new British sci-fi drama that follows a group of pioneers building a new settlement on the planet Caparthia, Thorne (ABC1, Fri May 27, 8.30pm), which puts the crime novels of Mark Billingham on the box, The Kennedys (ABC1, Sun, 8.30pm) with Katie Holmes trying to play the first lady with the same facial expressions she used as Joey in Dawson’s Creek. The Young Ones (ABC2, Tue Jun 14) which takes six celebrities from the ‘70s and sends them to live as they would have in the ‘70s, as well as new seasons of Hustle (Fri Jun 3, 9.20pm), Deadwood (ABC2, Mon Jun 6, 9.30pm) and The Tudors (ABC2, Fri Jun 10, 9.15pm).
In recent times, auntie has almost cornered the market on the 20th century biopic, including the brilliant Paper Giants, which chronicled the creation of Cleo. Keen to be involved in a story that involves them, WIN will air the as yet unnamed mini-series about Kerry Packer’s other creation, World Series Cricket.
Later in May, 7TWO will start airing reruns of The Bill. Unfortunately they are picking it up from series 15, long past the point of soap opera. Take it back to series one – with cockney conmen, DI Burnside and DI Tosh Lyons.
Docos to check out include Murundak – Songs of Freedom (SBS, Saturday May 28, 10.05pm), which follows the Black Arm Band and features indigenous music legends such as Archie Roach, Bart Willoughby, Jimmy Little and Ruby Hunter; Recipe for Murder (ABC1, Thu May 26, 8.35pm), which takes us back to 1950s Sydney where women were adding rat poison to cakes and cups of tea and feeding it to their murder victims; and Jump! (SBS1, Tue Jun 7, 10pm), which looks at the world of competitive jump rope.
Catalyst (ABC1, Thu Jun 2, 8pm) is always a good source of quirky amusement and this week the ultimate in why? Mathematicians have finally found God’s algorithm – the fewest number of moves it takes to solve Rubik’s cube.
Don’t miss Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (ABC2, Sat May 28, 8.30pm), A Quiet Word with Richard. E. Grant (ABC1, Sat Jun 4, 9.30pm), and Artscape: Bryan Ferry in Conversation with Virginia Trioli (ABC2, Tue Jun14, 8.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 May 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 8 months ago
It’s a reality TV bonanza (and regular readers would know at Chez Blackbox that means pulling out the old school series yet to make it to 11 or Go! – Twin Peaks is the newest re-obsession). For those reality-inclined (and the psychology students watching for ‘research’) there’s new Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun-Fri 7.30pm) and Dancing with the [B-Grade] Stars (Prime, Sun 6.30pm). The Australian version of The Amazing Race, Blackbox’s one reality weakness is due to start soon. In the meantime, adventurers should check out Wild Rides (ABC2, Fri 8pm), and re-runs of Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor’s Long Way Round (One, Wed 7.30pm)
Jersey Shore (7Mate, Wed May 18, 8.30pm) is coming to free-to-air! The observational doco that even the US president was talking about is here. TMZ addicts would be somewhat familiar with the hijinks of Snooki and the Situation.
Sci-fi fantasy Riese (ABC2, Fri May 20, 9.15pm) is worth staying in for. A luscious production that’s a bit Mad Max crossed with Xena, it started its life as a web production before being picked up on the SyFy channel in the states.
Other new offerings include The Kennedys (ABC1, Sun May 22, 8.35pm) starring Greg Kinnear and Mrs Cruise (Katie Holmes), Come Fly With Me (WIN, Mon May 16, 8pm) the airport themed new offering from the Little Britain Boys, No Ordinary Family (Prime, Mon 7.30pm) is about an ordinary family that get superpowers after a freak accident, My Big Friggin’ Wedding (Prime, Mon 10.30pm), a new season of Sanctuary (ABC2, Fri May 20, 8.30pm), Chris Lilley’s newie Angry Boys (ABC1, Wed May 11, 8pm), reruns of The Six Million Dollar Man (7Mate, Tue May 10, 3am), new Offspring (SCTEN, Mon May 16, 8.30pm), and of course Sons of Anarchy (One, Wed 9.30pm).
Just in case you wake up confused, ABC News Breakfast (ABC1, Mon-Fri 6am) has moved to ABC1 and the kids programs are airing on ABC2, including the new fully animated Bananas in Pyjamas (ABC2, daily 8am, 1.30pm). BMA interviewed the Bananas when they turned ten. Now they’re a very grown up 19.
Unfortunately, like its HBO stable mate True Blood, medieval fantasy Game of Thrones, described as a medieval Sopranos (7Mate, Wed-Fri 12am), will air on Pay TV here. For those willing to shell out, it’s expected on Showcase in July.
Don’t miss TalHotBlond (ABC2, Wed May 18, 8.30pm), the true story of a cyber vixen whose online fantasy escalated to a real life murder.
Other docos to check out include Bleach, Nip, Tuck: The White Beauty Myth (ABC1. Wed May 18, 9.30pm) looks at the phenomenon of people of other cultural backgrounds having surgery to make them look more European, Jennifer Byrne Presents: The Future of the Book (ABC1, Tue May 17, 10pm), Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking (SBS, Tue May 24, 8.30pm), and Men Who Swim (ABC2, Wed May 24, 8.30pm) which follows a male synchronised swimming team in Stockholm.
Movie highlights include Marlon Brando classic The Wild One (ABC2, Sat May 21 8.30pm), Escape from New York (7Mate, Sun May 15, 8.30pm) and Our Man in Marrakesh (7TWO, Sat May 14, 12am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 April 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 9 months ago
TVs across the land are about to be overwhelmed by pomp, ceremony and an overdose of kitsch and not just from the upcoming royal nuptials. May is Eurovision month, an event that provides more elaborate frocks, more protocol, more tradition and more inane commentary than any royal event.
Eurovision fever kicks off with the Secret History of Eurovision (SBS1 Fri May 6 & 13, 7.30pm) which traces its origins in 1956 through its expansion at the end of the cold war to the worldwide TV phenomenon it has become. The Semi-Finals follow (SBS1 Fri May 13, 8.30pm & Sat May 14, 7.30pm,) with the Eurovision Final (SBS1 Sun May 15, 7.30pm).
For those who just can’t look away, the Royal Wedding broadcasts include The Royal Wedding (ABC1 Fri Apr 29, 6pm) with BBC presenters such as Huw Edwards, and William and Kate – The Royal Wedding (Prime Fri Apr 29, 4pm) with Chris Bath. Not interested? Pop out to the pub, they’re sure to have the footy on instead. And for god’s sake don’t get sucked in by all those specials that promise the inside goss… pretty sure the palace isn’t going to allow the dress design to be leaked to Dicky Arbiter.
Over those engineering marvel shows? This one will hook you in – Animal Monster Moves (SBS1 Saturdays, 7.30pm) shows vets and transport engineers move herds of elephants and rhino, and killer sharks across continents. There’s also Man Made Marvels Sydney Opera House (7Mate Sun May 8, 7.30pm) and Ultimate Factories – Ferrari (7Mate Sun May 8, 7.30pm).
Spicks and Specks (ABC1 Wed May 4, 8.30pm) is back starting with a one-hour comedy special and on Wednesday May 18, BMA’s own Justin Heazlewood aka The Bedroom Philosopher.
The end of the Easter holidays brings with it a raft of new shows, including Chris Lilley’s newie, Angry Boys (ABC1 Wed May 11), Swingtown (ABC2 Mon May 2, 8.30pm), the new series from the makers of Big Love that takes on 70s swingers rather than modern-day polygamists, Meet the Natives USA (ABC2 Sat May 7, 7.30pm) which takes five South Pacific tribesman to live with the ‘tribes’ of Americans – cowboys, Californians, etc. And new seasons of Dr Who (ABC1 Sat Apr 30, 7.30pm), Masterchef (SCTEN Sun May 1, 4.30pm) and Collectors (ABC1 Fri May 6, 8pm) that starts with Monopoly, sci-fi memorabilia, and milk paraphernalia.
Docos to check out include Intangible Asset No 82 (ABC2 Sun May 15, 8.30pm) which sees Australian drummer Simon Baker search out Korean shaman, Kim Seok-Chul; Madagascar (WIN Wed May 4, 7.30pm), which looks at the wildlife and natural environment of the island; The Real King’s Speech (ABC1 Thu May 5, 8.30pm) uses interviews to delve into the relationship between King George VI and his speech therapist; Atlantis: The Evidence (ABC1 Thu May 5, 9.30pm); and Gaddafi: Our Best Enemy (SBS1 Sun May 8, 9.30pm).
Keep your recorder ready for some movie classics - Shawshank Redemption (GEM Sun May 1, 8.30pm), Unforgiven (GEM Fri May 6, 8.30pm), The Sandpiper (GEM Sun May 1, 3.30pm) starring Elizabeth Taylor, Carry on Screaming (Gem Wed May 4, 12pm), Witness for the Prosecution (ABC2 Sat may 7, 8.30pm) starring Marlene Dietrich and Glory (ABC2 Sat Apr 30, 8.30pm).
Good Game (ABC2 Tue May 3, 8.30pm) goes all super hero looking at super games from Superman on the Atari 2600 to Batman: Arkham City on Xbox 360.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 April 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 9 months ago
The extreme long weekend that rolls up Easter and Anzac Day is a great opportunity to lie around in front of the box, especially if it’s cold, wet and miserable. Quite surprisingly, the Easter Bunny doesn’t feature high on the schedule. In terms of Christian religious rituals, the closest you get is a Compass special (ABC1 Fri April 22, 8.30pm) that goes into a remote Aboriginal mission, and two Christian-but-not-really Easter-themed classic movies The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (GEM Sat April 23, 6am) and The Ten Commandments (ABC2 Sat April 23, 8.30pm).
Sadly, Go’s main bunny-themed offering is the b-grade movie The House Bunny (Go! Mon April 25, 6.30pm) about an evicted Playboy bunny joining a sorority, featuring Hugh Hefner.
Easter week does bring with it a plethora of much better movie choices including I’m Not There (SBS1 Sat April 23, 10.05pm), Todd Haynes fabulous biopic of Bob Dylan that uses personality rather than narrative, Death of a President (SBS1 Wed April 20, 10.05), a mockumentary which follows the investigation into the assassination of George Bush, (Go! Thurs April 21, 9.30pm), Flight of the Navigator (Go! Sat April 23, 6.30pm), The Omega Man (Go! Sun April 24, 12.30am) and Igor (Go! Wed April 27, 7.30pm).
Anzac Day coverage is everywhere including Lost Diggers of Fromelles (Prime Mon April 25, 7.30pm), ANZAC Day March 2011 (ABC1 Mon April 25, 10.30am) live from Anzac Parade, Gallipoli Dawn Service (ABC1 Mon April 25, 12.30pm), Viller-Bretonneux Memorial Service (ABC1 Mon April 25, 1.30pm), Lone Pine Service from Gallipoli (ABC1 Mon April 25, 6pm).
Don’t miss Australian Story (ABC1 Mon April 25, 8pm) as they follow Jet’s former manager, David Powell and reveal some of the inner dynamics of the relationship.
Art Nation (ABC1 Sun April 17, 5pm) takes on fashion but is not your average catwalk show – it looks at street fashion photography, men’s fashion in Australia, the rise of eco fashion, jewellery design from the House of Baulch and fashion photographer Bruno Benini.
Other new shows and seasons this fortnight include Collectors (ABC1 Fri 8pm), Detroit 1-8-7 (Prime Wed 8.30pm) starring Michael Imperioli (aka Christopher from the Sopranos), new Caprica (7Mate Fri 10.45pm, Sat 10.30pm) and the brilliant East West 101 (SBS Wed Apr 20 8.30pm).
Docos to check out include Stephen Fry and the Great American Oil Spill (ABC1 Tue April 19, 8.30pm) which visits the communities of the deep south to see the effect on the people and the wildlife, William and Kate: A Royal Love Story (ABC1 Tue April 26, 8.30pm), The First Windsors (ABC1 Tue April 26, Wed April 27, Thu April 28, 6pm) and a special Q&A: Is the Royal Romance Over (ABC1 Thu April 28, 8.30pm) which looks at the role of the monarchy in Australia.
If you’re looking to get your head on telly in a reality show, there’s a couple of opportunities at the moment – X Factor auditions in Melbourne April 15 -17 – check www.xfactortv.com.au for details, and Beauty & The Geek is looking for geeks (there’s $100,000 in the offing) visit www.beautyandthegeek.com.au .
West Wing nuts shouldn’t miss 30 Rock (Prime Thu April 21, 11.30pm) with Aaron Sorkin guest starring, made all the more significant by the fact that 30 Rock was the show in direct competition with Sorkin’s quickly cancelled Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 29 March 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 9 months ago
This is a Blackbox community service announcement: Contrary to the tales your mother (and TDK) told you, as yet there is no scientific proof that watching too much television, or sitting too close to the set will give you square eyes. There are, however, a few telltale signs that you’ve got a problem: 1) You refuse to go out on Saturday nights because the (damn) ABC decided that would be the best night for Spooks (ABC Sat 8.30pm). 2) The TV Guide is the first favourite in your web browser. 3) You spend your Sunday in the company of Macgyver (11 Sun 2pm), Magnum PI (7Mate Sun 12pm) and Airwolf (7Mate Sun 1pm). 4) You’ve adopted the catchphrases of your favourite characters. 5) You really believe vampires (and their slayers) walk the earth, bartenders in the wild west sounded like crack dealers, President Bartlett was the leader of the free world, we will boldly go where no man has gone before, serial killers aren’t all bad and that the truth really is out there. If you identify with more than two of these, seek help now. Blackbox recommends booking tix for TV’s Greatest Hits – The Concert. Conductor and host Guy Noble, the Partridge Bunch Singers, the Gilligan's Castaway Orchestra, and some special surprise guests will overdose you on themes from your fave shows. Think the Banana Splits, The Addams Family, Fawlty Towers, The Simpsons, Skippy, Prisoner and Mr Squiggle. It’s at the NSW state theatre on May 5. Tix from Ticketmaster.
Finally, a better game show than those shows where people compete by doing home renos. Car Sharks (7Mate Sat 2pm) pits two teams against each other to customise the same car. It’s an English show so it’s more tongue in cheek than nail biting. And it features some quite hilarious matchups – vicars vs tarts, graffiti artists vs fine artists, etc.
The folks at aunty have been getting all 20 th century with their docu-drama. The latest to be served up is Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo (ABC1 Sun Apr 17, Mon Apr 18 8.30pm). It may not be on the top of your reading list these days but when a young Ita Buttrose and Kerry Packer launched Cleo in the 70s it was cutting edge, controversial and changed the concept of women’s magazines in Australia.
The original Charlie’s Angels (GEM Wed Apr 6 12.25am) starting with the pilot episode.
Docos to check out include The War You Don’t See (SBS1 Sun Apr 10 8.35pm) in which John Pilger looks at the way wars are reported, The Story of Science (SBS1 Tue Apr 12 8.30pm) a six parter that looks at the science that changed the world , Crack House USA (ABC1 Wed Apr 13 9.30pm) which follows a crew of drug dealers in Chicago as federal authorities monitored them, Who Killed Maggie Thatcher (SBS1 Sun Apr 3 9.30pm) which looks at the career of Britain’s Iron Lady, The Secret Life of Chaos (SBS1 Tue Apr 5 8.30pm).
Movies to look out for include Gone with the Wind (GEM Sun Apr 3 3.45pm), Devil Girl from Mars (Mon Apr 4 12.30am), Surf’s Up (Go! Fri Apr 8 8pm), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (11 Sun Apr 3 8.30pm), Lake Mungo (SBS1 Wed Apr 6 10.05pm), Incident at Loch Ness (SBS1 Wed Apr 13 10.05pm), The Lost Thing (ABC1 Sun Apr 3 4.45pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 16 March 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 10 months ago
Movies are back! When pay TV arrived, movies all but disappeared from the telly, apart from high rotation romcoms ( Pretty Woman , Bridget Jones ) and the occasional cult classic late at night, just before the irritating ads for exercise machines that promise in just five minutes a day your couch potato physique will be transformed to match the rippling abs of the presenter. The challenge of filling at least three 24 hour schedules per network has meant forgotten flicks are popping up everywhere on the (slightly larger) small screen. The upside – it’s free and you don’t have to leave the house to find them. The downside – you have to endure (or tape and skip) the ads. Some of the standouts over the next fortnight include: Seven (GEM, Mon Mar 28, 9.30pm), Flight of the Navigator (Go!, Sat Apr 2, 6.30pm), Space Balls (Go!, Sat Apr 2, 6.30pm) – yes, there was a Star Wars spoof long before Blue Harvest , Dead Calm (GEM, Wed Mar 23, 9.30pm), Friday the 13 th (Go!, Wed Mar 23, 9.30pm), Snatch (Go!, Fri Mar 25, 9.30pm), Shampoo (ABC2, Sat Apr 2, 8.30pm) and The Taming of the Shrew (ABC2, Sat Mar 26, 8.30pm).
Confirmation that The Big Bang Theory (Go!, Sun, Mon, Thu, 7.30pm and Thu 8.30pm – WIN, Tue, Wed, 7.30pm) is the new Simpsons – after setting record series, the (quite old) set top box at Chez Blackbox ran out of hard drive after two weeks!
It’s a Greek warrior festival over at 7Mate with Xena Warrior Princess (7Mate, Mon-Fri, 3.30pm) and Hercules (7Mate, Mon-Fri, 4pm). Blackbox is awaiting the return of Roar , starring Heath Ledger as an Irishman uniting Celtic clans against the Romans. Sure, a different century and a different place but it was still about bravado, leather armour and sword fights.
The fourth season of Big Love (SBS1, Wed, 8.30pm) wraps up on Wednesday March 30, with the news that the next season, currently airing in the US, will be the last.
New but already relegated to Friday night is The Cape (7Mate, Fri Apr 1, 8.30pm). This could go either way – an out there premise (a cop who has been set up takes on the identity of a comic super hero to clear his name, and fight crime), Summer Glau in the cast and panned by US critics. It has the hallmarks of some other shows… Firefly comes to mind. And yes it’s already been cancelled in the States.
Docos to look out for include Reagan (SBS1, Sun Mar 27, 9.30pm) which looks at Ronald Reagan’s career on the 100 th anniversary of his birth, America, Whaling & the World (SBS1, Tue Mar 29, 10.05pm) which looks at the American whaling industry, Stripped (SBS1, Fri Apr 1, 10.05pm) which follows photographer Greg Friedler as he captures 173 photos in Las Vegas for his Naked series, Mind the Gap (SBS1, Fri Apr 1, 8.30pm) which follows an Australian Sikh family (originally from Kenya via London) as they head to India in search of their identity, Casino Jack and the United States of Money (SBS1, Sun Mar 20, 9.30pm) – a portrait of former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, convicted of mail fraud and conspiracy, Roads to Memphis (SBS1, Tue Mar 22, 10.05pm) – the stories of Martin Luther King and his assassin, James Earl Ray.
Remember Daylight Savings ends Saturday April 2 – reset your recorder!
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 2 March 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 10 months ago
History as a telly subject usually conjures up images of war films, costume dramas, pointed Englishmen telling you about the saucy goings on in palaces, sepia toned photographs of heroic figures and nothing after the end of World War II. Of course some of the most interesting parts of history are much more pedestrian – the way normal people lived their lives in centuries past, the tools they used to do it and how technology developed. Why, for example, were four different electrical plugs invented and how did people find this out before Wikipedia? This is what makes low budget gems like Turn Back Time: The High Street (ABC2, Thu Mar 10, 8.30pm) so worthwhile. The show sees five shopkeepers and their families set up shop and conduct their lives exactly as merchants did in six earlier eras, beginning in the 1870s and moving through to the 1970s. The shops include The Butchers, The Bakers, The Ironmongers, The Chemist, The Dress Maker, The Record Shop and The Convenience Store Owners. Not sure what a record shop sold in the 1870s (pianoforte rolls?) or what the Ironmonger sells today. Let’s hope they do a second series moving from the 1970s to the 2010s.
The folks at WIN are ‘revamping’ This is Your Life (WIN, Mon, 8.30pm) to make it more contemporary. There’s only one way to turn a self-congratulatory bio-pic interesting – make it funny and Star Stories already did that. WIN have chosen to chuck in some musical numbers (probably from stars with an album to sell) and more Hollywood celebrities (ditto).
Whites (ABC1, Thu Mar 10, 9.30pm) is a new BBC comedy that shouldn’t be missed. Set in the kitchen of a country hotel, it’s written by comedic actors Oliver Lansley ( FM ) and Matt King ( Peep Show ) and stars Alan Davies and Katherine Parkinson ( The IT Crowd ). Not one-liner, laugh out loud funny but good for a chuckle.
Also coming are Harry’s Law (WIN, Sun Mar 6, 9.30pm) – a new legal dramedy (go figure) from David E. Kelley starring Kathy Bates as a curmudgeonly patent lawyer, and new seasons of Deadwood (ABC2, Mon Mar 14, 9.30pm), Being Human (ABC2, Fri Mar 18, 8.30pm) and The Tudors (ABC2, Fri Mar 18, 9.30pm).
Re-enchantment (ABC2, Sun Mar 6, 4.30pm and 10.30pm) is a new cross-media documentary that explores why fairytales continue to enchant and horrify adult audiences. They will be aired on TV as three minute animations between programs, with an interactive online documentary available at www.abc.net/tv/re-enchantment and sound recordings of the fairytales on ABC Radio National's Sunday Story (ABC Radio National, Sun, 8.30am).
Other docos to look out for include How Earth Made Us (ABC1, Tue Mar 8, 8.30pm), a five parter about how the Earth’s natural forces have shaped human civilisation, The Stonewall Uprising (SBS1, Tue Mar 15, 10.05pm) which looks at the beginning of the gay rights movement in the US, Jennifer Byrne Presents: Cult Reads (ABC1, Tue Mar 15, 10pm) and Raw Opium (SBS1, Sun Mar 6, 9.30pm) which charts the history of opium.
Dog lovers will be happy to see Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan (ABC1, Mon Mar 7, 6.30pm). Blackbox is particularly keen to see the ferocious chihuahua in episode one.
Hot tip: avoid GEM on Thursdays unless you are watching with your Nanna. It’s heavy on the old lady comedy with As Time Goes By (GEM, Thu, 7.30pm), The Golden Girls (GEM, Thu, 8.30pm) and Hot in Cleveland (GEM, Thu, 9pm). Saving grace? Judi Dench and Betty White.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 15 February 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 11 months ago
The comedian hosted talk show or variety show, the mainstay of American television, has been a bit of a hit and miss affair on Australian screens. Graham Kennedy was very good at it in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Steve Vizard made a ham-fisted yet successful attempt at pretending to be David Letterman back before most Australians knew who David Letterman was, The Panel turned the format on its head in the ‘90s with five interviewers and Andrew Denton who owned their timeslots for the best part of the last decade.* They were the successful ones. The gutters of TV guides are littered with the wreckage of the ones that didn’t make the grade and over the past few years the networks have been content to recycle the US and UK products, albeit days late, rendering many of the monologues pointless.
This week two new local shows hit our screens – Adam Hills in Gordon Street Tonight (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) and Ben Elton Live From Planet Earth (WIN, Tue, 9.30pm). One tanked. The other didn’t. Hills’ show – a mix of the variety, talk and quirk – was a riveting affair, drawing on Hills’ own personality and self-deprecating humour. The show-warming gifts from studio guests were inspired. Then there was the brilliant homage to the studio’s former resident show, Countdown – James Reyne performed the Dragon track April Sun in Cuba on the stage it was performed more than a quarter of a century before. It’s proof that the key to Spick and Specks’ success is at least partially due to Hills. Elton’s show, billed as a live variety show had a few moments of humour but not enough to keep remote control fingers from walking. Elton is a brilliant comedic writer, behind some of the UK’s best cult comedies – The Young Ones and Blackadder among them – and an inspired writer and novelist – Stark, Gridlock, Dead Famous, High Society and the musical We Will Rock You. As a stand-up comic he is hit and miss and as an actor, barely watchable. Live from Planet Earth was proof Elton should stick to making his name from behind the typewriter.
The Underbelly franchise, unable to find enough crime for a whole series this year, has gone to telemovies. Look out for Underbelly Files: Infiltration (WIN, Sun Feb 20, 8.30pm), and The Man Who Got Away (WIN, Sun Feb 27, 8.30pm).
Laid (ABC1, Wed, 9.30pm), created by triple j it girl Marieke Hardy and Kirsty Fisher, is the best new show on television. Its black humour and tightly written scripts make it a must on your viewing schedule (or catch up TV list).
The best of the other newbies include Mike & Molly (WIN, Wed, 8pm), $#*! My Dad Says (WIN, Mon, 8pm), Ugly Americans (SBS1, Mon, 10pm) and the two new episodes a week of The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Tue-Wed, 7.30pm).
Not shy of controversy, Auntie’s spiritual series Compass (ABC1, Sun, 10.20pm) sits down with some notable Australians including Philip Nitschke, Rolf de Heer, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton and Clare Bowditch. Don’t miss The Filth and The Fury (ABC2, Wed Feb 23, 8.30pm), Julien Temple’s bookend to The Sex Pistols. Tip – watch The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle first so you know why John Lydon is such a cranky bastard.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
[email protected]
*For one of the best talk shows of all time, Blackbox recommends scouring the internet for The Henry Rollins Show. Paradoxically it’s available from the iTunes store.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 1 February 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 5 years, 11 months ago
What a difference a decade makes. Regular readers will recognise Blackbox as a not so closeted Star Trekfan. A fan, not a Trekkie (the life-size cardboard cut out Worf in the lounge room belonged to a housemate, honest). Despite this proclivity, Blackbox was fond of telling all in sundry that the best part of Star Trek 7is that Captain Kirk dies twice. Sure, William Shatner’s camp bravado in the original series is iconic but when the plots and props moved beyond cardboard and alfoil, Shatner was done (his cover of Common People aside – fans should check out his original spoken word experiment – The Transformed Man – a regular feature on worst albums of all time lists). The final nail was his woeful, short-lived run hosting the US version of Iron Chef. Then something happened. Shatner discovered his funny bone. One of the most parodied actors in history learnt to play characters that were the butt of everybody’s jokes. A couple of hilarious turns in the Miss Congenialityfilms and Shatner found his true calling as Denny Crane on Boston Legal. Which is what makes $#*! My Dad Says(WIN, Mon, 7.30pm) worth the effort. Based on the Shit my Dad Says Twitter feed, the show has all the makings of a cult classic – panned by critics and with Shatner at his comic best.
Speaking of shows with a post-modern premise, keep your eyes peeled forEpisodes, a new comedy based on the premise of remaking a high brow British comedy for American TV by putting Matt LeBlanc in the lead role. It’s a co-production with the BBC from the writers of Friendsand Mad About You. Sadly, there’s no news yet on who will air it in Australia.
While the schedules are mostly full of returning shows, there are a few newbies worth a look, including Blue Bloods(SCTEN, Wed Feb 9, 8.30pm) – an NYC police drama starring Tom Selleck and Donny Wahlberg, Laid(ABC1, Wed Feb 9, 9.30pm) – a new ABC dramedy about Roo, played by Alison Bell, who thinks she might be causing her exes to die, andAdam Hill in Gordon Street tonight(ABC1, Wed Feb 9, 9.30pm), auntie’s new talk show.
Docos to look out for include Franco Zeffirelli(SBS1, Sat Feb 5, 2.30pm) which looks at the work of the renowned director, Once Upon a Time… Mon Oncle(SBS1, Sat Feb 5, 3.30pm) which follows the life of French comic genius Jacques Tati, Snake Island(Prime, Sat Feb 19) which looks at the wildlife on the island of Niue, The Romantics(ABC2, Sun Feb 13, 8.30pm) – a series about modern imagination, the poets who pioneered an alternative way of living, 6ftHick(ABC2, Wed Feb 16, 9.30pm) which follows one of Australia’s most prolific underground bands as they negotiate the low budget, truly indie way of doing things and The Future of Food(SBS1, Tue Feb 8, 8.30pm) which looks at the growing global food crisis.
Just when you committed to less gluttony and more exercise, a new raft of cooking programs hits the box. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations(SBS1, Thu, 8.30pm) where the author takes on what must really be the perfect job – touring the world in search of the best dining experience, and Zumbo(SBS1, Thu Feb 17, 7.30pm) about desserts not exercise.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 18 January 11 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years ago
The launch of SCTEN’s new digital channel, 11, on January 11 (not at 11pm, because that wouldn’t really give you bang for your buck), should have been the biggest news. But it isn’t. Like most of the other networks, SCTEN is yet to decide which of its myriad of new programs will go to air, on which channels and when. There are of course a few exceptions, with TEN stable favourites such as Californication (11, Tue, 10.05pm), Dexter (11, Mon, 9.30pm) and 90210 (11, Fri, 7.30pm) making the move to 11.
It seems that, just like over on Go!, there are theme nights. Wednesday is animation night with Futurama (11, Wed, 8pm), The Simpsons (11, Wed, 8.30pm), The Cleveland Show (11, Wed, 8pm) resurrected from the SKIP bin, Bob’s Burgers (11, Wed, 8pm) – a new animation from Loren Bouchard (Dr Katz) fast-tracked from the US and King of the Hill (11, Wed, 10pm). No sign of Daria on any of the networks yet but fans will be happy to know that a DVD is available on import from the US (and pretty cheaply at the moment too – thanks to the inexplicable forces that decide the exchange rate). Thursday is sci-fi night on 11, which goes a little bit retro, back to when CGI budgets were huge and TV budgets were not – Star Trek Next Generation (11, Thu, 9.30pm) whose storylines and characters loomed larger than its special effects, follows the already discontinued Stargate Universe (11, Thu, 8.30pm), with the Scottish bravado of Robert Carlisle.
The big news though is over at Aunty – starting with the awesome Generation Kill (ABC2, Mon, 9.30pm), a Rolling Stone reporter’s tale of the first Gulf War from the team behind The Wire and starring everybody’s fave vampire Alexander Skarsgård. As much a war drama as The Wire was a cop show. There’s also the much lauded The Tudors (ABC2, Fri, 9.30pm) and Wallace and Gromit’s World of Invention (ABC1, Sun, 6.30pm) in which our favourite clay characters explore the history of inventions.
If you a) didn’t get a Big Day Out ticket, b) are avoiding misdirected bogan pride or c) need a break from the triple j Hottest 100 on Australia Day, chuck a ‘shrimp’ on the barby, grab a cold beer and watch Barry Humphries’ Flashbacks (7TWO, Wed Jan 26, 2pm), Mother of Rock: Lillian Roxon (SBS1, Wed Jan 26, 8.30pm) which follows the Aussie journo who became the queen of infamous NY club Max’s Kansas City, Salute (ABC2, Wed Jan 26, 9.30pm) which chronicles Australian Peter Norman’s involvement in the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics and for some fun there’s The Wiggles Australia Day Concert (ABC2, Wed Jan 26, 10am), Australia Celebrates (ABC1, Tue Jan 25, 8.30pm) if you can’t be bothered going to Commonwealth Place and Spicks and Specks Australiana Special (ABC1, Wed Jan 26, 9.30pm).
Elsewhere the Chaser’s CNNNN (7mate, Mon Jan 31, 10.30pm) makes its way onto commercial TV, Xena – Warrior Princess (7mate, Thu Feb 3, 3pm) makes a comeback, there’s a new season of Big Love (SBS1, Wed Feb 2, 8.30pm), Retouches (SBS1, Sat Feb 1, 2.20pm) which is a Canadian animation, Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure (SCTEN, Wed Jan 19 – Fri Jan 21, 7.30pm), 6PM with George Negus (SCTEN, Mon Jan 24, 6pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 7 December 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 1 month ago
As the party season ramps up, the last thing to worry about while you’re sipping your sixth chocolate martini is whether you remembered to record the 21st repeat of Big Bang Theory (Go!, Thu, 8.30pm) with the napkin signed by Leonard Nimoy. Fortunately there’s a myriad of places to source them. If you just want to see what happened and don’t care about getting a whole episode at once or the quality there’s always YouTube. ABC’s iView has been providing short term access to streams of aunty’s popular programs for a couple of years now (abc.net.au) as well as downloadable podcasts of its own shows such as this year’s best new Aussie show, Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm). The SBS folks also post some of their programs (player.sbs.com.au). SCTEN has streams of some of its shows on its site (ten.com.au) as does WIN on its TVfix site (fixplay.ninemsn.com.au) along with shows such as Mad Men and Dr Who that have aired on other networks. Seven does the same (au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7). So if you don’t have internet on the telly yet, send Santa a letter just like Blackbox did. After all lying on the couch is the way the box was meant to be watched.
The extra channels mean this year’s Santa Watch is about to go into overdrive with cartoons for kids and adults alike such as American Dad (Prime, Wed Dec 15, 9pm), The Flintstones, Yogi’s First Christmas, Caper’s First Christmas and Looney Tunes Christmas Tales (Go!, Sat Dec 25, from 9.30), South Park (Go!, Sat Dec 25, 10.25pm).
Those with the Christmas spirit will love Merry Christmas, Mr Bean (ABC2, Thu Dec 23, 9.30pm), Xtras: Xmas 2007 Special (ABC2, Sat Dec 25, 10pm), A Very Specky Christmas (ABC1, Fri Dec 24, 8.30pm and Sat Dec 25, 10am), Catherine Tate: Nan’s Christmas Card (ABC2, Fri Dec 24, 9.30pm), The Vicar of Dibley (Prime, Sun Dec 12, 6.30pm), Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em (7TWO, Mon Dec 13, 7pm), To the Manor Born (7TWO, Tue Dec 14, 7pm), Are You Being Served? (7TWO, Wed Dec 15, 7.30pm), Seinfeld (Go!, Tue Dec 21, 8pm), Bewitched, Married with Children, Just Shoot Me and The Dukes of Hazzard (Go!, Sat Dec 25, from 2pm) and Rockwiz (SBS1, Sat Dec 25, 7.30pm).
The traditionalists haven’t been forgotten with Carols from St Mary’s Cathedral (ABC1, Fri Dec 24, 7.30pm), The Queen’s Christmas Message (ABC1, Sat Dec 25, 7.20pm), The Pope’s Christmas Mass (Sat Dec 25, 11am), Carols in the Domain (Prime, Sat Dec 18, 8.30pm) and It’s a Wonderful Life (ABC1, Sat Dec 18, 8.30pm).
If you’re looking for entertainment while you wrap Auntie Marge’s gift basket there are a plethora of Christmas movies such as Deck the Halls (Go!, Fri Dec 24, 7pm) and Bad Santa (Go!, Fri Dec 24, 9pm) or the food oriented Willie’s Perfect Chocolate Christmas (ABC1, Mon Dec 27, 9.35pm) and Heston Blumenthal’s Perfect Christmas (ABC2, Sun Dec 12, 6pm).
Don’t miss Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol (ABC1, Sun Dec 26, 7.30pm), fast-tracked from the UK, The Whitlams and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (ABC2, Sun Dec 12, 7.30pm) and The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights (ABC2, Fri Dec 17, 8.30pm).
If you’re over Santa, there’s always the cricket – Boxing Day Test (WIN / GEM, Sun Dec 26, 10.30am), Pete Helliar’s new quiz show The Trophy Room (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) or the movies – let Margaret and David tell you how – At the Movies Summer Special (ABC1, Sun Dec 14, 6pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 23 November 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 2 months ago
Despite the fact it still feels like winter most days, summer is less than a week away and in TVland that means three things – a mad rush to tie up the good shows, the start of the b-grade summer shows and lots and lots of cricket. In fact Richie and the rest of the Channel 9 commentary team pull off the covers with the first Ashes Test (GEM, Thu Nov 25, 10.30am).
If you can’t wait – FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022 host announcement (SBS1, Fri Dec 2, 1.55am).
Those addicted to Deadwood (which seems to have dropped from our screens) should check out a classic for comparison – The Man who shot Liberty Valance (ABC2, Sat Dec 11, 8.30pm) with James Stewart, John Wayne and Lee Marvin is a good place to start.
One of the surprises of this year has been The Big C (GEM, Wed, 9.30pm), an engaging dramedy with just the right amount of quirkiness. A cast that includes Laura Linney, Oliver Platt, Gabourey Sidibe and Idris Elba certainly helps. Weeds (GEM, Wed, 10pm) hasn’t fared so well since it took on the Desperate Housewives style of scriptwriting – suspension of disbelief is had when the storyline is ridiculous.
Blackbox mused last fortnight that there was no stone left unturned in the pursuit of observational docos. Blackbox was wrong. SAS: The Search for Warriors (SBS1, Tue Dec 7, 8.30pm) follows SAS hopefuls as they try out for the elite fighting force.
Best non-ratings news so far is that 7Mate is replaying The Shield (7Mate, Mon Dec 6, 9.30pm) from Season 1 and Prime will air the new Jimmy Smits legal drama Outlaw (Prime, Mon Nov 29, 9.30pm). Elsewhere it’s all about docos, travel, music and food… as it should be at this time of year.
The musical brush is broad starting with Blur: No Distance Left to Run (ABC2, Fri Dec 10, 8.30pm) which tells the band’s story and is followed by Blur: Live at Hyde Park (ABC2, Fri Dec 10, 10:05pm), filmed during their 2009 reunion tour. One musically themed show not to miss is Lennon Naked (ABC2, Sun Dec 5, 8.30pm) – a biopic of Lennon’s post-Beatles life starring Christopher Eccleston. There’s also Ladies and Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones 1972 Concert (ABC2, Fri Dec 3, 9.30pm), Live at the Chapel presents Lady Gaga (Go!, Sun Nov 28, 1pm) and Sony Music Special: Jimi Hendrix (Go!, Sun Nov 28, 1.30pm).
For the gastronomes there’s Rene Redzepi’s Noma (SBS1, Thu Nov 25, 7.30pm) which looks at the world’s number one restaurant, Copenhagen’s Noma, Neil Morrissey’s Risky Business (SBS1, Thu Nov 25, 8.30pm) that follows Neil Morrissey on his quest to open a micro brewery, Willie’s Chocolate Revolution (ABC2, Mon Dec 6, 9.30pm) and a second series of Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam (SBS1, Thu Dec 9, 7.30pm).
Those with the travel bug will appreciate High Road, Low Road (Prime, Sat Dec 4, 7pm) which looks at the luxury and budget options for exploring California, Making Tracks (SCTEN, Sat, 4.30pm) which takes us on a tour of Australia, repeats of Great British Journeys (7TWO, Sun Nov 28, 9.45pm) follows the routes of Britain’s explorers, Escape to the Sun (7TWO, Sun Nov 28, 10.45pm) which puts a microscope on Benidorm in Spain.
Best schedule find: Wacky Races (Go!, Sun, 11am) – the original with Dick Dastardly and co.
NCIS (SCTEN, Tue, 8.30pm) fans shouldn’t miss Good News Week (SCTEN, Mon Nov 29, 9.30pm) with Pauly Perrette as guest.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 9 November 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 2 months ago
Lots of the new Australian offerings this year have been a bit of a disappointment – think Cops LAC (WIN, Thu, 9.30pm) – and the tradition of great Aussie dramedy, so beautifully weaving cynicism, humour and quirkiness through the fabric of well written drama, seems to have dropped from our screens. Offspring (SCTEN, Sun, 8.30pm) is better viewing than most but it’s trying to cram too many different ideas and reveals into each character and episode and then just moving on to a new set without exploring the first. There is hope. Rake (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) is superb. In a role that seems written for him, the inimitable Richard Roxborough plays a morally bankrupt barrister who doesn’t care about justice but believes in the law. He’s in love with a prostitute, gets relationship advice from his psychologist ex and is being pursued by the tax department. But that’s just the backstory – the characterisations are quirky yet sublime and the dialogue razor sharp. Must watch TV at Chez Blackbox.
Just when you thought they’d run out of ideas for observational docos – William McInnes narrates The Enforcers (WIN, Sun Nov 14, 6.30pm) which follows council rangers. Mary Queen of Shops (GEM, Thu Nov 18, 8.30pm) tries to turn around struggling fashion boutiques. What next? Filming Blackbox watching telly and going to the shop for chocolate?
True Stories (ABC, Wed, 8.30pm) delves into the cinematic realm to discover the real stories that inspired celluloid classics such as The Hunt for Red October, The Bourne Ultimatum, The Exorcist and The Silence of the Lambs. Funny how the truth inspires some of the best films.
There’s some classic cinema coming up including Pink Panther (ABC2, Sat Nov 13, 8.30pm) and The Red Riding Trilogy (SBS1, Tue-Thu Nov 16-18, 10pm).
Conan (GEM, Tue – Fri, 11.30pm), which is being ‘fast tracked’ has some interesting musical guests including Jack White, Soundgarden and Fistful of Mercy.
A Small Act (ABC1, Mon Nov 25, 9.30pm) should be mandatory viewing – it tells the story of just how successful programs to sponsor children in impoverished countries have become. Chris Mburu was a sponsored child. Now a human rights lawyer working for the UN, he has started his own scholarship fund. Powerful stuff. You really can make a difference.
Docos to look out for include an African Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm), another instalment of Jennifer Byrne presents Graphic Novels with Nicki Greenberg, Bruce Mutard, Eddie Campbell and Sophie Cunningham (ABC1, Tue Nov 16, 10pm), JFK: 3 shots that changed America (SBS1, Tue Nov 23, 10pm) – a two parter, and Manson (SBS1, Sun Nov 14, 9.30pm) which features interviews with key players.
Don’t miss Powderfinger: The Final Odyssey (ABC1, Thu Nov 11, 9.30pm) which includes live and behind the scenes footage of their final tour, and William Shatner’s Weird or What? (SBS1, Mon Nov 15, 7.30pm).
Sci-fi fans who can’t afford the DVD will be happy to hear 7Mate is airing the rest of the final season of Stargate Atlantis (7Mate, Thu Nov 25, 8.30pm).
George Negus fronts his last episode of Dateline (SBS1, Sun Nov 21, 8.30pm).
Best news? The final of X Factor (Prime, Mon Nov 22, 7.30pm). Interestingly the final of Iron Chef Australia (Prime, Tue, 7.30pm) which only just started is slated to air next week.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 26 October 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 2 months ago
“The British are coming, the British are coming,” was the infamous cry of the horseman Paul Revere. It appears the Boston blacksmith and sometimes town crier, immortalised in a Beastie Boys tune, was on the money. Sherlock, which aired last week on WIN, was an ambitious contemporary re-imagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale. And despite the mini-series style format requiring quite an investment, Chez Blackbox was in its grip. Attention to detail gave just the right balance of 21st century pace and Victorian sensibility. From the grey tonal production palette to Sherlock running around London’s cobbled streets in a trench coat sending texts on a mobile phone. Despite the same production palette and location, the ultra modern British spy drama Spooks (ABC1, Sat Oct 30, 8.30pm), now in its ninth season in Britain, is very different, yet equally compelling viewing. Aunty is about to air the eighth season here and regular viewers will remember the seventh season ended with Harry kidnapped by Russian agents, following the revelation of a decades old intelligence leak.
The ‘80s have come in for a lot of ridicule over the past few years as ‘80s shows full of bleached perms and overdone blush are re-aired but a similar ‘90s phenomenon is beginning to take shape. You just need to look at Elaine’s long skirts and boots on Seinfeld (Go!, Mon-Fri, 12.30pm and Sat, 3pm) and the dark brown lipstick of all the female Friends (GEM, Mon-Fri, 6.30pm) to see just where this year’s fashion inspiration is coming from.
If you really want to ridicule a classic and much referenced TV fave, tune in to a repeat of the Mythbusters: MacGyver Special (SBS1, Mon Nov 8, 7.30pm).
Docos to look out for include A Ripple of Hope (ABC1, Thu Oct 28, 9.25pm) which looks at Robert F. Kennedy’s decision to continue with an appearance in an African-American neighbourhood on the day Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated, A History of Scotland (SBS1, Sun, 7.30pm), The Lancaster at War (SBS1, Fri Oct 29, 8.30pm) which looks at the bomber’s role in WWII, a new series of Sleek Geeks (ABC1, Thu Nov 11, 8pm) with Adam Spencer and Dr Karl, I, Spry: The Rise and Fall of a Master Spy (ABC1, Thu Nov 4, 9.25pm) about ASIO in the 1950s from the makers of The Prime Minister is Missing, Chevolution (SBS1, Tue Nov 9, 10pm) which explores how a portrait of Che Guevara taken in 1960 has become one of the most reproduced images in the history of photography, Obama and Me (SBS2, Thu Nov 11, 7.30pm) which follows the lives of six ordinary Americans in the year after Obama was elected and Outrage (SBS1, Tue Nov 2, 10pm) about the movement to ‘out’ gay politicians who campaign against gay rights.
Choose new episodes of The Big Bang Theory (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm) over the much more contrived and unrealistic Beauty and the Geek Australia (Prime, Thu Nov 4, 8.30pm).
If you couldn’t be bothered trick or treating, settle in for Francis Ford Coppola’s Dementia 13 (ABC2, Sat Oct 30, 8.30pm), Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Halloween Party (ABC1, Sun Oct 31, 8.35pm) and Scary Movie (Go!, Sun Oct 31, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss Adam Hills Live: Joymonger and Characterful (ABC2, Thu Oct 28, 9.30pm), the Season 2 final of Mad Men (SBS1, Sun Nov 7, 9.30pm) and The Melbourne Cup (Prime, Tue Nov 2).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 October 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 3 months ago
Now that the school carnival of the good old British Empire is over, it’s time for a new free-to-air scheduling bonanza… you can just feel the anticipation building in the air as the networks fill their listings with three little letters that cause conniption fits in TV columnists everywhere – TBA. Sure, the scheduling folks don’t want to be gazumped by other networks but if they don’t let the punters know something is on, how do they expect it to rate? With 14 channels to flick through, the odds of random discovery are getting longer. Confirmed returns include Top Gear Australia (WIN, Tue Oct 19, 7.30pm) and Glee (SCTEN, Wed, 7.30pm) and new NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Oct 19, 8.30pm).
Blackbox has a new bipartisan project idea for WIN and Prime – setup a new digi channel – call it Retro and raid the Go! and 7mate archives for our fave ‘70s, ‘80s and early ‘90s TV shows and no, not Hey, Hey It’s Saturday (WIN, Sat Oct 16, 7.30pm) which has thankfully returned to its proper timeslot. Shows such as Starsky and Hutch (Go!, Mon-Fri, 2pm), Miami Vice (7Mate, Tues, 12pm) and Thunderbirds (Go!, Sat Oct 16, 6am). Of course for an authentic viewing experience, you’ll need an old school cathode ray telly and a bean bag.
There are even some retro movies popping up outside of auntie’s Classic Cinema Seasons (ABC2, Sat, 8.30pm) including Goodfellas (Gem, Fri Oct 15, 8.30pm), Police Academy (Go!, Fri Oct 15, 9.30pm) and Jaws (SCTEN, Sat Oct 23, 8.45pm).
One thing is certain in the new digital paradigm, food is the new lifestyle/reality topic du jour – SCTEN has been banging on for weeks with ads for Junior Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun, Mon, 7.30pm) and WIN will topple the BMA server if they don’t stop putting out media releases about the impending arrival of Iron Chef Australia (WIN, TBA).
Of course there is some non-foodie fare, including Keeping up with the Joneses (SCTEN, Thu Oct 14, 9pm) – a kind of claytons Aussie equivalent of Keeping up with the Kardashians (Prime, Tue, 10.30pm) when you can’t get the Irwins.
Sure The Bill (ABC1, Sat, 8.30pm) lost all relevance once it became a soap opera for the blue rinse set but once upon a time it was a witty and engaging low budget drama about the conmen and garden variety criminals of London. Fans from those days may want to give Farewell The Bill (ABC1, Sat Oct 23, 8.30pm) a look.
Docos this fortnight include Cleopatra, Portrait of a Killer (ABC1, Thu Oct 21, 9.30pm), Kevin McCloud Slumming It (ABC1, Tue Oct 26, 8.30pm) which takes Kevin, of Grand Designs fame, to Mumbai’s slums, Tibetan Eldorado (ABC1, Thu Oct 28, 8.30pm) which looks at a rare Tibetan animal-plant, prized by Asian pharmaceutical companies as the Viagra of the Himalayas, A History of Scotland (SBS1, Sun Oct 24, 7.30pm), The Virtual Revolution (SBS1, Tue Oct 26, 8.30pm) which marks 20 years of the webiverse.
Other stuff to catch – Rockwiz on the Road (SBS1, Sat Oct 16, 9.20pm), the season final of Deadwood (ABC2, Tue Oct 19, 9.30pm) and Sherlock (WIN, Sun Oct 17, 8.30pm).
If you have a really good road trip story that deserves to be in Wide Open Road, the new doco series from the makers of Long Way to the Top, visit abc.net.au/tv/wideopenroad .
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 28 September 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 3 months ago
Just when you thought you wouldn’t have to touch the set top box for a while, WIN launches its new channel, GEM. Like 7Mate it’s pitched at a fairly specific demographic – 35+ women. Apparently Gen X must be more fond of a night in, curled up in front of the telly than out at a show – this may come as news to the rapidly expanding touring schedule also squarely pitched at the slacker generation (Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins…). Having said that, GEM features quite a few ‘90s classics such as Friends (GEM, Mon-Fri, 6.30pm), a plethora of reality shows such as Holiday Showdown (GEM, Fri, 8pm) and a smattering of new shows, the most notable of which is The Big C (GEM, Wed Sep 29, 9.30pm) a comedy about dealing with cancer – Showtime quality, not Hallmark.
The folks at SCTEN won’t be launching their new channel, 11, until next year. In the meantime, budding screenwriters and doco makers will have the chance to get their series and special ideas on air with the Eleven out of Ten development initiative. You need to write a three-page pitch outline of your idea and submit an entry form by Friday October 15. Details at http://conference.spaa.org.au
The 7Mate schedule is shaping up nicely with the inclusion of some classic ‘70s fare with the likes of The A Team (7Mate, Sun, 5pm) with Mr T and Knight Rider (7Mate, Sun, 4pm) with The Hoff. Blackbox is still waiting for Logan’s Run and Blake’s 7. The pick of their new shows is Caprica (7Mate, Thu, 9.30pm), the prequel to Battlestar Galactica.
Fans of The Wire won’t want to miss Luther (ABC1, Fri Oct 15, 8.30pm), a psychological thriller starring Idris Elba (Stringer Bell) as a tormented detective.
September/October means sport and with that heralding a telly phenomenon waaaaay older than BMA – the program tie in. There hasn’t been a locally produced show on Prime or WIN that hasn’t has a footy finals tie-in. There’s even been a news tie-in with the Saints and Pies draw. And it doesn’t stop there. The Bathurst 1000 (Prime, Sun Oct 10, 7.30am) has Better Homes and Gardens – The Fast Show (Prime, Fri Oct 8, 7.30pm) and The Commonwealth Games (SCTEN, One Sun Oct 3-Thu Oct14, from 12pm daily) has Learn India with Hamish and Andy (SCTEN, Sun Oct 3, 7.30pm).
Don’t miss Pure Pwange (ABC2, Mon Oct 4, 9.05pm) a mockumentary about Jeremy aka the_pwnerer, an obsessive video gamer.
With the 50th anniversary of JFK’s election as US president, expect to see quite a few docos and other conspiracy-related fare about what happened in the book depository, including Virtual JFK: Vietnam if JFK Had Lived (SBS1, Tue Oct 12, 10pm) and the movie JFK: Complete and Uncut (GEM, Sat Oct 9, 8.30pm).
Docos to look out for include Dawn Porter: Extreme Wife (Prime, Tue Oct 5, 11pm), which starts with mail order brides, The Great Escape: China’s Long March (ABC1, Thu Oct 14, 9.30pm) and Tank on the Moon (ABC1, Thu Oct 7, 9.30pm).
Other stuff to put on your radar – new seasons of Supersizers Go… (SBS1, Thu Oct 7, 8.30pm) starting with …‘80s and …Medieval, The Librarians (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm), The IT Crowd (ABC1, Wed Oct 6, 9pm), Dylan Moran: Like Totally (ABC2, Thu Oct 14, 9.30pm), and Rude Boy Food (ABC2, Fri Oct 8, 6pm) with tips on West Indian cookery.
Best Movie Line Up of the Month: Go, Friday October 8 – Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders (6pm), Kangaroo Jack (7.30pm – so bad it’s good), Little Shop of Horrors (9.20pm – so good it’s bad) and Helter Skelter (11.20pm – just bad)… and if you’re still up Star Trek Deep Space Nine (2am) [as the father said to his newborn – that’s a lot of poo in one night – Bossman]
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 15 September 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 4 months ago
Prime’s fourth digi channel, 7mate (ch63) launches on September 25 with the AFL Grand Final. If you can get past the stupid name and even more ridiculous promo, you’ll find a pretty decent line-up.
Sure, the schedule’s not littered with chick flicks but Blackbox is pretty sure those of us ‘burdened’ by two X chromosomes will feature quite heavily amongst the Family Guy audience. And the audience for Jersey Shore. And The Situation is just as funny to those of us who sit down to pee. Other shows slated for the bloke’s channel, but not yet scheduled, include American Dad, Last Comic Standing, Crank Yankers, Stargate Atlantis; sci-fi series Caprica; adventure series Warehouse 13 and Fifth Gear; factual series such as Life After People, The Boneyard, Ax Man, Mega Moves, Mega Structures; and observational doco cult classic Pawn Stars (yes that p-a-w-n – the shops that give you money for your useless junk). Even some of the more blokey reality fare may attract the women. After all, who doesn’t want to see just what all the fuss over Monster Garage’s Jesse James is about? So far the confirmed line-up consists of Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels (7mate, Sat Sep 25, 6.30pm) having a crack at being another Osbournes but the star (and his family) aren’t quite as loopy, and Punk’d (7mate, Sat Sep 25, 8.30pm). So now we’ve got a channel for the blokes, two channels for foreign movie buffs, two kids’ channels, a news channel, a sports channel, two channels aimed squarely at Gen X-Y (Go!, ABC2) and a channel for old people (7TWO). What we’re missing is a quality drama channel (HBO and Showtime hybrid for free?) and a sci-fi channel. Of course what we’ll likely get is more sport and crappy movies.
If you’ve got a regular telly instead of a swanky new plasma that you can’t fit in the loungeroom, and your furniture is the outcasts from mum’s garage, you may just think you’ve stepped out of a tardis and into the ‘80s this week. Stop. Rewind (ABC2, Wed Sep 21, 6pm) takes us on a journey through the ‘80s imagining of the future; Heston’s 80s Feast (SBS1, Thu Sep 23, 8.30pm) uses all the ‘80s kitchen gadgetry, and Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed Sep 22, 8.30pm) does Australiana.
Things are getting even worse with Iron Chef Australia – the network has announced Grant Denyer as host. Surely one of the out-of-character Chaser boys (or even the human cravat Matt Preston) would be more likely to create the required theatrics.
Finally, a job for the chic-chic boom girl – as part of the scamming team on The Real Hustle (WIN, Tue, 9pm) hosted by Gyton Grantley while he waits for a real acting job.
Other new shows include October Road (7TWO, Mon Sep 20, 9.30pm) which follows an author’s re-entry problems when he returns to his home town after a ten-year absence; Hellcats (Go!, Mon, 7.30pm), the cheerleader comedy drifting in on the sequined coat tails of Glee; La La Land (SBS1, Mon, 11pm) a mockumentary about an aspiring actor, a psychic and a doco maker in LA; and The Genius of Design (ABC1, Tue Sep 21, 6pm).
Don’t miss repeats of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Go!, Wed 12am, 1pm, Sat 2.30am), Thunderbirds (Go!, Sat, Sun 6am), the original Logan’s Run movie (Go!, Sat Sep 25, 11pm) – hopefully the original series isn’t far off – and the new series of Shameless (SBS1, Mon, 10pm).
Cops LAC (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm) is the disappointment of the year – as bland and paint-by-numbers as its title.
Remember – the Brownlow Medal Count (SCTEN, Mon Sep 20, 11.45pm) is for fans only.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 31 August 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 4 months ago
The travel/cooking show, Blackbox’s personal fave, is ubiquitous this season. Jamie Oliver, the socially conscience man who’s shown American school teachers and ‘pie and chips men’ how to cook, is about to embark on Jamie’s Food Escapes (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm). He joins a schedule packed with galloping gourmets including Made in Spain with Jose Andres (SBS1, Wed Sep 1, 6.30pm), Food Trip With Todd English (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 6.30pm), Taste Takes Off with Peta Mathias (SBS1, Fri Sep 3, 6.30pm), Food Safari (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 7.30pm), Annabel Langbein: The Free Range Cook (ABC1, Sat Sep 4, 6pm) and Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam (SBS1, Thu Sep 2, 8pm).
In the end though, nothing can beat the pure theatre of Iron Chef (SBS1, Sat, 8.30pm), the Japanese one of course. The American version a few years back was a disaster because the gravitas of a kitchen stadium challenge is best experienced in a Japanese context with some kind of urchin as the theme ingredient – even the comic genius of host William Shatner couldn’t prevent a flop. Unfortunately such news seems to have been lost on the network execs at prime. Iron Chef Australia (Prime, TBA), featuring Neil Perry, Guy Grossi and Guillaume Brahimi is slated to launch soon.
There is some good news this week though with the start of the new season of Breaking Bad (ABC2, Fri Sep 3, 9.30pm) and the post-election return of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Sep 1, 8.30pm).
Among the new shows on the box over the next couple of weeks you’ll find Horne and Corne (ABC2, Thu Sep 2, 9pm) a sketch comedy starring the two guys from Gavin and Stacey which looks much funnier than that show partly set in the (caretaker) PM’s hometown; Gary: Tank Commander (ABC2, Thu Sep 2, 9.30pm) a six-part British dramedy about a returned soldier from Iraq adjusting to life in the barracks; Keeping Up with the Kardashians (Prime, Thu, 10.30pm) the ultimate in trashy US celeb observational docos (at least since Osbournes gave up); Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (ABC1, Sat Sep 18, 9.20pm) and Parking Wars (Prime, Mon, 10.30pm) – US car chases have nothing on the stupidity of people taking on parking inspectors; it’s a hoot!
Docos to look out for include Silesia Strips (SBS1, Fri Sep 3, 10pm) about a Polish coal mining area where teenage girls strip to earn an income; The Music Instinct: Science & Song (ABC1, Thu Sep 2, 9.35pm); Life: Creatures of the Deep (ABC1, Sun Sep 12, 7.30pm); Seven Ages of Britain (ABC1, Sep 7, Tue 8.30pm), and Artscape: Obsessed with Walking (ABC1, Tue Sep 14, 10pm) in which cultural provocateur Will Self wanders through LA’s suburbs on a 120 mile trek from LAX to Hollywood.
Auntie is taking its iView responsibilities seriously with another exclusive – the new cult doco The Vice Guide to Film (iView, Mon Aug 30). Eps include a visit to Kim Jong Il’s film studio and the Narco Cinema funded by Mexico’s drug lords. Increase your bandwith now.
Anyone who’s ever done an Outward Bound course should pencil in The Goodies – Way Outward Bound (ABC2, Mon Sep 6, 8.05pm). And don’t miss The Kirk Douglas Season which starts with Spartacus (ABC2, Sat Sep 11, 8.30pm) or series two of Mad Men (SBS1, Sun, 8.30pm). Avoid: X-Factor (Prime, Mon –Thu, 7.30pm). Kyle Sandilands coming at ya four nights a week… aaaaaaagh.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 17 August 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 5 months ago
The monster that ate Canberra is about to make another appearance. Although this time it’s not pink and will be followed by more cameras and mobile TV recording units than anyone has ever seen. Yep, that’s right, the election road show is about to roll into town. And if you’re not a big enough political geek to stand in line on a Canbrrrr-a winter night to get into the National Tally Room, the expanded digital networks have plenty of coverage for you.
If you want your coverage with a bit of the everyman edge served up with a smattering of political commentary, try Election 2010: Australia Decides (WIN, Sat Aug 21, 5pm) with Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Laurie Oakes (and hopefully not Mark Latham). Your Call 2010 (Prime, Sat Aug 21, 6.30pm), continues the same theme with Sunrise all-stars Kochie, Mel and Mark Riley.
Over at Auntie, the election is pretty much the only show in town and you can see the whole thing in HD, complete with the Antony Green whip around the seats with the simulcast of Federal Election 2010 (ABC1, Sat Aug 21, 6pm). SBS are leaving things until closer to the result with World News Australia Election special (SBS1, Sat Aug 21, 8.30pm), and over at Southern Cross TEN they’re starting early with National Election Special (SCTEN, Sat Aug 21, 5.30pm), followed by the only light look at things with The Election Project (SCTEN, Sat Aug 21, 6pm), and then (predictably) Southern Cross TEN bows out and takes viewers to AFL (SCTEN, Sat Aug 21, 6.30pm) to be exact.
The big change from last election is the choice for those who just want to wake up in the morning (or next week) and see who won. Apart from the HD channels, the networks have left their secondary airwaves clear of political palaver. The best of the rest includes Once Upon a Time in the West (ABC2, Sat Aug 21, 8.30pm), Blast From the Past (Go!, Sat Aug 21, 6pm) and Wedding Crashers (Go!, Sat Aug 21, 8.30pm).
If you’ve always wanted to be a TV star and travel around the world, well here’s your chance! Applications for The Amazing Race Australia http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-amazing-race/ are now open, but will close Monday, September 6, so hurry. If you’re really desperate to be on telly, and you can’t sing, juggle or travel, there’s a new dating show on Prime. Apply here if you must: http://www.datingshowgranadamedia.com.au/ but Blackbox recommends The Amazing Race Australia. People you like are more likely to watch.
Offspring (SCTEN, Sun, 8.30pm) is the latest offering from Secret Life of Us, Love My Way and Rush creator John Edwards. Sure, there’s not a lot of action but it is witty and insightful and worth a watch.
Also new this week is spy drama Covert Affairs (Prime, Mon, 9.30pm). Not a perfect one, despite its production links to the Bourne Trilogy, but it’s a genre that’s been missing for quite a while.
Some favourites return to screens in the next few week too: Breaking Bad (ABC2, Fri Sep 3, 9.30pm), The IT Crowd (ABC1, Fri 10.15pm) and, following the post-election end of Yes We Canberra (ABC1, Wed Aug 25, 9.30pm), United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Sep 1, 9.30pm).
Docos to look out for include Visions of the Future (ABC1, Thu Aug 26, 8.30pm), The Music Instinct: Science and Song (ABC1, Thu Aug 26, 9.35pm) and Daredevils: The Flying Car (ABC2, Wed Aug 25, 8.30pm).
Don’t forget to watch the new season of Heston’s Feasts (SBS1, Thu Aug 24, 8.30pm) which begins with recreating Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Oompa Loompas and chocolate waterfalls here we come.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 3 August 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 5 months ago
Here at Chez Blackbox we love the hoopla and theatre of a federal election campaign; the brief period every few years when everybody wants to speak to the politically astute woman’s crumpet, ABC numbers man Antony Green. But this year, despite our first woman PM, a budgie smuggler wearing opposition leader, and a much happier looking anti-logging warrior, it’s been pretty boring television. Until Wil Anderson and The Chaser got involved. Auntie’s regular Wednesday night line-up is on hold for the election but don’t fret, Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) remains (with a Eurotrash special August 19). It’s followed by a new incarnation of The Gruen Transfer – Gruen Nation (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) which reviews political advertising past and present with the regulars plus a mix of political campaign specialists, political commentators and ex-pollies. John Hewson was very frank on the first show. It’s followed by Yes We Canberra! (ABC1, Wed, 9.45pm), the Chaser’s latest election incarnation which serves as a warm up act for Tony Jones (wearing his Lateline hat). The first episode even garnered them an election scoop – the Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons candidate revealed that he’ll be running as an independent. The re-imagined Angry Angus ad is worth the visit to iview alone.
Speaking of comics, Jennifer Byrne Presents: Graphic Novels (ABC1, Tue Aug 10, 10.05pm) is the latest in the genre series. Guests include Nicki Greenberg, Bruce Mustard and Eddie Campbell.
Australia may not have won the World Cup [or got remotely near – AL] but the attention has meant The World Game (SBS2, Mon, 9.30pm) has graduated to panel show format reviewing the weekend games from the A League and across the world. Yet the same question remains – just what nationality is Les Murray (with apologies to TISM)?
The end of Le Tour de France has heralded new seasons of several SBS faves – Mad Men (SBS1, Sun Aug 15, 9.30pm) Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Aug 16, 8.30pm) and Heston’s Feasts (SBS1, Thu Aug 19, 8.30pm). Also back is Rush (SCTEN, Thu, 8.30pm), Burn Notice (SCTEN, Thu, 9.30pm) and Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Sun, 7.30pm).
Lovers of mysteries would be well advised to check out The Prisoner (ABC1, Sat, 9.20pm). It’s one of a series of interesting BBC dramas over the next few weeks including Criminal Justice (ABC1, Sun Aug 15, 8.30pm) about a woman accused of attempting to murder her husband.
Docos to check out include Anatomy of a Massacre (ABC1, Thu Aug 12, 9.30pm) about East Timor, Rituals: Around the World in 80 Faiths (SBS1, Fri Aug 20, 7.30pm) which looks at, amongst other things, sacrifices by Voodoo priests and an Australian Indigenous dance, Paparazzi: Next Generation (ABC2, Wed Aug 18, 8.30pm) about the new breed of paps – watch closely for your chance to pursue a career with TMZ, Five Weddings, Five Funerals (ABC2, Wed Aug 18, 9.30pm) about The Black Widow, Betty Neumar.
If you haven’t yet caught The Making of Modern Australia (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) make sure you do – it’s a great mix of archival footage and Australian Story style interviews hung together by the dulcet tones of William McInnes.
The Goodies (ABC1, Mon, 8.05pm) has some classics coming up – Blackbox fave The Winter Olympics (Aug 16) gives hope to slothful couch campers everywhere that a good massage can make up for years of no exercise.
Chez Blackbox is now enjoying round the clock ABC News 24 in HD and counting the crow’s feet on Kerry O’Brien. I bet every ABC journo is wishing for a return to old technology right about now.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 21 July 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 6 months ago
Once upon a time in a galaxy not so far, far away, ABC was really the only station you actually needed. Auntie’s schedules were overflowing with the best English comedy (Fawlty Towers, The Young Ones and Ab Fab), homegrown hilarity (Australia You’re Standing In It) and it was the home of sci-fi (Dr Who, Blake’s 7), anime (G-Force) and other Asian treats (Monkey). In the early ‘90s the Americans learnt how to do quirky and the local commercial networks were overflowing (Seinfeld, Star Trek Next Generation, X-Files, Twin Peaks). A few years ago when everything headed for pay TV land, Chez Blackbox took an egalitarian stance and waited patiently for a return on the 8c a day investment in our national broadcaster. And it’s come back in spades. In fact, as this week’s schedule proves, you could almost stick with Auntie’s four channels (except for Big Bang Theory [WIN, Mon, 8pm and Go, Sun, 7.40pm and Thu, 8.40pm]). So here are Blackbox’s Top 5 reasons to watch Auntie:
1. The best of HBO – now that the commercial networks are passing on shows already aired on Pay TV, Auntie is running entire HBO series, without interruption or ads. The latest is the fabulous Deadwood (ABC2, Tue Aug 1, 9.30pm) filling the vacuum left by The Wire. Hopefully the ABC’s letter writers are tucked safely in bed by the time it hits screens as Auntie’s usual language warning will need to be on steroids.
2. A finger that’s really on the pulse – Jennifer Byrne Presents: Graphic Novels (ABC1, Tue Aug 10, 10.05pm), The Botany of Desire (ABC1, Thu, 9.30pm) which looks at our fave plants from marijuana to potatoes.
3. The best travel (and adventure) docos – Three Men Go to Ireland (ABC1, Tue Aug 3, 6pm) which follows British comedians Griff Rhys Jones, Dara O’Briain and Rory McGrath on a trek across Ireland, Nicholas Crane’s Britannia (ABC2, Tue, 8.30pm), The Trail of Genghis Khan (ABC2, Wed Jul 28, 8.30pm) which follows Tim Cope across the Eurasian steppe from Mongolia to Hungary.
3. ABC News 24 launches this week – make sure your TV (or set top box) is HD though – Auntie, not quite totally egalitarian when it comes to news.
4. Comedy old and new – The Goodies (ABC2, Mon, 8pm) and the Chaser election series Yes We Canberra! (ABC1, Wed, 9.45pm).
5. iView – if you miss any of the best programs, you can watch them at your leisure.
Elsewhere there’s the fourth series of Skins (SBS1, Mon Jul 26, 10pm), the return of Entourage (SBS1, Mon Jul 26, 10.55pm), new episodes of Man vs Wild (SBS1, Mon Aug 2, 8.30pm) and a new season of Rules of Engagement (SCTEN, Sun Jul 25, 7pm).
Docos to check out include Dateline: Mothers Against Paco (SBS1, Sun Aug 1, 8.30pm) about Paco, a drug made from the waste of cocaine production, Dateline: Bee Prepared (SBS1, Sun Jul 25, 8.30pm) about the move to allow beekeeping in New York City, Roll In Babies (ABC2, Wed Aug 4, 9.30pm) – a making of doco about the roller skating babies ad that went crazy on YouTube and I Know What I Saw (ABC2, Wed Jul 28, 9.30pm).
Finally there’s a reason to watch (or record) Better Homes and Gardens (Prime, Fri Jul 23, 7.30pm) as they take a retro approach to decorating (although some of the tips are more ‘80s retro, which is a bit disturbing). The key though is Dr Harry’s spot on retro pets which includes ant farms and sea monkeys.
Don’t miss Review with Myles Barlow (ABC2, Thu Aug 5, 9.30pm) which covers the topic Killing Kyle Sandilands. ‘Nuff said.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 7 July 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 6 months ago
Last year’s surprise hit, The Gruen Transfer (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) slipped quietly back to our screens a couple of weeks back and it’s lost none of its wit. Last week’s Pitch for a campaign to justify Western Australia leaving the Commonwealth was a corker. Blackbox is lobbying for the bogan-proof fence. See it here if you missed it: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/gruentransfer/thepitch .
Ever noticed that a French accent seems to increase the superiority factor? So it is with much lauded designer Philippe Starck on his very own reality series Design for Life (ABC2, Wed, 8.30pm). He may be the most recognised designer in the world (and second only to architects in a sense of worth to the world), but when Starck screws up his face, shrugs at the contestants’ work and in his thick French accent says “it’s, for me…” you feel their hearts sink. Mind you, at Chez Blackbox there has been quite a bit of yelling at the stupidity of some of the contestants but without the French overtones…
This week Rosso embarked on his first free to air solo vehicle since the big Merrick and Rosso split. It’s called Australia Versus (Prime, Tue, 9.30pm) and is a comedy debate between Australian comedians and the international counterparts (well Ireland, England and the US, many of whom already reside in Australia). Each show has a different topic (this week’s is music) and a number of rounds – wildest festival, hottest boy band, best karaoke song (which will no doubt feature that Aussie fave Khe Sanh). Sounds a bit indulgent but so did Thank God You’re Here…
Just when you thought observational documentary couldn’t get any weirder… The Undercover Princes (ABC2, Wed Jul 21, 8.30pm) follows three bona fide princes (from India, Sri Lanka and South Africa) as they go undercover in Brighton, UK to find Ms Right (and learn how to do their own chores).
The biggest treat this week is for Mighty Boosh fans – The Mighty Boosh: A Journey Through Time and Space (SBS1, Mon Jul 12, 10pm). Noel and Julian tell the story behind The Mighty Boosh, visiting important places such as the studio where the radio show was recorded, which is now an organic supermarket.
Finally a documentary that goes beyond convicts and the ANZAC spirit to look at what shaped the Australia we live in. The Making of Modern Australia (ABC1, Thu Jul 22, 8.30pm) is a four part look at post-war history in Australia, from the childhoods of today’s baby boomers to the national obsession with owning a house. Narrated by William McInness and supported by interviews and archival material.
Other docos to check out include Life (ABC1, Sun Jul 25, 7.30pm) which boasts stunning nature visuals narrated by David Attenborough, A Good Man (ABC1, Thu Jul 22, 9.30pm) which follows sheep farmer, carer and brothel owner Chris Rohelach, Infinite Space: The Architecture of John Lautner (ABC2, Sun Jul 11, 7.30pm), The Volcano that Stopped the World (ABC1, Thu Jul 15, 9.30pm – yes, that one) and Great Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm – Sydney Jul 13 and Hong Kong Jul 20).
Sports fanatics should stay tuned to SBS with the FIFA World Cup Final (SBS1, Mon Jul 12, 3.30am) which, for the second time in a row, is likely to feature the team that was Australia’s undoing, and the Tour De France (SBS1, live nightly 10pm, highlights nightly 6pm, updates daily 7.30am).
Fanatics can watch a repeat screening of the Lost finale (7TWO, Fri Jul 16, 11.40pm) with… wait for it… special pop up facts.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 15 June 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 7 months ago
As the whole country once again catches World Cup Fever – the PM will be watching in the Lodge rather than at UC – most of the networks are keeping a low profile, pulling new run episodes, and generally biding their time until the whole shebang is over (or at least until Australia makes an exit). Except for auntie of course. Our friends at the ABC have cleverly worked out that most of the action will take place at 4am (or at least not before 9pm), leaving the primetime schedule up for grabs. Sure Santo, Sam and Ed’s Cup Fever (SBS1, daily, 8.30pm) is entertaining and while it will probably take a while to hit its stride, at this point it’s no Roy and HG.
Auntie is using the gap in new scheduling to air the new season of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Jun 23, 9.30pm) and the second season of supernatural share house drama Being Human (ABC2, Fri Jun 18, 8.30pm) and introduce new shows such as US comedy 10 Items or Less (ABC2, Mon Jun 21, 8pm) and the BBC’s Lunch Monkeys (ABC2, Mon Jun 28, 9pm) – a sitcom about a bunch of surly school leavers in their first job at a law firm.
Prime too has taken the opportunity to repopulate its schedule, bringing back interrupted series such as Russell Brand’s Ponderland (Prime, Sun, 11.30pm).
Hung (Prime, Mon Jun 21, 9.30pm), the latest effort from Sideways creator Alexander Payne, is about a high school basketball coach who decides to become a gigolo when he falls on hard times. The plot sounds a bit preposterous and despite the obvious entendres, the show is well-acted and charming.
The HBO series are coming thick and fast with The Black Donnellys (7TWO, Wed Jun 23, 11.30pm) also making it to our screens. The NYC Irish mobster drama is thoroughly watchable – a different slant on the Italian crime bosses vs Irish cops story – and deserves a better timeslot. The only question left is will an Australian network ever air either Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (which was replaced by The Black Donnellys) or Brotherhood, the superior Irish mob show set in Providence, Rhode Island?
Not content to end the crime doco wars with WIN’s ridiculous Australian Families of Crime (WIN, Tue, 9.30pm), Prime has upped the anti with Police Under Fire (Prime, Wed Jun 23, 8.30pm) which allows them to once again roll out the Brendon Abbott story. At least WIN has the excuse of cross promotion for Underbelly (WIN, Sun, 8.30pm).
There is, thankfully, a raft of other docos to choose from including Blood Sweat and Gears (SBS1, Thu Jul 1, 10pm) to get you ready for the start of Le Tour de France on Sunday July 4, The End of the Rainbow (ABC2, Sun Jun 27, 7.30pm) which follows the closure of a music-friendly pub in Fitzroy, Bikini Revolution (SBS1, Sat Jun 26, 8.30pm) about its history, and if you really want a crime doco, The Artful Codgers (ABC2, Sun Jun 20, 7.30pm) is about a pair of geriatric art forgers.
Gluttons should check out Dinner in a Box with Curtis Stone (7TWO, Fri, 5.30pm), My Family Feast (SBS1, Thu Jun 24, 7.30pm), Oz and James Drink to Britain (SBS1, Thu Jun 24, 8pm), Delish (SBS1, Fri, 7pm) and Supersizers Eat… (SBS1, Thu Jun 24, 8.30pm), which looks at dining culture of the recent past.
Old British comedians don’t die, they just host travel docos. Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm) is the latest.
Those who committed will want to know about the series final of Flashforward (Prime, Thu Jun 24, 11.30pm). If Blackbox had a guarantee it would be one season and the storyline would actually get tied up, it may have been worth the investment…
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 26 May 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 8 months ago
Stock the fridge with Red Bull or clean out that espresso pot that’s been festering on the kitchen bench. The Football World Cup, the one with the round ball that’s the world’s biggest sporting event, kicks off with the Opening Ceremony (SBS1, Fri Jun 11, 10pm). Then it’s a couple of days’ wait for Australia vs Germany (SBS1, Mon Jun 14, 4.30am). If you’re a World Cup novice, grab a FIFA-loving friend, learn the rules and pick an underdog to cheer for when Australia’s not playing. Chez Blackbox will be cheering on Nigeria. Definitely not New Zealand, whose appearance somehow makes a World Cup berth seem much less impressive. Now that the World Cup has become something we actually have a chance of winning, the broadcast has gone Olympics-style complete with The World Cup Show (SBS1, daily from Fri Jun 11, 9pm) hosted by the subject of the ‘90s TISM tune What Nationality is Les Murray?. And Working Dog has come up with its own World Cup version of The Dream – Santo, Sam and Ed’s Cup Fever (daily from Fri Jun 11, 8.30pm). No doubt a brainstorm from soccer tragic Santo Cilauro, it also stars Ed Kavalee and Sam Peng. For uber fans, there will be a 3D broadcast available but you will have to a) shell out more money for a 3D TV than a flight to Johannesburg would cost and b) move to Sydney as Canberra has once again been overlooked.
Political thrillers are all the rage at the moment. The latest – Midnight Man (ABC1, Fri May 28, 8.30pm) – brings the fantastic James Nesbitt back to Auntie’s Friday night crime slot. While probably not his greatest offering to date, Nesbitt is a good choice for the eccentric ex-muckraking journalist, embroiled in an international conspiracy and afraid of daylight. What this really has to do with the story (apart from intrigue the vampire-obsessed to tune in) is not quite apparent.
The Riches (7TWO, Wed Jun 2, 10.30pm) is the latest high quality US drama to appear quietly on one of Australia’s commercial networks. Starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as a pair of grifters, the show is about how they, along with their children, take over the lives of a well off suburban family. We can only hope it doesn’t disappear later into the schedule only to be rescued by Auntie in five years time.
Other new offerings include Misfits (ABC2, Mon Jun 7, 9.30pm) about a group of teenagers with newly acquired and unwanted superpowers and 30 Seconds (ABC2, Fri Jun 11, 10.05pm) – a satirical drama set in the advertising world.
Docos to look out for include the series The American Future (ABC1, Thu May 27, 9.30pm) which looks to history to put modern America in context, Albino United (SBS1, Thu Jun 10, 8.30pm) about albinos in Tanzania, murdered or disfigured for witchdoctors, Art from The Arctic (ABC2, Sun Jun 6, 8.30pm) which follows 20 artists on an expedition to Spitzbergen in the Arctic circle, Leaving the Cult (ABC1, Wed Jun 2, 8.30pm) and Being Human: Unearthed (ABC2, Fri Jun 11, 8.30pm) which goes behind the scenes of the nocturnal series.
The latest reality show is a must watch for designers – Design for Life (ABC2, Wed Jun 2, 8.30pm) with a job with Philippe Starck up for grabs. For the uninitiated, he’s the Donald of the design world.
If you’ve always dreamed about being humiliated on television, auditions for the second series of Beauty and the Geek are happening in Sydney on Saturday June 5. Check out www.yahoo7.com.au/beautyandthegeek for details.
Beauty and the Geek US (7TWO, Wed Jun 2, 7.30pm) is the first of a run of new shows on 7TWO that also includes new Knightrider (7TWO, Wed May 26, 8.30pm) which pales in comparison next to the cult value of the Hoff version.
The network is also trying to put in their bid for purveyors of the new Australian pastime – cooking. Dinner in a Box with Curtis Stone (7TWO, Fri Jun 4, 5.30pm) has a complete dinner party in every ep while Delish (7TWO, Fri, 7pm) shows you how to use what you grow (and there’s tips on that too).
Don’t forget the Eurovision Final (SBS1, Sun May 30, 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 11 May 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 8 months ago
Stone the flamin’ crows – the TV Gold Logie should be renamed the ‘old bastard left standing’ award. It wasn’t enough that last year’s ‘top Australian television award’ (if you don’t count the AFIs) went to Harold Bishop, this one had to go to rival network old bastard Alf. Let’s face it – it’s the characters rather than the actors getting the votes of the square-eyed TV Week readers (and network publicists). Next year Blackbox intends to mount a grassroots campaign to give the Gold Logie to B1, so get voting forms now.
Speaking of ballots, it’s time for Eurovision – Semi Finals (SBS1, Fri May 28 and Sat May 29, 7.30pm) and Finals (SBS1, Sun May 30, 7.30pm). Polish the fondue pot and get your eurotrash on. Sure, your vote won’t count but a lucky sweep pick could just make up for that. Get prepared early with A-Z of Eurovision (SBS1, Sat May 22, 8.30pm).
And yes Lost (Prime, Wed May 26, 8.30pm) is about to get a bump in its ratings with the last episode ever. The ep airs in the US on Sun May 23 so there is plenty of opportunity to log on and find an abridged version if you can’t be bothered with the movie length finale. If you’re a true tragic, tune in to the Lost Special: The Final Journey (Prime, Wed May 26, 12pm) which looks into the many theories about what’s going on. Let’s just hope a movie exec bereft of ideas doesn’t decide to turn it into a film in a decade or two.
The much promoed Modern Family (SCTEN, Tue May 18, 8pm) starts this week, and schedules are moving around all over the place – 30 Rock (Prime, Sun May 16, 11pm) shifts to Sundays with double eps, the disappointing V (WIN, Sun, 10.30pm) gets bumped later. Glee (SCTEN, Mon, 10pm and Thu, 8pm) is set to become the new Simpsons (SCTEN, Sun-Fri, 6pm), Top Gear (WIN, Tue, 7.30pm – Go, Sun, 6.30pm and Thu, 7.30pm) or Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 8pm and Tue, 9.40pm – Go, Sun 8.40pm and Thu, 8.40pm) repeats replace the less than funny Cleveland Show.
A heap of old shows are returning including Lie to Me (SCTEN, Wed May 19, 8.30pm) and Law and Order: Criminal Intent (SCTEN, Wed May 19, 9.30pm).
If you dream of travelling to a galaxy far, far away, don’t miss auntie’s new doco series, Voyage to the Planets (ABC1, Thu May 13, 8.30pm), a visual guidebook of the planets with tips from those intimately familiar with the planets, albeit from a distance.
Other docs to look out for include The Hottest Place on Earth (SBS1, Fri May 14, 7.30pm), a series following five adventurers to the home of the Afar, the volcanic Danakil region of Africa where it reaches 60°C, Iran and the West (SBS1, Fri May 14, 8.30pm) – a two parter exploring the relationship between Iran and the US over the past three decades, Iceland’s Killer Volcano (SBS1, Sun May 23, 7.30pm) which looks at the history of the now infamous Icelandic volcano, poisonous gas from which killed a third of the population in 1783, Lani’s Story (SBS1, Tue May 25, 8.30pm), a personal story of severe domestic violence, In My Father’s Country (Tue May 25, 10pm) which looks at traditional life in one of Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities, and Conviction: The true story of Clarence Elkins (ABC2, Wed, 9.30pm) which looks at the case of a man wrongly convicted of murder and rape in the US.
Get ready for the FIFA World Cup in June with the FA Cup Final (SBS1, Sat May 15, 10.30pm), UEFA Champions League Final: Bayern Munich v Inter Milan (SBS1, Sun May 23, 4am) and Women’s Asian Cup: China PR vs Australia (ABC2,, Sun May 23, 6pm).
Political tragics won’t want to miss the final episode of Dateline (SBS1, Sun May 23, 8.30pm), a British election special – by then they might even have a winner.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 April 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 9 months ago
Get your tiaras and garish costumes ready, dig out the ‘70s recipe book, open a bottle of sparkling and gather your friends – it’s time for Eurovision (SBS, Sun May 30, TBC). There are three essential ingredients for a successful Eurovision viewing party – a camp retro vibe, culturally appropriate food (usually involving toothpicks with flags) and a sweep (which needs to be drawn before Tuesday May 25 when the semis start – damn interweb). This year’s event is in Oslo, Norway, so perhaps some traditional Norwegian delicacies (most of which seem to involve salmon) or a broader Scandinavian experience (fondue perhaps) might be in order. At the very least make it as retro as possible.
Chez Blackbox is also salivating with anticipation for Psychoville (ABC1, Wed May 5, 9.30pm), the new black comedy from the makers of The League of Gentlemen. Starring Dawn French, Jason Tompkins and creators Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, the gothic series is old school British comedy mixed with a touch of Alfred Hitchcock. The BAFTA winning show will have you glued to the edge of your couch and will undoubtedly hold its own on the DVD shelf once the series is released.
Diehard fans of MTV cult classic cartoon Daria will be happy to know that while it hasn’t showed up on the box for a while, the complete series is finally being released on DVD on Tuesday May 11 after more than a decade. Those too young to remember it but who love a sardonic wit should order it now. Blackbox is tossing out the VHS copies as we speak.
Auntie has thrown up some great movie seasons on ABC2 but the latest is the best – The Clint Eastwood Season (ABC2, Sat, 8.30pm) features classics such as Coogan’s Bluff (Sat May 1), Two Mules for Sister Sarah (Sat May 8) and Play Misty for Me (Sat May 15). If you’re planning a night out, press record – sugary drinks, salty snacks, a couch and Clint make for a good hangover cure.
Docos to look out for include Wild Things (SBS1, Fri May 7, 8.05pm) which tells the story of a group of children raised collectively in a commune with one surname, Compass: The Trials of Galileo (ABC1, Sun May 9, 10.10pm) which looks at the event that pitted science and religion against each other long before some Americans sought to have creationism taught in schools, Annie Leibovitz: Life through a Lens (ABC2, Sun May 2, 7.30pm) and Close Up: Photographers at work: Portraits (ABC2, Sun May 9, 8.15pm).
Two highlights with a musical flavour – the new series of triple j TV Presents (ABC2, Mon May 3, 11pm) starts with indie darlings Phoenix and I Rock (ABC2, May 3, 9pm), the Australian dramedy following the antics of a rock band kicks off this week.
Other new or returning shows include new South Park (SBS1, Mon May 3, 10pm), Dog Squad (Prime, Wed, 7.30pm) which follows police, prison and airport dogs, new Family Guy (Prime, Thu Apr 29, 10.30pm) and Ax Men (SCTEN, Sat May 8, 2pm) which follows extreme loggers.
If you’re more concerned with what you spend your money on than what the government does with the slice you have to give them, find some place else to be on Budget night (Tue May 11).
Don’t miss Dr Who (ABC1, Sun May 2, 7.30pm) – the daleks and Winston Churchill, or the excellent new Aussie doco, Voyage to Planets (ABC1, Thu May 13, 8.30pm).
Blackbox question of the week: why are the networks keen to rerun the movie Serenity at every opportunity but not replay the brilliant Firefly series?
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 April 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 9 months ago
SC10 has created for itself a delightful circle of life – now it is done with The Biggest Loser Final (SC10, Sun Apr 18, 8.30pm), Masterchef Australia (SC10, Mon Apr 19, 7.30pm) has kicked in so we can all spend winter fattening up on delicious treats just in time to register as contestants for the next series of Biggest Loser.
It’s got to be better than watching Australia’s Got Talent (Prime, Tue, 7.30pm). Putting aside the pure mathematics of the plethora of talent shows vs our population, Blackbox doubts that even if there was a ‘SuBo’ lurking in our midst, the judging panel of Sandilands, the also-ran Minogue sister and Delta’s ex-boy-band fiancé could manage to unearth them.
Blackbox thoroughly recommends Lowdown (ABC1, Wed Apr 21, 9pm), the new comedy from Wilfred’s (SBS1, Mon, 10pm) Adam Zwar. Loosely based on Zwar’s former career as a Sunday Herald Sun columnist, Lowdown is not immediately laugh out loud comedy but it’s a grower. Like Wilfred it’s wickedly dark and self-effacing. Don’t give up after the first ep; the second is much better but relies on the comedy hooks of the first. The punchy, not-quite-novella narrations from Geoffrey Rush are a particular highlight.
It was bound to happen sooner or later – Burn Up (ABC1, Sun, 8:35pm) political thriller/spy drama set against the backdrop of climate change.
Everyone’s favourite historic dramas re-imagined with pretty people, Merlin (SC10, Sun Apr 25, 6.30pm) and Robin Hood (ABC2, Sat May 1, 7.30pm) return to screens.
While we’re on the subject of dramas filled with pretty people – instead of putting yourself through the torture of V (WIN, Sun, 9.30pm), haul out your parents’ video recorder and search e-bay for copies of the original (and cheesy) ‘80s version. Much more satisfying.
The Street (ABC2, Tue Apr 27, 8.30pm) is an intriguing new British drama in which each episode looks at the relationships in a different house through an intertwined narrative.
The Cleveland Show (SCTEN, Mon Apr 26, 10pm), Glee (SCTEN, Thu Apr 29, 8pm), Sea Patrol (WIN, Thu Apr 15, 8.30pm) and CSI: Miami (WIN, Mon, 9.30pm) are all returning.
Documentaries to catch include The Inquisition (ABC1, Thu May 6, 8.30pm) – a detailed look at the Wood Royal Commission, The 10 Conditions of Love (ABC1, Thu May 6, 9.30pm) which tells the story of the exiled Rebiya Kadeer, Feasts (SBS1, Thu Apr 29, 8.30pm) which examines the culture of India, Japan and Mexico through the ritual of their feasts and Iconoclasts: Howard Schultz and Norman Lear (ABC2, Wed Apr 28, 9.30pm) which asks the big question: what could the creator of The Princess Bride and the owner of Starbucks have in common?
As we go to press the next instalment of Underbelly, The Golden Mile (WIN, Sun, 8.30pm) is finally going to air. Set in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, it will be interesting to see the production design – it’s a fair bet we’ll see some Nirvana lookalikes in there somewhere.
Keep an eye out for Winston Churchill and the Daleks in Dr Who (ABC1, Sun May 2, 7.30pm) and the new black comedy from the League of Gentlemen folk, Psychoville (ABC1, Wed May 5, 9.30pm) and new episodes of Blackbox’s favourite comedy, Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 8pm).
ANZAC inspired fare is provided by World War II: The Lost Films (Prime, Sun, 8.45pm), The Pacific (Prime, Wed Apr 14, 8.30pm), Lone Pine Service from Gallipoli (ABC2, Sun Apr 25, 6pm) and ANZAC Day March (ABC1, Sun Apr 25, 10.30am).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 30 March 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 9 months ago
Two new Australian-produced series from Auntie are due to make it to your loungeroom in the next month. The first, dramedy I Rock (ABC2, Mon May 3, 9pm), follows a band as they try to break into the Australian music scene – not really a new idea but one that hasn’t been done all that well in Australia (remember Garage Days) so there might still be hope. It’s penned by and stars comedian Josh Maplestone and includes cameos from the likes of Tim Rogers and Laura Imbruglia. Blackbox is awaiting a preview tape so stay tuned. Check out the promo clip – www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGADze5KcgY.
Lowdown (ABC1, Wed Apr 21, 9pm) is a new comedy from Adam Zwar (of Wilfred fame). Zwar stars as Alex Burchill, an entertainment reporter and gossip columnist for the fictional Sunday Sun. Zwar’s former life as a columnist for the Sunday Herald Sun has provided a fertile source for his latest effort. Narrated by Geoffrey Rush and also starring Kim Gyngell, Judith Lucy, Julia Zemiro, Steve Bisley and Beth Buchanan, the show looks like cementing Adam Zwar’s place in Australian comedy. Big call but the promo clip had Blackbox in stitches – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7sR5mwipg.
Blackbox has just returned from a trip to the good ol’ US of A and while telly viewing wasn’t top of the priority list, some gems were uncovered. That is, amongst all the news shows – American news – the only mention of Australia was about the US President not coming here. And weather – for some reason the Americans are obsessed with the weather – most news shows had more stories about weather than anything else. Anyway, among the 57 channels with nothing on, Blackbox discovered Extreme Loggers, one for fans of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers, and Brotherhood, a well written and acted dram that takes the government corruption and Irish heritage of The Wire, mixes it with the gangsters of The Sopranos (7TWO, Tue, 9.30pm) and dumps the whole thing in Providence, Rhode Island – proving there is a seedy underbelly just about anywhere.
Underbelly: The Golden Mile (WIN, Sun Apr 11, 8.30pm) [Good segue! Ed.] is about to hit the box with a two hour premiere. Unfortunately the start of WIN’s lineup proper also includes Hey, Hey it’s Saturday (WIN, Wed Apr 14, 7.30pm) on a Wednesday (!?) and Sea Patrol (WIN, Thu Apr 15, 8.30pm).
Other new series to keep an eye out for include Iconoclasts (ABC2, Wed Apr 7, 9.30pm) which pairs two artists who admire each other – Sean Penn and author Jon Krakauer travel to Alaska in the first ep to retrace the steps of the protagonist of Into the Wild, Gavin and Stacey (ABC2, Thu Apr 1, 9.30pm) the second series which disappeared from Prime’s schedule, Waking the Dead (ABC2, Fri Apr 16, 8.30pm) – British cold case drama, treated with no respect by Nine and resurrected by Auntie and Barry Humphries’ Flashbacks (7TWO, Thu Apr 15, 7.30pm) which looks back at Australian pop cultural history.
Docos to catch include Rituals Around the World in 80 Faiths (SBS1, Fri Apr 9, 7.30pm) which looks at customs and ceremonies from the world’s religions and tribes, Travels with a Tangerine (ABC2, Thu Apr 15, 9.30pm) which takes viewers on a journey in the footsteps of medieval explorer Ibn Battutah, A Son’s Sacrifice (SBS1, Sun Apr 11, 9.30pm) – the best short doco winner at Tribeca follows a young muslim American who struggles to takeover his father’s halal butchery in NYC.
The Academy season movie to watch is The Grass is Greener (ABC2, Sat Apr 16, 8.30pm) starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr and Robert Mitchum. Also watch out for repeats of classic ‘70s dramedy Minder (7TWO, Sat, 10.10pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 16 March 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 10 months ago
After a year of one-off specials and the like, a brand new series of Dr Who, with a brand new Doctor, hits screens next month. Well, computer screens anyway. Auntie will first screen the series on iView (Fri Apr 6 from 12am) before broadcasting on the telly (ABC1, Sun Apr 18). And it’s within a couple of weeks of the UK debut so you don’t need to worry too much about spoiler alerts. Those who watched The End of Time will know Matt Smith (the younger brother in Party Animals). An odd choice but then David Tennant took a while to settle into the role – and he has proved one of the most popular. And if you need extra incentive, the Daleks again feature heavily this season.
From the ‘thank god we’ve got extra digital channels because you would need to strap me down and pry my eyelids open Clockwork Orange style’ box comes The Matty Johns Show (Prime, Thu Mar 25, 7.30pm). It’s not enough that WIN takes up two hours with the kind of ramshackle theatrics on show in Eddie McGuire’s Olympics coverage and their Footy Shows – now we have to have another carbon copy to avoid.
The best show ever – James May’s Toy Stories (SBS1, Fri, 7.30pm) airs its best ep Lego (Apr 2). With the help of a lot of volunteers, James builds a full size lego house, replete with a lego toilet, and holds a house warming and then spends the night in it. If only Blackbox could find a way to make money out of fun things to do when you’re five.
James May’s Top Gear (WIN, Go! more times a week than anyone can possibly remember) compatriot Richard Hammond takes on real architecture with his Engineering Connections: Guggenheim Bilbao (SBS1, Sat Apr 3, 7.30pm).
New shows include Miranda (ABC2, Fri Mar 19, 8pm) – a semi-autobiographical sitcom from British comedian Miranda Hart, Whistleblowers (7TWO, Mon, 9.30pm) – a British political thriller, and Place of Execution (ABC1, Fri Apr 2, 9.20pm) – a psychological thriller. Docos not to be missed include Human Journey: Australia (ABC2, Thu Mar 18, 8.30pm) which charts Australia’s part in the spread of homiosapiens, Fire Talker: The Life and Times of Charlie Perkins (ABC2, Thu Mar 18, 9.30pm), Serial Killers (Prime, Tue Mar 23, 10.30pm) – a doco series like Gangs of Oz that predictably starts with the body-in-a-barrel case, Chachapoya (SBS1, Sun Mar 28, 7.30pm) about a lost civilisation found high in the Andes, An Englishman in New York (ABC1, Sun Mar 28, 8.30pm) which follows the life of Quentin Crisp, I. Psychopath (ABC2, Thu Mar 25, 9.25pm) which focuses on a suspected psychopath and becomes a kind of gonzo journalism and Not Quite Hollywood (SBS1, Sat Mar 27, 10pm) which looks at Ozploitation cinema and features interviews with the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Phillip Adams. It’s followed by the most famous of them all – The Adventures of Barry McKenzie (SBS1, Sat Mar 27, 11.45pm).
Still no news on a start date for Underbelly – you can enter a competition to attend a preview screening in Sydney on Thursday April 8 (channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly) so presumably it won’t be until after that.
Blackbox Tip: If you’ve never heard of The Young Ones (ABC2, Tue, 8pm), watch it – it’s where the sitcom changed forever (and good research for that uni paper on post-modernism).
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 2 March 10 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 6 years, 10 months ago
The biggest controversy of the Winter Olympics isn’t the Russians’ indigenous ice dance, whether flamboyant ice dancer Johnny Weir can make the sign of the cross correctly or even US snowboarder Scott Lago being sent home because of that pic. The biggest question is – why didn’t someone offer Roy and HG a big wad of cash to resurrect The Ice Dream? Chez Blackbox is Winter Olympics-friendly – especially the X-Games sports, backroom bitching at the ice rink and the curling – but even with that magnificent lineup, Vancouver Gold (WIN, daily, 9.30pm) is wearing pretty thin. Mick Molloy is a great comedy writer and even actor in the right circumstance but he ain’t no commentator. And Eddie? For God’s sake, stick to the Footy Show (WIN, TBA) where homophobic pranks, juvenile jokes and chauvinistic jibes seem to be the backbone of the show and Millionaire, where the contestants (including the armchair ones) will put up with anything for the chance of winning a million.
As the Winter Olympics heads towards the closing ceremony, WIN’s 2010 lineup is (finally) taking shape. As we go to press there’s still no start date for the third season of Underbelly but one has been set for the remake of V (WIN, Sun Mar 7, 8.30pm). Sure the technology has improved – the rat swallowing is bound to look more believable this time around – but the whole thing has a seen-it-before feel to the production; a sci-fi version of Robin Hood re-imagining with pretty young things and a monochromatic backdrop. Sure the ‘80s mini-series was cheesy and there was no CGI but that’s what made it so good – Blackbox recommends searching it out. If you’re a fan of old Star Trek, you’ll love it.
Kyle Sandilands will join Danii Minogue and Brian McFadden as hosts of the upcoming season of Australia’s Got Talent (Prime, TBA). That’s at least two good reasons not to watch.
Kings (7TWO, Wed, 10:30pm) is the latest offering from Heroes creator Michael Green. The plot is a modern day imagining of the bible’s Book of David, set in the fictitious kingdom of Gilboa, that looks a lot like NYC. It’s no doubt the bible is a great plot resource and Ian McShane of Deadwood fame certainly makes for a great king. The fact that Prime has relegated it to 7TWO is probably the best indication that it’s a sophisticated, not to be missed drama.
Docos to check out include Rendezvous with Death: Kennedy and Castro (SBS2, Thu Mar 4, 7:30pm) which hypothesises that Lee Harvey Oswald was a gun for hire, Contact (ABC2, Thu Mar 4, 9.25pm) which looks at the first contact between a remote Australian indigenous mob and ‘whitefellas’ in 1964, Underdog (ABC2, Wed Mar 10, 8.30pm) which follows a Jamaican dog sledder (yes dog sled, not bobsleigh) and Natascha Kampusch: 3096 Days in Captivity (SBS1, Sun Mar 7, 9.30pm) where the former pre-Fritzl captive tells her story.
The folks who give away money at the ABC have announced a further $400,000 funding will be made available for young documentary makers under round five of the triple j TV docs initiative. You can apply for funding until Monday April 5 at www.screenaustralia.gov.au/jtvdocs .
A new series of Wilfred (SBS1, Mon Mar 8, 10pm) starts this week.
And yes, that was English star Dominic West, who plays McNulty in The Wire (ABC2, Tue, 9.30pm), putting on a half-decent Australian accent in Breaking the Mould: The Story of Penicillin last Sunday night.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 24 November 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 1 month ago
As Canberra melts into a Salvador Dali installation, the challenge is on to beat the heat. If you can’t find a friend with a pool and can afford to spend the entire day at the cinema, do the next best thing and find a friend with air conditioning and enjoy a summer of cricket (and other televisual delights). By a stroke of luck Chez Blackbox manages to stay quite pleasant without contributing to climate change so the beer fridge is stocked and the remotes are ready for battle. And the most important event is the new series Red Dwarf Special 2009: Back to Earth (ABC2, Mon Nov 30, 8pm). Kryten is the only character who hasn’t managed to look like he has aged ten years and the storyline is incredibly self-referential and filled with alternate realities. Fans will lap it up. ABC3 Kids starts broadcasting at the beginning of December and while it’s squarely pitched at tweens and the under fives, there’s a fair chance some bigger kids will tune in for Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab (ABC3, Fri Dec 4, 7.05pm) to see a science lab run by a Top Gear (SBS1, Mon and Fri 7.30pm) adrenaline junkie. Other new series include Moses Jones (ABC1, Tue 8.30pm), an intriguing crime thriller set against the backdrop of London’s Ugandan community, The Take (Prime, Wed Dec 2, 9.30pm), another British crime drama, set in London’s East End, Kingdom (Prime, Sat Dec 5, 7.30pm), a British odd-ball drama starring Stephen Fry, Wallander (Prime, Sat Dec 5, 8pm), a BBC crime drama filmed in Sweden and starring Kenneth Branagh, Park and Recreation (Prime, Tues Dec 1, 11pm), a US mockumentary, History of Scotland (SBS1, Sun Dec 6, 7.30pm), Heston’s Feasts (SBS1, Sun Dec 6, 8.35pm), an historical gastronomic delight, and acclaimed HBO drama John Adams (SBS1, Sun Dec 6, 9.30pm). Docos to check out this fortnight include Rudely Interrupted (ABC1, Thu Dec 3, 9.35pm), which follows the Melbourne band of the same name as they play at the UN building in New York for International Disability Day, Make ‘em Laugh: The Funny Business of America (ABC1, Mon Nov 30, 9.35pm), comedy from Charlie Chaplin to Chris Rock, Edge Codes: Beyond the Cut (ABC2, Sun Nov 29, 8.30pm), a history of film editing, Making Samson & Delilah (ABC1, Thu Nov 26, 9.30pm), Joanna Lumley in the Land of Northern Lights (ABC1, Sun Nov 29, 7.30pm), No Way San Jose: Cocktails in Costa Rica (ABC2, Wed Dec 9, 8pm), which follows two Australians trying to open a cocktail bar, and Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory (ABC2, Wed Dec 9, 8.30pm), a glimpse inside a boutique chocolate making operation. A whole lot of shows are returning with new episodes for the summer including Little Britain (SCTEN, Wed Dec 9, 9.30pm),Californication (SCTEN, Wed Dec 9, 10.05pm), Rules of Engagement (SCTEN, Thu Dec 3, 7.30pm), The Circuit (SBS1, Tue Dec 1, 8.30pm) and Ideal (ABC2, Fri Dec 4, 9.30pm). Series finishing up this fortnight include John Safran’s Race Relations (ABC1, Wed Dec 9, 9.30pm), which finishes with his nailing to a cross in The Philippines, Flashforward (Prime, Mon Nov 30, 8.30pm) and Nurse Jackie (SCTEN, Tue Dec 8, 1am), which deserves better scheduling than it got. Still feeling frazzled, talk to Ernie Dingo – his new show No Leave, No Life (Prime, Sat Dec 5, 6.30pm) gives ordinary people a holiday. Sign up now! And finally Madness fans (of which Blackbox is one), should check out Madness: The Liberty of Norton Folgate (ABC2, Sun Nov 29, 3.55pm) as the rejuvenated band plays songs from their 2009 concept album and some old hits. TRACY HEFFERNAN
Date Published: Tuesday, 10 November 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 2 months ago
The Blackbox guide to recognising that the end of the world is nigh*
1. The guide is littered with the words "season finale" (or "series finale" accompanied by "last ever" if it's been axed). This fortnight's end of season casualties include Australian Idol (SCTEN, Sun Nov 22, 7.30pm), Good News Week (SCTEN, Mon Nov 23, 8.30pm), NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Nov 24, 8.30pm), Celebrity Masterchef (SCTEN, Wed Nov 25, 7.30pm), Glee (SCTEN, Thu Nov 26, 7.30pm), RSPCA Animal Rescue (Prime, Tue Nov 17, 7.30pm) and Rove (SCTEN, Sun Nov 15, 9.30pm).
2. The words "fast-tracked" disappear from the commercial network schedules because TV execs don't want to waste time, effort and money when it won't help them sell advertising space.
3. You notice a lot of shows you've never heard of because even the networks who commissioned them aren't willing to say they're the best thing since sliced bread. The first of these is White Collar (SCTEN, Wed Nov 25, 8.30pm) - con artist captured by the FBI puts his skills to use for the powers of good at the FBI. If he was so skilled he probably would've evaded capture. Hint number two that it is drama-lite - it stars Tiffani-Amber Thiessen whose last appearances of note were on Saved by the Bell and the old version of Beverly Hills 90210.
4. Every show, from the stupidest sitcom to the most serious drama, has a Christmas episode that is usually dripping with sentiment and hardly ever fits with the show's ongoing narrative. The silly season starts with Talkin' 'bout Your Generation Christmas Special (SCTEN, Sun Nov 22, 6.30pm) and Rove Presents Hamish & Andy Regifted, Another Very Early Christmas Special (SCTEN, Mon Nov 23, 7.30pm). Surely it won't be long before there's a Christmas reality show (note to any young TV execs - you know where to send the royalties when you steal my idea).
5. WIN announces its summer of cricket. This season starts out with All Star Twenty20 (Sun Nov 22, time TBC) and features Ritchie Benaud (yay) and Shane Warne (boo) in the commentary team.
Auntie has moved the period drama into the 21st Century with Lillies (ABC1, Mon Nov 16, 8.30pm) set in '20s and '30s Liverpool against the backdrop of sectarianism in Britain.
Samson & Delilah (ABC1, Tue Nov 26, 9.30pm) has its TV premiere just in time for the IF Awards (SBS1, Thu Nov 19, 10pm). The awards season also includes the Walkely Awards (SBS1, Thu Nov 26, 10pm) for journalism.
SBS is trying to shoehorn as much Top Gear (SBS1, Mon 7.30pm, Fri 8.35pm), into their schedule as possible, (including a Winter Olympics special on Nov 16) before they have to hand over the reigns to WIN.
Docos over the fortnight include Tank on the Moon (ABC1, Thu Nov 19, 9.35pm) about the Russian remote control robots that surveyed the moon decades before the US Mars Rover program, Secrets of the Freemasons (SBS1, Thu Nov 12, 9.35pm), What on Earth is Wrong with Gravity (SBS1, Tue Nov 24), Leanne Tander - Living the Dream (Prime, Sat Nov 14, 2pm) and The Magic of Audrey (ABC2, Sun Nov 15, 8.30pm) about the life of Audrey Hepburn.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 27 October 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 2 months ago
Two big stories this week - one good news, the other not. Keeping with tradition, the bad news first - the Top Gear franchise is moving to WIN. The original UK series should be fine (apart from the fact there will be plenty more ads to wade through). It's the kids - Top Gear Australia - that Blackbox is worried about. What's going to happen to the kids? After a rough start where the show was trying really hard to be a carbon copy, the hosts settled in with the addition of James Morrison at the start of the second series. Morrison was witty and despite his night job with a trumpet, knows his cars. Channel Nine has already confirmed it is in talks with Shane Warne to host what is bound to be a slicker, more commercial version of Top Gear Australia. The key to the show's success has always been its irreverence, its ability to take on the top manufacturers and tell them their car is rubbish. Will the face of Advance Hair (yeah, yeah) take on the new Holden Commodore on a network where the main aim is to get advertising revenue? Perhaps not.
Usually WIN waits until it has these things settled but this time their hand may have been forced by a disgruntled SBS showing their disappointment in a press release that ended with "SBS will not comment further."
And now for the good news. Channel Seven has finally launched its new digital channel, 7TWO. Freeview Australia says it will air in Canberra and the start date is Monday November 2 but Channel 72 is not showing up on a set top box scan at Chez Blackbox yet. Aside from moving Ugly Betty (7TWO Tue Nov 3 7.30pm), Stargate Atlantis (7TWO Wed Nov 4 8.30pm), Heroes (7TWO Thu Nov 5 8.30pm) and some other programming to more friendly timeslots and adding The Jay Leno Show (7TWO Mon Nov 2 6pm), 7TWO will take Go!'s lead and resurrect some retro programming - including Dangermouse (7TWO Sun Nov 8 9am), Flipper (7TWO Tues Nov 3 8am), and Murphy Brown, The Sopranos and Six Feet Under on the coming soon list.
Elsewhere this fortnight, SBS finally has Dead Set (SBS1 Mon Nov 9 10pm), a five-part zombie thriller set on Big Brother Britain and another Chaser stalwart goes serious - Julian Morrow will deliver the Andrew Olli Media Lecture (ABC1 Sun Nov 8 10.15pm).
Las Vegas (Prime Sun Nov 1 10.30pm) winds up with weddings and a funeral. Dexter (SCTEN Sat 7 Nov 11.05pm) and the first season of The Wire (ABC2 Tue Nov 10 9.30pm) also finish up.
Docos to look out for include Artscape: The Sylvania Waters Project (ABC2 Sun Nov 1 7pm) which revisits our first ever observational doco that followed a family of cashed-up bogans living on a Sydney canal-estate, The Farewell File (SBS1 Fri Oct 30 8.30pm) about KGB agent Vladimir Vetrov, Rainforests: the secret of life (ABC2 Sun Nov 1 7.30pm) from Mt Warning, Where is the Wall? (ABC1 Tue Nov 10 8.30pm) and Busting the Berlin Wall (SBS1 Sun Nov 1 9.30pm) to mark the 20th anniversary since it came down, Guerilla Art (SBS1 Sun Nov 1 8.30pm) which looks at street art and Shintaro (SBS1 Wed Nov 4 8.30pm) about the controversy over '60s kids show The Samurai.
Movie of the week: Hitchcock's original Psycho (ABC2 Sat Oct 31 8.30pm).
Don't miss Spick and Specks '80s Revival (ABC1 Wed Nov 4 8.30pm) - mullets, new wave, early Madonna or Debbie Gibson, the garb alone will be worth the investment - guests are Brian Mannix (Uncanny X-Men), Ally Fowler (The Chantoozies), Dave O'Neill and George McEncroe and the winner scores a Prince Charles and Lady Diana commemorative engagement plate that could well be worth a bomb on eBay.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 October 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 3 months ago
Don't worry loyal readers, Blackbox is not going to devote an entire column to moral outrage over the "Red Faces incident." It is interesting to note though that most commentators missed the irony of the Michael Jackson face paint changing from black to white since the skit's original outing in 1989.
And while everyone has racial issues on their mind, whether it's the stupidity of Hey, Hey or the more serious issue of the safety of Indian students, in steps John Safran with a show that is bound to start a race debate (or at least have him banned from television if he was a commercial TV personality). Aside from comparing the merits of an Asian wife vs a white one, the show sees Safran go black and go undercover in Chicago, become a ladyboy in Thailand and be nailed to a cross in The Philippines. A show guaranteed not to be picked up by CBS.
FlashForward (Prime Mon 8.30pm)? Another Lost? Chez Blackbox will give it one more ep before unconditional commitment...
The Sunday night lineup on Go! has drastically improved. Following two eps of The Big Bang Theory (Go! Sun 7.30pm), two eps of South Park (Go! Sun 8.30pm), Curb Your Enthusiasm (Go! Sun 9.30pm) and two eps of Weeds (Go! Sun 10.05pm).
Now that the devastation of losing The Cook and the Chef is over, foodies should turn their attention to the Wild Gourmets (ABC Sat 6pm) who travel Britain creating meals out of naturally occurring ingredients - part Bush Tucker Man part Galloping Gourmet. Other foodie delights to look out for include Luke Nguyen's Vietnam (SBS1 Thu Oct 15 7.30pm), River Cottage Autumn (ABC1 Wed Oct 21 6.10pm) and Jamie's American Roadtrip (SCTEN Mon Oct 26 7.30pm).
Other new shows and docos to look out for include The 39 Steps (ABC1 Sun Oct 18) - a British spy drama set in the '30s, Hope Springs (ABC1 Sat Oct 24 7.30pm) - a UK comedy about four ex-cons trying to go straight, The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (ABC2 Sun Oct 18 8.30pm) - a doco looking at the 800 percent increase in the price of contemporary art in the past five years, Conspiracy Files: Lockerbie (SBS1 Sat Oct 18 9.30pm) - a doco that examines allegations the Libyans were set up, The Bisexual Revolution (SBS1 Sun Oct 18 9.30pm), Getaway's European Road Trip (Prime Thu Oct 15 7.30pm) and Wuthering Heights (ABC1 Sun Oct 25 8.30pm).
Chris Lilley's newest mockumentary, Angry Boys, a joint venture between ABC and HBO, has just gone into production with air dates yet to be announced.
Sure he's not as famous as Ringo Starr but Craig Lowndes is about to take a leaf out of the ex-Beatle's book, voicing Roary the Racing Car when the kids' series starts on ABC next year.
Also slated for release next year on ABC1 is Sleuth 101, a whodunit gameshow hosted by comedian Cal Wilson. It comes from the team behind Spick and Specks (ABC1 Wed 8.30pm), which airs the long-awaited (at least by Chez Blackbox) '80s episode on November 4.
If you're bored with the antics of Australian TV personalities, consider a move to Brazil, where reality crime show host Wallace de Souza is accused of commissioning murders to boost his show's ratings. The former policeman and ex-politician is also facing charges of drug trafficking and criminal association. The 2016 Olympics should make for interesting viewing.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 29 September 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 3 months ago
Finally the show Go won't shut up about has made it to air. Whether The Vampire Diaries (Go Mon 8.30pm) warrants all the hype is the bigger question. All the evidence points to a lamer version of Buffy/Angel/Twilight with just a bit more teen angst; not only is it based on a teen novel series, the creative team behind it is headed by Kevin Williamson of Dawson's Creek fame. If you're looking for a vampire theme, seek out True Blood (Showcase Tue 8.30pm). Unfortunately at the moment you'll need to purchase either cable or the DVD (or visit mates who've shelled out).
Over at Prime, the hype is flowing for the 'fast tracked' (wish they'd get over that) FlashForward (Prime Mon 8.30pm). With the pilot airing in the US just days before press time, critics there have likened it to Lost - asking substantially more questions than it answers with the potential to go completely off on a tangent at any moment. Having said that, the idea that the whole world will get a glimpse six months into its collective future is intriguing. Blackbox predicts sitting in Chez Blackbox writing about the new season shows for 2010 (and if Santa's feeling generous, watching previews on a very big plasma).
Also on the must watch list for teen drama addicts (and lovers of musical theatre) is Glee (SCTEN). While Glee definitely has the potential to overdo it with a Technicolor overload not seen since the '70s, the wisecracking antics of Jane Lynch as the school's cheerleading coach (and arch-enemy of the Glee Club) saves it from itself. Not worth seeking out but watchable in a pinch.
The latest reality show to go Aussie is The Secret Millionaire (WIN Thu Oct 8 9.30pm). It's hosted by big Russ(ell Crowe) but it will be interesting to see who parts with their hard-earned.
Rockwiz (SBS1 Sat Oct 3 9.20pm) kicks off its new season with American singer/songwriter Victoria Williams and Henry Wagons, leader of Melbourne-based country rock sextet, Wagons.
The Denton-produced Hungry Beast (ABC2 Wed 9pm) features 19 newcomers to the world of telly (Blackbox advertised the talent call earlier in the year) who are charged with telling us all something we don't know. As well as the half hour of TV, there's also daily web content at http://www.abc.net.au/tv/hungrybeast.
The promo material for Dead Famous (ABC1 Thu Oct 8 8.30pm) warns Blackbox to seek legal advice before saying much about the doco that features analysis of Melbourne's infamous gangland war. So, instead of incurring the wrath of BMA's (really enormous) legal department or landing on some defamation hitlist, Blackbox will simply say: watch it.
Collectors (ABC1 Fri Oct 9 8pm) celebrates its 200th episode this fortnight with collections of TV memorabilia, cocktail paraphernalia, Kinder Surprises and the ABC's own heritage collection.
Other docos to seek out include Inside the Vatican (SBS1 Fri Oct 2 7.35pm) which looks at everyday life and work within the world's smallest independent state, Manhunters (SBS1 Fri Oct 2 10pm) about British women finding men in the Caribbean, The Mysterious Death of Cleopatra (ABC1 Tue Oct 13 8.30pm) and for the foodies The Wild Gourmets (ABC1 Sat Oct 17 6pm)
Sad news of the week - United States of Tara (ABC1 Wed Oct 14 9.30pm) winds up its first season.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 15 September 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 4 months ago
The talented folk of Canberra haven't really featured heavily in the plethora of reality shows. Sure there's been a couple of chicks on Big Brother over the years and some Canberra musicians that have had varying degrees of success on Australian Idol but a new show that premieres on Prime in October is about to show Canberra's true strength. The Australian version of Beauty and the Geek (Prime TBC) features two Canberrans - Jeremy, 24, a radio communications engineer and Paul, 23, a research economist and data analyst - among the eight geeks. That's a quarter of the geeks from a town with less than two percent of Australia's population. Blackbox feels a 'proud to be a Canberra geek' marketing opportunity coming on... (Mates who want to out them should feel free to drop Blackbox a line.)
Anyone who was shocked into buying a bitsa from the RSPCA after watching Pedigree Dogs Exposed last week on the ABC should watch Catalyst (Thu Sep 17 8pm) which looks at Australia's pedigrees. It'll also make you feel good about your imaginary friend.
While Money for Jam (WIN Wed 8pm) is a catchy title, the show is yet to provide any thoroughly useful information like how to find the rent money when you really want to buy beer.
The much talked about Celebrity Masterchef (SCTEN Wed Sep 30 7.30pm) should finally answer the big question - is the Queensland Premier better at cooking than she is at defending her appearance on the show?
It will be interesting to see if NCIS: Los Angeles (SC10 Wed Sep 30 8.30pm) can hold audience attention, even with the likes of Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J. It's the idiosyncratic characters that make the original show such a success. Operations Manager Hetty (played by Linda Hunt, most memorable for her role in Kindergarten Cop) is likely to win over some viewers.
Little Britain USA (SCTEN Sun 9.50pm) and Nurse Jackie (SCTEN Sun 10.25pm) are holding down the post-Rove (SCTEN Sun 8.30pm) slot.
Fashionistas hanging out for the next Sex in the City (SCTEN Sun 11.10pm) movie should check out Video Hits presents: The music of Madonna (Sun Sep 27 10am) for tips - Carrie's flashback sequence is a none-too-subtle re-imagining of Madonna's early wardrobe.
Not only has digital telly brought The Wire (ABC2 Tue 9.30pm), Gossip Girl (Go! Thu 8.30pm) and Seinfeld (Go! Mon-Fri 8pm) reruns to our screens, Go! is also bringing back classic cartoons such as Josie and the Pussycats (Go! Sat 10am), Scooby Doo (Go! Sat 9.30am), The Flintstones (Go! Sat 12pm) and The Jetsons (Go! Sat 11am) as well as The Thunderbirds (Go! Sat 6am).
This fortnight's docos include Inside the Bombay Railway (SBS Fri Sep 18 7.30pm) which goes behind the scenes of the Mumbai rail system that moves 6.5 million people a day, Yellowstone (ABC Sun Sep 20 7.30pm), a four part series that follows the seasons in the infamous Yellowstone National Park starting with winter, Athens: The truth about democracy (ABC1 8.30pm) and The US vs John Lennon (SBS Tue Sep 29 10pm) which looks at the US government's efforts to stop John Lennon's public criticism of the Vietnam War.
Among this week's returns and new shows are Highway Patrol (Prime Mon Sep 21 7.30pm) and new seasons of Torchwood (ABC2 Fri Sep 18 8.30pm) and East West 101 (SBS Tue Sep 29 8.30pm). Don't forget Skippy (ABC1 Thu Sep 17 8.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 1 September 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 4 months ago
Don't let anyone tell you spending all day making Youtube videos is a waste of time - the guys behind the popular Youtube video that spread faster than swine flu are about to have the fruits of their labour air as a new ABC2 series. Beached az (ABC2, Thu Sep 10, 9.25pm) goes beyond the seagull encounter that made 'I'm beached bro' part of the lexicon but promises it will be the first kiwi animation never to feature a sheep.
Of course we will never agree to steer clear of the kangaroo and the star of them all gets her just recognition in Skippy: Australia's first superstar (ABC1, Thu Sep 15, 8.30pm). Not only does the doco show us what happened to the kid who played Sonny, it also features an interview with the ageing diva herself - Skippy's frank admissions make compelling viewing.
BBC comedy FM (ABC2, Thu Sep 10, 9pm) has finally arrived. Featuring familiar faces from the IT Crowd and Teachers, it depicts life in an FM radio station - kind of. For a laugh at '80s rock, check out Rock of Love (SCTEN, Sun Sep 12, 1am) a US reality show where contestants are competing for the affection of Poison lead singer Bret Michaels. Scary.
Sad news this week with the final episode of the Cook and the Chef (ABC1, Wed Sep 16), which ensured everyone had heard of verjuice even if nobody still understands what it is. Maggie and Simon will be sorely missed in the kitchen at chez Blackbox. Fortunately Maggie's delectable delights are available locally.
Jennifer Byrne Presents (ABC1, Tue Sep 8, 10pm) turns, inevitably, to Monsters and Bloodsuckers. Fans of the genre will recognize authors Catherine Jinks and Will Elliott, academic and Australian Horror and Fantasy mag ed Leigh Blackmore. Model turned crime writer Tara Moss, an avid reader of the genre, also joins the discussion.
Other new shows to hit screen this week include Gary Unmarried (Prime, Thu Sep 3, 7.30pm) another 'I can't help it I'm a guy comedy' starring the not especially funny Jay Mohr, Billable Hours (ABC2, Thu Sep 10, 10.30pm) a Canadian legal comedy, Little Britain USA (SCTEN, Sun Sep 13, 9.50pm), Nurse Jackie (SCTEN, Sun Sep 13, 10.25pm) and The Urban Monkey with Murray Foote (ABC2, Mon Sep 14, 8.55pm), an Alby Mangels style mockumentary from comedian and Triple J personality Sam Simmonds.0
Docos in the must watch category include the final ep of Stephen Fry in America (ABC1, Sun Sep 13, 7.30pm) which heads to any grunge fan's mecca, Seattle and Hawaii where fry meets a real Magnum P.I., Artscape: Marc Newson in Conversation (ABC1, Tue, 10pm) - the Aussie designer tells why he doesn't own one of his famous Lockheed lounges.
Rove presents: Hamish and Andy's American Caravan of Courage (SCTEN, Thu Sep 10, 7.30pm) builds on the popular Rove (SCTEN Sun 8.40pm) segment as the hapless duo take the RV from Miami to LA. Not much sign of Rove though, thankfully.
Speaking of Hamish, Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed Sep 9, 8.30pm) celebrates its 200th episode with Paul Grabowsky, Ella Hooper, Meshel Laurie and almost-permanent-fixture Hamish.
Blackbox just pips them at the post celebrating its 202nd column this issue - sure its traditional to mark the 200th but Go's arrival had Chez Blackbox just too damn excited (and Blackbox doesn't have an enormous marketing team to keep tabs on these things).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 4 August 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 5 months ago
It’s not often the first ep lives up to the hype but the only criticism of United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed, 9.30pm) is that it is packaged in comedy-sized bites. While Tara certainly has the comedic overtones Diablo Cody tickled us with in Juno, like that film there is drama at its core. While wanting more is good, satisfied and wanting more will bring the audience back. Tara runs the risk that viewers will wait for the DVD.
While Blackbox is not usually over-confident (hungry, insecure writers are good – any ed will tell you that) after one ep of TV Burp (Prime, Thu, 9pm) it’s unlikely Blackbox’s loyal audience will be tuning in for their telly news. Billed as bringing you the highlights and lowlights on the box, Burp is just a lame sketch comedy on a vomit-inducing set that’s, presumably, meant to be hip. Leave the psychedelics to Yo Gabba Gabba (ABC1, Mon-Fri, 9.05am) and the comedy to the next incarnation of The Chaser, if indeed their next venture is a comedy.
Chris Taylor’s next appearance on our screens is in Australia’s Heritage: National Treasures (ABC1, Thu Aug 6, 6.50pm) a series of ten-minute docos looking at a raft of items on the Heritage List starting with the Eureka Flag.
Other new shows to hit our screens include Law and Order: UK (SCTEN, Wed Aug 12, 9.30pm), the first US drama to be adapted for the UK, it’s set in London, Go Girls (SCTEN, Fri Aug 7, 10pm) a sort of north shore version of Outrageous Fortune – Auckland’s north shore but much the same sentiment applies, Ashes to Ashes (ABC1, Mon Aug 10, 9.35pm) a follow up to the original Life on Mars and How Not to Live Your Life (ABC1, Thu Aug 6, 9pm).
There are loads of series about to return to the weekly lineup – some new seasons, others that the networks yanked mid-season because of the cricket or the school holidays or some other indiscriminant reason that was really about ratings. SCTEN wants us to forget the way Dexter (SCTEN, Mon Aug 10, 9.40pm) was moved all over the schedule and is trying to make up for it with Season 3. Also returning are Numbers (SCTEN, Wed Aug 19, 9.30pm), Burn Notice (SCTEN, Thu Aug 20, 9.30pm), Las Vegas (Prime, Sun Aug 9, 10.30pm), East West 101 (SBS1, Tue Aug 18, 8.30pm) and City Homicide (Prime, Mon Aug 10, 7.30pm). The first night is a double episode and, if you’re a big enough fan to skive off work, Prime is airing the last two eps of last season at 12pm.
Docos to look out for include On Board Airforce One (Prime, Mon Aug 10) which takes you on a ride with the new US president and Stephen Fry in America (ABC1, Sun Aug 9, 7.30pm) which takes the UK comedian through all 50 states (what is it with UK comedians and travel shows?), To Russia with Love: The Great Radio War (SBS1, Fri Aug 14, 8.30pm) about Radio Free Europe and the award winning Forbidden Lies (SBS1, Tue Aug 18, 10pm) which looks at the lies of author Norma Khouri.
It’s not often that a Saturday Night Movie is worth watching but Serenity (SCTEN, Sat Aug 22, 8.30pm) never disappoints. But don’t watch it if you haven’t seen Firefly.
TV moment not to miss – Darnell cover in the Witness Protection Program is blown – My Name is Earl (Prime, Wed Aug 19, 9.30pm).
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 21 July 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 6 months ago
TV land is inundated with good news this week (and it's not often Blackbox gets to say that). The folks at Nine launched their new digital channel this week and for once Canberra will get it at the same time as the rest of the civilised world. At least if you have a HD setup. In a WIN news advertorial on Friday night they let slip that from early August Go! will be available on channel 80, the current HD channel but not on the second non-HD channel until October. It may be worthwhile upgrading to HD though - WIN has suddenly realised that people under 40 have plenty of cash to spend - cue advertisers and a move of 'youth-oriented programming' to Go! The schedule will be interesting - they are coordinating the programming on different nights - reality on Tuesday, sci fi on Wednesday and girl's night in on Thursdays.
Fans of The Wire who've spent oodles of cash and time searching for the DVDs will now be spoilt for choice. Other shows slated to rear their head on Go! are Gossip Girl, The Hills, Fringe, Terminator - Sarah Connor Chronicles, Weeds, Survivor, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, CSI, Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Not sure there'll be much point tuning into the regular channel.
The other big news is that the much-heralded Diablo Cody-penned drama series United States of Tara (ABC1, Wed Jul 29, 9.30pm) hits screens next week. Toni Collette as the multi-personalitied Tara takes viewers on a wild ride. Over the past 20 years writers have shied away from taking on this type of material but Cody, like the writers of Big Love, has hit the right strategy. United States of Tara uses dissociative personality disorder as a device rather than a subject. This is a family sitcom; the everyday life of a family - it's just that Tara's disorder makes the stories more interesting.
The 40th anniversary of the moon landing, an event which should have had us living in moon colonies and getting around with jetpacks by now, is permeating the telly schedule at every turn. One of the most interesting ways is Mythbusters: Moon landing hoax (SBS, Sat Jul 25, 7.30pm) where the team put the conspiracy theories to the test.
The time-honoured tradition of encore screenings has started once again with shows such as Airways (Prime, Tue, 7.30pm, Fri, 11.45pm, Sat, 8pm) and the 7pm Project (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm, 3.30pm) filling every available gap.
New shows include a new season of East of Everything (ABC1, Sat Jul 25, 7.30pm), Love Lies Bleeding (ABC1, Fri Jul 31, 9.40pm) a two part thriller starring Martin Kemp, Gavin & Stacey (Prime, Tue, 9.30pm) award-winning British sitcom set in Wale and Essex not to be confused with Ned & Stacey, a US sitcom from the mid '90s, Agent Moura (SBS1, Thu Jul 23, 8.30pm) about the Russian noblewoman who became a British spy, and Sin City Law (ABC2, Wed Aug 5, 8.30pm) which takes a 360 degree view of real Nevada cases.
Shows winding up include Being Human (ABC1, Fri Jul 24, 9.20pm), Spooks (ABC1, Mon Aug 3, 9.35pm) and the last ever eps of Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Tue Jul 28, 11.30pm) and Prison Break (Prime, Wed Jul 29, 11.30pm).
This week's shows to avoid - Australia's Perfect Couple (WIN, Wed, 7.30pm) - who cares, Dance Your Ass Off (WIN, Tue, 7.30pm) worse than the American Biggest Loser and True Beauty (Prime, Thu, 9.30pm) US makeover show hosted by Vanessa Minnillo of trashmag fame.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 8 July 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 6 months ago
Sick of Michael Jackson? You wouldn't be the only one. And it isn't over yet. As we go to press, there is no word on which network will air the memorial service but Rage (ABC1, Sat Aug 1, 10am) has put together a package spanning 40 years of his career.
Last Word Monologues (ABC1, Fri Jul10, 10pm) is a trio of monologue stories from Hugo Blick (of Up in Town fame). The first stars Rhys Ifans as a framer trying to break free from his mother. Subsequent weeks feature Bob Hoskins as a hitman and Sheila Hancock as a woman in a euthanasia clinic. Worth the investment.
Blackbox is blaming Idol, its siblings and the revival of Fame for Glee (SCTEN, Sun Jul 19, 9pm). It was only a matter of time before TV execs cottoned on to the potential of a modern musical comedy series about a high school choir. Nominated for three teen choice awards. That about says it all.
Masterchef (SCTEN, Sun Jul 19, 7.30pm) winds up next week - check out The Cook and the Chef (ABC1, Wed, 6.30pm) for your cooking fix. The much-promoted 7pm Project (SCTEN, Mon Jul 20, 7pm) will fill the weekday slot. While there's no doubt Hughsie, and Charlie Pickering are entertaining, dissecting the news of the day may not be their forte. Perhaps the razor sharp wit and insightful comedic critique of Wil Anderson or Paul McDermott may have been a better fit. And Ruby Rose? Entertainment reporter? Please. If the selection criterion was number of mentions in a trash mag, no wonder she got the gig.
WIN have just announced that Little Britain (WIN, Tue Jul 7, 10.30pm) is 'premiering'. Why on earth would anyone tune in to watch a show with ads that a) has already run on another network without ads and b) is readily available on DVD? Is it possible that WIN has secured the rights to HBO's Little Britain USA and this is just a warm up? We can only hope.
ABC's Sunday night slot will be filled with The Last Enemy (ABC1, Sun Jul 19, 8.30pm), about an international 1984-style conspiracy. Funny how the immediate future is always about doom and gloom, big brother, terrorists, machines taking over the world and destruction and the distant future a utopian (Star-Trek style) imagining of the world. This eve of destruction thriller stars the brilliant Robert Carlyle so it can't be all bad.
If you're looking for a good doco check out Ned Kelly Uncovered (ABC1, Thu Jul 9, 8.30pm) as Tony Robinson (intrepid British history sleuth) conducts an archeological dig at Glenrowan, Spirit Stones (ABC1, Thu Jul 9, 9.30pm) looks at stone showers reported in south west Victoria in the '40s and '50s, We are Wizards (ABC2, Wed Jul 22, 8.30pm) which looks at Harry Potter Fans that have taken it to a trekkie level, Artscape: Brian Eno in conversation (ABC1, Tue Jul 21, 9.50pm) which shows great insight into one of the world's greatest producers, or World's Greenest Homes (ABC1, Thu Jul 30, 6pm).
Returning series include Big Bang Theory (WIN, Mon, 8pm), Q&A (ABC1, Thu Jul 23, 9.30pm) and Rush (SCTEN, Mon Jul 13, 8.30pm).
Strangest casting of the year - Corinne Grant will host Airways (Prime, Tue Jul 14, 7.30pm) the new Tiger Airways fly-on-the-wall doco.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 24 June 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 7 months ago
Debate has raged over the past few weeks about The Chaser's War on Everything (ABC2, Wed, 9pm) - yanked from the schedule due to a stunt everybody seemed to find offensive. So far not a single person has said they found it funny, despite it being offensive. Because it wasn't. And that's the problem with the latest series. The desire to be as shocking and newsworthy as possible has drowned out the wit and panache with which The Chaser team once plied their trade. They were at their best when they were writing an anonymous satirical newspaper. Now they've become the celebrities they once skewered so eloquently.
The following comment will probably mean that a chasm opens under Chez Blackbox and it is sucked into Hades but doesn't anyone else see the absolute hypocrisy in shows like Random Acts of Kindness (WIN, Sun, 6.30pm)? First, the company/agency etc that donates the goods gets a free ad that would usually cost a lot more. Meeting stars is no less profitable - they usually have a movie to flog. The hosts are from other WIN shows, providing a great cross-promotional opportunity (and a boost to their careers). And shows like this cost very little to produce. Sure, deserving people are on the receiving end of the largesse but the motive is the same as The Chaser. Ratings.
The British have long been superior at penning and producing cops shows and spy dramas (with a few exceptions like The Wire) and comedy. Now they've taken a punt with the supernatural. Being Human (ABC2, Fri, 9.20pm) slots comfortably into the Friday night sci-fi lineup. The show about a vampire, werewolf and ghost who share a house is far more sophisticated than it sounds. And the scripts walk all over recent efforts in this genre. Sure, the vampire is man candy but that's the nature of the beast, and the storylines explore much more than the mythical stereotypes.
If you've always wanted to be a TV star but can't act, sing or juggle, two new casting calls may set you on your way to stardom. ABC is looking for presenters for a number of projects on its new digital kids channel, ABC3 - visit abc.net.au/meon3. The Apprentice is coming to Australia. No Donald though - visit ninemsn.com.au/Apprentice to apply.
Looking for cool telly to keep little tykes busy - Yo Gabba Gabba (ABC2, Mon Jul 6, 9.05am) - DJ Lance Rock, The Ting Tings, Jack Black...
Trouble in Paradise (WIN, Thu Jun 25, 8.30pm) shows you where and what to avoid when you go overseas.
While it sounds like an accountant's ultimate fantasy, The Ascent of Money (ABC, Thu, 8.30pm) is proving to be very interesting for those of us who don't understand why a whole lot of bad home loans in the US means that our money is suddenly worth less. As it Happened: 1929 The Wall Street Crash (SBS1, Fri Jul 3, 8.30pm) is a good companion.
Docos to check out include La Paloma (ABC2, Sun Jun 28, 9.35pm), about the oft recorded tune, Are We Alone in the Universe?Australian Biography: Noel Tovey (SBS1, Wed Jul 1, 10pm) which follows the extraordinary life of the indigenous actor, choreographer and writer, Slave Revolution (SBS, Sun Jul 5, 7.30pm) which looks at the first slave revolution in Haiti, Can GM Food Save the World (SBS1, Tue Jul 7, 8.30pm) and Journos (SBS1, Sun Jul 5, 9.30pm). (SBS1, Tue Jun 30, 7.30pm),
Sports fans will be in heaven with the launch of ONE in the ACT from July 2 as well as Tour de France (SBS1, from Sat 4 Jul, 10pm) and The Ashes (SBS1, from Wed Jul 8, time TBA).
New series Prime has slated for the next few months include Airways - an observational doco inside Tiger Airways so you can see how it all goes wrong, Double Take - a new sketch parody show and TV Burp - a look at the week's TV with comedian Ed Kavalee, which probably won't put Blackbox out of a job - after all, 'you gotta dance with the one who brung ya'.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 10 June 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 7 months ago
Is anybody else sick of the Freeview ads tugging at your heart strings with TV moments from before you were born, promising much but delivering little? Despite trumpeting the advent of 15 channels, we still only have seven. The five we already had plus the recently launched SBS TWO, expanding the news channel to include foreign language films and repeats, and a growing stable of programs on ABC2. SC10 is yet to pick up ONE HD, Channel 10’s sports channel but you can already get it through Foxtel. That’s right – the one extra free-to-air channel that’s available can only be seen in Canberra on pay TV, while free-to-air networks run ads to tell us why they’re better than pay TV. Lucky Auntie is taking things seriously otherwise Chez Blackbox might have to rethink its principled stance against paying for television. Now if Foxtel got rid of the ads…
On another front, SCTEN’s loss is a Flight of the Conchords (SBS, Mon, 9pm) fan’s gain with the second series on air in a much more respectable (and predictable) timeslot. It may have been a better show for SCTEN if it hadn’t been subject to being pushed later by Rove (SCTEN, Sun, 8.45pm) and whichever inane reality show preceded him.
Merlin (SCTEN, Sun, 6.30pm) is really paint-by-numbers stuff. Take a British legend – preferably set sometime when there were busty women, jousting, crusades and when the men wore tights – and add some pretty people with more hair product than you’d find backstage at a drag show. Hard to tell you’re not watching the latest Robin Hood incarnation.
Harper’s Island seems to have turned out a dud – from 9.35pm to midnight to gone in the space of two weeks. Dave in the Life has also been hastily replaced with South Park (SBS, Mon, 8.30pm).
Three Acts of Murder (ABC1, Sun Jun 14, 8.30pm) ticks all the right boxes – an Australian period crime drama – this time set in the 1930s – based on a true story – serial killer Snowy Rowles, who took his inspiration from an Arthur Upfield novel, before it was even published. Confused? Tune in.
Spooks (ABC1, Mon, 9.35pm) is proving to be riveting viewing – in the next few weeks the focus moves from Iran and the middle east to Russia and there’s a new addition to the cast, Richard Armitage as MI5 officer Lucas North, captured in Russia eight years ago.
It sounds incredibly boring but The Ascent of Money (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) is actually fascinating, particularly if you can’t understand how you can wake up one day and be in the middle of the GFC without it having something to do with fried chicken.
Docos to look out for include Artscape: Circus Oz: The Big Birthday Bash (ABC1, Tue Jun 16, 10pm) which follows the circus on its 30th anniversary tour, Back Home (ABC1, Thu Jun 25, 9.25pm) which takes a Rwandan genocide survivor on a return trip through his country, Wordplay (SBS, Tue Jun 16, 10pm) which looks at the culture and history of The New York Times crossword, Nature’s Great Events (ABC1, Sun Jun 14, 7.30pm) which begins with the Arctic’s yearly melt.
Don’t miss Family Guy (Wed, Jun 10, 10.30pm), which promises the audio from the now infamous rant from Christian Bale.
TRACY HEFFERNAN
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 19 May 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 8 months ago
The new black in tellyland has got to be the panel quiz show – cheaper than a Millionaire-type quiz where you have to give prizes to the boring contestants and more interactive than straight panel shows. The recipe goes something like this… take two or three regular team leaders who have a knack for comedy, being starstruck and some knowledge of the show’s subject matter, add some guests – a mix of comedians and celebrities who have something to spruik and add a well-loved and funny host and you’ve got a winner. The concept is not new – Good News Week (SCTEN, Mon, 8.30pm) has been around for more than a decade, originally on the ABC, and Spicks and Specks (ABC1, Wed, 8.30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS, Sat, 9.20pm) have both proved must-watch telly for music trivia geeks – but it is spreading. Talkin ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Tue, 7.30pm) just started and SBS’s new sports quiz show The Squiz (SBS, Sat May 23, 8.30pm), hosted by Anh Do, kicks off this weekend.
India is certainly on the TV producer’s radar. Following the Story of India recently aired on Auntie, comes Jamie’s Journey with the Children of India (Prime, Sat May 23, 4.30pm) featuring pretty boy gardener Jamie Durie, Office Tigers (SBS, Wed May 27, 8pm) – a four-part doco that follows American corporate trainers as they teach young Indian workers in Chennai and Mumbai Calling (ABC1, Tue, 9.35pm), the new Sanjeev Bhaskar comedy about a call centre in India – Richard E. Grant stars in the May 26 ep.
If you can’t remember the last time you went to bed sober before 3am then you should make sure you set your recorder for Dead Tired (SBS, Wed May 27, 8.30pm) which proves that (apparently) lack of sleep is slowly killing us all… better to burn out than fade away takes on a whole new meaning.
Ever the speed lover, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond steps away from the race track (but not too far) for Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections (SBS, Sat May 30,ww 7.30pm) that looks at Airbus A380 and Taipei’s 101 Tower among other engineering marvels.
Should I Smoke Dope (ABC2, Wed May 27, 9.30pm) takes immersive journo Nicky Taylor on a pot-smoking journey where she explores whether cannabis should be re-classified as a class B drug in the UK and treated differently to heroin and cocaine, including taking part in a medical trial to see if pot makes you mad.
Other docos and new shows to look out for over the next three weeks include Lost Worlds: And Man Invented Animals (SBS, Sun May 24, 7.30pm) tracking the taming of wild animals over the centuries to produce cute kitties and puppies for your home, Lugosi: Fallen Vampire (ABC2, Sun May 24, 9.35pm) which tells the story of the first actor to play Dracula, the legendary Bella Lugosi, Michael Palin: Around the World in 20 Years, where Palin revisits some of his adventures and the people he met along the way and the return of Sea Patrol (WIN, Mon May 18, 8.30pm).
And the big news is the return after their post-APEC hiatus of The Chaser’s War on Everything (ABC1, Wed May 27, 9pm) – celebrities, politicians, public servants and shoppers beware. They’re on the streets again.
Blackbox
Date Published: Tuesday, 12 May 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 7 years, 8 months ago
The recent trend towards setting drama in the mid-late 20th century, in Blackbox faves such as Life on Mars (SCTEN, Fri, 10.30pm), Mad Men (SBS, Thu, 8.30pm) and Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (WIN, Mon, 8.30pm) begs the question: are writers trying to turn a mirror on the past to show us why we should be thankful for today or are they just fed up with the political correctness that underlies every word they write in a modern drama? Mad Men in particular echoes outrageous sentiments that were the accepted norms of the time – so much so that there was no need to articulate them in shows made in the 1950s and ‘60s. You don’t see Darren from Bewitched remonstrating about the fact that his wife’s place is at home, in the kitchen, as a homemaker. And witch or not she dutifully accepts that as her role. And she does it without a cigarette hanging out of her mouth. Whether a serious social message is at their heart, these shows must be loads of fun for the writers. There are loads of tongue-in-cheek jibes at cultural icons. And the costume and set designers must have a blast. Blackbox feels another round of vintage dressing approaching…
On the topic of Life on Mars, it appears fans of long-running crime franchise, Law and Order, in particular Law and Order: Criminal Intent (SCTEN, Thu May 14, 8.30pm) will see their icons back on the regular timeslot with Life on Mars heading to Friday nights. Jeff Goldblum joins the Criminal Intent cast as rockstar detective Zach Nichols.
Harper’s Island (SCTEN, Sun May 10, 9.40pm) is one of those revolutionary ideas that spends so much time on the revolutionary it falls flat on the delivery – a little like the BBC’s Wallpaper/Echo Beach duo (ABC). Harper’s Island is a teenage horror series set around a wedding on an island. It is a 13-part series with a finite end and the promise of at least one character dying each episode – sort of a modern horror version of Agatha Christie. There is a companion web series, Harper’s Globe – the story of a new reporter at the island’s newspaper that gets drawn into the drama.
Talkin ‘bout Your Generation (SCTEN, Tue May 5, 7.30pm) which looked like a promising social challenge just turns out to be a formula for a new quiz show.
Refugees from Perth who miss the music scene back home (or anyone who is interested in the culture behind music) should tune in to Something in the Water (ABC2, Wed May 13, 9.30pm).
Wildlife lovers shouldn’t miss Christian the Lion (Prime, Tue May 5, 7.30pm) which tells the 1960s story behind last year’s Youtube star or Foreign Correspondent: Queen of the Mountains (ABC1, Tue May 5, 8pm) about breeding snow leopards in the Himalayas. Snow leopards also feature in the return of The Zoo (Prime, Tue May 5, 7.30pm).
Other shows to watch out for over the next three weeks include The Brothers Warner (ABC2, Sun May 3, 8.30pm) about the movie studio siblings, Jeff Tweedy: Sunken Treasure Live in the Pacific Northwest (ABC2, Mon May 4, 9.55pm) which follows the Wilco frontman on his solo tour, Dave in the Life (SBS, Mon May 11, 8.30pm) which follows the guy imbedded with Sheikh Hilaly into other people’s lives, Cyber Guerillas (SBS, Tue May 12, 8.30pm), When Borat Came to Town (SBS, Tue May 12, 10pm) about the Kazakh village Sacha Baron Cohen depicted, Mumbai Calling (ABC1, Tue May 12, 9.35pm) the latest Sanjeev Bhaskar comedy about a call centre in Mumbai and the return of Thank God You’re Here (Prime, Wed, 7.30pm) in its new home, Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Tue May 5, 10.30pm) and Top Gear Australia (SBS, Mon May 11, 7.30pm).
And yes The Logies (WIN, Sun May 3, 8pm – Red Carpet at 7.30pm) are on. Blackbox thinks they should include a category for best TV critic/commentator/columnist but of course that would be against the sycophantic nature of the awards (and BMA isn’t controlled by Channel 9).
For much more fun with awards shows, try Eurovision Song Contests Semi Final 1 & 2 and Final (SBS, Fri May 15, Sat May 16, Sun May 17 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 22 January 09 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years ago
So it looks like another year of crime drama, but at least it’s getting slightly more imaginative. No doubt the over-hyped show of 2009 will be the new Underbelly series A Tale of Two Cities (WIN), set in the ‘70s and ‘80s in Griffith and Sydney. It’s going to have to do big things to even come close to the intensity of Roberta’s bogan ways. Sure, you can believe Matthew Newton as a sleazy drug boss, but whether we can see the man most famous as the Mayor of Parkes as a mafia boss or Sally Fletcher as a gangster’s wife remains to be seen. The beauty of the first series was the relatively unknown actors in the lead roles - sure there were a couple of faces from long dead ‘80s soaps, and Frankie J Holden, but our faves, like Roberta, were newcomers. The ‘70s garb and the locations in downtown Griffith alone won’t cut it - Blackbox is just praying the script is as good as the original.
One show that most of you have probably already put on the don’t-watch-unless-every-other-channel-goes-to-test-pattern list is the US version of Life on Mars (SCTEN), and while the fact that they killed the continuing mystery in the original series and David E. Kelley pulled out before the pilot was re-written, there is one reason to tune in. Harvey Keitel. That makes it at least worth a peek.
The show you really should put on the list is the Australian version of Ladette to Lady (WIN). Cringe (non-cultural).
Elsewhere it’s wall-to-wall observational docos, reality and lifestyle. Bondi Vet (SCTEN) doesn’t promise anything new apart from a vet who’s more attractive than Dr. Harry, but Guerrilla Gardeners (SCTEN) might prove more interesting – instead of the backyards of battlers it makes over urban spaces. Talkin’ ‘bout my Generation (SCTEN), a panel show that will feature different generations discussing issues, could prove entertaining depending on the panelists. While it could be completely self indulgent, Toasted and Roasted (WIN) brings the US concept to our screens. The only problem is we’ve been doing it for years without a TV show deeming it OK.
As usual Auntie wins in the comedy stakes with The Chaser’s War on Everything (ABC1) returning and John Safran taking on yet another taboo topic with John Safran’s Race Relations (ABC1).
Dr Who fans will be pleased that a new Doctor has been announced – Matt Smith from summer hit Party Animals (ABC1, Tue, 8.30pm) - and that Auntie will screen this year’s Christmas episode with David Tennant at the end of February. Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VLFli9i9Jw for a preview.
While the summer viewing was pretty thin on the ground – Chez Blackbox managed to get through at least two seasons of The Wire and some other assorted retro fare such as The X-Files and Northern Exposure – the pick of the new shows was Big Bang Theory (WIN, Sun-Mon, 8pm). Sure, there are a lot of predictable geek jokes and some of the peripheral characters are lucky to make two dimensions, but Jim Parsons is brilliant as the arrogant yet whiny Sheldon and Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert successfully recreate the chemistry that often saw them steal the show on Roseanne.
Of course special mention should go to the highly addictive Gossip Girl (WIN, Wed, 11.30pm), although WIN seems to have ditched it a few times in favour of Temptation (WIN, Mon-Fri, 11.30pm). Game shows are not an 11.30pm show. Bring back the bitches of New York society!
While you wait for the new shows to start, keep yourself amused with Animation Season (SBS, Tue, 10.55pm), Rockwiz featuring Adalita of Magic Dirt fame (SBS, Sat Jan 24, 9.20pm), new comedy Chandon Pictures (ABC1, Wed, 9.05pm) and Food Safari USA (SBS, Wed Jan 28, 7.30pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 11 December 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 1 month ago
Freeview, the consortium of free to air networks has started marketing itself and the new digital channels that are due to arrive in 2009 but there’s no air date, or many details so far. Just one. SCTEN has announced that its second (non-HD) channel will be dedicated to sport. Presumably the ‘Berra won’t be the first market to get tuned in so if you’re paying for pay TV, don’t tear up your subscription just yet.
Speaking of pay TV, the transition of Gossip Girl (WIN, Wed, 10.30pm) is further proof that it’s all about waiting (as long as the network doesn’t axe it because it’s not rating well enough). Dirty Sexy Money (Prime, Tue, 11.30pm) is in danger with its move to late night.
Looking for a trip away but can’t afford to leave the couch? Go on a culinary tour of the world with Food Safari (SBS, Wed, 7.30pm) and visit delectable delights from Persia, Africa, Syria as well as (scarily enough) the UK and US. Check out Iron Chef America: Cheese (SBS, Wed Dec 24, 3.10pm) for a taste.
New shows for the summer include In Plain Sight (SCTEN, Tue Dec 16, 9.30pm) which is another crime show, Gangland Graveyard (ABC1, Mon Jan 5, 8.30pm) another one and Nigel Marven’s Ugly Animals (ABC1, Sun Jan 4, 7.30pm).
Docos to search out in coming weeks include Hitler’s Museum (SBS, Fri Dec 12, 8.30pm) tracing Hitler’s plan to pillage Europe’s museums to build his own, Celebrity Dominick Dunne (ABC1, Mon Dec 15, 8.30pm) which follows the legendary 82-year-old commentator as he follows the murder trial of Phil Spector, Roller Derby Dolls (repeated ABC2, Wed Dec 15, 8.05pm), Expedition Bhutan (ABC1, Mon Dec 22, 8.30pm), The Real Mrs Doubtfire (ABC1, Mon Dec 22, 10.15pm), 638 Ways to Kill Castro (SBS, Mon Dec 29, 8.30pm) which speaks to a number of men who have tried to assassinate Fidel Castro, Destiny in Alice (SBS, Thu Jan 1, 9.30pm) looks at lesbianism in Alice Springs and AC/DC – Legends of Rock (Prime, Wed Dec 17, 9.30pm).
If you want to look forward rather than back as the year comes to a close, check out At the Movies Summer Special (ABC1, Sun Dec 14, 6pm) and let David and Margaret help plan your summer.
In the true tradition of celebratory specials, Myf Warhurst will ‘host’ New Year’s Eve – The Best 0f 2008 with Myf Warhurst (ABC 1, Wed Dec 31, 8.30pm) strings together a series of (mostly) repeats of The Gruen Transfer, Spicks and Specks, The New Inventors and Enough Rope. It does, however, begin with the Chaser-produced Happy News Year.
Over at SBS, they have a more novel approach to the new year (while you recover from your hangover). Terry Jones traces The Story of 1 (SBS, Thu Jan 1, 8.30pm).
Don’t miss 1 Giant Leap – What About Me? (ABC2, Wed Dec 31, 8.05pm). The series takes musicians Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto as they travel around the world with their music, adding layers to the music through the cultures of the places they travel to. Alongside the music there are interviews with some famous actors and some of the world’s greatest thinkers on all aspects of the human condition.
Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year and check out the following shows while you get excited bout the white-bearded fat man in the red suit. Scrooged (Prime, Sat Dec 20, 11.20pm), Merry Christmas Joyeux Noel (ABC1, Sun Dec 21, 8.35pm), Christmas Lights (ABC1, Wed Dec 24, 8.05pm), Jamie at Home: Christmas Special (SCTEN, Wed Dec 24, 7.30pm), Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight (WIN, Wed Dec 24, 8.30pm), Catherine Tate Christmas Special (ABC1, Wed Dec 24, 9.35pm), Father Ted Christmas Special (ABC1, Wed Dec 24, 10.10pm), An Irish Christmas (ABC2, Wed Dec 24, 11.05pm), Santa Claus Parade (SCTEN, Thu Dec 25, 6am), A Very Barry Christmas (ABC1, Thu 25, 8.15am), The Grinch (SCTEN, Thu Dec 25, 12pm), Creature Comforts: Merry Christmas (ABC2, Thu Dec 25, 9.50pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 30 October 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 2 months ago
While the Australian series of Top Gear (SBS, Mon, 7.30pm) is still finding its feet, it is already attracting a loyal following. And rightly so. The challenges and commentary on cars available in Australia are a hoot and cartoonist Warren Brown is proving a winner. Last week’s lawn bowls segment was inspired, and the show is taking on Australian topics like this week’s investigation of the ‘Toorak Tractor’ phenomenon. The only criticism that can be directed thus far is the show’s strict adherence to the British format – right down to the copycat set, the camera angles, voiceover and the personalities of the hosts. Hopefully, with a bit of time, the hosts, in particular Charlie Cox, will step out of the shadow of their UK counterparts and let their own personality shine. Personality is largely what has made the UK show so successful and it would be a pity for the Aussie version to suffer an identity crisis on this basis. Attempting to copy a show lock stock and barrel may have worked for Steve Vizard in the ’80s but in these days of ‘fast-tracking’ (a term that should be relegated to the cutting room floor) and in a situation where the original show has such a loyal audience, it simply doesn’t wash. Just ask those few who even bothered to watch last week’s debut of the US version of Kath and Kim. After one poorly performing ep and a panning in the press, Prime have seen the error of their ways and yanked the show, preferring to air reruns of the original Kath and Kim (Prime, Sun, 7pm), even acknowledging in their own publicity as ‘the original and best’. Let’s face it, Kimmy needs a muffin top, Kath needs to be unfashionable, Brett is supposed to be a dork, and Kel as a sandwich shop owner just doesn’t quite cut it. The US version of The Office (SCTEN, Sun, 11.20pm) has managed to find an audience because it developed its own flavour – a satirical look at the US workplace.
A copycat that is probably likely to work (as reality or observational docos often do) is Face Painting with Bill Leak (ABC1, Mon Nov 17, 8pm) which builds on the Rolf Harris show. In Leak’s version, the subjects are no longer with us and he goes on a quest to find out what they were really like before completing their portrait.
SCTEN have had a bit of a shake-up in their schedule – Californication (SCTEN, Sun Nov 9, 10.40pm) will need to re-program recorders as repeat episodes of NCIS (SCTEN, Sun, 9.40pm) push it to a later timeslot. And Friends is gone from the weeknight slot replaced with reruns of Will and Grace (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm).
Those who’ve not made the commitment to Life (SCTEN, Thu, 9.30pm) should take the opportunity this week with a special double episode. Good scripts and plots and an ongoing theme make this a show to add to your regular viewing roster.
Docos to keep an eye out for include Humpbacks: From Fire to Ice (ABC1, Sun Nov 16, 7.30pm), The Howard Years: Change the Government, Change the Country (ABC1, Mon Nov 17, 8.30pm), Sunday Arts (ABC1, Sun Nov 16, 5pm) which features an article with film director Julien Temple (The Great Rock and Roll Swindle, The Filth and the Fury, Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten) who is in Sydney directing Eternity Man, Cooking in the Danger Zone – Chernobyl (SBS, Wed Nov 5, 8pm) and Hairtales (ABC1, Thu Nov 20, 9.30pm) which takes an offbeat look at hair, including an ex-gothic mortician, a Canadian hair academic, a country girl bikini waxer and a myopic hair artist.
Political geeks will be in heaven this week with the US election. Auntie’s new ABC News Breakfast (ABC2, Mon Nov 3, 6am) premieres just in time, World News Australia: America Decides (SBS, Wed Nov 5, 3.30pm) follows the action live with the help of CNN, and Dateline (SBS, Wed Nov 5, 8.30pm) airs live from Washington. On the lighter side is Mr Firth Goes to Washington (SBS, Tue Nov 4, 8.30pm) part docudrama, part mockumentary, the show follows The Chaser’s Charles Firth as he goes to Washington and attempts to get an interview with George Bush. The following week British political satire The Thick of It (ABC1, Fri Nov 21, 9.40pm) hits our screens.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 16 October 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 3 months ago
The music industry’s night-of-nights is almost upon us and unlike the Oscars, Emmys or Logies, sunglasses and bondage wear are guaranteed to make an appearance on the red carpet. The 22nd Annual ARIA Awards (SCTEN, Sun Oct 19, 7.30pm) will be hosted by Hamish, Andy and James Mathison, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Without platinum selling albums from Silverchair or Powderfinger, the awards might even warrant a wager with friends.
On a musical note, Rainman goes to Rockwiz (SBS, Wed Oct 22, 8pm) as it follows music aficionado Mark Boerebach as a guest on Rockwiz. Mark, who was born blind and diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, is a font of knowledge about Australian ’80s music and lists the Xanadu soundtrack as his favourite album. The episode of Rockwiz (SBS, Sat, 9.20pm) airs on October 25.
Other music shows to look out for include London Live (ABC2, Sun Oct 19, 12pm) with Morrissey, Mohair, Wolfmother and Goldfrapp, Classic Albums: Sex Pistols: Never Mind the Bollocks (ABC2, Fri Oct 24, 10.30pm) and Scott Walker: 30 Century Man (ABC2, Sun Oct 26, 8.30pm) which features interviews with the likes of David Bowie, Radiohead, Jarvis Cocker, Alison Goldfrapp and Brian Eno.
Fans of Californication (SCTEN, Sun, 10pm) who were concerned that last season’s happily-ever-after tie-up would be the end of Hank’s sleazy ways should be unconcerned, if last week’s season opener is anything to go by, the writer’s aren’t done with jumping over boundaries. The best news of the fortnight is the return of Stupid Stupid Man (ABC1, Wed, 9pm) filling the void left by The Hollowmen, which will be sadly missed.
The folks behind Pizza have a brand new comedy – Swifty and Shift Couriers (SBS, Mon Oct 27, 8.30pm) has an eclectic cast that includes Ian Turpie, Amanda Keller, Melissa Tkautz, Paul Fenech and Angry Anderson among others.
Now Blackbox is not usually a forum to promote any kind of business news or financial show but the topic for this week’s Insight (SBS, Tue Oct 21, 7.30pm) is an exception. In the wake of the financial market uncertainty the program is looking at whether greed is to blame – could make interesting viewing. In the documentary stakes, First Australians (SBS, Sun, 8.35pm and Tue, 8.30pm) continues until November, Run Granny Run (SBS, Tue Oct 21, 10.05pm) looks at 89-year-old Doris Haddock, who after walking 3200 miles to protest against the influence of big money in US elections, became a senator, The Choice 2008 (SBS, Tue Oct 28, 10.05pm) which looks at the biographies of Barack Obama and John McCain, and Infamous Victory: Ben Chifley’s battle for coal (ABC1, Thu Nov 6, 8.30pm). West Wing fans and other political geeks shouldn’t miss Mister President (SBS, Fri Oct 31, 7.30pm) which looks at how the White House is portrayed on film and TV. Series returning this week include The Office (SCTEN, Sun Oct 26, 10.20pm), The Zoo (Prime, Tue Oct 21, 7.30pm).
Thought for the week – Battlefronts (WIN, Sun, 6.30pm) – if the networks scrape any further for lifestyle show ideas, they are sure to put a hole in the bottle of the barrel soon.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 18 September 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 4 months ago
There’s so much going on in TV land over the next few weeks that it’s hard to know what’s the biggest news. Until you get to the SBS email. Yes folks, the much-vaunted local version of Top Gear (SBS Mon Sep 29 7.30pm) kicks off in just over a week. Carlovers, revheads and comedy fans who catch the bus will be holding their breath to see if the series measures up. On the plus side, the cars will be available here and some of the hosts, such as inimitable cartoonist Warren Brown have a personality and love for motoring that should fit the format. Like all localised versions, though, it will probably need a settling-in period for the viewers to see it as a stand-alone show and for the hosts to avoid trying to mimic their counterparts. Except for The Stig. And it remains to be seen whether the Australian Stig can be as successful as TISM at protecting his real identity. Perhaps The Stig is actually a member of TISM…
The new 90210 (SCTEN Mon 8.30pm) has managed to copy its longer monogrammed predecessor and offer a real surprise in the teen drama genre. Sure all the actors are pretty – no Andrea or David Silver here – but, elaborate backstories notwithstanding, the characters are less vapid and vacant than many of the show’s contemporaries. While not challenging viewing or Emmy-award winning scripting, Blackbox predicts 90210 will become the guilty pleasure to replace the void left by Dirty Sexy Money.
Whether the new Knightrider (Prime Sat Sep 27 9pm) will mange the same feat, remains to be seen. This is likely to be one case where the original retains its cult status, cheesy acting from The Hoff and all. And what’s with the new K.I.T.T? Taking a regular black rev head coupe and adding a red light to the bonnet and a couple of props from the Star Trek set does not an icon make.
Spicks and Specks (ABC1 Wed Oct 8 8.30pm) takes a different tack with Hamish Blake hosting a behind-the-scenes special. While there’s expected fare such as viewers’ comments and how the questions are picked, the team interviews will reveal the rudest, crudest and weirdest guests. Voyeuristic viewing at its best.
New police dramas Rush (SCTEN Tue 9.30pm) and The Strip (WIN Thu 8.30pm) have yet to solidly cement themselves in the Chez Blackbox schedule but neither is reach-for-the-remote fare. Of course it could be Callan Mulvey in the former and endless scenes of summer in the latter that are holding the attention.
While the premise of a comedy actor reprising a film role to do a documentary about toilets around the world could have been a disaster, Kenny’s World (SCTEN Wed 8pm) is incredibly well-researched with plenty of quirky finds.
The same can’t be said for Taken Out (SCTEN Mon-Fri 7pm). This woeful dating show makes Perfect Match, replete with compatability-calculating robot Dexter, look sensitive.
In the documentary department don’t miss The Lost World of Tibet (ABC1 Sun Oct 5 7.30pm) which uses archival footage shot before communism, Two in the Top End (ABC1 Tue 8pm) with intrepid travelers Tim Flannery and John Doyle, Four Wives, One Man (SBS Tue Sep 30 10.05pm), which follows a polygamist family in Iran over three years and Iconoclasts: Eddie Vedder and Laird Hamilton (ABC 2 Wed Oct 1 9.20pm) which looks at the lives of the Pearl Jam singer and the surfer through their friendship.
Sadly, some Blackbox faves are approaching season cliffhangers including The Hollowmen (ABC1 Wed Oct 8 8.30pm) which actually ran two seasons, Doctor Who (Sun Sep 28 7.30pm) which winds up with Davros and a cast of thousands and Dexter (SCTEN Sun Sep 28 10.10pm) which should cure the nightmares about the ice truck killer.
Amusing note of the week: A new season premiere of NCIS (SCTEN Tue Sep 30 8.30pm). Hard to recognize when a season ends amongst all those repeats.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 4 September 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 4 months ago
Promised riches, promoted ad nauseam throughout the unimpressive Olympics coverage have finally reached our screens, with all networks flooding schedules with new programming this week. And the new rush of observational documentary and lifestyle programming looks just like the old, except that they’ve joined two concepts to make one show – Outback Wildlife Rescue (Prime, Sun, 7pm), for example, takes the RSPCA concept, adds a bit of wildlife doco and throws in Ernie Dingo for good measure. You can just imagine the producers of The Outdoor Room (Prime, Sun, 6.30pm) and Bondi Rescue: Bali (SCTEN, Wed, 7.30pm) sitting around thinking ‘let’s come up with an idea that involves us getting to travel’.
The new shows kick off on Monday with Taken Out (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm), a kind of noughties version of ’80s dating show Perfect Match and 90210 (SCTEN, Mon, 8.30pm), a noughties version of ’90s teen drama Beverly Hills 90210. Blackbox recommends avoiding both. However do check out Secret Diary of a Call Girl (WIN, Tue, 10.30pm).
On Tuesday John Doyle (better known as Rampaging Roy Slaven) and Tim Flannery jump in a car instead of a tinnie and discover the north in Two in the Top End (ABC1, Tue Sep 16, 8pm). Follow that up with new cop drama Rush (SCTEN, Tue, 9.30pm) starring Roger Corser and Callan Mulvey of Underbelly (which is as good a reason as any for Blackbox viewing).
Wednesday, it’s worth sticking with The Hollowmen (ABC1, Wed Sep 24, 9pm). Many have been disappointed and, while it won’t have you rolling on the floor, it’s actually clever satire – maybe a bit too close to the bone. Elsewhere there’s the much promoed world tour of lavatories, Kenny’s World (SC10, Wed, 8pm).
Thursday is reserved for new glitzy Gold Coast cop drama The Strip (WIN Thu 8.30pm), starring McLeods Daughters’ Aaron Jeffrey and Frankie.J.Holden who seems to be in demand as a cop lately.
Don’t let the glossy new shows blind you to an absolute nostalgic gem. Doctor Who: The Stolen Earth (Sun, Sep 21, 7.30pm) sees a plethora of the Doctor’s companions on hand including new girl Donna, Rose Taylor, Martha Jones and ’70s stalwart Sarah-Jane Smith. In those circumstances, the Doctor should consider taking on an earth-style nickname – Heff perhaps? Follow the Doctor with Black Box’s new fave show, Dexter (SCTEN Sun 10.40pm).
And when is somebody going to buy The Wire off WIN? Black Box is not in the least bit surprised at the contempt WIN showed for such a great show but now it’s getting really hard to find the DVDs! Please Auntie, do what you did for West Wing fans a few years ago – buy The Wire and keep it in a reliable and reasonable timeslot.
One offs to look out for include Australia’s Greatest Islands (Prime, Sat Sep 13, 6.30pm), Flipping Out (SBS, Tue Sep 16, 10.05pm) which is about young Israelis who travel to India after their compulsory military service, Rear Window (ABC2, Sat Sep 20, 8.30pm) which kicks off a Hitchcock season, Great Australian Albums (SBS, Sat Sep 20, 10pm) and The Boy Who Sees Without Eyes (ABC2, Wed Sep 17, 8.20pm). And the new series of NCIS (SCTEN, Tue Sep 16, 8.30pm) winds up. No doubt the rolling repeats will continue.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 21 August 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 5 months ago
Patriotic souls will have noticed Prime bombarding viewers with ads for dramas that are coming soon. Those looking for respite from Johanna Griggs and Bruce McAvaney will have noticed the same phenomenon on the other networks. Amongst all the froth and bubble about the exciting new schedule, at press time, on the commercial networks, there was only a start date for one – new Australian drama Packed to the Rafters (Prime, Tue Aug 26, 8.30pm). Starring Rebecca Gibney, Erik Thomson, Michael Caton and a bunch of relative newcomers (including Kick’s Zoe Ventoura), it’s about a suburban family and doesn’t involve police, a legal firm or a doctor’s surgery, which has got to be good.
Prime has also announced a start date for the Jack Thompson–hosted Find my Family (Prime, Tue Aug 26, 8pm), which helps people find family members they have never known. And yes, just in case you missed the 500 ads, Australian Idol (SCTEN, Sun Aug 24, 7.30pm) is back.
And what of the Olympics? The lack of HG and Roy was a great disappointment. Sure the timing was lousy and there’s probably few people watching anyway, but Andrew Daddo had to have known his show was just filler, something to plug the gap between Sunrise and competition. The Dream was must-watch-telly. Yum Cha was not.
And as far as the general coverage goes, there was too little focus on those odd sports that you only ever see at the Olympics. Rather than see Grant Hackett’s heat swim repeated 15 times, it might have been nice to see more table tennis, handball or BMX.
While not dedicating themselves to blanket coverage, it’s safe to say that the folks at good old Auntie will have more Paralympic coverage than any broadcaster in the world, with two one-hour highlight packages (ABC1 daily from Sun, Sep 7, 6pm and 11.30pm) and stacks of live stuff on ABC2 and ABCHD. Head of the commentary panel for the live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony (ABC1 and ABC2, Sat Sep 6, 9.50pm) will be Adam Hills.
Between ABC and SBS, there are quite a few gems over the next fortnight, including what they’re calling series two of Hollowmen (ABC1, Wed Sep 3, 9pm). There’s also the new comedy from the people behind The Librarians. Small Business (ABC1, Wed Sep 3, 9.30pm) stars Stupid Man’s Wayne Hope and like The Librarians, will grow on you but probably not become don’t-miss-TV.
Top Gear’s affable, yet oft pilloried James May takes his technical ability on a journey looking at some of the world’s technological advances in James May’s 20th Century (SBS, Sun Aug 24, 8.30pm). Like Top Gear, it’s much more entertaining than it sounds – he talks to Status Quo about the electric guitar, gets his brain photographed while looking at cars and takes a drive with Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay in his replica Lunar Rover.
In the don’t miss basket is Roller Derby Dolls (ABC, Tue Sep 9, 8pm), a doco about a group of Brisbane women who have just set up a roller-derby league. The full contact women-only sport is having a resurgence lately and plans are afoot for a local league. Check out the doco and then visit http://crdl.wikispaces.com for more info on what’s happening locally.
Still on full contact sport and repeated Murderball (ABC2, Wed Sep 3, 8.30pm) is about the guys who play wheelchair rugby.
Other shows to catch include the SBS Australian movie season starting with Look Both Ways (SBS, Sun Aug 24, 9.05pm) and Home Song Stories (SBS, Sun Aug 31, 9.10pm), Great Australian Albums: The Go Betweens -16 Lovers Lane (SBS, Sat Sep 6, 10pm), Nynne (SBS, Sat Sep 6, 11pm) a kind of Danish Bridget Jones made into a series, The Cook and the Chef (ABC1, Wed Sep 3, 6.30pm) go to Nimbin and new series of Southpark (SBS, Mon Aug 25, 8.30pm), The Mighty Boosh (SBS, Mon Aug 25, 8.55pm), Shameless (SBS, Mon Aug 25, 10.05pm), Mythbusters (SBS, Sat Aug 30, 7.30pm) and Rockwiz (SBS, Sat Aug 30, 9.20pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 24 July 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 6 months ago
If you don’t like sport or re-runs of the crap Star Wars films (like Phantom Menace), stock up on DVDs. Now. The Olympics is ‘just days away’. Buried somewhere within Prime’s 127-page press kit was the revelation that from the Opening Ceremony (Prime, Fri Aug 8, 9pm) to the Closing Ceremony (Prime, Sun Aug 24, 10pm), the network will have wall-to-wall coverage. Beijing is two hours behind so live coverage will start in the morning and run until bedtime. And there’ll be no Dream this time around. Of course, never ones to miss the action, Sunrise (Prime, 6am, Mon-Fri) - the only show not really affected by live coverage - will be broadcasting from Beijing from August 4.
Even Auntie, who usually couldn’t give a stuff about ratings, will take the Working Dog’s political staffer satire Hollowmen (ABC, Wed, 9.30pm) off air during the games. SBS will join in the action with Olympic team sports such as handball, beach volleyball, women’s basketball and football as well as boxing and cycling.
Cue cheering from the bleachers - Big Brother is over. And perhaps after the dismal ratings, it will mean an end to the torture (and Kyle and Jackie O’s telly career). This year’s contestants are such duds that SCTEN has used footage of original housemates like Sara Marie in the promos.
McLeod’s Daughters (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm) has returned for its final season - about time too, with the original daughters far, far away.
Top Gear (SBS, Mon, 7.30pm) has become such a staple part of the Black Box diet, it often doesn’t get the glory it deserves. Watch out for two upcoming episodes - the boys take on the Britcar 24-hour enduro with their own biodeisel (Jul 24) and turn an electric car into a radio-controlled vehicle just for sport. Don’t miss it.
The magnificent Flight of the Conchords (SCTEN, Sun Jul 27, 10.40pm) is winding up. Yes, it took a while to get into a groove with this show but once it got under the skin it featured prominently on The Black Box ‘don’t miss even if your pants are on fire’ list. Ahh Jermaine, Brett and Murray, especially Murray - we’ll be waiting for the next fan club meeting. Also finishing up is Mark loves Sharon (SCTEN, Mon Aug 4, 10.30pm) which, although it had its moments, is a large comedic ocean away.
Also getting the quick wind-up through double episodes is Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Sun Jul 27, 9.30pm).
After just bringing Futurama to the screen, SCTEN has removed it from the schedule to bring back the last eps of Rules of Engagement (SCTEN, Thu Jul 24, 7.30pm) and Back to You (SCTEN, Thu Jul 24, 8pm).
If you like Xtreme sports, check out Ice Road Truckers (SCTEN, Sat 6.30pm), except it’s not a sport, it’s a job, and these guys are more crazy than your average boardrider.
The mY Generation series takes a look at Student Politics in Electioneering (SBS, Wed Aug 6, 8pm) and living online with Age of Avatars (SBS, Wed Aug 6, 10.05pm) while Virtual Adultery and Cyberspace Love (SBS, Wed Aug 6, 10.35pm) looks at what happens when it all goes too far.
Looking for something to do on a cold and miserable Sunday afternoon? Check out Australia’s Celtic Country (SCTEN, Sun Aug 3, 3pm) where Mal Leyland visits New England - if you haven’t got a fire at home there’s bound to be one here to make you feel cosy - and Journeys to the Ends of the Earth (SCTEN, Sun Aug 3, 4pm) where David Adams searches for living indigenous culture in remote places.
Pants on fire playlist: Dexter (SCTEN, Sun, 9.40pm), Burn Notice (SCTEN, Mon, 9.30pm) Hollowmen (ABC, Wed, 9.30pm).
Don’t miss This is Your Life Presents… Bert’s 70th Birthday (WIN, Wed Jul 23, 7.30pm). Yes it will be full of old farts but that won’t stifle Bert’s wit.
Blackbox
Date Published: Wednesday, 25 June 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 7 months ago
Just as the inner workings of Melbourne’s underworld were revealed in Underbelly (sorry, ‘hit-series Underbelly’), so too are the inner workings of Canberra about to be revealed. No seedy underside of Canberra’s nightlife, no plot to rob national institutions, not even roundabout rage - The Hollowmen (ABC, Wed Jul 9, 9.30pm) is set in the arena of federal politics (and no, Carl Williams doesn’t break out of jail to organize a hit on Kevin). Hollowmen is a dramedy set in the offices of the Central Policy Unit, set up by the PM to get re-elected. The Working Dog production, written by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch is set to do for political staffers what Frontline did for current affairs television. Unlike the disaster of Corridors of Power a few years ago, this is likely to cut much closer to the bone. It would be nice if just once a series set in Canberra moved away from the house on the hill…
If you’ve been watching the annoying ads for Mark loves Sharon (SCTEN, Mon Jun 30, 9.30pm), don’t be fooled; they haven’t found a couple as dumbly entertaining as Nick and Jess. The show is a spoof (the network’s calling it a mockumentary) of the rash of American reality shows like Newlyweds from the team behind The Wedge. That in itself is a reason to switch off. Mark is apologetic sportstar Mark Wary and his girlfriend Sharon (or is it Karen). The Mark Wary sketches were the best part of The Wedge, but that’s not a great compliment.
Still on the topic of football stars off the rail is Valentine’s Day (ABC, Sun Jul 6, 8.30pm), a movie starring Rhys Muldoon as a famous Aussie Rules footballer fallen on hard times who is given community service to coach a small town football team. Nice to see fallen footy stars as fodder for the box, it makes a change from crime drama - at least a detour, anyway.
Prime’s new girlie show, Lipstick Jungle (Prime, Sun Jun 29, 9.30pm), starts this week. Although it’s based on a Candace Bushnell book, it’s got a much sleazier, more plastic feel than Sex and the City - worth a watch, but maybe not a girls’ night in. It follows the debut of Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Private Practice (Prime, Sun Jun 29, 8.30pm).
Good news - the Doctor is in. Following on from the Christmas special with Kylie, Dr Who (ABC, Sun Jul 6, 7.30pm) returns to the box with Catherine Tate (of the Catherine Tate Show) reprising her role as the runaway bride from a previous Christmas special and becoming his sidekick.
In a bid to stretch out its programming, SBS is following SC10’s lead and repackaging its long-running programs - we’ve already had repackaged Top Gear (SBS, Sat, 7.30pm) and now it’s South Park: The Early Years (SBS, Mon, 9pm). There were some classics though - Cartman Gets an Anal Probe is a case in point.
It may seem a bit tabloid for Aunty, but Family Fortunes (ABC, Tue Jul 15, 8pm) looks at dramatic reversals of fortune in some of Australia’s more high-profile families. Developed by the team that brought us Dynasties, the show’s approach is more Australian Story than Today Tonight, which is just as well because the first family under the microscope is that of racing legend Peter Brock. Watch out for tales of a pokie king, Victorian landed gentry and artist John Olsen. Not hard to guess whose fortunes went south.
For the kid in us all, The Mr Men Show (ABC, Thu Jul 17, 4pm) returns with new adventures from Little Miss Chatterbox and Mr Nervous. Tune in and ask the inevitable - which Mr Men are you?
Docos to look out for this fortnight include Car of the Future (SBS, Sun Jul 6, 8.30pm), Bill Gates: How a geek changed the world (SBS, Tue Jul 8, 8.30pm), The Seven Sins of England (SBS, Tue Jul 1, 10pm) and A Northern Town (SBS, Fri Jul 11, 7.30pm) which looks at Kempsey, known as the most racist town in Australia.
Sports fanatics should tune in for the UEFA Euro 2008 Final (SBS, Mon Jun 30, 4am) and the Tour de France (SBS, Sat Jul 5 to Sun Jul 28, 10pm).
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 12 June 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 7 months ago
The big news this week is that Sesame Street icons Bert and Ernie will reveal their legs in a new claymation series from the folks at The Children’s Television Workshop. The nerdy pair, with a penchant for rubber duckies, will star in Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures (ABC, Wed Jun 25, 8.35am).
OK, there is one bigger piece of news - Dr Who: Voyage of the Damned (ABC, Sun Jun 29, 7.30pm). Britain loves a panto at Christmas and there’s been no bigger Christmas draw than ‘our’ Kylie. So this little Christmas offering, with the space ship Titanic and Kylie, had all the trimmings for the sci-fi series not scared to laugh at itself.
All those of you still at home mooching off your folks, stand up. You are to blame for yet another observational doco The Nest (SBS, Sat Jul 5, 7.30pm). Apparently two thirds of those between 20 and 26 are still at home - and they called Gen-X the slacker generation.
Flight of The Conchords (SCTEN, Sun, 10.40pm) is a grower. On the first watch the subtlety of the deadpan humour can be lost, but give it a second go and it will soon be on your must watch list.
While The Gruen Transfer (ABC, Wed, 9pm) has many of the hallmarks of the ABC’s comedy panel shows (such as Good News Week (SCTEN), Spicks and Specks (ABC Wed 8pm) and Wil Anderson’s televisual launch pad, The Glass House), it burrows into a profession that’s managed to keep its tactics to itself for a long time - more incisive and creative than World’s Greatest Ads and more entertaining too.
The networks are squarely aiming at their girlie audience (women and the boys that like girlie shows) with the ‘new Sex and the City’ Lipstick Jungle and Grey’s Anatomy spin-off Private Practice due to make Prime’s prime-time list this month. The former is based on the best-selling book by Sex creator Candace Bushnell and the latter is the star vehicle for McDreamy and McSteamy ex Kate Walsh. Scheduled timeslot TBC.
Nice to see the Top Gear guys are pumping the money back into the show rather than extending their own garages - in Top Gear Botswana Special (SBS, Mon Jun 23, 7.30pm), they race each other across Africa in 30-plus-year-old cars. Look out for the Stig on the London tube and Hammond on a bike the following week.
While binge drinking appears to be a modern problem, The Seven Sins of England (SBS, Tue Jul 1, 10pm) takes us back through the UK’s 1000-year-old drinking problem, discovering the first law to control binge-drinking was passed in 616AD and other tidbits. It’s followed by Attack of the Happy People (SBS, Tue Jul 1, 10.55pm) which charts the history of ecstasy.
While Auntie’s mantra might be to provide us with quality entertainment, SBS, aside from their second language responsibilities, seem to be tasked with finding the weird and wonderful. The Fabulous Flag Sisters (SBS, Fri Jul 4, 7.30pm) a doco about an Italian TV trio of drag queens, including an Australian, is certainly that.
If you’ve ever dreamed of being Australia’s Next Top Model (girls and guys), you’ll have to drive to Sydney this weekend for the audition (details at www.yahoo7.com.au/supermodel ). Apparently Canberrans aren’t pretty (or interested) enough to rate a local audition.
What is it with the networks and movies? How many times have we seen Bridget Jones’s Diary (Prime, Fri Jun 13, 9.30pm), America’s Sweethearts (Prime, Fri Jun 20, 9.30pm) and My Best Friend’s Wedding (SCTEN, Fri Jun 27, 9.30pm) in the past six months? Isn’t it about time for some new movies or even a re-hash some much older movies? The viewing public can probably recite Bridget’s snow in her undies speech easier than Hamlet’s soliloquy.
New to the box are a new series of Futurama (SCTEN, Thu Jun 19, 7.30pm), Ice Road Truckers (SCTEN, Sat Jun 28, 6.30pm), the return of Psych (Sat, Jun 21, 7.30pm) and Calling all Aliens (SBS, Sun Jun 22, 8.30pm).
Don’t miss Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday Concert. Just because.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 29 May 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 7 months ago
News of the week - no Dream at Beijing. Seven have decided that without an audience in the studio and with many events running into the late night slot, Roy and HG won’t be on the plane. Instead, they’re offering a morning show, Yum Cha, complete with requisite Daddo (Andrew). More sleep looks like an appealing option.
Eurovision tragics will be aware that British commentator Terry Wogan takes the Eurotrash pop comp very seriously, in fact the comedy that comes from that has been a feature of Eurovision coverage for many years. But Terry lost that edge and started sounding like a whiney two-year-old with nappy rash. While his suggestion that Eastern Europe, as it divides itself up into smaller and smaller slivers of land, has a stranglehold on voting is probably fair enough, his whining about the UK being last on the leader board is not. The UK, a country that has produced some of the world’s biggest recording artists, regularly sends a range of crap musicians to Eurovision. While Terry takes the whole thing very seriously, the UK public doesn’t, with the most famous British Eurovision winners including Brotherhood of Man, Bucks Fizz, Lulu and Katrina and the Waves. Enough said. And as for Terry, he’s got a tough decision to make - will he be back next year? What else is he going to do.
From Eurotrash to the seedier Hollywood kind, with two trashy celebrities trying to redeem themselves by appearing on sitcoms.
Paris’s star turn in My Name is Earl (Prime, Sun, 8pm) didn’t improve her standing as an actress, but don’t miss Britney’s star turn in How I Met Your Mother (Prime, Thu Jun 5, 7.30pm). And Britney’s biggest shock yet? She can act.
Top Gear (SBS, Mon/Sat 7.30pm) is back with a vengeance and on June 9, they revisit one of their stupidest (and most hilarious) stunts yet. And it gets bigger. The amphibious car race will this time be a race across the English Channel.
For something almost as funny, check out Kung Faux (ABC2, Mon, Jun 2) which mashes up ‘70s martial arts movies, adds music, re-dubbed hip-hop voices and comic book graphics.
The folks at SCTEN are up to their old tricks - if it works put it on as often as you can - running double episodes of House (SCTEN, Wed, 8.30pm). Just like NCIS, the second ep is a repeat.
More good news for The Strip, the police drama set on the Gold Coast that’s in production - one of the Underbelly writers is on board.
It was bound to happen sooner or later - Eataholics (ABC, Wed Jun 4, 8.30pm) is an observational documentary series, trying to change the eating habits of Britain’s fatty boombas with nutrition and psychology. Should be an easy fix. One; get rid of all that stodgy food and two; learn that a takeaway vindaloo doesn’t really rate as ‘exotic’.
Culture this week comes from Talking Heads (ABC, Mon Jun 2, 6.30pm) and an interview with architect Glenn Murcutt.
Fans of AC/DC will want to tune into The Guitar Show (ABC2, Sun Jun 8, 1.30pm) for an interview with Angus Young. It’s a repeat but if you missed it the first time, you’ll want to set the recorder.
Other music highlights include The Cure: Trilogy, Live in Berlin (ABC2, Mon Jun 2, 10.25pm) where the band played three albums in their entirety live over two nights in 2002.
If you didn’t give up about two seasons ago, you’ll want to tune in for the season finale of Lost (Prime, Thu Jun 5, 9.30pm). This modern take on Gilligan’s Island seems like it’s never going to end. Also winding up is The State Within (ABC, Thu Jun 5, 8.30pm).
So soon? Gladiators (Prime, Sun Jun 1, 6.30pm) is up to its second quarter final.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 15 May 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 8 months ago
Autumn is the Blackbox pick for season of the year. Despite the fact it requires enduring the most biased awards show in the world – The Logies – autumn is also host to the best. That’s right ladies and gentlemen – it’s time once again for the glorious kitsch of the Eurovision Song Contest. The continent that takes itself seriously when it comes to culture and the arts is also able to laugh at the absurdity of this multilingual pop-fest. It’ll be held in Belgrade and this year there are semi-finals over two nights (SBS, Fri May 23, Sat May 24, 8.30pm) before the final (SBS, Sun May 25, 7.30pm). It’s hosted by Julia Zemiro and of course there’ll be the obligatory commentary from Terry Wogan – it wouldn’t be Eurovision without it. So grab your friends, put together a spread of the most retro Euro snacks you can muster, open the champagne and have a sweep – guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat longer than the Melbourne Cup.
If you have been wondering why the likes of Andrew Denton and Adam Hills were going hard at the product placement at The Logies or have been ringing the ABC to complain about ads, you’ll be pleased to know it was all publicity for The Gruen Transfer (ABC, May 28, 9pm), a show about advertising, hosted by Wil Anderson.
While many are still reeling from the disappearance of the ultimately watchable Terminator spin-off from WIN’s schedule, the folks at Prime have shoved Dirty, Sexy Money tapes into the basement and shut the door. Its demise makes way for a new series of the fabulous Boston Legal, which has made even Blackbox come around to Shatner. Perhaps it’s the fallibility of Denny Crane that makes the most annoying Starfleet captain actually likeable.
The runaway success of Underbelly (rumoured to be followed by a prequel) has lead to resurgence in the production of crime dramas. The Strip, a 13-part police drama for WIN, is about to start filming on the Gold Coast. And while the location may have leant itself to a CSI Miami feel, with Wildside and East West 101 producers and stars such as Aaron Jeffrey and Bob Morley, it’s likely to have a distinctly Australian flavour. It’s good to see Australian television finally finding stories in our cities (where most of us live) rather than the outback or seachange destinations where we holiday.
Prime follows the crime route with Crimes That Shook the World (Prime, Tue May 13, 9.30pm) beginning with The Green River Killer.
As predicted last column, Louis Theroux (Prime, Mon May 19, 10.30pm) has been packaged as a series and is well worth a look.
If you’ve been wondering what Lateline (ABC1, weeknights, 10.30pm) host Tony Jones has been up to since he cut his hours back, don’t fret – you’re about to see a lot more of him. He’s already on air with Q&A (ABC1, Thu, 9.35pm) and his new vehicle ABC Fora (ABC2, Thu May 29, 5.35pm and Fri May 30, 8am). The show promises talks, lectures, public addresses and debates from Australia and around the world. So if opinion and debate is your bag, Tony will help you out.
The development of ABC2 has given Auntie the chance to take risks on programs that it might otherwise have avoided. Moving Wallpaper (ABC2, Fri May 30, 8.30pm) and its partner program Echo Beach (Fri May 30, 8.55pm) are a good example. Moving Wallpaper is a comedy drama about the making of a TV soap and Echo Beach is the soap (or the subtle piss-take of a soap in this case).
Science geeks or the inquisitive should tune into Absolute Zero (SBS, Sun June 1, 8.30pm).
Black Box thumbs up for the new series of Big Love (SBS, Sat, 8.30pm), The State Within (ABC1, Thu, 8.30pm) and the new series of Spooks (ABC1, Fri, 9.20pm)
Don’t miss Taxi Driver (ABC2, Sat 31 May, 9.30pm) for De Niro’s classic line and of course the aforementioned Eurovision Song Contest.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 1 May 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 8 months ago
Big Brother (SCTEN, daily, 7pm) is upon us and it appears there are some changes… apart from adding TV’s biggest tool Kyle and his vapid sidekick Jackie O as hosts. It’s pure irony that the man who couldn’t last five minutes on the ill-fated celebrity version of the show because of the coffee (shameless publicity seeking alert), will be grilling the ‘contestants’. On the plus side, this pair is more likely to give the show it’s goldfish bowl quality. It always felt a bit too much like Gretel was protecting her kids. From the promos, it appears they’ve also rid themselves of the decision to fill the house with pretty people who spend all day complaining about not having any hair product. Instead they’ve gone completely base level, choosing people who will once again make all Australians look bad. How can they put someone who thinks she’s like Pauline Hanson in the house with a clear conscience? Gone too are the late-night feeds so it’s back to telemarketing for night-owls. Unfortunately, the Friday night live show (SCTEN, Fri, 7.30pm) continues to provide a steady income for two of the ex-housemates. The one good decision – no return of the uncut show. Instead there will be a panel show, Big Mouth (SCTEN, Mon, 9.30pm), hosted by Tony Squires and Rebecca Wilson, that will appeal to an entirely new audience and almost make BB worth watching. Almost.
Most will be happy to hear of the Biggest Loser Final Weigh-in (SCTEN, Sun Apr 27, 6.30pm), even if it does herald the beginning of BB. This is the interesting episode for those that cringe at making fun of fat people’s ability to cry when asked to do push-ups. Here there will also be tears but you get to see all the contestants next to a Jenny Craig style before image.
And the TV stations are up to their old tricks. With SCTEN that means scheduling repeats to fill up prime time. Just as we get a new series of NCIS (SCTEN, Tue, 8.30pm) it’s followed by repeats at 9.30pm. How long until they start seeping into the 8.30pm timeslot? And WIN has once again alienated its sci-fi audience. After pushing Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles into a late night timeslot without warning, the show has followed so many others and disappeared altogether. Perhaps if fans had been shown a little respect by being told where it had gone…
Intrepid doco maker and sub-cultural explorer Louis Theroux goes inside the controversial Westboro Baptist Church with the Phelps family in The Most Hated Family in America (Prime, Mon May 5, 10.40pm). While this was designed as a one-off, Prime is starting a series with it.
If you want to know how hard it is to break into the US music industry (and you haven’t watched any of the multitude of ‘follow the struggling band’ docos) then check out Flight of the Conchords (SCTEN, Sun May 11, 10.10pm).
Returns this fortnight include a new series of Boston Legal (Prime, Mon May 5, 9.30pm) – no that’s not a misprint – 9.30pm, Ugly Betty (Prime, Wed May 7, 7.30pm) and a news series of Spooks (ABC1, Fri May 16, 9.20pm).
Also worth looking out for are How to Look Good Naked (SCTEN, Mon, 8pm) where Queer Eye’s Carson Kressley teaches women the aforementioned art, Michael Palin’s New Europe (Prime, Sat May 10, 7.30pm) visits Poland, Freddie Mercury – The Tribute Concert (ABC2, Sun May 11, 2pm) and Death in Santaland (ABC1, Thu May 15, 9.35pm), which looks at a Columbine High style mass murder plot in the town of North Pole, Alaska, named and founded for the tourist dollar Lapland has managed to capture.
Buy a DVD, darn some socks or spend your evening on Facebook on Tuesday, May 13 – it’s Budget night.
Don’t miss The State Within (ABC, Thu May 2, 8.30pm) and the new series of Big Love (SBS, Sat May 10, 8.30pm) and watch out – Eurovision is coming.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 17 April 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 9 months ago
Canal Road (WIN, Wed, 9.30pm) is slated to fill the void left by Underbelly (WIN, Wed, 8.30pm). The folks at WIN are hyping the show as another gritty Melbourne drama. Tip: when the promo material consists of glamour shots and the stars were clearly chosen for their sex appeal, it might be wise to drop the gritty tag. No fat-boy here.
There are also some interesting British dramas coming our way. The State Within (ABC, Thu May 1, 8.30pm) will appeal to West Wing-nuts and fans of Spooks. This convoluted thriller set in the British Embassy in Washington during a terrorist attack looks like living up to the BBC reputation for this kind of thing.
Mistresses (Prime, Apr 29, 9.30pm) which also sits in the thriller camp (if you’re a genre nazi) looks at the lives and complex relationships of four female friends. Sounds gushy but it’s the deceit and their undoing that provides the real drama (and danger) here – the new Cold Feet.
Architecture is not usually associated with murder but the tale of iconic modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright includes some quite salacious revelations. Frank Lloyd Wright: Murder, Myth and Modernisation (ABC2, Sun Apr 27, 8.30pm).
Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be a new idea for an observational doco, Prime comes to the party with Find my Family. The show, which is about to begin production purports to reunite loved ones – only a slight step removed from existing missing persons shows Blackbox suspects.
Life in Cold Blood (WIN, Mon, 7.30pm) sounds like something that should find itself in a much later timeslot but the prefix ‘David Attenborough’s’ tells nature doco lovers they’re in for a ride through the reptile and amphibian part of the animal kingdom. Still all a bit creepy crawly.
Of all the things SCTEN is known for, hard-hitting public service docos aren’t usually high on the agenda. Its ‘special presentation’ The Truth about Binge Drinking (SCTEN, Mon Apr 21, 7.30pm) doesn’t do anything to change that. “Binge drinking is everywhere from city slickers to underage kids on the streets and desperate housewives to celebrities,” it says… pahleeeeze. Read “serious television project for UK pop star Michelle Heaton” – Saving Kids with Damien Leith ringing any bells?
First there was the bidding war, then the controversy about clashes with existing schedules. Now finally, Indian Premier League –Twenty20 cricket (SCTEN, mid-late evening, from Fri Apr 18) hits our screens.
Adrenalin junkies will be pleased to hear of the return of Red Bull Air Race (SCTEN, Sun Apr 20, 12pm). The first race comes direct from Abu Dhabi.
East of Everything (ABC, Sun May 4, 8.30pm) winds up this fortnight but the void will be filled with Kerry Armstrong’s new drama Bed of Roses (ABC, Sat May 10, 7.30pm). After her wealthy husband dies and leaves her bankrupt, she too returns home to her mother in Rainbow’s End. Not quite up to East of Everything but it explores similar territory.
And for some feel-good telly, watch Millionaires Mission (ABC, Tue Apr 29, 8.30pm). Eight British business leaders spend three weeks in a makeshift camp with World Vision. They each donate $32,500 to a fund and they have to use their skills to improve the living standards of a remote Ugandan community. Sure it’s just television but if the Ugandan village is better off and it shames some other big spenders (and the rest of us) into action, it’s good television.
Don’t miss Michael Palin’s New Europe (Prime, Sat, 7.30pm) where the world’s most intrepid traveller finds special parts of Eastern Europe that others won’t.
Blackbox
Date Published: Thursday, 3 April 08 | Author: Tracy Heffernan | | 8 years, 9 months ago
“Are you ready?” the glossy promo material for re-invented ’90s game show Gladiators (Prime, Sun, 6.30pm) asks. Your answer should be no. Australia is very good at emulating some American traits (like a love of anything with cheese), but that WWF-style bravado/ego where the stars take themselves incredibly seriously while everyone else is laughing at you is not something we’ve managed to pull off successfully. Of course, there are those poor misguided souls who believe the WWF to be a sport – it’s on television and based on circus acts of old people. You’ll probably see some of them (and your local gym junkies) as challengers on the show. And Greg Harrigan, who made his name as a football referee should be ashamed of himself for using his whistle for this. Gladiators may turn out to be a more effective fitness motivator than The Biggest Loser (SCTEN, Mon-Fri, 7pm) – while it may not shift tellytubbies from the couch, it will surely make them switch off the box.
Lovers of anime will want to rearrange their Monday viewing schedule for Death Note (ABC2, Mon Apr 14, 9.30pm). The Madman Entertainment series features a notebook with the power of life and death and all the sorts of noble goals you expect from anime.
Art Safari (ABC2, Sun Apr 13, 9.30pm) returns for another up-close-and-personal look at interesting artists. The first ep explores the work of Japan’s answer to Warhol, Takashi Murkami.
Rev heads may want to check out Scrapheap Challenge: Tanks (ABC2, Sat Apr 19, 6.35pm), because there’s nothing quite like a tank built from junk, and Mini Challenge (Prime, Sat Apr 5, 1.30pm), because there’s nothing cooler.
While the Power of 10 (WIN Mon 7.30pm) means putting up with game show contestants and host Steve Jacobs, it’s an interesting case study on what people think. Family Feud surveyed the audience for their response – this purports to survey ‘Australians’. If only they had Bert to host. Blackbox would of course be interested to hear from anyone who has been ‘surveyed’ for this program.
Looks like the folks at WIN realised there are only so many stories about a Navy Patrol boat off the Aussie coast – Sea Patrol II The Coup (WIN, Mon, 8.30pm) gives them an actual enemy.
Oh how the once-mighty have fallen. One of the hit shows from five or six years ago, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy (SCTEN, Fri Apr 11, 4am), returns with new episodes in the bleary-eyed timeslot known only to serial killers, insomniacs and shift workers.
The Dog Dominatrix takes an interesting turn with It’s Me or the Fat Dog (SCTEN, Sat Apr 12, 6.30pm), putting porky pooches through their own Biggest Loser hell. And if the dog and you have been chowing down on Maccas over the summer recess, you’ll be glad to know Jamie at Home (SCTEN, Thu Apr 10) is back to save you from yourself.
Rove returns to our screens (SCTEN, Sun, 9pm) and has Delta’s new squeeze, Mr Boyband Brian McFadden, on the show on April 6.
Music viewing this week should include Planet Rock Profiles: Beck (ABC 2, Sun April 13, 1.25pm), Madness: Live at Finbsbury Park (ABC 2, Sun April 13, 4pm), Jane’s Addiction: Three Days (ABC 2, Mon April 14, 10pm).
And now we know who to blame for the woeful term emo: Red Dwarf (ABC 2, Mon, 8pm). The ep entitled Emohawk Polymorph II about an ugly tribe selling engine parts airs April 14. Pity we can’t blame them for the music. Address all complaint letters to Editor, BMA Magazine.
Lastly this week, the return of two of the greatest comedy finds in the last couple of years – The IT Crowd (ABC, Wed April 16, 9pm) is back for a second season and My Name is Earl (Prime, Sun, 8pm) is back for a third. And don’t miss Michael Palin’s Europe (Prime, Sat April 5, 7.30pm).
| i don't know |
Considered one of the best examples of Roman ruins in North Africa and particularly noted for its Triumphal Arch, which archaeological site in Morocco is situated near to Meknes? | North African History
"New" DEEP Search All of Realhistory using Keyword or Phrase
Ancient Man and His First Civilizations
North African History
(Excluding Egypt)
In many cases, the demographic history of North Africa closely parallels that of the United States: In that Europeans, and in this case Turks also: first colonize, and then the descendants of the colonizers fight a war of liberation from their original homelands, for sole claim to the conquered territories. And as in the Americas, the native populations were massacred, marginalized, impoverished, and relegated to the hinterlands. The difference being that Americans don't claim to be the native and original people.
Thus one of the oddities of modern times is found in North Africa: where the Mulattoes, Quadroons, and Octoroons of the White invaders, and even the White invaders themselves: proclaim themselves BERBERS and the INDEGENOUS inhabitants of North AFRICA!!!
To make the ridiculous even more ridiculous; many of these people also practice racial prejudice against Africans IN Africa!
In North Africa, many of these people declare themselves Berber under the banner of "Amazigh" possibly meaning "free people" or "free and noble men" (the word has probably an ancient parallel in the Roman name for some of the Berbers, "Mazices").
The Amazigh
This has apparently so distressed one actual Berber group - the Touareg: that they are now disavowing their Berber heritage, and are instead proclaiming themselves to be ARABS!!
Touareg reject allegations of the Congress Amazigh World
(Computer translation of the letter)
Link to letter
From: Mr. Mansour Mohamed Ali Ag Hudyata his capacity as Chairman of the Assembly of Mali called "Youth Society North of the Republic of Mali", rejects the allegations of the World Amazigh Congress, that the Tuareg people are Amazigh.
The Assembly of the Republic of Mali Youth North strongly rejects such nonsense and false stories claimed by Congress Amazigh World through the media that the Tuareg of Mali and Niger, are Amazigh, and stresses that this claim is false is not based on a scientific basis.
And that Mr. Belkacem Lyons specializes in chemistry who viewed this trend shameless does not have any historical background to prove this myth, but proven by all history books, trusted that the Tuareg are of Arab descent, and crafts Targi has to do with Arabic calligraphy, this is the asset Targip known since a long time immemorial, and we believe such stories would fall within the Tuareg of the elements of client-related third-party suspicious.
And thus confirm and strongly that we will not allow the Congress of the World Amazigh has nothing to do with us as an intervention in our affairs and talk about our origins, this we, children of the Tuareg in Kidal, Gao and Timbuktu, we are proud Bootanna (Mali and Niger) to which we belong, and our religion, Islam, and declare that our is to achieve security and stability, peace and development in the Sahara for the happiness of our peoples and coexistence with the sons of the tribes of the Sahara, and that this is the position of all the Tuareg, who are struggling to achieve, and to work strenuously for it in every time and place.
Mansour Mohamed Ali Ag Hudyata
President of the General Assembly
(There is no telling what will happen when the Touareg find out that the very SAME type of invader descends people, are in the north and Arabia, also proclaiming themselves to be ARABS).
Before going on, let us first investigate another term for Berbers - MOORS!
"Moor" is problematic because of its shifting significance. Isidore of Seville, who died well before Islam came to Iberia, follows Roman usage in referring to northwest Africa as Mauritania (from which maurus/moro is derived) on account, he says, of its inhabitants' blackness. Similarly, the Visigothic chronicler John of Biclaro refers to the inhabitants of pre-Islamic North Africa as Moors (Wolf 1990: 64). The so-called Mozarabic Chronicle of 754, written by a Christian living in al-Andalus under Muslim rule, and the earliest surviving account of the events of 711, speaks of the invading force of Muslims without racial animus as "Arabs and Moors" (Wolf 1990: 131). These texts suggest that early on "Moor" signified "Berber." African origin is clearly marked in this usage. Later documents authored in the Christian kingdoms of Iberia attest to the complete transformation of "Moor" from a term signifying "Berber" into a general term for Muslims living in Iberian territory, lands conquered recently by Chrisitans, and secondarily, for Muslims residing in what was, or was since left of al-Andalus.
For example, the Chronicle of Najera (twelfth-century Leon) refers to Abd al-Rahman I, the Umayyad amir of mid-eighth century al-Andalus, as "King of the Mauri," and to Abd al-Rahman III, the tenth-century Umayyad Caliph, as "the (consummate) Maurus." An elegiac passage from the thirteenth century Primera cronica general (Chapter 559 General Chronicle of Spain) recounts the events of 711 for what is construed as the (temporary) downfall of "Spain" in that year. The text testifies that semantic transformation of "Moor" was not nearly as benign as some readers have assumed: their faces were black as pitch, the handsomest among them was black as a cooking pot, and their eyes blazed like fire; their horses swift as leopards, their horsemen more cruel and hurtful than the wolf that comes at night to the flock of sheep. The vile African people... (Smith 1988: 19) Here the historiography sponsored by Alphonso X of Castile shares a vocabulary developed across the Pyrenees in the early twelfth-century Chanson de Roland, wherein the Saracen Abisme is stigmatized as brutish on account of his race ("In all that host was none more vile than he, With evil vice and crimes he's dyed full deep and black is he as melted pitch to see. Better he loves murder and treachery Than all the gold that is in Galicie..." [Song of Roland, 113; Sayers 1975: 108].
All of the above gives us good examples of how the word "Moor" was used, but not what the word Moor originally meant. Logically, the word Moor could not possibly have meant "Black" because that would make no sense. We know that the original Iberian's (Spain/Portugal) were Black people. We know without a doubt that North Africans (including Egyptians) were Black people. We know that at the earlier times mentioned, the people of the Levant (Phoenicians and others) were purely Black people. Question: If Moor, Maure, and the other words mean "Black", then how would that differentiate anyone from anyone? Obviously Moor meaning "Black" doesn't work. Also it should be obvious that the Berbers didn't call themselves Moors, that is what others called them.
From - Etymological Dictionary of Modern English:
MOOR - "waste ground," Old English mor "morass, swamp," from Proto-Germanic *mora- (cf. Old Saxon, Middle Dutch, Dutch meer "swamp," Old High German muor "swamp," also "sea," German Moor "moor," Old Norse mörr "moorland," marr "sea"), perhaps related to mere (n.), or from root *mer- "to die," hence "dead land."
In the languages of the people who called the Berbers Moors: we see a common thread that the word "Moor" relates to a Topographical feature of the Earth - i.e. "Wasteland" "Dead Land" . BEING MINDFUL THAT NORTH AFRICA IS MAINLY DESERT: It would seem that Moor originally meant "People of the North African Wastelands/Deadlands" (Deserts).
Certainly no Blonds or Mulattoes there; So...
Let us investigate how this sad and strange state of affairs came to be:
PREHISTORY OF CENTRAL NORTH AFRICA
Early inhabitants of the central Maghrib have left behind significant remains. Early remnants of hominid occupation in North Africa, were found in Ain el Hanech, near Saïda Algeria (ca. 200,000 B.C.). Later, Neanderthal tool makers produced hand axes in the Levalloisian and Mousterian styles (ca. 43,000 B.C.) similar to those in the Levant. According to some sources, North Africa was the site of the highest state of development of Middle Paleolithic flake-tool techniques. Tools of this era, starting about 30,000 B.C., are called Aterian (after the site Bir el Ater, south of Annaba) and are marked by a high standard of workmanship, great variety, and specialization.
The cave paintings at Tassili-n-Ajjer
So far so good: at least we know that Whites first showed up AFTER the Tassili N'Ajjer art was created.
The cave paintings found at Tassili-n-Ajjer, north of Tamanrasset (an oasis city and capital of Tamanrasset Province in southern Algeria, in the Ahaggar Mountains. It is the chief city of the Algerian Tuareg), and at other locations depict vibrant and vivid scenes of everyday life in the central Maghrib (the fertile coastal plain of North Africa, west of Tunisia) between about 8000 B.C. and 4000 B.C. They were executed by a hunting people in the Capsian period (named after the town of Gafsa in Tunisia - it was a Mesolithic culture of the Maghreb, which lasted from about 10,000 to 6,000 B.C.). It was concentrated mainly in modern Tunisia, Algeria and Cyrenaica (part of ancient Libya), with some sites attested in southern Spain to Sicily). These were people of the Neolithic age, who lived in a savanna region teeming with giant buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros, and hippopotamus, animals that no longer exist in the now-desert area.
The Tassili N'Ajjer was ranked a World Heritage in 1982 by the UNISCO. The Tassili N'Ajjer is located in the Central Sahara to the southeast of Algeria. It is limited by the Libyan border to the east, and that of Niger in the south. The name Tassili means tray Tamashek (Berber language) and designates a huge sandstone plateau of 350 000 Km2 whose height ranges between 500 and 2200 meters. It includes 10,000 rock art sites and more than 15,000 drawings and etchings , since 6,000 B.C.
Tamanrasset
The earliest blade industries in North Africa are called Ibero-Maurusian or Oranian (after a site near Oran - northwestern Mediterranean coast of Algeria). The industry appears to have spread throughout the coastal regions of the Maghrib between 15,000 and 10,000 B.C. Between about 9,000 and 5,000 B.C, the Capsian culture began influencing the IberoMaurusian, and after about 3,000 B.C. the remains of just one human type can be found throughout the region. Neolithic civilization (marked by animal domestication and subsistence agriculture) developed in the Saharan and Mediterranean Maghrib between 6,000 and 2,000 B.C. This type of economy, so richly depicted in the Tassili-n-Ajjer cave paintings, predominated in the Maghrib until the classical period.
The amalgam of peoples of North Africa coalesced eventually into a distinct native population that came to be called Berbers. Distinguished primarily by cultural and linguistic attributes, the Berbers lacked a written language and hence tended to be overlooked or marginalized in historical accounts. Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Arab Muslim chroniclers typically depicted the Berbers as "barbaric" enemies, troublesome nomads, or ignorant peasants. They were, however, to play a major role in the area's history.
Like all Blacks in their native innocence: The Tamanrassetites take everyone and everything at face value. They are unconcerned that their ancestral lands are ruled by the descendants of the invading conquers of their lands, and killers of their people. They see only the good in everyone and everything.
Just as there is always ancient Black art, there are always degenerate White people who will create fake artifacts so as to make the claim that White people were a part of the ancient population. This is of course impossible, except for parts of Central Asia, but that fact has never stopped Whites from pursuing the fantasy. Such a person is the Frenchman Henri Lhote.
In 1933, a French soldier remembered as "Lieutenant Brenans" ventured into a deep wadi in the Tassili-n-ajjer plateau and discovered the rock art. Lhote, a pupil of "the great expert on prehistoric cave art in France" Abbe Breuil, was in Algeria at the time and heard about the discovery. He met the soldier at Djanet, learned all he could, then and mounted an expedition to investigate it. Working with the support of the Musée de l'Homme, Lhote and his associates discovered about 800 paintings, many of which he later made images of with the aid of painters and photographers. These images were presented in 1957 and 1958 at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and were, in the opinion of André Malraux. "one of the most defining exhibitions of the mid-century".
After thoroughly exploring and uncovering many more images, Lhote publicized the hypothesis that the humanoid drawings represented space aliens. In The Search for the Tassili Frescoes: The story of the prehistoric rock-paintings of the Sahara (first published in France in 1958 and in London in 1959), Lhote called one particularly large and "curious figure" as "Jabbaren" and described him as the "great Martian god." The popular press gave much attention to Lhote's hypothesis of a prehistoric close encounter and it was later incorporated into the '"sensationalist claims" made by Erich von Däniken that ancient extraterrestrial astronauts visited prehistoric Earth.
Some of the rock art faked by Henri Lhote
According to the Encyclopædia Britannica a "vivid dance scene" that Lhote discovered in 1956 can be attributed on stylistic grounds to Neolithic hunters that lived in the Sahara circa 6000 to 4000 B.C. Mainstream scientists regard the "great Martian god" and other rock art figures that are similar to it as representations of ordinary humans in ritual masks and costumes rather than the representations of extraterrestrial lifeforms. The value of Lhote's scholarship was also challenged by The Journal of North African Studies, an academic journal affiliated with the University of East Anglia:
Many of the claims of the expedition's leader, Henri Lhote, were misleading, a number of the paintings were faked, and the copying process was fraught with errors. The 'discovery' can only be understood within the political and cultural context of the time, namely the Algerian Revolution, France's attempt to partition Algeria, and the prevailing views of the Abbé Breuil, the arch-advocate of foreign influence in African rock art. The expedition's methods caused extensive damage to the rock art while the accompanying looting of cultural objects effectively sterilized the archaeological landscape. Any restitution process must necessarily include a full recognition of what was done and the inappropriateness of the values.
Fake artifacts made to look like White people are NOT harmless!
The racist fake artwork of the South African painter Winifred Brunton, created in the early 20th century, fueled the myth of White Egyptians. Winifred Brunton was there, she saw first-hand what the ancient Egyptians actually looked like. But seeking to benefit monetarily from the yearnings of Whites to have an ancient history, she cynically created fake artwork of White Egyptians to satisfy their need. Even today, many ignorant Whites still believe that ancient Egyptians were White people.
Winifred Brunton (1880 - 1959) was a painter and the daughter of Charles Newberry (1841-1922) who immigrated to South Africa in 1864, and became a major sharholder in Cecil Rhodes Central Mining Company, which later became De Beers. She was also the South African wife of British Egyptologist Guy Brunton, who excavated at Lahun with Sir Flinders Petrie, as well as at other sites later in his career. Later, Guy Brunton served as Assistant Keeper of the Cairo Museum in 1931.
Winifred illustrated many of the objects in her husband's excavation reports, including items from the Tomb of Tutankhaman discovered by Howard Carter. Most Egyptian enthusiasts will be familiar with her artwork that, relative to Egypt, mostly consists of portraits. Her work was carried out in the early part of the 20th century and published as illustrations in two volumes consisting of Kings and Queens of Ancient Egypt (1926) and Great Ones of Ancient Egypt (1929). Today these books are highly collectable.
Examples of Winifred Brunton's racist and false handiwork
TUNISIA
Carthage and the Berbers
Phoenician traders arrived on the North African coast around 900 B.C. and established Carthage (in present-day Tunisia) around 800 B.C. By the sixth century B.C, a Phoenician presence existed at Tipasa (east of Cherchell in Algeria). From their principal center of power at Carthage, the Carthaginians expanded and established small settlements (called emporia in Greek) along the North African coast; these settlements eventually served as market towns as well as anchorages. Hippo Regius (modern Annaba) and Rusicade (modern Skikda) are among the towns of Carthaginian origin on the coast of present-day Algeria.
As Carthaginian power grew, its impact on the indigenous population increased dramatically. Berber civilization was already at a stage in which agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and political organization supported several states. Trade links between Carthage and the Berbers in the interior grew, but territorial expansion also resulted in the enslavement or military recruitment of some Berbers and in the extraction of tribute from others. By the early fourth century B.C., Berbers formed the single largest element of the Carthaginian army. In the Revolt of the Mercenaries, Berber soldiers rebelled from 241 to 238 B.C. after being unpaid following the defeat of Carthage in the First Punic War. They succeeded in obtaining control of much of Carthage's North African territory, and they minted coins bearing the name Libyan, used in Greek to describe natives of North Africa. The Carthaginian state declined because of successive defeats by the Romans in the Punic Wars.
The Third Punic War
In the spring of 146 A.D. Roman General Scipio Aemilianus launched his final assault. On the seventh day Carthage surrendered wholesale, 50,000 men, women, and children giving themselves up to slavery. Scipio rewarded his men with time to plunder the city at their leisure. That done, the remainder of the city was set ablaze and burned for ten days. Rome decreed that no house should be built nor crop planted there. But a hundred years later, the city was refounded by Julius Caesar in 44 B.C, and became the capital of the enlarged province of Africa. By the second century A.D, Carthage had become the largest city in the west after Rome. The "New" Roman Carthage became first a famous educational centre, especially for law and rhetoric, and then a focus for Christianity in the west, especially in the time of Tertullian and Cyprian (second and third centuries A.D.). Carthage fell to the Vandals in 439 A.D, and became the capital of their king Gaiseric, but after the victory of Belisarius (Byzantine general) in 533, it remained loyal to the Roman empire in the east, until the Arab conquest at the end of the seventh century, when it was destroyed a second time in 698 A.D.
Please note: Phoenician Carthage was completely DESTROYED! Often White historians will show statues from ROMAN Carthage, to suggest that Phoenicians were White people. Click here for the history of Carthage and Hannibal: Click >>>
As Carthaginian power waned, the influence of Berber leaders in the hinterland grew. By the second century B.C, several large but loosely administered Berber kingdoms had emerged. Two of them were established in Numidia, behind the coastal areas controlled by Carthage. West of Numidia lay Mauretania, which extended across the Moulouya River in Morocco to the Atlantic Ocean. The high point of Berber civilization, unequaled until the coming of the Almohads and Almoravids more than a millennium later, was reached during the reign of Masinissa in the second century B.C. After Masinissa's death in 148 B.C, the Berber kingdoms were divided and reunited several times. Masinissa's line survived until A.D. 24, when the remaining Berber territory was annexed to the Roman Empire.
Please note: Henri Lhote's creation of fake rock art, in order to claim an ancient White presence in North Africa, was not new or unique. Whites create fake artifacts in order to claim a White presence in ALL ancient Black cultures and civilizations. Sometimes instead of actually creating a fake White artifact, they simply misidentify artifacts from a later time, when the Black people are under White hegemony, and claim those artifacts to be from the original Black people. Consequently there is no end, to the number of coins with White faces, claiming to be Berber coins.
The Wan Muhuggiag Mummy (the Black Mummy of Muhuggiag)
The term (the "Black" mummy) is derived from the fact that the mummified child is a Black African, but was found in times (1958) when the Albino people claimed that the Albinos and Mulattoes of North Africa were indigenous peoples (The Mediterranean Race). Thus making the finding of a Black child there "unique" in the rather warped world of their fantasized reality. (Not to put too fine a point on it, but in their delusional state, they actually considered finding a Black child in Africa, unusual).
The Mummy is of a small child, discovered in a small cave in Wan Muhuggiag, in the Acacus massif (Tadrart Acacus), Fezzan, Libya, by Professor Fabrizio Mori in 1958. The mummy is currently on display at the Assaraya Alhamra Museum (gallery 4) in Tripoli.
The cave showed signs of being occupied at different periods, and its walls were painted with images of people, animals, cattle, and scratched with graffiti. As the cave's floor was sandy and soft to dig, not far from the surface Mori found what appeared to be a strange bundle of some sort. Upon careful investigation it turned out to be of a mummy of a child carefully wrapped in a goatskin, with its entrails replaced by wild herbs, probably to aid preservation.
The child is thought to have been 3 years old at the time of death. Using radiocarbon 14 method, the mummy was thought to be between 5,400 and 5,600 years old, which makes it much older than any of the mummies found in (neighboring) ancient Egypt. It was believed that the makers of the mummy were cattle herders, who occupied much of North Africa, at a time when the Sahara was a savannah. Later research showed that the mummy was placed in a fetal position, embalmed, covered with antelope skin, and wrapped with leaves.
Archaeological finds at the site indicate that it was occupied by humans at different times. The most recent layer contained stone tools, such as querns, and a horned cattle skull, probably as an emblem of the sun; while the oldest layer contained stone slabs, typically used during that period for burial.
Periods: 5400 years ago, 7850 years ago, 7600 years ago.
THE FIRST WHITES IN AFRICA
Like the Phoenicians, Minoan and Greek seafarers had for centuries probed the North African coast, which at the nearest point, lay 300 kilometers/186 miles, from Crete. The Greek historian Herodotus, is the only source for the history of the founding of Cyrene Libya, and even his account, he freely admits is hearsay.
The Persian Wars by Herodotus, Written circa 440 B.C.
Translated by George Rawlinson
Book 4 - MELPOMENE
[4.143] Darius, having passed through Thrace, reached Sestos in the Chersonese, whence he crossed by the help of his fleet into Asia, leaving a Persian, named Megabazus, commander on the European side. This was the man on whom Darius once conferred special honour by a compliment which he paid him before all the Persians. was about to eat some pomegranates, and had opened the first, when his brother Artabanus asked him "what he would like to have in as great plenty as the seeds of the pomegranate?" Darius answered - "Had I as many men like Megabazus as there are seeds here, it would please me better than to be lord of Greece." Such was the compliment wherewith Darius honoured the general to whom at this time he gave the command of the troops left in Europe, amounting in all to some eighty thousand men.
[4.144] This same Megabazus got himself an undying remembrance among the Hellespontians, by a certain speech which he made. It came to his knowledge, while he was staying at Byzantium, that the Chalcedonians made their settlement seventeen years earlier than the Byzantines. "Then," said he, "the Chalcedonians must at that time have been labouring under blindness - otherwise, when so far more excellent a site was open to them, they would never have chosen one so greatly inferior." Megabazus now, having been appointed to take the command upon the Hellespont, employed himself in the reduction of all those states which had not of their own accord joined the Medes.
[4.145] About this very time another great expedition was undertaken against Libya, on a pretext which I will relate when I have premised certain particulars. The descendants of the Argonauts in the third generation, driven out of Lemnos by the Pelasgi who carried off the Athenian women from Brauron, took ship and went to Lacedaemon, where, seating themselves on Mount Taygetum, they proceeded to kindle their fires. The Lacedaemonians, seeing this, sent a herald to inquire of them "who they were, and from what region they had come"; whereupon they made answer, "that they were Minyae, sons of the heroes by whom the ship Argo was manned; for these persons had stayed awhile in Lemnos, and had there become their progenitors."
On hearing this account of their descent, the Lacedaemonians sent to them a second time, and asked "what was their object in coming to Lacedaemon, and there kindling their fires?" They answered, "that, driven from their own land by the Pelasgi, they had come, as was most reasonable, to their fathers; and their wish was to dwell with them in their country, partake their privileges, and obtain allotments of land. It seemed good to the Lacedaemonians to receive the Minyae among them on their own terms; to assign them lands, and enrol them in their tribes. What chiefly moved them to this was the consideration that the sons of Tyndarus had sailed on board the Argo. The Minyae, on their part, forthwith married Spartan wives, and gave the wives, whom they had married in Lemnos, to Spartan husbands.
[4.146] However, before much time had elapsed, the Minyae began to wax wanton, demanded to share the throne, and committed other impieties: whereupon the Lacedaemonians passed on them sentence of death, and, seizing them, cast them into prison. Now the Lacedaemonians never put criminals to death in the daytime, but always at night. When the Minyae, accordingly, were about to suffer, their wives, who were not only citizens, but daughters of the chief men among the Spartans, entreated to be allowed to enter the prison, and have some talk with their lords; and the Spartans, not expecting any fraud from such a quarter, granted their request. The women entered the prison. gave their own clothes to their husbands, and received theirs in exchange: after which the Minyae, dressed in their wives' garments, and thus passing for women, went forth. Having effected their escape in this manner, they seated themselves once more upon Taygetum.own land
[4.147] It happened that at this very time Theras, son of Autesion (whose father Tisamenus was the son of Thersander, and grandson of Polynices), was about to lead out a colony from Lacedaemon This Theras, by birth a Cadmeian, was uncle on the mother's side to the two sons of Aristodemus, Procles and Eurysthenes, and, during their infancy, administered in their right the royal power. When his nephews, however, on attaining to man's estate, took the government, Theras, who could not bear to be under the authority of others after he had wielded authority so long himself, resolved to leave Sparta and cross the sea to join his kindred. There were in the island now called Thera, but at that time Calliste, certain descendants of Membliarus, the son of Poeciles, a Phoenician. (For Cadmus, the son of Agenor, when he was sailing in search of Europe, made a landing on this island; and, either because the country pleased him, or because he had a purpose in so doing, left there a number of Phoenicians, and with them his own kinsman Membliarus. Calliste had been inhabited by this race for eight generations of men, before the arrival of Theras from Lacedaemon.)
Thera = Santorini - Islands in the southern Aegean Sea, 68 miles north of Crete.
Lacedaemon = Sparta - A city-state in ancient Greece
Cadmeian - From Cadmus or Kadmos, in Greek, Roman and Phoenician mythologies, was a Phoenician prince, the son of king Agenor and queen Telephassa of Tyre and the brother of Phoenix, Cilix and Europa. Cadmus founded the Greek city of Thebes, the acropolis of which was originally named Cadmeia in his honor.
[4.148] Theras now, having with him a certain number of men from each of the tribes, was setting forth on his expedition hitherward. Far from intending to drive out the former inhabitants, he regarded them as his near kin, and meant to settle among them. It happened that just at this time the Minyae, having escaped from their prison, had taken up their station upon Mount Taygetum; and the Lacedaemonians, wishing to destroy them, were considering what was best to be done, when Theras begged their lives, undertaking to remove them from the territory. His prayer being granted, he took ship, and sailed, with three triaconters, to join the descendants of Membliarus. He was not, however, accompanied by all the Minyae, but only by some few of them. The greater number fled to the land of the Paroreats and Caucons, whom they drove out, themselves occupying the region in six bodies, by which were afterwards built the towns of Lepreum, Macistus, Phryxae, Pyrgus, Epium, and Nudium; whereof the greater part were in my day demolished by the Eleans.
[4.149] The island was called Thera after the name of its founder. This same Theras had a son, who refused to cross the sea with him; Theras therefore left him behind, "a sheep," as he said, "among wolves." From this speech his son came to be called Oeolycus, a name which afterwards grew to be the only one by which he was known. This Oeolycus was the father of Aegeus, from whom sprang the Aegidae, a great tribe in Sparta. The men of this tribe lost at one time all their children, whereupon they were bidden by an oracle to build a temple to the furies of Laius and Oedipus; they complied, and the mortality ceased. The same thing happened in Thera to the descendants of these men.
[4.150] Thus far the history is delivered without variation both by the Theraeans and the Lacedaemonians; but from this point we have only the Theraean narrative. Grinus (they say), the son of Aesanius, a descendant of Theras, and king of the island of Thera, went to Delphi to offer a hecatomb on behalf of his native city. He was accompanied by a large number of the citizens, and among the rest by Battus, the son of Polymnestus, who belonged to the Minyan family of the Euphemidae. On Grinus consulting the oracle about sundry matters, the Pythoness gave him for answer, "that he should found a city in Libya." Grinus replied to this: "I, O king! am too far advanced in years, and too inactive, for such a work. Bid one of these youngsters undertake it." As he spoke, he pointed towards Battus; and thus the matter rested for that time. When the embassy returned to Thera, small account was taken of the oracle by the Theraeans, as they were quite ignorant where Libya was, and were not so venturesome as to send out a colony in the dark.
{The Minyans and the Pelasgians were the original Black inhabitants of Greece}.
[4.151] Seven years passed from the utterance of the oracle, and not a drop of rain fell in Thera: all the trees in the island, except one, were killed with the drought. The Theraeans upon this sent to Delphi, and were reminded reproachfully that they had never colonised Libya. So, as there was no help for it, they sent messengers to Crete, to inquire whether any of the Cretans, or of the strangers sojourning among them, had ever travelled as far as Libya: and these messengers of theirs, in their wanderings about the island, among other places visited Itanus, where they fell in with a man, whose name was Corobius, a dealer in purple. In answer to their inquiries, he told them that contrary winds had once carried him to Libya, where he had gone ashore on a certain island which was named Platea. So they hired this man's services, and took him back with them to Thera. A few persons then sailed from Thera to reconnoitre. Guided by Corobius to the island of Platea, they left him there with provisions for a certain number of months, and returned home with all speed to give their countrymen an account of the island.
[4.152] During their absence, which was prolonged beyond the time that had been agreed upon, Corobius provisions failed him. He was relieved, however, after a while by a Samian vessel, under the command of a man named Colaeus, which, on its way to Egypt, was forced to put in at Platea. The crew, informed by Corobius of all the circumstances, left him sufficient food for a year. They themselves quitted the island; and, anxious to reach Egypt, made sail in that direction, but were carried out of their course by a gale of wind from the east. The storm not abating, they were driven past the Pillars of Hercules, and at last, by some special guiding providence, reached Tartessus.
This trading town was in those days a virgin port, unfrequented by the merchants. The Samians, in consequence, made by the return voyage a profit greater than any Greeks before their day, excepting Sostratus, son of Laodamas, an Eginetan, with whom no one else can compare. From the tenth part of their gains, amounting to six talents, the Samians made a brazen vessel, in shape like an Argive wine-bowl, adorned with the heads of griffins standing out in high relief. This bowl, supported by three kneeling colossal figures in bronze, of the height of seven cubits, was placed as an offering in the temple of Juno at Samos. The aid given to Corobius was the original cause of that close friendship which afterwards united the Cyrenaeans and Theraeans with the Samians.
[4.153] The Theraeans who had left Corobius at Platea, when they reached Thera, told their countrymen that they had colonised an island on the coast of Libya. They of Thera, upon this, resolved that men should be sent to join the colony from each of their seven districts, and that the brothers in every family should draw lots to determine who were to go. Battus was chosen to be king and leader of the colony. So these men departed for Platea on board of two penteconters.
[4.154] Such is the account which the Theraeans give. In the sequel of the history their accounts tally with those of the people of Cyrene; but in what they relate of Battus these two nations differ most widely. The following is the Cyrenaic story. There was once a king named Etearchus, who ruled over Axus, a city in Crete, and had a daughter named Phronima. This girl's mother having died, Etearchus married a second wife; who no sooner took up her abode in his house than she proved a true step-mother to poor Phronima, always vexing her, and contriving against her every sort of mischief. At last she taxed her with light conduct; and Etearchus, persuaded by his wife that the charge was true, bethought himself of a most barbarous mode of punishment.
There was a certain Theraean, named Themison, a merchant, living at Axus. This man Etearchus invited to be his friend and guest, and then induced him to swear that he would do him any service he might require. No sooner had he given the promise, than the king fetched Phronima, and, delivering her into his hands, told him to carry her away and throw her into the sea. Hereupon Themison, full of indignation at the fraud whereby his oath had been procured, dissolved forthwith the friendship, and, taking the girl with him, sailed away from Crete. Having reached the open main, to acquit himself of the obligation under which he was laid by his oath to Etearchus, he fastened ropes about the damsel, and, letting her down into the sea, drew her up again, and so made sail for Thera.
[4.155] At Thera, Polymnestus, one of the chief citizens of the place, took Phronima to be his concubine. The fruit of this union was a son, who stammered and had a lisp in his speech. According to the Cyrenaeans and Theraeans the name given to the boy was Battus: in my opinion, however, he was called at the first something else, and only got the name of Battus after his arrival in Libya, assuming it either in consequence of the words addressed to him by the Delphian oracle, or on account of the office which he held. For, in the Libyan tongue, the word "Battus" means "a king." And this, I think, was the reason the Pythoness addressed him as she did: she he was to be a king in Libya, and so she used the Libyan word in speaking to him. For after he had grown to man's estate, he made a journey to Delphi, to consult the oracle about his voice; when, upon his putting his question, the Pythoness thus replied to him:-
Battus, thou camest to ask of thy voice; but Phoebus Apollo
Bids thee establish a city in Libya, abounding in fleeces;
which was as if she had said in her own tongue, "King, thou camest to ask of thy voice." Then he replied, "Mighty lord, I did indeed come hither to consult thee about my voice, but thou speakest to me of quite other matters, bidding me colonise Libya - an impossible thing! what power have I? what followers?" Thus he spake, but he did not persuade the Pythoness to give him any other response; so, when he found that she persisted in her former answer, he left her speaking, and set out on his return to Thera.
[4.156] After a while, everything began to go wrong both with Battus and with the rest of the Theraeans, whereupon these last, ignorant of the cause of their sufferings, sent to Delphi to inquire for what reason they were afflicted. The Pythoness in reply told them "that if they and Battus would make a settlement at Cyrene in Libya, things would go better with them." Upon this the Theraeans sent out Battus with two penteconters, and with these he proceeded to Libya, but within a little time, not knowing what else to do, the men returned and arrived off Thera. The Theraeans, when they saw the vessels approaching, received them with showers of missiles, would not allow them to come near the shore, and ordered the men to sail back from whence they came. Thus compelled to return, they settled on an island near the Libyan coast, which (as I have already said) was called Platea. In size it is reported to have been about equal to the city of Cyrene, as it now stands.
[4.157] In this place they continued two years, but at the end of that time, as their ill luck still followed them, they left the island to the care of one of their number, and went in a body to Delphi, where they made complaint at the shrine to the effect that, notwithstanding they had colonised Libya, they prospered as poorly as before. Hereon the Pythoness made them the following answer:-
Knowest thou better than I, fair Libya abounding in fleeces?
Better the stranger than he who has trod it? Oh! Clever Theraeans!
Battus and his friends, when they heard this, sailed back to Platea: it was plain the god would not hold them acquitted of the colony till they were absolutely in Libya. So, taking with them the man whom they had left upon the island, they made a settlement on the mainland directly opposite Platea, fixing themselves at a place called Aziris, which is closed in on both sides by the most beautiful hills, and on one side is washed by a river.
[4.158] Here they remained six years, at the end of which time the Libyans induced them to move, promising that they would lead them to a better situation. So the Greeks left Aziris and were conducted by the Libyans towards the west, their journey being so arranged, by the calculation of their guides, that they passed in the night the most beautiful district of that whole country, which is the region called Irasa. The Libyans brought them to a spring, which goes by the name of Apollo's fountain, and told them - "Here, Grecians, is the proper place for you to settle; for here the sky leaks."
[4.159] During the lifetime of Battus, the founder of the colony, who reigned forty years, and during that of his son Arcesilaus, who reigned sixteen, the Cyrenaeans continued at the same level, neither more nor fewer in number than they were at the first. But in the reign of the third king, Battus, surnamed the Happy, the advice of the Pythoness brought Greeks from every quarter into Libya, to join the settlement. The Cyrenaeans had offered to all comers a share in their lands; and the oracle had spoken as follows:-
He that is backward to share in the pleasant Libyan acres,
Sooner or later, I warn him, will feel regret at his folly.
Thus a great multitude were collected together to Cyrene, and the Libyans of the neighbourhood found themselves stripped of large portions of their lands. So they, and their king Adicran, being robbed and insulted by the Cyrenaeans, sent messengers to Egypt, and put themselves under the rule of Apries, the Egyptian monarch; who, upon this, levied a vast army of Egyptians, and sent them against Cyrene. The inhabitants of that place left their walls and marched out in force to the district of Irasa, where, near the spring called Theste, they engaged the Egyptian host, and defeated it. The Egyptians, who had never before made trial of the prowess of the Greeks, and so thought but meanly of them, were routed with such slaughter that but a very few of them ever got back home. For this reason, the subjects of Apries (Wahibre - reigned 589-570 B.C.), who laid the blame of the defeat on him, revolted from his authority.
Note: Herodotus identifies the Spartans, not as Whites, but as a combination of Phoenicians and Minyae (Minyans).
Herodotus' identification of the founders of Cyrene as Minyans, appears to be supported by this Etruscan bowl below, which clearly depicts the Cyrenean king as a Black man, with a Kouros hairstyle. (Contrary to the nonsense of Whites, "Black figure Ware" depicted actual skin color, as there are depictions of White Men and Women, together with Blacks, on other bowls).
Minyan and Pelasgian Kouros
Herodotus' statement "the advice of the Pythoness brought Greeks from every quarter into Libya, to join the settlement." Is supported by Persian depictions of the Cyreneans at the time of Darius the Greats death (486 B.C.). The Persians chose to depict the Cyreneans separately from the Berber Libyans (though both with the same national dress). On the Apadana staircase, the Cyreneans are depicted as the typical Greek Mulatto. Whereas on Darius' tomb, the Berber Libyan is depicted.
After Cyrene's victory, four more important Greek cities were established in the area: Barce (Al Marj); Euhesperides (later Berenice, present-day Benghazi); Teuchira (later Arsinoe, present-day Tukrah); and Apollonia (Susah), the port of Cyrene. Together with Cyrene, they were known as the Pentapolis (Five Cities). Often in competition, they found cooperation difficult even when confronted by common enemies. From Cyrene, the mother city and foremost of the five, derived the name of Cyrenaica for the whole region.
In 525 B.C. the Persian army of Cambyses (son of Cyrus the Great), fresh from the conquest of Egypt, overran Cyrenaica, which for the next two centuries remained under Persian or Egyptian rule. After Alexander the Great had conquered Persia and taken it territories, he was greeted warmly by the Greeks when he entered Cyrenaica in 331 B.C. When Alexander died in 323 B.C, his empire was divided among his Macedonian generals. Egypt, with Cyrene, went to Ptolemy, a general under Alexander who took over his African and Syrian possessions; the other Greek citystates of the Pentapolis retained their autonomy. However, the inability of the city-states to maintain stable governments led the Ptolemies to impose workable constitutions on them. Later, a federation of the Pentapolis was formed that was customarily ruled by a king drawn from the Ptolemaic royal house. Ptolemy Apion, the last Greek ruler, bequeathed Cyrenaica to Rome, which formally annexed the region in 74 B.C. and joined it to Crete as a Roman province.
This history deals with North Africa exclusive of Egypt. In Egyptian history proper, the first Black/White encounter is recorded at about twenty years earlier.
The first Whites in Africa
Even though those ancient Blacks with a written language, recorded everything. There are no Egyptian sources which tell of the first Black/White encounter in Egypt. If these writings still exist, they are being withheld by Whites: For good reason, if there is an account of the first Black/White encounter, the myth of White Egyptians could not exist. Therefore, our only source for this first Greek/Egyptian encounter, is the Greek historian Herodotus, in his book "The Persian Wars" Written 440 B.C. (He says that these things were told to him by the Egyptians). However, Herodotus is known to have been rather loose with the truth. By the time of this account (664–610 B.C.), Whites had been in Europe for at least 500 years, and had been marauding in the Mediterranean for 400 years. Egyptians had a close relationship with Cretans and Mycenaean's, and kept close tabs on the goings-on in the north: therefore they would have known about the White invaders, as soon as they arrived. On the Greek side: Whites came into Europe from Central Asia as illiterate nomads, therefore they had no clue of their past history, except through oral myth passed down from generation to generation. It was not until about 525-456 B.C, that they learned to read and write and began to produce their own writing. In these early writings, they wrote down their founding myths, as a substitute for their history. In many of these founding myths, such as the "Myth of Danaus" Egyptians are central figures. Click here for more: Click >>>
In Book 2 - EUTERPE, Herodotus writes:
[2.152] This was the second time that Psammetichus (Psamtik I, reign 664–610 B.C. 26th dynasty) had been driven into banishment. On a former occasion he had fled from Sabacos the Ethiopian (Nubian), who had put his father Necos to death; and had taken refuge in Syria (Assyria) from whence, after the retirement of the Ethiop in consequence of his dream, he was brought back by the Egyptians of the Saitic canton. Now it was his ill-fortune to be banished a second time by the eleven kings, on account of the libation which he had poured from his helmet; on this occasion he fled to the marshes.
Feeling that he was an injured man, and designing to avenge himself upon his persecutors, Psammetichus sent to the city of Buto, where there is an oracle of Latona, the most veracious of all the oracles of the Egyptians, and having inquired concerning means of vengeance, received for answer that "Vengeance would come from the sea, when brazen men should appear. Great was his incredulity when this answer arrived, for never, he thought, would brazen men arrive to be his helpers. However, not long afterwards certain Carians (Black Anatolians) and Ionians (Greeks), who had left their country (a colony in Anatolia), on a voyage of plunder, were carried by stress of weather to Egypt where they disembarked, all equipped in their brazen armour, and were seen by the natives, one of whom carried the tidings to Psammetichus, and, as he had never before seen men clad in brass, he reported that brazen men had come from the sea and were plundering the plain. Psammetichus, perceiving at once that the oracle was accomplished, made friendly advances to the strangers, and engaged them, by splendid promises, to enter into his service. He then, with their aid and that of the Egyptians who espoused his cause, attacked the eleven and vanquished them.
The economic and cultural development of the Pentapolis was unaffected by the turmoil its political life generated. The region grew rich from grain, wine, wool, and stockbreeding and from silphium, an herb that grew only in Cyrenaica and was regarded as an aphrodisiac. Cyrene became one of the greatest intellectual and artistic centers of the Greek world, famous for its medical school, learned academies, and architecture, which included some of the finest examples of the Hellenistic style. The Cyrenaics, a school of thinkers who expounded a doctrine of moral cheerfulness that defined happiness as the sum of human pleasures, also made their home there and took inspiration from the city's pleasant climate.
Fezzan and the Garamentes
Throughout the period of Punic and Greek colonization of the coastal plain, the area known as Fezzan was dominated by the Garamentes, a tribal people. In the desert they established a powerful kingdom astride the trade route between the western Sudan and the Mediterranean coast. The Garamentes left numerous inscriptions in tifinagh, the ancient Berber form of writing still used by the Tuareg. Beyond these, and the observations of Herodotus and other classical writers on their customs and dealings with the coastal settlements, little was known of this extraordinary and mysterious people until the advent of modern archaeological methods.
The Garamentes' political power was limited to a chain of oases about 400 kilometers long in the Wadi Ajal, but from their capital at Germa, they controlled the desert caravan trade from Ghadamis south to the Niger River, eastward to Egypt, and west to Mauretania. The Carthaginians employed them as carriers of goods; gold and ivory purchased in exchange for salt, from the western Sudan to their depots on the Mediterranean coast. The Garamentes were also noted as horsebreeders and herders of longhorned cattle. They succeeded in irrigating portions of their arid lands for cultivation by using foggares, a vast underground networks of stone-lined water channels. Their wealth and technical skill are also attested to by the remains of their towns, which were built of stone, and more than 50,000 of their pyramidal tombs. Rome sent several punitive expeditions against the Garamentes before concluding a lasting commercial and military alliance with them late in the first century A.D.
Herodotus on the Garamentes
Book 4 - MELPOMENE
[4.183] Ten days' journey from Augila there is again a salt-hill and a spring; palms of the fruitful kind grow here abundantly, as they do also at the other salt-hills. This region is inhabited by a nation called the Garamantians, a very powerful people, who cover the salt with mould, and then sow their crops. From thence is the shortest road to the Lutophagi, a journey of thirty days. In the Garamantian country are found the oxen which, as they graze, walk backwards. This they do because their horns curve outwards in front of their heads, so that it is not possible for them when grazing to move forwards, since in that case their horns would become fixed in the ground. Only herein do they differ from other oxen, and further in the thickness and hardness of their hides. The Garamantians have four-horse chariots, in which they chase the Troglodyte Ethiopians, who of all the nations whereof any account has reached our ears are by far the swiftest of foot. The Troglodytes feed on serpents, lizards, and other similar reptiles. Their language is unlike that of any other people; it sounds like the screeching of bats.
MOROCCO
Phoenician traders, who had penetrated the western Mediterranean before the 12th century B.C, set up depots for salt and ore along the coast and up the rivers of the territory that is now Morocco. The arrival of Phoenicians heralded many centuries of rule by foreign powers for the north of Morocco. Major early substantial settlements of the Phoenicians were at Chellah, Lixus and Mogador, with Mogador being a Phoenician colony as early as the early 6th century B.C. Carthage developed commercial relations with the Berber tribes of the interior and paid them an annual tribute to ensure their cooperation in the exploitation of raw materials.
By the 5th century B.C, Carthage had extended its hegemony across much of North Africa. By the 2nd century B.C, several large, although loosely administered, Berber kingdoms had emerged. But after the fall of Carthage, the area was annexed to the Roman Empire in AD 40. Rome controlled the vast, ill-defined territory through alliances with the tribes rather than through military occupation, expanding its authority only to those areas that were economically useful, or that could be defended without additional manpower. Hence, Roman administration never extended outside the restricted area of the northern coastal plain and valleys. This strategic region formed part of the Roman Empire, governed as Mauretania Tingitana.
Roman historians (like Ptolemeus) considered that all actual Morocco until the Atlas mountains was part of the Roman Empire, because in the Augustus times, Mauretania was a vassal state and his rulers (like Juba II) controlled all the areas south of Volubilis (archaeological site in Morocco situated near Meknes between Fez and Rabat. Volubilis features the best preserved Roman ruins in this part of northern Africa). During the reign of Juba II, Emperor Augustus (who created a total of 12 colonies with retired Roman legionaries), had already founded three colonies in Mauretania close to the Atlantic coast: Iulia Constantia Zilil, Iulia Valentia Banasa, and Iulia Campestris Babba. This western part of Mauretania was to become the province called "Mauretania Tingitana" shortly afterwards, with its capital, the rich emporium of Volubilis. Around 278 A.D. Romans moved their regional capital to Tanger and Volubilis started to loss importance.
The Kingdom of Numidia
The Massylii were a Berber federation of tribes of eastern Numidia which was formed by an amalgamation of smaller tribes during the 4th century B.C. On their loosely defined western frontier was the powerful rival kingdom of the Masaesyli. To their east lay the territory of the rich and powerful Carthaginian Republic. Their relationship to Carthage resembled that of a protectorate. Carthage maintained its dominance over the Berber tribes by skillful diplomatic manoeuvering, playing off local tribal and kingdom rivalries.
Masinissa
Masinissa was the son of the chieftain Gala of a Numidian tribal group, the Massylii. He was brought up in Carthage, an ally of his father. At the start of the Second Punic War, Masinissa fought for Carthage against Syphax, the King of the Masaesyli of western Numidia (present day Algeria), who had allied himself with the Romans. Masinissa, then 17 years old, led an army of Numidian troops and Carthaginian auxiliaries against Syphax's army and won a decisive victory.
After his victory over Syphax, Masinissa commanded his skilled Numidian cavalry against the Romans in Spain, where he was involved in the Carthaginian victories of Castulo and Ilorca in 211 BC. After Hasdrubal Barca departed for Italy, Masinissa was placed in command of all the Carthaginian cavalry in Spain, where he fought a successful guerrilla campaign against the Roman general Publius Cornelius Scipio (Scipio Africanus) throughout 208 and 207, while Mago Barca and Hasdrubal Gisgo levied and trained new forces. In 206, with fresh reinforcements, Mago and Hasdrubal Gisgo — supported by Masinissa's Numidian cavalry — met Scipio at the Battle of Ilipa, where Carthage's power over Hispania was forever broken in arguably Scipio Africanus's most brilliant victory.
When Gaia died in 206, his sons Masinissa and Oezalces quarreled about the inheritance, and Syphax — now an ally of Carthage — was able to conquer considerable parts of the eastern Numidia. Meanwhile, with the Carthaginians having been driven from Hispania, Masinissa concluded that Rome was winning the war against Carthage and therefore decided to defect to Rome. he promised to assist Scipio in the invasion of Carthaginian territory in Africa. This decision was aided by the move by Scipio Africanus to free Masinissa's nephew, Massiva, whom the Romans had captured when he had disobeyed his uncle and ridden into battle. Having lost the alliance with Masinissa, Hasdrubal started to look for another ally, which he found in Syphax, who married Sophonisba, Hasdrubal's daughter who until the defection had been betrothed to Masinissa. The Romans supported Masinissa's claim to the Numidian throne against Syphax, who was nevertheless successful in driving Masinissa from power until Scipio invaded Africa in 204. Masinissa joined the Roman forces and participated in the victorious Battle of the Great Plains (203), after which Syphax was captured.
At the Battle of Bagbrades (203), Scipio overcame Hasdrubal and Syphax and while the Roman general concentrated on Carthage, Gaius Laelius and Masinissa followed Syphax to Cirta, where he was captured and handed over to Scipio. After the defeat of Syphax, Masinissa married Syphax's wife Sophonisba, but Scipio, suspicious of her loyalty, demanded that she be taken to Rome and appear in the triumphal parade. To save her from such humiliation, Masinissa sent her poison, with which she killed herself. Masinissa was now accepted as a loyal ally of Rome, and was confirmed by Scipio as the king of the Massylii.
At the Battle of Zama Masinissa commanded the cavalry (6,000 Numidian and 3,000 Roman) on Scipio's right wing, Scipio delayed the engagement for long enough to allow for Masinissa to join him. With the battle hanging in the balance, Masinissa's cavalry, having driven the fleeing Carthaginian horsemen away, returned and immediately fell onto the rear of the Carthaginian lines. This decided the battle and at once Hannibal's army began to collapse. The Second Punic War was over and for his services Masinissa received the kingdom of Syphax, and became king of Numidia.
Masinissa was now king of both the Massylii and the Masaesyli. He showed unconditional loyalty to Rome, and his position in Africa was strengthened by a clause in the peace treaty of 201 between Rome and Carthage prohibiting the latter from going to war even in self-defense without Roman permission. This enabled Masinissa to encroach on the remaining Carthaginian territory as long as he judged that Rome wished to see Carthage further weakened.
With Roman backing, Masinissa established his own kingdom of Numidia, west of Carthage, with Cirta — present day Constantine — as its capital city. All of this happened in accordance with Roman interest, as they wanted to give Carthage more problems with its neighbours. Masinissa’s chief aim was to build a strong and unified state from the semi-nomadic Numidian tribes. To that end, he introduced Carthaginian agricultural techniques and forced many Numidians to settle as peasant farmers. Masinissa and his sons possessed large estates throughout Numidia, to the extent that Roman authors attributed to him, quite falsely, the sedentarization of the Numidians. Major towns included Capsa, Thugga (modern Dougga), Bulla Regia and Hippo Regius.
All through his reign, Masinissa extended his territory, and he was cooperating with Rome when, towards the end of his life, he provoked Carthage to go to war against him. Any hopes he may have had of extending his rule right across North Africa were dashed, however, when a Roman commission headed by the elderly Marcus Porcius Cato (Cato the Elder) came to Africa about 155 BC to decide a territorial dispute between Masinissa and Carthage. Animated probably by an irrational fear of a Carthaginian revival, but possibly by suspicion of Masinissa’s ambitions, Cato thenceforward advocated, finally with success, the destruction of Carthage. Based on descriptions from Livy, the Numidians began raiding around seventy towns in the southern and western sections of Carthage's remaining territory. Outraged with their conduct, Carthage went to war against them, in defiance of the Roman treaty forbidding them to make war on anyone, thus precipitating the Third Punic War (149–146 BC). Masinissa showed his displeasure when the Roman army arrived in Africa in 149 BC, but he died early in 148 BC without a breach in the alliance. Ancient accounts suggest Masinissa lived beyond the age of 90 and was apparently still personally leading the armies of his kingdom when he died.
After his death, Numidia was divided into several smaller kingdoms ruled by his sons. His last dynastic descendants were the Juba I of Numidia (85–46 B.C.) and Juba II (52 B.C. - 23 A.D.) of Mauretania.
Juba I
Juba I of Numidia (85–46 B.C.) was the son and successor to King of Numidia Hiempsal II.
In 81 B.C. Hiempsal II had been driven from his throne by the Numidians themselves; soon afterwards, Pompey was sent to Africa by Sulla to reinstate him as king in Numidia, and because of this Hiempsal II and later his son Juba I became Pompey’s ally. It is unknown when Hiempsal II died. The alliance was strengthened during a visit by Juba to Rome, when Julius Caesar insulted him by pulling on his beard as Juba made accusations against Caesar, and still further in 50 B.C, when the tribune Gaius Scribonius Curio openly proposed that Numidia should be sold privately, and when his wife became Caesar's lover In August 49 B.C, Caesar sent Curio to take Africa from the Republicans.
Curio was overconfident and holding the governor of Africa, Publius Attius Varus (Varus) in low esteem, Curio took fewer legions than he had been given. In the Battle of the Bagradas River (49 B.C.), Curio led his army in a bold, uphill attack which swiftly routed Varus' army and in the process wounded Varus. Encouraged by this success, Curio acted on what proved to be faulty intelligence, and attacked what he believed to be a detachment of Juba's army. In fact, the bulk of the Juba's forces were there, and after an initial success, Curio's forces were ambushed and virtually annihilated by Saburra (Juba's military commander). Curio died in the fighting, and only a few were able to escape on their ships. King Juba took several senators captive for display and execution in Numidia .
With the arrival of Caesar in Africa, Juba originally planned to join forces with Publius Cornelius Scipio Salvito, but his kingdom was invaded from the west by Caesar's ally Bocchus II and an Italian adventurer, Publius Sittius. He therefore left 30 elephants behind and marched home to defend his country. Scipio however found that he couldn't fight without more troops, and sent a desperate message to Juba for assistance. Juba immediately left the command of his kingdom's defence with his commander Sabura, and joined Scipio with 3 legions, around 15,000 light infantry, 1,000 cavalry and 30 elephants for the Battle of Thapsus. However, he camped away from Scipio's main lines. Surveying the battlefield and seeing the certain defeat of Scipio's army, Juba did not take part in the battle, and fled with his 30,000 men. Having fled with the Roman general Petreius and finding their retreat cut off, they made a suicide pact and engaged in one on one combat. The idea was that one would meet an honourable death. Sources vary on the outcome, but it is most likely that Petreius killed Juba and then committed suicide with the assistance of a slave.
Juba II
Juba II was the only child and heir to King Juba I of Numidia - his mother is unknown. In 46 BC, his father committed suicide as he was defeated by Julius Caesar (in Thapsus, North Africa). Numidia became a Roman Province. His father was an ally to the Roman General Pompey.
Juba II was brought to Rome by Julius Caesar and took part in Caesar’s triumphal procession. In Rome, he learned Latin and Greek, became romanized and was granted Roman citizenship. Through dedication to his studies, he is said to have become one of Rome's best educated citizens, and by age 20 he wrote one of his first works entitled Roman Archaeology. He was raised by Julius Caesar and later by his great-nephew Octavian (future Emperor Caesar Augustus). While growing up, Juba II accompanied Octavian on military campaigns, gaining valuable experience as a leader. He fought alongside Octavian in the battle of Actium in 31 BC. They became longtime friends.
Augustus restored Juba II as the king of Numidia between 29 BC – 27 BC. Juba II established Numidia as an ally of Rome. Juba II would become one of the most loyal client kings that served Rome. Between 26 BC – 20 BC, Augustus arranged for him to marry Cleopatra Selene II (daughter to Greek Ptolemaic Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Roman triumvir Mark Antony), giving her a large dowry and appointing her queen. It was probably due to his services with Augustus in a campaign in Spain that led Augustus to make him King of Mauretania.
Juba's First marriage was to Cleopatra Selene II (40 BC – 6 AD). Their children were: Ptolemy of Mauretania born in ca 10 BC – 40 A.D. A daughter of Cleopatra and Juba, whose name has not been recorded, is mentioned in an inscription. It has been suggested that Drusilla of Mauretania was that daughter, but she may have been a granddaughter instead. Drusilla is described as a granddaughter of Antony and Cleopatra, or may have been a daughter of Ptolemy of Mauretania.
Juba's second marriage to Glaphyra, a princess of Cappadocia, and widow of Alexander, son of Herod the Great. Alexander was executed in 6 A.D. Glaphyra then married Juba II in 6 AD or 7 AD. She then fell in love with Herod Archelaus, another son of Herod the Great and Ethnarch of Judea. Glaphyra divorced Juba to marry him in 7 AD. Juba had no children with Glaphyra.
Christianity was introduced in the 2nd century and gained converts in the towns, and among slaves and Berber farmers. By the end of the 4th century, the Romanized areas had been Christianized, and inroads had been made as well among the Berber tribes, who sometimes converted en masse. But schismatic and heretical movements also developed, usually as forms of political protest. The area had a substantial Hebrew population as well. It was during this time that Morocco became a Hebrew kingdom until the arrival of Islam.
In the 5th century, as the Roman Empire declined, the region fell to White tribes fresh from Central Asia, (as all Whites tribes are originally from), the Germanic Vandals, Visigoths, and then the Byzantine Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire), in rapid succession. During this time however, the high mountains of most of modern Morocco remained unsubdued, and stayed in the hands of their Berber inhabitants.
Procopius of Caesarea: History of the Wars, c. 550 CE
Books III.xxv.3-9; IV.vi.10-14, vii.3, xi.16-20, xiii.26-29
For all those who ruled over the Mauretanii in Mauretania and Numidia and Byzacium sent envoys to Belisarius saying that they were slaves of the emperor and promised to fight with him. There were some also who even furnished their children as hostages and requested that the symbols of office be sent with them from him according to the ancient custom. For it was a law among the Mauretanii that no one should be a ruler over them, even if he was hostile to the Romans, until the emperor of the Romans should give him the tokens of the office. And though they had already received them from the Vandals, they did not consider that the Vandals held the office securely. Now these symbols are a staff of silver covered with gold, and a silver cap---not covering the whole head, but like a crown and held in place on all sides by bands of silver---a kind of white cloak gathered by a golden brooch on the right shoulder in the form of a Thessalian cape, and a white tunic with embroidery, and a gilded boot. And Belisarius sent these things to them, and presented each one of them with much money. However, they did not come to fight along with him, nor, on the other hand, did they dare give their support to the Vandals, but standing out of the way of both contestants, they waited to see what would be the outcome of the war. . . .
The Mauretanii live in stuffy huts both in winter and in summer and at every other time, never removing from them either because of snow or the heat of the sun or any other discomfort whatever due to nature. And they sleep on the ground, the prosperous among them, if it should so happen, spreading a fleece under themselves. Moreover, it is not customary among them to change their clothing with the seasons, but they wear a thick cloak and a rough shirt at all times. And they have neither bread nor wine nor any other good thing, but they take grain, either wheat or barley, and, without boiling it or grinding it to flour or barley-meal, they eat it in a manner not a whit different from that of animals. . . .A certain Mauretanian woman had managed somehow to crush a little grain, and making of it a very tiny cake, threw it into the hot ashes on the hearth. For thus it is the custom among the Mauretanii to bake their loaves. . .
Now there are lofty mountains there, and a level space near the foothills of the mountains, where the Mauretanii had made preparations for the battle and arranged their fighting order as follows. They formed a circle of their camels, just as, in the previous narrative, I have said Cabaon did, making the front about twelve deep. And they placed the women with the children within the circle; for among the Mauretanii it is customary to take also a few women, with their children, to battle, and these make the stockades and huts for them and tend the horses skillfully, and have charge of the camels and the food; they also sharpen the iron weapons and take upon themselves many of the tasks in connection with the preparation for battle; and the men themselves took their stand on foot in between the legs of the camels, having shields and swords and small spears which they are accustomed to hurl like javelins. And some of them with their horses remained quietly among the mountains. . . .
And there are fortresses also on the mountain [called "Clypea" by the Romans], which are neglected, by reason of the fact that they do not seem necessary to the inhabitants. For since the time when the Mauretanii wrested Aurasium from the Vandals, not a single enemy had until now ever come there or so much as caused the barbarians to be afraid that they would come, but even the populous city of Tamougadis [Timgad], situated against the mountain on the east at the beginning of the plain, was emptied of its population by the Mauretanii and razed to the ground, in order that the enemy should not only not be able to camp there, but should not even have the city as an excuse for coming near the mountains. And the Mauretanii of that place held also the land to the west of Aurasium, a tract both extensive and fertile. And beyond these dwelt other nations of the Mauretanii, who were ruled by Ortaïas, who had come, as was stated above, as an ally of Solomon and the Romans. And I have heard this man say that beyond the country which he ruled there was no habitation of men, but desert land extending to a great distance, and that beyond that there are men, not black-skinned like the Mauretanii, but very white in body and fair-haired.
In the area that is now Mauritania, the Bafour, a proto-Berber people, whose descendants may be the coastal Imraguen fishermen, were hunters, pastoralists, and fishermen. Valley farmers, who may have been ancestors of the riverine Toucouleur and Wolof peoples, lived alongside the Bafour. Climatic changes, and perhaps overgrazing and overcultivation as well, led to a gradual desiccation of the Sahara and the southward movement of these peoples.
In the third and fourth centuries A.D, this southward migration was intensified by the arrival of Berber groups from the north who were searching for pasturage or fleeing political anarchy and war. The wide-ranging activities of these turbulent Berber warriors were made possible by the introduction of the camel to the Sahara in this period. This first wave of Berber invaders subjugated and made vassals of those Bafour who did not flee south. Other Berber groups followed in the seventh and eighth centuries, themselves fleeing in large numbers before the Arab conquerors of the Maghrib.
Note: Roman place names are quite different from the modern
Increases in urbanization, and Whites in the areas under cultivation during Roman rule, caused wholesale dislocations of Berber society. Nomadic tribes were forced to settle or move from traditional rangelands: Sedentary tribes lost their autonomy and connection with the land. Berber opposition to the Roman presence was nearly constant. The Roman emperor Trajan (r. A.D. 98-117) established a frontier in the south by encircling the Aurès and Nemencha mountains and building a line of forts from Vescera (modern Biskra Algeria) to Ad Majores (Hennchir Besseriani, southeast of Biskra). The defensive line extended at least as far as Castellum Dimmidi (modern Messaad, southwest of Biskra), Roman Algeria's southernmost fort. Romans settled and developed the area around Sitifis (modern Sétif) in the second century, but farther west the influence of Rome did not extend beyond the coast and principal military roads until much later.
The Roman military presence in North Africa was relatively small, consisting of about 28,000 troops and auxiliaries in Numidia and the two Mauretanian provinces. Starting in the second century A.D, these garrisons were manned mostly by local inhabitants.
Aside from Carthage, urbanization in North Africa came in part with the establishment of settlements of veterans under the Roman emperors Claudius (reigned 41-54 A.D.), Nerva (r. 96-98 A.D.), and Trajan. In Algeria such settlements included Tipasa, Cuicul (modern Djemila, northeast of Sétif), Thamugadi (modern Timgad, southeast of Sétif), and Sitifis. The prosperity of most towns, depended on agriculture. Called the granary of the empire, North Africa, according to one estimate, produced 1 million tons of cereals each year, one-quarter of which was exported. Other crops included fruit, figs, grapes, and beans. By the second century A.D, olive oil rivaled cereals as an export item.
The beginnings of the decline of the Roman Empire were less serious in North Africa than elsewhere. There were uprisings, however. In A.D. 238, landowners rebelled unsuccessfully against the emperor's fiscal policies. Sporadic tribal revolts in the Mauretanian mountains followed from 253 to 288 A.D. The towns also suffered economic difficulties, and building activity almost ceased.
The towns of Roman North Africa had a substantial Hebrew population. Some Hebrews were deported from Palestine in the first and second centuries A.D. for rebelling against Roman rule; others had come earlier with Punic settlers. In addition, a number of Berber tribes had converted to Judaism.
Christianity arrived in the second century and soon gained converts in the towns and among slaves. More than eighty bishops, some from distant frontier regions of Numidia, attended the Council of Carthage in 256. By the end of the fourth century, the settled areas had become Christianized, and some Berber tribes had converted en masse.
A division in the church that came to be known as the Donatist controversy began in 313 A.D, among Christians in North Africa. The Donatists stressed the holiness of the church and refused to accept the authority to administer the sacraments of those who had surrendered the scriptures when they were forbidden under the Emperor Diocletaian (r. 284-305). The Donatists also opposed the involvement of Emperor Constantine (r. 306-37) in church affairs, in contrast to the majority of Christians who welcomed official imperial recognition.
The occasionally violent controversy has been characterized as a struggle between opponents and supporters of the Roman system. The most articulate North African critic of the Donatist position, which came to be called a heresy, was Augustine, bishop of Hippo Regius (Annaba, Algeria). Augustine (354-430) maintained that the unworthiness of a minister did not affect the validity of the sacraments because their true minister was Christ. In his sermons and books Augustine, who is considered a leading exponent of Christian truths, evolved a theory of the right of orthodox Christian rulers to use force against schismatics and heretics. Although the dispute was resolved by a decision of an imperial commission in Carthage in 411 A.D, Donatist communities continued to exist through the sixth century.
By the late classic period, both Greece and Rome were fundamentally Mulatto societies. The Romans occupying the Mediterranean parts of the African Continent left their traces in these beautiful mosaics, featuring the four seasons. The stamps below, from Algeria (1977), feature Roman mosaics from the now ruined city of Timgad, founded by the Roman emperor Trajan in 100 A.D.
THE NEXT WAVE OF WHITE INVADERS
The Visigoths
The Visigoths (western Goths); were an Asian Albino people, and are the ancestors of the modern Spanish and Portugese. They were one of two main branches of the Goths, the Ostrogoths being the other. Together these tribes were among the Germanic peoples from Central Asia who spread through the late Roman Empire during the Migration Period. The Romanized Visigoths first emerged as a distinct people during the 4th century, initially in the Balkans, where they participated in several wars with Rome. A Visigothic army under Alaric I eventually moved into Italy and famously sacked Rome in 410.
Eventually the Visigoths were settled in southern Gaul as foederati of the Romans, the reasons for which is still a subject for debate among scholars. They soon fell out with their hosts and established their own kingdom with its capital at Toulouse. They then slowly extended their authority into Hispania, displacing the Vandals and Alans. Their rule in Gaul was cut short at the Battle of Vouillé in 507 when they were defeated by the Franks under Clovis I. Thereafter the only territory north of the Pyrenees that the Visigoths held was Septimania, such that their kingdom became limited to Hispania. In 711 or 712 the Visigoths, were defeated in the Battle of Guadalete by a force of invading Arabs and Berbers (the Moors).
Click here for a history of the Moors in Spain: Click >>>
The Alans
The Alans or Alani were a group of White Asian tribes of nomadic pastoralists of the 1st millennium A.D. They spoke a Scytho-Sarmatian language. In 418 (or 426) the Alan king, Attaces, was killed in battle against the Visigoths in Iberia (Spain), and this branch of the Alans subsequently appealed to the Asding Vandal king Gunderic to accept the Alan crown. The separate ethnic identity of Respendial's Alans then dissolved. Although some of these Alans are thought to have remained in Iberia, most went to North Africa with the Vandals in 429. Later Vandal kings in North Africa styled themselves Rex Wandalorum et Alanorum ("King of the Vandals and Alans").
The Vandals
The Vandals were an Germanic tribe from Asia, that entered the late Roman Empire during the 5th century, perhaps best known for their sack of Rome in 455. Although they were not notably more destructive than other invaders of ancient times, Renaissance and Early Modern writers who idealized Rome tended to blame the Vandals for its destruction. According to Procopius, the Vandals came to Africa at the request of Bonifacius, the military ruler of the region. However, it has been suggested that the Vandals migrated to Africa in search of safety; they had been attacked by a Roman army in 422 and had failed to seal a treaty with them. Led by their king, Gaiseric, some 80,000 Vandals, crossed into Africa from Spain in 429. Advancing eastwards along the coast, the Vandals lay siege to Hippo Regius in 430. Inside Saint Augustine and his priests prayed for relief from the invaders, knowing full well that the fall of the city would spell conversion or death for many Roman Christians. On 28 August 430, three months into the siege, St. Augustine (who was 75 years old) died, perhaps from starvation or stress, as the wheat fields outside the city lay dormant and unharvested. After 14 months, hunger and the inevitable diseases were ravaging both the city inhabitants and the Vandals outside the city walls.
Peace was made between the Romans and the Vandals in 435 through a treaty giving the Vandals control of coastal Numidia. Geiseric chose to break the treaty in 439 when he invaded the province of Africa Proconsularis and laid siege to Carthage. The city was captured without a fight; the Vandals entered the city while most of the inhabitants were attending the races at the hippodrome. Genseric made it his capital, and styled himself the King of the Vandals and Alans, to denote the inclusion of the Alans of north Africa into his alliance. The Goth leader Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths and regent of the Visigoths, was allied by marriage with the Vandals as well as with the Burgundians and the Franks under Clovis I. Like the Goths, the Vandals, were continuators rather than violaters of Roman culture in Late Antiquity. Soon independent kingdoms emerged in mountainous and desert areas, towns were overrun, and the Berbers, who had previously been pushed to the edges of the Roman Empire, returned. Although the Vandals fended off attacks from the Romans and established hegemony over the islands of the western Mediterranean, they were less successful in their conflict with the Berbers. Situated south of the Vandal kingdom, the Berbers inflicted two major defeats on the Vandals in the period 496–530
The Byzantines
Belisarius, general of the Byzantine emperor Justinian based in Constantinople, landed in North Africa in 533 with 16,000 men and within a year destroyed the Vandal kingdom. Local opposition delayed full Byzantine control of the region for twelve years, however, and imperial control, when it came, was but a shadow of the control exercised by Rome. Although an impressive series of fortifications were built, Byzantine rule was compromised by official corruption, incompetence, military weakness, and lack of concern in Constantinople for African affairs. As a result, many rural areas reverted to Berber rule.
The Kabyles
The largest group of the mulatto peoples who call themselves Berbers, are the Kabyles or Kabylians of Algeria. Though the White man always calls them indigenous peoples, or cryptically says "their origins are uncertain" their origins are of course, well known. They are the Mulattoes of the Berber Numidians and the Germanic Alans and Vandals. The early history of Numidia can be found in "The Jugurthine War" (112-105 B.C.) by the Roman historian Gaius Crispus Sallust (86 - 35 B.C.). Click here for link to "The Jugurthine War" Click >>>
Surprisingly, one of the new bastions of White lies and nonsense, Wikipedia: has one of the few somewhat accurate histories of the Kabyles.
Kabyle people
Brief People's History (edited for grammar)
Kabylia is a series of villages on the peaks of the eastern part of the Atlas mountains (100 km east of Algiers) - In ancient times, Kabylia was a empty, rocky and wild area inhabited by various animals including bears, wild boars, wolfs, monkeys, eagles and even hayens. No Human settlement is mentioned in any historical books documenting the peaceful period between Numedians and Rome through the alliance and dating back to 500 B.C, against the Phoenicians.
It is not until the death of King Massinissa when his protege' nephew and General of Numedian Armies Jugurtha rebelled against Rome, from which he wanted separation, that the inaccessible highlands became inhabited. They are known as Jugurtha and followers' hiding, training and camping grounds.
These once forts of Jugurtha's warriors slowly became small villages with tradition of self-sustainability as hunters and farmers after the capture of Jugurtha. It is also where rebellion against Rome's attempt to administer Christianity was instigated, leading to the birth of the Protestant church under various denominations, amongst which Baptists, Donatists, Presbyterians, all of whom opposed Catholicism. for no less than three centuries, the relation between Roman Administration and the highlanders is one which can be characterized as a conflict of low intensity, through physical separation - The 1st (Rome) controlled the coastal areas and the valleys and, the second the highlands.
Then late third century, the Geiserics also known as the Vandals, a Germanic Klan and sworn enemy of Rome, cornered in the Iberia (Spain) peninsula had to find a place and an ally to escape the Roman chase through the Gaul (France) and west-southwest. The snowy, cold and inaccessible highlands of Kabylia and its likewise enemy of Rome is thus a natural match. The population of the villages of the Highlands, also known as Djurdjura, suddenly doubled as no less than 80,000 Vandal warriors with wife and children, i.e. families, filled the villages of Kabylia. Whereas the military forts were set on the lowers peaks closest to the sea known as Lower Kabylia, around the modern Algerian province of Bejia (Vgayet in Kabyle), the residential quarters in the higher lands of the Dhurdjura, also known as Great Kabylia. Thus, began the dense population of Kabylia.
Just days away by horse from Carthage, the Vandal-Numedian coalition successfully evicted Rome from North Africa. While this alliance earned the Numedians the Barbarians (Berberes fr.), by extension from their new allies, it also created the largest clan in the region. Kabylians to whom the term was exclusively assigned amongst north-Africans are indeed the largest ethnic group in North Africa. The term Berber, progressively was applied to all native north Africans, starting their invasion in 1871. Until then, and for centuries since the departure of Rome, North African is a vast territory occupied by a confederation of various Peoples and city-States, without a central power. Of these the Libyans to the Mauritanians, the Moors (Morocco), the Tunisians, the Touaregs (Sahel/Desert), the Mzab, the Chenouas, the Chaouis and Kabylians.
Numerous with their warrior-like, Kabylians are the only People on whom the Moslem invasion of north Africa had no effect. The nominal Moslem attribute assigned to them in modern times is the result of colonial French ignorant and random classification, as well as the creation of the territory called Algeria by decree of General Sneider, French Minister of war, in 1871. This assignment as well as the term Arabs to Numedians and north Africans in general is a colonial construction followed by its maintenance by the alliance of the regime alliance to the Baath ideologie, along a membership into the Arab League - Source of all Algerian post-colonial ills, including continual rebellion by the Kabylians, til today.
ISLAM AND THE ARABS - 642-1830
Note: From here onward things become very tricky. With the coming of Islam, which was "First" spread by Arabs, all North Africans became Arabized in names, just as the Turks had before them. It was during the rule of Abbasid caliph Harun ar-Rashid, that the caliphs began assigning Egypt to Arabized Turks rather than to Arabs. The first Turkish dynasty in Egypt was that of Ibn Tulun who entered Egypt in 868 A.D. The last Black Arab caliph was Abbasid al-Qa'im (reigned 1031–75) he was deposed by the Seljuq Turk Sultan Toghril Beg, after which time, unto today, the realm of Islam was actually controlled by Turks, NOT ARABS! This was reinforced with the coming to North Africa of the Ottoman Turks.
Complicating matters even more: Arabs and Berbers too, interbred extensively with Whites. So though the following people have Arab names, there is no way of knowing, except by picture or inference, if they are Black or White, Arab, Turk, African, European, or somewhere in between. Interlopers have used this reality shamelessly. It has always been common for a usurper to claim Berber or Arab heritage: sometimes, even descent from the Prophet Mohammad himself, all the while, showing no discernible Black blood at all.
Unlike the invasions of previous religions and cultures, the coming of Islam, which was spread by Arabs, was to have pervasive and longlasting effects on the Maghrib. The new faith, in its various forms, would penetrate nearly all segments of society, bringing with it armies, learned men, and fervent mystics, and in large part, replacing tribal practices and loyalties with new social norms and political idioms. Nonetheless, the Islamization and Arabization of the region was a complicated and lengthy processes. Whereas nomadic Berbers were quick to convert and assist the Arab invaders, not until the twelfth century, under the Almohad Dynasty, did the Christian and Hebrew communities become totally marginalized.
The first Arab military expeditions into the Maghrib, between 642 and 669 A.D, resulted in the spread of Islam. These early forays from a base in Egypt occurred under local initiative rather than under orders from the central caliphate. When the seat of the caliphate moved from Medina to Damascus however, the Umayyads (a Muslim dynasty ruling from 661 to 750) recognized that the strategic necessity of dominating the Mediterranean, dictated a concerted military effort on the North African front. In 670, an Arab army under Uqba ibn Nafi established the town of Al Qayrawan about 160 kilometers south of present-day Tunis and used it as a base for further operations.
Abu al Muhajir Dina, Uqba's successor, pushed westward into Algeria and eventually worked out a modus vivendi (way of living) with Kusayla, the ruler of an extensive confederation of Christian Berbers. Kusayla, who had been based in Tilimsan (Tlemcen), became a Muslim and moved his headquarters to Takirwan, near Al Qayrawan. This harmony was short-lived however. Arab and Berber forces controlled the region in turn, until 697. By 711 Umayyad forces helped by Berber converts to Islam, had conquered all of North Africa. Governors appointed by the Umayyad caliphs ruled from Al Qayrawan the new wilaya (province) of Ifriqiya: which covered Tripolitania (the western part of present-day Libya), Tunisia, and eastern Algeria.
Paradoxically, the spread of Islam among the Berbers did not guarantee their support for the Arab-dominated caliphate. The ruling Arabs alienated the Berbers by taxing them heavily; treating converts as second-class Muslims; and at worst, by enslaving them. As a result, widespread opposition took the form of open revolt in 739-40 under the banner of Kharijite Islam. The Kharijites objected to Ali, the fourth caliph, making peace with the Umayyads in 657, and left Ali's camp (khariji means "those who leave"). The Kharijites had been fighting Umayyad rule in the East, and many Berbers were attracted by the sect's egalitarian precepts. For example, according to Kharijism, any suitable Muslim candidate could be elected caliph without regard to race, station, or descent from the Prophet Muhammad.
After the revolt, Kharijites established a number of theocratic tribal kingdoms, most of which had short and troubled histories. Others however, like Sijilmasa and Tilimsan, which straddled the principal trade routes, proved more viable and prospered. In 750 the Abbasids, who succeeded the Umayyads as Muslim rulers, moved the caliphate to Baghdad and reestablished caliphal authority in Ifriqiya, appointing Ibrahim ibn Al Aghlab as governor in Al Qayrawan. Although nominally serving at the caliph's pleasure, Al Aghlab and his successors ruled independently until 909, presiding over a court that became a center for learning and culture.
Just to the west of Aghlabid lands, Abd ar Rahman ibn Rustum ruled most of the central Maghrib from Tahirt, southwest of Algiers. The rulers of the Rustumid imamate, which lasted from 761 to 909, each an Ibadi Kharijite imam, who were elected by leading citizens. The imams gained a reputation for honesty, piety, and justice. The court at Tahirt was noted for its support of scholarship in mathematics, astronomy, and astrology, as well as theology and law. The Rustumid imams however, failed by choice or by neglect, to organize a reliable standing army. This important factor, accompanied by the dynasty's eventual collapse into decadence, opened the way for Tahirt's demise under the assault of the Fatimids.
Fatimids
In the closing decades of the ninth century, missionaries of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam converted the Kutama (Sanhaja confederation) Berbers of what was later known as the Petite Kabylie region, and led them in battle against the Sunni rulers of Ifriqiya. Al Qayrawan fell to them in 909. The Ismaili imam Ubaydallah, declared himself caliph and established Mahdia as his capital. Ubaydallah initiated the Fatimid Dynasty, named after Fatima, daughter of Muhammad and wife of Ali, from whom the caliph claimed descent.
The Fatimids turned westward in 911, destroying the imamate of Tahirt and conquering Sijilmasa in Morocco. Ibadi Kharijite refugees from Tahirt fled south to the oasis at Ouargla beyond the Atlas Mountains, whence in the eleventh century they moved southwest to Oued Mzab. Maintaining their cohesion and beliefs over the centuries, Ibadi religious leaders have dominated public life in the region to this day.
For many years, the Fatimids posed a threat to Morocco, but their deepest ambition was to rule the East, the Mashriq, which included Egypt and Muslim lands beyond: By 969 they had conquered Egypt. In 972 the Fatimid ruler Al Muizz established the new city of Cairo as his capital. The Fatimids left the rule of Ifriqiya and most of Algeria to the Zirids (972-1148). This Berber dynasty, which had founded the towns of Miliana, Médéa, and Algiers, and centered significant local power in Algeria for the first time, turned over its domain west of Ifriqiya to the Banu Hammad branch of its family. The Hammadids ruled from 1011 to 1151, during which time Bejaïa became the most important port in the Maghrib.
This period was marked by constant conflict, political instability, and economic decline. The Hammadids, by rejecting the Ismaili doctrine for Sunni orthodoxy and renouncing submission to the Fatimids, initiated chronic conflict with the Zirids. Two great Berber confederations, the Sanhaja and the Zenata, engaged in an epic struggle. The fiercely brave, camelborne nomads of the western desert, and steppe as well as the sedentary farmers of the Kabylie to the east, swore allegiance to the Sanhaja. Their traditional enemies, the Zenata, were tough, resourceful horsemen from the cold plateau of the northern interior of Morocco and the western Tell in Algeria.
In addition, raiders from Genoa, Pisa, and Norman Sicily attacked ports and disrupted coastal trade. Trans-Saharan trade shifted to Fatimid Egypt and to routes in the west leading to Spanish markets. The countryside was being overtaxed by growing cities.
Contributing to these political and economic dislocations was a large incursion of Arab beduin from Egypt, starting in the first half of the eleventh century. Part of this movement was an invasion by the Banu Hilal, and Banu Sulaym tribes, apparently sent by the Fatimids to weaken the Zirids. These Arab beduin overcame the Zirids and Hammadids, and in 1057 A.D, sacked Al Qayrawan. They sent farmers fleeing from the fertile plains to the mountains and left cities and towns in ruin. For the first time, the extensive use of Arabic spread to the countryside. Sedentary Berbers who sought protection from the Hilalians were gradually Arabized.
Almoravids
The Almoravid movement developed early in the eleventh century among the Sanhaja of the western Sahara, whose control of trans-Saharan trade routes was under pressure from the Zenata Berbers in the north, and the state of Ghana in the south. Yahya ibn Ibrahim al Jaddali, a leader of the Lamtuna tribe of the Sanhaja confederation, decided to raise the level of Islamic knowledge and practice among his people. To accomplish this, on his return from the hajj (Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca) in 1048-49, he brought with him Abd Allah ibn Yasin al Juzuli, a Moroccan scholar. In the early years of the movement, the scholar was concerned only with imposing moral discipline and a strict adherence to Islamic principles among his followers. Abd Allah ibn Yasin also became known as one of the marabouts, or holy persons (from al murabitun, "those who have made a religious retreat." Almoravids is the Spanish transliteration of al murabitun.
The Almoravid movement shifted from promoting religious reform to engaging in military conquest after 1054 A.D, and was led by Lamtuna leaders: first Yahya, then his brother Abu Bakr, and then his cousin Yusuf ibn Tashfin. With Marrakech (Morocco) as their capital, the Almoravids had conquered Morocco, the Maghrib as far east as Algiers, and Spain up to the Ebro River by 1106 A.D. Under the Almoravids, the Maghrib and Spain acknowledged the spiritual authority of the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad, reuniting them temporarily with the Islamic community in the Mashriq (Arabic-speaking countries to the east of Egypt).
Although it was not an entirely peaceful time, North Africa benefited economically and culturally during the Almoravid period, which lasted until 1147. Muslim Spain (Andalus in Arabic) was a great source of artistic and intellectual inspiration. The most famous writers of Andalus worked in the Almoravid court, and the builders of the Grand Mosque of Tilimsan, completed in 1136, used as a model the Grand Mosque of Córdoba.
Almohads
Like the Almoravids, the Almohads found their initial inspiration in Islamic reform. Their spiritual leader, the Moroccan Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tumart, sought to reform Almoravid decadence. Rejected in Marrakech and other cities, he turned to his Masmuda tribe in the Atlas Mountains for support. Because of their emphasis on the unity of God, his followers were known as Al Muwahhidun (unitarians, or Almohads).
Although declaring himself mahdi, imam, and masum (infallible leader sent by God), Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tumart consulted with a council of ten of his oldest disciples. Influenced by the Berber tradition of representative government, he later added an assembly composed of fifty leaders from various tribes. The Almohad rebellion began in 1125 with attacks on Moroccan cities, including Sus and Marrakech.
Upon Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tumart's death in 1130, his successor Abd al Mumin took the title of caliph and placed members of his own family in power, converting the system into a traditional monarchy. The Almohads entered Spain at the invitation of the Andalusian amirs, who had risen against the Almoravids there. Abd al Mumin forced the submission of the amirs and reestablished the caliphate of Córdoba, giving the Almohad sultan supreme religious as well as political authority within his domains. The Almohads took control of Morocco in 1146, captured Algiers around 1151, and by 1160 had completed the conquest of the central Maghrib and advanced to Tripolitania. Nonetheless, pockets of Almoravid resistance continued to hold out in the Kabylie for at least fifty years.
After Abd al Mumin's death in 1163, his son Abu Yaqub Yusuf (r. 1163-84) and grandson Yaqub al Mansur (r. 1184-99) presided over the zenith of Almohad power. For the first time, the Maghrib was united under a local regime, and although the empire was troubled by conflict on its fringes, handcrafts and agriculture flourished at its center and an efficient bureaucracy filled the tax coffers. In 1229 the Almohad court renounced the teachings of Muhammad ibn Tumart, opting instead for greater tolerance and a return to the Maliki school of law. As evidence of this change, the Almohads hosted two of the greatest thinkers of Andalus: Abu Bakr ibn Tufayl and Ibn Rushd (Averroes).
The Almohads shared the crusading instincts of their Castilian adversaries, but the continuing wars in Spain overtaxed their resources. In the Maghrib, the Almohad position was compromised by factional strife and was challenged by a renewal of tribal warfare. The Bani Merin (Zenata Berbers) took advantage of declining Almohad power to establish a tribal state in Morocco, initiating nearly sixty years of warfare there that concluded with their capture of Marrakech, the last Almohad stronghold in 1271 A.D. Despite repeated efforts to subjugate the central Maghrib, however, the Merinids were never able to restore the frontiers of the Almohad Empire.
Zayanids
From its capital at Tunis, the Hafsid Dynasty made good its claim to be the legitimate successor of the Almohads in Ifriqiya, while in the central Maghrib, the Zayanids founded a dynasty at Tlemcen (town in Northwestern Algeria). Based on a Zenata tribe, the Bani Abd el Wad, which had been settled in the region by Abd al Mumin, the Zayanids also emphasized their links with the Almohads.
For more than 300 years, until the region came under Ottoman suzerainty in the sixteenth century, the Zayanids kept a tenuous hold in the central Maghrib. The regime, which depended on the administrative skills of Andalusians, was plagued by frequent rebellions but learned to survive as the vassal of the Merinids or Hafsids or later as an ally of Spain.
Many coastal cities defied the ruling dynasties and asserted their autonomy as municipal republics. They were governed by their merchant oligarchies, or by tribal chieftains from the surrounding countryside, or by the privateers who operated out of their ports.
Nonetheless, Tlemcen prospered as a commercial center and was called the "pearl of the Maghrib." Situated at the head of the Imperial Road through the strategic Taza Gap to Marrakech, the city controlled the caravan route to Sijilmasa, gateway for the gold and slave trade with the western Sudan. Aragon came to control commerce between Tlemcen's port Oran, and Europe beginning about 1250. An outbreak of privateering out of Aragon, however, severely disrupted this trade after about 1420.
Marabouts
The successor dynasties in the Maghrib: Merinids, Zayanids, and Hasfids, did not base their power on a program of religious reform as their predecessors had done. Of necessity they compromised with rural cults that had survived the triumph of puritanical orthodoxy in the twelfth century, despite the efforts of the Almoravids and Almohads to stamp them out.
The aridity of official Islam had little appeal outside the mosques and schools of the cities. In the countryside, wandering marabouts, or holy people, drew a large and devoted following. These men and women were believed to possess divine grace (baraka) or to be able to channel it to others. In life, the marabouts offered spiritual guidance, arbitrated disputes, and often wielded political power. After death, their cults, some local, others widespread, erected domed tombs that became sites of pilgrimage.
Many tribes claimed descent from marabouts. In addition, small autonomous republics led by holy men became a common form of government in the Maghrib. In Algeria, the influence of the marabouts continued through much of the Ottoman period, when the authorities would grant political and financial favors to these leaders to prevent tribal uprisings.
MOROCCO
In 670 AD, the first Islamic conquest of the North African coastal plain took place under Uqba ibn Nafi, a general serving under the Umayyads of Damascus, bringing their civilization and Islam, to which many of the Berbers converted. While part of the larger Islamic Empire, client states such as the Kingdom of Nekor were formed. Arab conquerors converted the indigenous Berber population to Islam, but Berber tribes retained their customary laws. The Arabs abhorred the Berbers as barbarians, while the Berbers often saw the Arabs as only an arrogant and brutal soldiery bent on collecting taxes. Once established as Muslims, the Berbers shaped Islam in their own image and embraced schismatic Muslim sects, which in many cases were simply folk religion thinly disguised as Islam, as their way of breaking from Arab control. In about 788 A.D, the region soon broke away from the control of the distant Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad under the Arab Idris ibn Abdallah (who was appointed by the Awraba Berbers of Volubilis to be their representative), he founded the Idrisid Dynasty. The Idrisids established Fes as their capital and Morocco became a centre of learning and a major regional power.
The 11th and 12th centuries witnessed the founding of several great Berber dynasties led by religious reformers and each one was based on a tribal confederation that dominated the Maghrib and Al-Andalus for more than 200 years. The Berber dynasties (Almoravids, Almohads, Marinids and Wattasids) gave the Berber people some measure of collective identity and political unity under a native regime for the first time in their history. They created the idea of an “imperial Maghrib” under Berber aegis that survived in some form from dynasty to dynasty. But ultimately each of the Berber dynasties proved to be a political failure because none managed to create an integrated society out of a social landscape dominated by tribes that prized their autonomy and individual identity. In 1559, the region fell to successive Arab tribes claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad: first the Saadi Dynasty who ruled from 1511 to 1659 A.D, and then the Alaouites, who founded a dynasty that has remained in power since the 17th century.
MAURITANIA
One of the Berber groups arriving in Mauritania in the eighth century was the Lemtuna. By the ninth century, the Lemtuna had attained political dominance in the Adrar and Hodh regions. Together with two other important Berber groups, the Messufa and the Djodala, they set up the Sanhadja Confederation. From their capital, Aoudaghast, the Lemtuna controlled this loose confederation, and the western routes of the Saharan caravan trade that had begun to flourish after the introduction of the camel. At its height, from the eighth to the end of the tenth century, the Sanhadja Confederation was a decentralized polity based on two distinct groups: the nomadic and very independent Berber groups, who maintained their traditional religions, and the Muslim, urban Berber merchants, who conducted the caravan trade.
Although dominated by the Sanhadja merchants, the caravan trade had its northern terminus in the Maghribi commercial city of Sijilmasa and its southern terminus in Koumbi Saleh, capital of the Ghana Empire. Later, the southern trade route ended in Timbuktu, capital of the Mali Empire. Gold, ivory, and slaves were carried north in return for salt (ancient salt mines near Kediet Ijill in northern Mauritania are still being worked), copper, cloth, and other luxury goods.
Important towns developed along the trade routes. The easiest though not the shortest routes between Ghana and Sijilmasa were from Koumbi Saleh, through Aoudaghast, Oualâta, Tîchît, and Ouadane. These towns along the route grew to be important commercial as well as political centers. The eleventh century Arab chronicler, Al Bakri, describes Aoudaghast, with its population of 5,000 to 6,000, as a big town with a large mosque and several smaller ones, surrounded by large cultivated areas under irrigation. Oualâta was a major relay point on the gold and salt trade route, as well as a chief assembly point for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Koumbi Saleh was a large cosmopolitan city comprising two distinct sections: the Muslim quarter, with its Arab-influenced architecture, and the native quarter of traditional thatch and mud architecture, where the non-Muslim king of Ghana resided. Another important Mauritanian trade city of the Sanhadja Confederation was Chinguetti, later an important religious center. Although Koumbi Saleh did not outlive the fall of the Ghana Empire, Aoudaghast and particularly Oualâta maintained their importance well into the sixteenth century, when trade began shifting to the European-controlled coasts.
By the eleventh century, Islam had spread throughout the west Sahara under the influence of Berber and Arab traders and occasional Arab migrants. Nevertheless, traditional religious practices thrived. The conquest of the entire west Saharan region by the Almoravids in the eleventh century, made possible a more orthodox Islamization of all the peoples of Mauritania.
The breakup of the Sanhadja Confederation in the early eleventh century, led to a period of unrest and warfare among the Sanhadja Berber groups of Mauritania. In about 1039, a chief of the Djodala, Yahya ibn Ibrahim, returned from a pilgrimage to Mecca bringing with him a Sanhadja theologian, Abdallah ibn Yassin, to teach a more orthodox Islam. Rejected by the Djodala two years later - after the death of Ibn Ibrahim - Ibn Yassin and some of his Sanhadja followers retired to a secluded place where they built a fortified religious center, a ribat, which attracted many Sanhadja. In 1042 the al murabitun (men of the ribat), as Ibn Yassin's followers came to be called, launched a jihad, or holy war, against the nonbelievers and the heretics among the Sanhadja, beginning what later become known as the Almoravid movement. The initial aim of the Almoravids was to establish a political community in which the ethical and juridical principles of Islam would be strictly applied.
First, the Almoravids attacked and subdued the Djodala, forcing them to acknowledge Islam. Then, rallying the other Berber groups of the west Sahara, the Almoravids succeeded in recreating the political unity of the Sanhadja Confederation and adding to it a religious unity and purpose. By 1054 the Almoravids had captured Sijilmasa in the Maghrib and had retaken Aoudaghast from Ghana.
With the death of Ibn Yassin in 1059, leadership of the movement in the south passed to Abu Bakr ibn Unas, amir of Adrar, and to Yusuf ibn Tashfin in the north. Under Ibn Tashfin, the Berbers captured Morocco and founded Marrakech as their capital in 1062. By 1082 all of the western Maghrib (to at least present-day Algiers) was under Almoravid domination. In 1086 the Andalusian amirates, under attack from the Spanish Christian king Alfonso, seeking the Christian reconquest of Spain: called on Ibn Tashfin and his Berber warriors to cross the Strait of Gibraltar and come to their rescue. The Almoravids defeated the Spanish Christians, and by 1090, imposed Almoravid rule and the Maliki school of Islamic law in Muslim Spain.
In Mauritania, Abu Bakr led the Almoravids in a war against Ghana (1062-76), culminating in the capture in 1076 of Koumbi Saleh. This event marked the end of the dominance of the Ghana Empire. But after the death of Abu Bakr in 1087, and Ibn Tashfin in 1106, traditional rivalries among the Sanhadja and a new Muslim reformist conquest led by the Zenata Almohads (1133-63) destroyed the Almoravid Empire.
For a short time, the Mauritanian Sanhadja dynasty of the Almoravid Empire controlled a vast territory stretching from Spain to Senegal. The unity established between Morocco and Mauritania during the Almoravid period continued to have some political importance in the 1980s, as it formed part of the basis for Morocco's claims to Mauritania. But the greatest contribution of the Sanhadja and the Almoravids was the Islamization of the western Maghrib. This process would remain a dominant factor in the history of the area for the next several centuries.
Although the Almoravids had substantial contacts with the Maghrib, influences from the Sudanic (Sudanic languages was a generic term for African languages spoken in the Sahel belt from Ethiopia in the east to Senegal in the west), kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai played an important role in Mauritania's history for about 700 years - from the eighth to the fifteenth century. Ghana, the first of the great West African Sudanic kingdoms, included in its territory all of southeastern Mauritania extending to Tagant. Ghana reached its apogee in the ninth and tenth centuries with the extension of its rule over the Sanhadja Berbers. This large and centralized kingdom controlled the southern terminus of the trans-Saharan trade in gold, ivory, and salt.
The capture of Koumbi Saleh in 1076 by the Almoravids marked the end of Ghana's hegemony, although the kingdom continued to exist for another 125 years. The Mandé, under the leadership of the legendary Sundiata, founded the second great Sudanic kingdom, Mali. By the end of the thirteenth century, the Mali Empire extended over that part of Mauritania previously controlled by Ghana, as well as over the remaining Sahelian regions and the Senegal River Valley. Sundiata and his successors took over Ghana's role in the Saharan trade and in the administration and collection of tribute from vast stretches of the Sudan and the Sahel.
The slow decline of the Mali Empire that started at the end of the fourteenth century, came about through internal discord and revolts by the inhabitants of vassal states, including the Songhai of Gao. By the end of the fifteenth century, the Songhai Empire had replaced the Mali Empire and extended to Mauritania and the upper Senegal River Valley. At the end of the sixteenth century, a large Moroccan force defeated the Songhai, bringing to an end the seven centuries of domination of the western Sudan (and a large part of Mauritania) by strong, centralized kingdoms.
Beginning with the Arab conquest of the western Maghrib in the eighth century, Mauritania experienced a slow but constant infiltration of Arabs and Arab influence from the north. The growing Arab presence pressed the Berbers, who chose not to mix with other groups, to move farther south into Mauritania, forcing out the native inhabitants. By the sixteenth century, most natives had been pushed to the Senegal River. Those remaining in the north became slaves cultivating the oases.
After the decline of the Almoravid Empire, a long process of arabization began in Mauritania, one that until then had been resisted successfully by the Berbers. Several groups of Yemeni Arabs who had been devastating the north of Africa, turned south to Mauritania. Settling in northern Mauritania, they disrupted the caravan trade, causing routes to shift east, which in turn led to the gradual decline of Mauritania's trading towns. One particular Yemeni group, the Bani Hassan, continued to migrate southward until, by the end of the seventeenth century, they dominated the entire country. The last effort of the Berbers to shake off the Arab yoke, was the Mauritanian Thirty Years War (1644-74), or Sharr Bubba, led by Nasir ad Din, a Lemtuna imam. This Sanhadja war of liberation was however, unsuccessful; the Berbers were forced to abandon the sword and became vassals to the warrior Arab groups.
The Spanish Offensive
In Iberia (Spain), as a result of the Moor conquest, many of the ousted White nobles took refuge in the unconquered north Asturian highlands. From there they aimed to reconquer their lands from the Moors: this war of reconquest is known as the Reconquista. It began in about 900 A.D. when a small Christian enclave of Visigoths in northwestern Spain, named Asturias; initiated conflicts between Christians and Muslims. Soon after, Christian states based in the north and west slowly; in fits and starts, began a process of expansion and reconquest of Iberia over the next several hundred years. The end for the Moors came on January 2, 1492: the leader of the last Moorish City "Granada" (located in southern Spain) surrendered to armies of a recently united Christian Spain (after the marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile). This ended the 800 year reign of the Moors in Iberia. This victory was accompanied by the forced conversion of Spanish Muslims (Moriscos) and Khazar Jews. As a result of the Inquisition, thousands of Khazar Jews fled or were deported to the Maghrib, where many gained influence in government and commerce.
Without much difficulty, Christian Spain imposed its influence on the Maghrib coast by constructing fortified outposts (presidios) and collecting tribute during the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. On or near the Algerian coast, Spain took control of Mers el Kebir in 1505, Oran in 1509, and Tlemcen, Mostaganem, and Ténès, all west of Algiers, in 1510. In the same year, the merchants of Algiers handed over one of the rocky islets in their harbor, where the Spaniards built a fort. The presidios in North Africa turned out to be a costly and largely ineffective military endeavor, that did not guarantee access for Spain's merchant fleet. Indeed, most trade seemed to be transacted in the numerous free ports. Moreover, from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, sailing superior ships and hammering out shrewd concessions, merchants from England, Portugal, Holland, France, and Italy, as well as Spain, dominated Mediterranean trade.
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Privateers
Privateering was an age-old practice in the Mediterranean. North African rulers engaged in it increasingly in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century because it was so lucrative, and because their merchant vessels, formerly a major source of income, were not permitted to enter European ports. Although the methods varied, privateering generally involved private vessels raiding the ships of an enemy in peacetime under the authority of a ruler. Its purposes were to disrupt an opponent's trade and to reap rewards from the captives and cargo.
These Pirates destroyed thousands of French, Spanish, Italian and British ships, and long stretches of coast in Spain and Italy were almost completely abandoned by their inhabitants, discouraging settlement until the 19th century. From the 16th to 19th century, pirates captured an estimated 800,000 to 1.25 million Europeans as slaves, mainly from seaside villages in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, but also from France, Britain, the Netherlands, Ireland and as far away as Iceland and North America.
Privateering was a highly disciplined affair conducted under the command of the rais (captain) of the fleets. Several captains became heros in Algerian lore for their bravery and skill. The captains of the corsairs banded together in a selfregulating taifa (community) to protect and further the corporate interests of their trade. The taifa came to be ethnically mixed, incorporating those captured Europeans who agreed to convert to Islam and supply information useful for future raids. The taifa also gained prestige and political influence because of its role in fighting the infidel and providing the merchants and rulers of Algiers with a major source of income. Algiers became the privateering city-state par excellence, especially between 1560 and 1620. And it was two privateer brothers who were instrumental in extending Ottoman influence in Algeria.
TURKISH OTTOMAN RULE
In 1510, a band of Turkish pirates, lead by Khair ad Din, known to the Europeans as Barbarossa (Redbeard), made Tunis their base, with the permission if Bey Mulay Muhammad. The pirates also gained control over other cities on the North African coast, amongst them Algiers. From there they undertook raids against christian ships and coastal settlements; abducted christians were sold as slaves on the markets of North Africa, or held for ransom. In 1516 Aruj moved his base of operations to Algiers, but was killed in 1518 during his invasion of Tlemcen. Khair ad Din succeeded him as military commander of Algiers. The Ottoman sultan gave him the title of beylerbey (provincial governor) and a contingent of some 2,000 janissaries, well-armed Ottoman soldiers. With the aid of this force, Khair ad Din subdued the coastal region between Constantine and Oran (although the city of Oran remained in Spanish hands until 1791).
Under Khair ad Din's regency, Algiers became the center of Ottoman authority in the Maghrib, from which Tunis, Tripoli, and Tlemcen would be overcome, and Morocco's independence would be threatened. So successful was Khair ad Din at Algiers that he was recalled to Constantinople in 1533 by the sultan, Süleyman I (r. 1520-66), known in Europe as Süleyman the Magnificent, and appointed admiral of the Ottoman fleet. The next year he mounted a successful seaborne assault on Tunis. Barbarossa ousted Mulay Muhammad's successor, Mulay Hassan, and assumed the title of Bey of Tunis for himself (1534).
The ousted Bey of Tunis, Mulay Hassan, plead to Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. who agreed to equip an expedition against Tunis, not only to restore Mulay Hassan to the throne, but also to curb the piracy undertaken from there. A fleet consistying of 62 galleys and 150 other vessels left Barcelona March 29th. The Imperial & Spanish troops, commanded by Genoese Andrea Doria, supported by the Maltese Knights, landed near Carthago, took Tunis and Goletta. Tunis was taken July 21st 1535. Mulay Hassan was restored, and 20,000 christian slaves liberated. The Spanish garrisoned Tunis and Goletta. Mulay Hassan ruled Tunis as a Spanish vassal, and had to agree to end christian slavery and to introduce religious toleration. The expedition also took Bone and Biserta, both of which were garrisoned by the Spanish. The Portuguese navy participated in the expedition.
The policy he was forced to implement resulted in Mulay Hassan's unpopularity. In 1543 he was overthrown by his son, Mulay Ahmad. In 1570 Tunis was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. In 1573 Don Juan d'Austria reconquered it, but he was recalled by his half-brother, Philip II King of Spain, and in 1574 the Ottoman troops, when taking Tunis, encountered no resistance. Except for Ceuta, Melilla, and Oran, the Spanish hold over ports in North Africa was temporary. Piracy from the "Barbary Coast" was not effectively brought under control until into the 19th century.
The next beylerbey was Khair ad Din's son Hassan, who assumed the position in 1544. Until 1587 the area was governed by officers who served terms with no fixed limits. Subsequently, with the institution of a regular Ottoman administration, governors with the title of pasha ruled for three-year terms. Turkish was the official language, and Arabs and Berbers were excluded from government posts.
The pasha was assisted by janissaries, known in Algeria as the ojaq and led by an agha. Recruited from Turkish peasants, they were committed to a lifetime of service. Although isolated from the rest of society and subject to their own laws and courts, they depended on the ruler and the taifa for income. In the seventeenth century, the force numbered about 15,000, but it was to shrink to only 3,700 by 1830. Discontent among the ojaq rose in the mid-1600s because they were not paid regularly, and they repeatedly revolted against the pasha. As a result, the agha charged the pasha with corruption and incompetence and seized power in 1659.
The taifa had the last word, however, when in 1671 it rebelled, killed the agha, and placed one of its own in power. The new leader received the title of dey, which originated in Tunisia. After 1689 the right to select the dey passed to the divan, a council of some sixty notables. The divan at first was dominated by the ojaq, but by the eighteenth century it became the dey's instrument. In 1710 the dey persuaded the sultan to recognize him and his successors as regent, replacing the pasha in that role. Although Algiers remained a part of the Ottoman Empire, the Sublime Porte, or Ottoman government, ceased to have effective influence there.
The dey was in effect a constitutional autocrat, but his authority was restricted by the divan and the taifa, as well as by local political conditions. The dey was elected for a life term, but in the 159 years (1671-1830) that the system survived, fourteen of the twenty-nine deys were removed from office by assassination. Despite usurpation, military coups, and occasional mob rule, the day-to-day operation of government was remarkably orderly. In accordance with the millet system applied throughout the Ottoman Empire, each ethnic group: Turks, Arabs, Kabyles, Berbers, Hebrews, Europeans, was represented by a guild that exercised legal jurisdiction over its constituents.
The dey had direct administrative control only in the regent's enclave, the Dar as Sultan (Domain of the Sultan), which included the city of Algiers and its environs and the fertile Mitidja Plain. The rest of the territory under the regency was divided into three provinces (beyliks): Constantine in the east; Titteri in the central region, with its capital at Médéa; and a western province that after 1791 had its seat at Oran, abandoned that year by Spain when the city was destroyed in an earthquake. Each province was governed by a bey appointed by the dey, usually from the same circle of families.
A contingent of the ojaq was assigned to each bey, who also had at his disposal the provincial auxiliaries provided by the privileged makhzen tribes, traditionally exempted from paying taxes on condition that they collect them from other tribes. Tax revenues were conveyed from the provinces to Algiers twice yearly, but the beys were otherwise left to their own devices. Although the regency patronized the tribal chieftains, it never had the unanimous allegiance of the countryside, where heavy taxation frequently provoked unrest. Autonomous tribal states were tolerated, and the regency's authority was seldom applied in the Kabylie.
In 1510 Tripoli Libya was taken by Don Pedro Navarro, Count of Oliveto for Spain, and in 1523, it was assigned to the Knights of St. John, who had lately been expelled by the Ottoman Turks from their stronghold on the island of Rhodes. The knights kept the city with some trouble until 1551, when they were compelled to surrender to the Ottomans, led by Greek Muslim Turgut Reis. After the capture by the Ottoman Turks, Tripoli once again became a base of operation for Barbary pirates.
The Pirate Ship
The favorite ship type of Barbary pirates was the Xebec, these were ships similar to galleys, but having both lateen sails (a triangular sail) and oars for propulsion. Small early Xebecs had two masts; later ones three. Xebecs featured a distinctive hull with pronounced overhanging bow and stern, and rarely displaced more than 200 tons, making them slightly smaller and with slightly fewer guns than frigates of the period.
They built them with a narrow floor to achieve a higher speed than their victims, but with a considerable beam in order to enable them to carry an extensive sail-plan. The lateen rig of the xebec allowed for the ship to sail close-hauled to the wind (as close to the wind direction as it can), often giving it an advantage in pursuit or escape. The use of oars or sweeps allowed the xebec to approach vessels who were becalmed (unable to move because there was no wind). When used as corsairs they carried a crew of 300 to 400 men and mounted perhaps 16 to 40 guns according to size. In peacetime operations, the xebec could transport merchandise.
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Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni (1871-April 1925[?]) was the Sharif (descendant of Mohammed) of the Jebala tribe in Morocco at the turn of the 20th Century, and considered by many to be the rightful heir to the throne of Morocco. While regarded by foreigners and the Moroccan government as a brigand, some Moroccans considered him a heroic figure, fighting a repressive, corrupt government, while others considered him a thief. Historian David S. Woolman referred to Raisuni as "a combination Robin Hood, feudal baron and tyrannical bandit." He was considered by many as "The last of the Barbary Pirates".
Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni was born in the village of Zinat sometime in 1871. Due to his place of origin and his reportedly handsome visage, one of his other nicknames was "the Eagle of Zinat." He was the son of a prominent Caid, and began following in his father's footsteps. However, Raisuni eventually drifted into crime, stealing cattle and sheep and earning the ire of Moroccan authorities. He was also widely known as a womanizer. By most accounts, the formative event in Raisuni's life was his arrest and imprisonment by Abd-el-Rahman Abd el-Saduk, the Pasha of Tangier, who was Raisuli's cousin and foster brother. The Pasha had invited Raisuni to dinner in his home in Tangier, only for his men to capture and brutalize Raisuni when he arrived. He was sent to the dungeon of Mogador and chained to a wall for four years; fortunately, his friends were allowed to bring him food, and he managed to survive. Raisuni was released from prison as part of a general clemency early in the reign of Sultan Abdelaziz - ironically, soon to become Raisuni's greatest enemy. Raisuni was hardened by his imprisonment, and returned to criminality after his release. However, he became more ambitious than before, growing to resent the Sultan's fealty to the various European powers - Britain, France, Spain and Germany - jockeying for influence in Morocco. With a small but devoted band of followers, Raisuni embarked on a second career: kidnapping prominent officials and holding them for outrageous ransoms.
Raisuni's first victim was Walter Harris, an Englishman who already knew Raisuni. Raisuni demanded not money, but the release of several of Raisuni's men held in prison; Harris was released after only three weeks captivity. Many of Raisuni's other victims of this time were Moroccan military and political officials; his men only rarely kidnapped Europeans. In between kidnappings, Raisuni extorted villagers living in territories controlled by his followers, executing those who refused to pay. Raisuni also periodically maintained a small fleet of boats for seagoing piracy; however, he was less successful in this endeavor than in his kidnapping and extortion schemes.
Raisuni had a mixed reputation. He became known for his chivalry and respectful attitude towards his hostages; he pledged Ion Perdicaris that he would defend him from any harm, and was known to have befriended many of his other hostages. He was also known as a well-educated man who enjoyed reading any book he could, and was extremely generous to his family and followers. However, towards those who were not worthy of ransom, emissaries of the Pasha and the Sultan, or disloyal to him, he was known for cruelty. A favorite punishment of Raisuni's was burning out an enemy's eyes with heated copper coins. On one occasion, he returned the head of an envoy to the Pasha in a basket of melons.
In 1904, Raisuni was propelled onto the international stage during what was to be known as the "Perdicaris Incident." This is when he kidnapped the Greek-American expatriate Ion Perdicaris and his stepson Cromwell Varley and held them for a ransom of $70,000. American President Theodore Roosevelt, then running for re-election, made political capital out of the incident, sending a squadron of warships to Morocco to force Abdelaziz's compliance with Raisuni's demands, famously proclaiming "Perdicaris Alive or Raisuli Dead!" After a near-confrontation between the government of Morocco and troops of the United States of America, Raisuni received his ransom money and concessions; he was appointed Pasha of Tangier and Governor of Jibala province, and all of his imprisoned followers were released. However, Raisuni was ousted from the post in 1906 due to corruption and cruelty to his subjects; a year later he was again declared an outlaw by the Moroccan government.
Shortly after his dismissal, Raisuni kidnapped Sir Harry "Caid" Maclean, a British army officer serving as a military aide to the Sultan's army. Raisuni ransomed Maclean for £20,000 from the British government. For years, Raisuni continued to antagonize the Moroccan government, even after Abdelaziz's forced abdication. He briefly regained favor with the Moroccan government, by siding with Mulay Hafid's overthrow of Abdelaziz, and was restored again as Pasha of Tangier. However, at the instigation of the Spanish government, the Sultan removed Raisuni from his post in 1912.
In 1913, Raisuni led several Rif tribes in a bloody revolt against the Spanish, and continued a sanguine guerilla conflict against them for almost eight years. His men were finally defeated by Colonel Manuel Fernandez Silvestre, later infamous as the Spanish commander at the Battle of Annual. During World War I, Raisuni was reportedly in contact with agents of the German government to lead a tribal rebellion against France. Responding to these rumors, French troops launched a punitive expedition into Spanish Morocco in May 1915, which dispersed Raisuni's followers but failed to capture Raisuni himself. In September 1922, and after an interview with Colonel José Villalba Riquelme he submitted to the Spanish authorities and subsequently was one of Spanish leaders in the Rif War of the 1920s. He was intensely jealous of Abd el Krim and his growing popularity with the Rif peoples, hoping to gain control of Western Morocco with a Spanish victory.
In January 1925, Krim's followers attacked Raisuni's palace, killing most of his guards and capturing Raisuni. He was reportedly dead by the end of April 1925, having suffered from dropsy for several years. Rumors of his survival persisted, however, as Raisuni had been erroneously reported dead in 1914 and 1923.
An American film titled "The Wind and the Lion" ( 1975): was made about the last of the Berber Barbary pirates, Mulai Ahmed er Raisuli. Of course in the "Fantasy" world of Albino history, there were no Blacks, only Albinos and their "close" mulattoes
In 1711 Ahmed Karamanli killed the Ottoman governor, the "Pasha", and established himself as ruler of the Tripolitania region. By 1714 he had asserted a sort of semi-independence from the Ottoman Sultan, heralding in the Karamanli dynasty. In 1835, the Ottoman Empire took advantage of an internal struggle and re-established its authority.
Relations with the United States
European maritime powers paid the tribute demanded by the rulers of the privateering states of North Africa (Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, and Morocco) to prevent attacks on their shipping by corsairs. No longer covered by British tribute payments after the American Revolution, United States merchant ships were seized and sailors enslaved in the years that followed independence. In 1794 the United States Congress appropriated funds for the construction of warships to counter the privateering threat in the Mediterranean. Despite the naval preparations, the United States concluded a treaty with the dey of Algiers in 1797, guaranteeing payment of tribute amounting to US$10 million over a twelve-year period in return for a promise that Algerian corsairs would not molest United States shipping. Payments in ransom and tribute to the privateering states amounted to 20 percent of United States government annual revenues in 1800.
The Napoleonic wars of the early nineteenth century diverted the attention of the maritime powers from suppressing what they derogatorily called piracy. But when peace was restored to Europe in 1815, Algiers found itself at war with Spain, the Netherlands, Prussia, Denmark, Russia, and Naples. In March of that year, the United States Congress authorized naval action against the Barbary States, the then-independent Muslim states of Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. Commodore Stephen Decatur was dispatched with a squadron of ten warships to ensure the safety of United States shipping in the Mediterranean and to force an end to the payment of tribute. After capturing several corsairs and their crews, Decatur sailed into the harbor of Algiers, threatened the city with his guns, and concluded a favorable treaty in which the dey agreed to discontinue demands for tribute, pay reparations for damage to United States property, release United States prisoners without ransom, and prohibit further interference with United States trade by Algerian corsairs. No sooner had Decatur set off for Tunis to enforce a similar agreement than the dey repudiated the treaty. The next year, an Anglo-Dutch fleet, commanded by British admiral Viscount Exmouth, delivered a punishing, nine-hour bombardment of Algiers. The attack immobilized many of the dey's corsairs and obtained from him a second treaty that reaffirmed the conditions imposed by Decatur. In addition, the dey agreed to end the practice of enslaving Christians.
LIBYA COLONY OF ITALY
Italy, which became a unified state only in 1860, was a late starter in the race for colonies. For the Italians, the marginal Turkish provinces in Libya seemed to offer an obvious compensation for their humiliating acquiescence to the establishment of a French protectorate in Tunisia, a country coveted by Italy as a potential colony. Italy intensified its long-standing commercial interests in Libya and, in a series of diplomatic manuevers, won from the major powers their recognition of an Italian sphere of influence there. It was assumed in European capitals that Italy would sooner or later seize the opportunity to take political and military action in Libya as well.
In September 1911 Italy engineered a crisis with Turkey charging that the Turks had committed a "hostile act" by arming Arab tribesmen in Libya. When Turkey refused to respond to an ultimatum calling for Italian military occupation to protect Italian interests in the region, Italy declared war. After a preliminary naval bombardment, Italian troops landed and captured Tripoli on October 3, encountering only slight resistance. Italian forces also occupied Tobruk, Al Khums, Darnah, and Benghazi.
In the ensuing months, the Italian expeditionary force, numbering 35,000, barely penetrated beyond its several beachheads. The 5,000 Turkish troops defending the provinces at the time of the invasion withdrew inland a few kilometers, where officers such as Enver Pasha and Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) organized the Arab tribes in a resistance to the Italians that took on the aspects of a holy war. But with war threatening in the Balkans, Turkey was compelled to sue for peace with Italy. In accordance with the treaty signed at Lausanne in October 1912, the sultan issued a decree granting independence to Tripolitania and Cyrenaica while Italy simultaneously announced its formal annexation of those territories. In the end, the Turks accepted a peace settlement, and Libya was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. The Italians also occupied the island of Rhodes. Several hundred thousand Sicilians and other southern Italians settled in Tripoli and its environs in the decades to come. The sultan, in his role as caliph (leader of Islam), was to retain his religious jurisdiction there and was permitted to appoint the qadi of Tripoli, who supervised the sharia courts. But the Italians were unable to appreciate that no distinction was made between civil and religious jurisdiction in Islamic law. Thus, through the courts, the Turks kept open a channel of influence over their former subjects and subverted Italian authority.
"We are their teachers, they are not ours!"
WORLD WAR II AND INDEPENDENCE
As Europe prepared for war, Libyan nationalists at home and in exile perceived that the best chance for liberation from colonial domination lay in Italy's defeat in a larger conflict. Such an opportunity seemed to arise when Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, but Mussolini's defiance of the League of Nations and the feeble reaction of Britain and France dashed Libyan hopes for the time being. Planning for liberation resumed, however, with the outbreak of war in Europe in September 1939. Libyan political leaders met in Alexandria, Egypt, in October to resolve past differences in the interest of future unity. Idris was accepted as leader of the nationalist cause by Tripolitanians as well as Cyrenaicans, with the proviso that he designate an advisory committee with representatives from both regions to assist him. Differences between the two groups were too deep and long held, however, for the committee to work well.
When Italy entered the war on the side of Germany on June 10, 1940, the Cyrenaican leaders, who for some months had been in contact with British military officers in Egypt, immediately declared their support for the Allies. In Tripolitania, where Italian control was strongest, some opinion initially opposed cooperation with Britain on the ground that if the Allies lost-- which seemed highly possible in 1940--retribution would be severe. But the Cyrenaicans, with their long history of resistance to the Italians, were anxious to resume the conflict and reminded the timid Tripolitanians that conditions in the country could be no worse than they already were. Idris pointed out that it would be of little use to expect the British to support Libyan independence after the war if Libyans had not cooperated actively with them during the war.
After the Italians were expelled by allied forces in 1943, Libya was governed by British forces until independence in 1951. With Omar Mukhtar dead, and so many ethnic Berbers dead, it probably opened the door for Idris I, Emir of Cyrenaica, and Chief of the Senussi Muslim order (founded in Mecca in 1837 by the Algerian Sayyid Muhammad ibn Ali Senussi - Idris was his grandson) to assume a leadership role. In 1944, Idris returned from exile in Cairo, and on November 21, 1949 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution stating that Libya should become independent before January 1, 1952.
The United Nations and Libya
Disposition of Italian colonial holdings was a question that had to be considered before the peace treaty officially ending the war with Italy could be completed. Technically, Libya remained an Italian possession administered by Britain and France, but at the Potsdam Conference in 1945 the Allies--Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States--agreed that the Italian colonies seized during the war should not be returned to Italy. Further consideration of the question was delegated to the Allied Council of Foreign Ministers, which included a French representative; although all council members initially favored some form of trusteeship, no formula could be devised for disposing of Libya. The United States suggested a trusteeship for the whole country under control of the United Nations (UN), whose charter had become effective in October 1945, to prepare it for self-government. The Soviet Union proposed separate provincial trusteeships, claiming Tripolitania for itself and assigning Fezzan to France and Cyrenaica to Britain. France, seeing no end to the discussions, advocated the return of the territory to Italy. To break the impasse, Britain finally recommended immediate independence for Libya.
INDEPENDENT LIBYA
Under the constitution of October 1951, the federal monarchy of Libya was headed by King Idris as chief of state, with succession to his designated heirs.
The Senussi or Sanussi
The Senussi/Sanussi refers to a Muslim political-religious Sufi order and tribe in Libya and the Sudan region founded in Mecca in 1837 by the Grand Senussi, Sayyid Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi. The Senussi claim a direct lineage to the Prophet Muhammed. Senussi was concerned with both the decline of Islamic thought and spirituality and the weakening of Muslim political integrity. From 1902 to 1913 the Senussi fought French expansion in the Sahara, and the Italian colonisation of Libya beginning in 1911. In World War I, the Senussi fought against the British in Egypt and Sudan. During World War II the Senussi tribe provided vital support to the British 8th Army in North Africa against the German and Italian forces. The Grand Senussi's grandson became King Idris of Libya in 1951. An unknown part of the population in Libya continue to be affiliated with the Senussi movement.
The September 1969 Coup
On September 1, 1969, in a daring coup d'état, a group of about seventy young army officers and enlisted men, mostly assigned to the Signal Corps, and led by then 27-year-old army officer Muammar al-Gaddafiseized control of the government and in a stroke abolished the Libyan monarchy. The coup was launched at Benghazi, and within two hours the takeover was completed. Army units quickly rallied in support of the coup, and within a few days firmly established military control in Tripoli and elsewhere throughout the country. Popular reception of the coup, especially by younger people in the urban areas, was enthusiastic. Fears of resistance in Cyrenaica and Fezzan proved unfounded. No deaths or violent incidents related to the coup were reported. The officers abolished the monarchy, and proclaimed the new Libyan "Arab" Republic, with Gaddafi as it's leader. Muammar al Qadhafi thus became president for life.
FRANCE IN ALGERIA - 1830-1962
In the period between Napoleon's downfall in 1815 and the revolution of 1830, the restored French monarchy was in crisis, and the dey was weak politically, economically, and militarily. The French monarch sought to reverse his domestic unpopularity. As a result of what the French considered an insult to the French consul in Algiers by the dey in 1827, France blockaded Algiers for three years. France used the failure of the blockade as a reason for a military expedition against Algiers in 1830.
Using Napoleon's 1808 contingency plan for the invasion of Algeria, 34,000 French soldiers landed twenty-seven kilometers west of Algiers, at Sidi Ferruch, on June 12, 1830. To face the French, the dey sent 7,000 janissaries, 19,000 troops from the beys of Constantine and Oran, and about 17,000 Kabyles. The French established a strong beachhead and pushed toward Algiers, thanks in part to superior artillery and better organization. Algiers was captured after a three-week campaign, and Hussein Dey fled into exile. French troops raped, looted (taking 50 million francs from the treasury in the Casbah), desecrated mosques, and destroyed cemeteries. It was an inauspicious beginning to France's self-described "civilizing mission," whose character on the whole was cynical, arrogant, and cruel. In 1834 France annexed the occupied areas, which had an estimated Muslim population of about 3 million, as a colony.
Even before the decision was made to annex Algeria, major changes had taken place. In a bargain-hunting frenzy to take over or buy at low prices all manner of property: homes, shops, farms and factories: Europeans poured into Algiers after it fell. French authorities took possession of the beylik lands, from which Ottoman officials had derived income. Over time, as pressures increased to obtain more land for settlement by Europeans, the state seized more categories of land, particularly that used by tribes, religious foundations, and villages.
Soon after the conquest of Algiers, the soldier-politician Bertrand Clauzel and others formed a company to acquire agricultural land and, despite official discouragement, to subsidize its settlement by European farmers, triggering a land rush. Clauzel recognized the farming potential of the Mitidja Plain and envisioned the production there of cotton on a large scale. As governor general (1835-36), he used his office to make private investments in land and encouraged army officers and bureaucrats in his administration to do the same. They created large agricultural tracts, built factories and businesses, and exploited cheap local labor.
Called colons (colonists) or, more popularly, pieds noirs (literally, black feet), the European settlers were largely of peasant farmer or working-class origin from the poor southern areas of Italy, Spain, and France. Others were criminal and political deportees from France, transported under sentence in large numbers to Algeria. In the 1840s and 1850s, to encourage settlement in rural areas official policy was to offer grants of land for a fee and a promise that improvements would be made. A distinction soon developed between the grands colons (great colonists) at one end of the scale, often self-made men who had accumulated large estates or built successful businesses, and the petits blancs (little whites), smallholders and workers at the other end, whose lot was often not much better than that of their Muslim counterparts. According to historian John Ruedy, although by 1848 only 15,000 of the 109,000 European settlers were in rural areas, "by systematically expropriating both pastoralists and farmers, rural colonization was the most important single factor in the destructuring of traditional society."
Whatever initial misgivings Louis Philippe's government may have had about occupying Algeria, the geopolitical realities of the situation created by the 1830 intervention argued strongly for reinforcing the French presence there. France had reason for concern that Britain, which was pledged to maintain the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire, would move to fill the vacuum left by a French pullout. The French devised elaborate plans for settling the hinterland left by Ottoman provincial authorities in 1830, but their efforts at state building were unsuccessful on account of lengthy armed resistance.
The most successful local opposition immediately after the fall of Algiers was led by Turk Ahmad ibn Muhammad, bey of Constantine. He initiated a radical overhaul of the Ottoman administration in his beylik by replacing Turkish officials with local leaders, making Arabic the official language, and attempting to reform finances according to the precepts of Islam. After the French failed in several attempts to gain some of the bey's territories through negotiation, an illfated invasion force led by Bertrand Clauzel had to retreat from Constantine in 1836 in humiliation and defeat. Nonetheless, the French captured Constantine the following year.
The French faced other opposition as well in the area. The superior of a religious brotherhood, the Turk Muhyi ad Din, who had spent time in Ottoman jails for opposing the dey's rule, launched attacks against the French and their makhzen (a Moroccan term for the governing elite in Morocco) allies at Oran (northwestern coast of Algeria) in 1832. In the same year, tribal elders chose Muhyi ad Din's son, twenty-five-year-old Abd al Qadir, to take his place leading the jihad. Abd al Qadir, who was recognized as amir al muminin (commander of the faithful), quickly gained the support of tribes throughout Algeria. A devout and austere marabout, he was also a cunning political leader and a resourceful warrior. From his capital in Tlemcen, Abd al Qadir set about building a territorial Muslim state based on the communities of the interior but drawing its strength from the tribes and religious brotherhoods. By 1839 he controlled more than two-thirds of Algeria. His government maintained an army and a bureaucracy, collected taxes, supported education, undertook public works, and established agricultural and manufacturing cooperatives to stimulate economic activity.
The French in Algiers viewed with concern the success of a Muslim government and the rapid growth of a viable territorial state that barred the extension of European settlement. Abd al Qadir fought running battles across Algeria with French forces, which included units of the Foreign Legion, organized in 1831 for Algerian service. Although his forces were defeated by the French under General Thomas Bugeaud in 1836, Abd al Qadir negotiated a favorable peace treaty the next year. The treaty gained conditional recognition for Abd al Qadir's regime by defining the territory under its control and salvaged his prestige among the tribes just as the shaykhs (an elder of a tribe, a revered wise man, or an Islamic scholar). were about to desert him. To provoke new hostilities, the French deliberately broke the treaty in 1839 by occupying Constantine. Abd al Qadir took up the holy war again, destroyed the French settlements on the Mitidja Plain, and at one point advanced to the outskirts of Algiers itself. He struck where the French were weakest and retreated when they advanced against him in greater strength. The government moved from camp to camp with the amir and his army. Gradually, however, superior French resources and manpower and the defection of tribal chieftains took their toll. Reinforcements poured into Algeria after 1840 until Bugeaud had at his disposal 108,000 men, one-third of the French army. Bugeaud's strategy was to destroy Abd al Qadir's bases, then to starve the population by destroying its means of subsistence: crops, orchards, and herds. On several occasions, French troops burned or asphyxiated noncombatants hiding from the terror in caves. One by one, the amir's strongholds fell to the French, and many of his ablest commanders were killed or captured so that by 1843 the Muslim state had collapsed. Abd al Qadir took refuge with his ally, the sultan of Morocco, Abd ar Rahman II, and launched raids into Algeria. However, Abd al Qadir was obliged to surrender to the commander of Oran Province, General Louis de Lamoricière, at the end of 1847.
Abd al Qadir was promised safe conduct to Egypt or Palestine if his followers laid down their arms and kept the peace. He accepted these conditions, but the minister of war, who years earlier as general in Algeria had been badly defeated by Abd al Qadir, had him consigned to prison in France. In 1852 Louis Napoleon, the president of the Second Republic who would soon establish the Second Empire as Napoleon III, freed Abd al Qadir and gave him a pension of 150,000 francs. In 1855 Abd al Qadir moved from the Byrsa, the citadel area of Carthage, to Damascus. There in 1860 Abd al Qadir intervened to save the lives of an estimated 12,000 Christians, including the French consul and staff, during a massacre instigated by local Ottoman officials. The French government, in appreciation, conferred on him the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honor, and additional honors followed from a number of other European governments. Declining all invitations to return to public life, he devoted himself to scholarly pursuits and charity until his death in Damascus in 1883.
Abd al Qadir is recognized and venerated as the first hero of Algerian independence. Not without cause, his green and white standard was adopted by the Algerian liberation movement during the War of Independence and became the national flag of independent Algeria. The Algerian government brought his remains back to Algeria to be interred with much ceremony on July 5, 1966, the fourth anniversary of independence and the 136th anniversary of the French conquest. A mosque bearing his name has been constructed as a national shrine in Constantine.
A royal ordinance in 1845 called for three types of administration in Algeria. In areas where Europeans were a substantial part of the population, colons elected mayors and councils for self-governing "full exercise" communes (communes de plein exercice). In the "mixed" communes, where Muslims were a large majority, government was in the hands of appointed and some elected officials, including representatives of the grands chefs (great chieftains) and a French administrator. The indigenous communes (communes indigènes), remote areas not adequately pacified, remained under the régime du sabre.
By 1848 nearly all of northern Algeria was under French control. Important tools of the colonial administration, were the bureaux arabes (Arab offices), staffed by Arabs whose function was to collect information on the indigenous people and to carry out administrative functions, nominally in cooperation with the army. The bureaux arabes on occasion acted with sympathy to the local population and formed a buffer between Muslims and rapacious colons.
Under the régime du sabre, the colons had been permitted limited self-government in areas where European settlement was most intense. The colons charged that the bureaux arabes hindered the progress of colonization. They agitated against military rule, complaining that their legal rights were denied under the arbitrary controls imposed on the colony and insisting on a civil administration for Algeria fully integrated with metropolitan France.
Shortly after Louis Philippe's constitutional monarchy was overthrown in the revolution of 1848, the new government of the Second Republic ended Algeria's status as a colony and declared the occupied lands an integral part of France. European migration, encouraged during the Second Republic, stimulated the civilian administration to open new land for settlement against the advice of the army.
Napoleon III visited Algeria twice in the early 1860s. He was profoundly impressed with the nobility and virtue of the tribal chieftains, who appealed to the emperor's romantic nature, and was shocked by the self-serving attitude of the colon leaders. He determined to halt the expansion of European settlement beyond the coastal zone and to restrict contact between Muslims and the colons, whom he considered to have a corrupting influence on the indigenous population. He envisioned a grand design for preserving most of Algeria for the Muslims by founding a royaume arabe (Arab kingdom) with himself as the roi des Arabes (king of the Arabs). He instituted the so-called politics of the grands chefs to deal with the Muslims directly through their traditional leaders.
To further his plans for the royaume arabe, Napoleon III issued two decrees affecting tribal structure, land tenure, and the legal status of Muslims in French Algeria. The first, promulgated in 1863, was intended to renounce the state's claims to tribal lands and eventually provide private plots to individuals in the tribes, thus dismantling "feudal" structures and protecting the lands from the colons. Tribal areas were to be identified, delimited into douars (administrative units), and given over to councils. Arable land was to be divided among members of the douar over a period of one to three generations, after which it could be bought and sold by the individual owners. Unfortunately for the tribes, however, the plans of Napoleon III quickly unraveled. French officials sympathetic to the colons took much of the tribal land they surveyed into the public domain. In addition, some tribal leaders immediately sold communal lands for quick gains. The process of converting arable land to individual ownership was accelerated to only a few years when laws were enacted in the 1870s stipulating that no sale of land by an individual Muslim could be invalidated by the claim that it was collectively owned. The cudah and other tribal officials, appointed by the French on the basis of their loyalty to France rather than the allegiance owed them by the tribe, lost their credibility as they were drawn into the European orbit, becoming known derisively as beni-oui-ouis (yes-men).
When the Prussians captured Napoleon III at the Battle of Sedan (1870), ending the Second Empire, the colons in Algiers toppled the military government and installed a civilian administration. Meanwhile, in France the government directed one of its ministers, Adolphe Crémieux, "to destroy the military regime . . . [and] to completely assimilate Algeria into France." In October 1870, Crémieux, whose concern with Algerian affairs dated from the time of the Second Republic, issued a series of decrees providing for representation of the Algerian départements in the National Assembly of France and confirming colon control over local administration. A civilian governor general was made responsible to the Ministry of Interior. The Crémieux Decrees also granted blanket French citizenship to Algerian Jews, who then numbered about 40,000. This act set them apart from Muslims, in whose eyes they were identified thereafter with the colons. The measure had to be enforced, however, over the objections of the colons, who made little distinction between Muslims and Jews. (Automatic citizenship was subsequently extended in 1889 to children of non- French Europeans born in Algeria unless they specifically rejected it.)
The loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany in 1871 led to pressure on the French government to make new land available in Algeria for about 5,000 Alsatian and Lorrainer refugees who were resettled there. During the 1870s, both the amount of European- owned land and the number of settlers were doubled, and tens of thousands of unskilled Muslims, who had been uprooted from their land, wandered into the cities or to colon farming areas in search of work.
The most serious native insurrection since the time of Abd al Qadir broke out in 1871 in the Kabylie and spread through much of Algeria. The revolt was triggered by Crémieux's extension of civil (that is, colon) authority to previously self-governing tribal reserves and the abrogation of commitments made by the military government, but it clearly had its basis in more long- standing grievances. Since the Crimean War (1854-56), the demand for grain had pushed up the price of Algerian wheat to European levels. Silos were emptied when the world market's impact was felt in Algeria, and Muslim farmers sold their grain reserves-- including seed grain--to speculators. But the community-owned silos were the fundamental adaptation of a subsistence economy to an unpredictable climate, and a good year's surplus was stored away against a bad year's dearth. When serious drought struck Algeria and grain crops failed in 1866 and for several years following, Muslim areas faced starvation, and with famine came pestilence. It was estimated that 20 percent of the Muslim population of Constantine died over a three-year period. In 1871 the civil authorities repudiated guarantees made to tribal chieftains by the previous military government for loans to replenish their seed supply. This act alienated even pro-French Muslim leaders, while it undercut their ability to control their people. It was against this background of misery and hopelessness that the stricken Kabyles rose in revolt.
In the aftermath of the 1871 uprising, French authorities imposed stern measures to punish and control the whole Muslim population. France confiscated more than 500,000 hectares of tribal land and placed the Kabylie under a régime d'exception (extraordinary rule), which denied the due process guaranteed French nationals. A special indigénat (native code) listed as offenses acts such as insolence and unauthorized assembly not punishable by French law, and the normal jurisdiction of the cudah was sharply restricted. The governor general was empowered to jail suspects for up to five years without trial. The argument was made in defense of these exceptional measures that the French penal code as applied to Frenchmen was too permissive to control Muslims.
Hegemony of the Colons
A commission of inquiry set up by the French Senate in 1892 and headed by former Premier Jules Ferry, an advocate of colonial expansion, recommended that the government abandon a policy that assumed French law, without major modifications, could fit the needs of an area inhabited by close to 2 million Europeans and 4 million Muslims. Muslims had no representation in Algeria's National Assembly and were grossly underrepresented on local councils. Because of the many restrictions imposed by the authorities, by 1915 only 50,000 Muslims were eligible to vote in elections in the civil communes. Attempts to implement even the most modest reforms were blocked or delayed by the local administration in Algeria, dominated by colons, and by colon representatives in the National Assembly, to which each of the three départements sent six deputies and three senators.
Once elected to the National Assembly, colons became permanent fixtures. Because of their seniority, they exercised disproportionate influence, and their support was important to any government's survival. The leader of the colon delegation, Auguste Warnier, succeeded during the 1870s and 1880s in modifying or introducing legislation to facilitate the private transfer of land to settlers and continue the Algerian state's appropriation of land from the local population and distribution to settlers. Consistent proponents of reform, like Georges Clemenceau and socialist Jean Jaurès, were rare in the National Assembly.
The bulk of Algeria's wealth in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and trade was controlled by the grands colons. The modern European-owned and -managed sector of the economy centered around small industry and a highly developed export trade, designed to provide food and raw materials to France in return for capital and consumer goods. Europeans held about 30 percent of the total arable land, including the bulk of the most fertile land and most of the areas under irrigation. By 1900 Europeans produced more than two-thirds of the value of output in agriculture and practically all agricultural exports. The modern, or European, sector was run on a commercial basis and meshed with the French market system that it supplied with wine, citrus, olives, and vegetables. Nearly half of the value of European-owned real property was in vineyards by 1914. By contrast, subsistence cereal production--supplemented by olive, fig, and date growing and stock raising--formed the basis of the traditional sector, but the land available for cropping was submarginal even for cereals under prevailing traditional cultivation practices.
The colonial regime imposed more and higher taxes on Muslims than on Europeans. The Muslims, in addition to paying traditional taxes dating from before the French conquest, also paid new taxes, from which the colons were often exempted. In 1909, for instance, Muslims, who made up almost 90 percent of the population but produced 20 percent of Algeria's income, paid 70 percent of direct taxes and 45 percent of the total taxes collected. And colons controlled how these revenues would be spent. As a result, colon towns had handsome municipal buildings, paved streets lined with trees, fountains and statues, while Algerian villages and rural areas benefited little if at all from tax revenues.
The colonial regime proved severely detrimental to overall education for Algerian Muslims, who had previously relied on religious schools to learn reading, writing, and engage in religious studies. Not only did the state appropriate the habus lands (the religious foundations that constituted the main source of income for religious institutions, including schools) in 1843, but colon officials refused to allocate enough money to maintain schools and mosques properly and to provide for an adequate number of teachers and religious leaders for the growing population. In 1892 more than five times as much was spent for the education of Europeans as for Muslims, who had five times as many children of school age. Because few Muslim teachers were trained, Muslim schools were largely staffed by French teachers. Even a state-operated madrasah (school) often had French faculty members. Attempts to institute bilingual, bicultural schools, intended to bring Muslim and European children together in the classroom, were a conspicuous failure, rejected by both communities and phased out after 1870. According to one estimate, fewer than 5 percent of Algerian children attended any kind of school in 1870.
Efforts were begun by 1890 to educate a small number of Muslims along with European students in the French school system as part of France's "civilizing mission" in Algeria. The curriculum was entirely French and allowed no place for Arabic studies, which were deliberately downgraded even in Muslim schools. Within a generation, a class of well-educated, gallicized Muslims--the évolués (literally, the evolved ones)--had been created. Almost all of the handful of Muslims who accepted French citizenship were évolués; more significantly, it was in this privileged group of Muslims, strongly influenced by French culture and political attitudes, that a new Algerian self-consciousness developed.
Reporting to the French Senate in 1894, Governor General Jules Cambon wrote that Algeria had "only a dust of people left her." He referred to the destruction of the traditional ruling class that had left Muslims without leaders and had deprived France of interlocuteurs valables (literally, valid gobetweens ), through whom to reach the masses of the people. He lamented that no genuine communication was possible between the two communities.
The colons who ran Algeria maintained a condescending dialogue only with the beni-oui-ouis. Later they deliberately thwarted contact between the évolués and Muslim traditionalists on the one hand and between évolués and official circles in France on the other. They feared and mistrusted the francophone évolués, who were classified either as assimilationists, insisting on being accepted as Frenchmen but on their own terms, or as integrationists, eager to work as members of a distinct Muslim elite on equal terms with the French.
Algerian Nationalism
One of the earliest movements for political reform was an integrationist group, the Young Algerians (Jeunesse Algérienne). Its members were drawn from the small, liberal elite of well educated , middle-class évolués who demanded an opportunity to prove that they were French as well as Muslim. In 1908 they delivered to France's Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau a petition that expressed opposition under the status quo to a proposed policy to conscript Muslim Algerians into the French army. If, however, the state granted the Muslims full citizenship, the petition went on, opposition to conscription would be dropped. In 1911, in addition to demanding preferential treatment for "the intellectual elements of the country," the group called for an end to unequal taxation, broadening of the franchise, more schools, and protection of indigenous property. The Young Algerians added a significant voice to the reformist movement against French colonial policy that began in 1892 and continued until the outbreak of World War I. In part to reward Muslims who fought and died for France, Clemenceau appointed reform-minded Charles Jonnart as governor general. Reforms promulgated in 1919 and known as the Jonnart Law expanded the number of Muslims permitted to vote to about 425,000. The legislation also removed all voters from the jurisdiction of the humiliating indigénat.
The most popular Muslim leader in Algeria after the war was Khalid ibn Hashim, grandson of Abd al Qadir and a member of the Young Algerians, although he differed with some members of the group over acceptance of the Jonnart Law. Some Young Algerians were willing to work within the framework set out by the reforms, but Emir Khalid, as he was known, continued to press for the complete Young Algerian program. He was able to win electoral victories in Algiers and to enliven political discourse with his calls for reform and full assimilation, but by 1923 he tired of the struggle and left Algeria, eventually retiring to Damascus.
Some of the Young Algerians in 1926 formed the Federation of Elected Natives (Fédération des Elus Indigènes--FEI), as many of the former group's members had joined the circle of Muslims eligible to hold public office. The federation's objectives were the assimilation of the évolués into the French community, with full citizenship but without surrendering their personal status as Muslims, and the eventual integration of Algeria as a full province of France. Other objectives included equal pay for equal work for government employees, abolition of travel restrictions to and from France, abolition of the indigénat (which had been reinstituted earlier), and electoral reform.
The first group to call for Algerian independence was the Star of North Africa (Étoile Nord-Africain, known as Star). The group was originally a solidarity group formed in 1926 in Paris to coordinate political activity among North African workers in France and to defend "the material, moral, and social interests of North African Muslims." The leaders included members of the French Communist Party and its labor confederation, and in the early years of the struggle for independence the party provided material and moral support. Ahmed Messali Hadj, the Star's secretary general, enunciated the groups demands in 1927. In addition to independence from France, the Star called for freedom of press and association, a parliament chosen through universal suffrage, confiscation of large estates, and the institution of Arabic schools.
The Star was banned in 1929 and operated underground until 1934, when its newspaper reached a circulation of 43,500. Influenced by the Arab nationalist ideas of Lebanese Druze Shakib Arslan, Messali Hadj turned away from communist ideology to a more nationalist outlook, for which the French Communist Party attacked the Star. He returned to Algeria to organize urban workers and peasant farmers and in 1937 founded the Party of the Algerian People (Parti du Peuple Algérien--PPA) to mobilize the Algerian working class at home and in France to improve its situation through political action. For Messali Hadj, who ruled the PPA with an iron hand, these aims were inseparable from the struggle for an independent Algeria in which socialist and Islamic values would be fused.
Algerian Muslims rallied to the French side at the start of World War II as they had done in World War I. Nazi Germany's quick defeat of France, however, and the establishment of the collaborationist Vichy regime, to which the colons were generally sympathetic, not only increased the difficulties of the Muslims but also posed an ominous threat to the Jews in Algeria. The Algerian administration vigorously enforced the anti-Semitic laws imposed by Vichy, which stripped Algerian Jews of their French citizenship. Potential opposition leaders in both the European and the Muslim communities were arrested.
After the fall of the Vichy regime in Algeria, General Henri Giraud, Free French commander in chief in North Africa, slowly rescinded repressive Vichy laws despite opposition by colon extremists. He also called on the Muslim population to supply troops for the Allied war effort. Ferhat Abbas (from a family of provincial administrators and landowners) and twenty-four other Muslim leaders replied that Algerians were ready to fight with the Allies in freeing their homeland but demanded the right to call a conference of Muslim representatives to develop political, economic, and social institutions for the indigenous population "within an essentially French framework." Giraud, who succeeded in raising an army of 250,000 men to fight in the Italian campaign, refused to consider this proposal, explaining that "politics" must wait until the end of the war.
In March 1943, Abbas, who had abandoned assimilation as a viable alternative to self-determination, presented the French administration with the Manifesto of the Algerian People, signed by fifty-six Algerian nationalist and international leaders. Outlining the past evils of colonial rule and denouncing continued suppression, the manifesto demanded specifically an Algerian constitution that would guarantee immediate and effective political participation and legal equality for Muslims. It called for agrarian reform, recognition of Arabic as an official language on equal terms with French, recognition of a full range of civil liberties, and the liberation of political prisoners of all parties.
Instead, the French administration in 1944 instituted a reform package, based on the 1936 Viollette Plan, that granted full French citizenship to certain categories of "meritorious" Algerian Muslims--military officers and decorated veterans, university graduates, government officials, and members of the Legion of Honor--who numbered about 60,000.
Abbas called for a free, secular, and republican Algeria loosely federated with France. Upon his release from five-year house arrest, Messali Hadj returned to Algeria and formed the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties (Mouvement pour le Triomphe des Libertés Démocratiques--MTLD), which quickly drew supporters from a broad cross-section of society. Committed to unequivocal independence, the MTLD firmly opposed Abbas's proposal for federation. The PPA continued to operate, but clandestinely, always striving for an independent, Arab, and Islamic Algeria. The clandestine Special Organization (Organisation Spéciale--OS) was created within the MTLD by Hocine Ait Ahmed in 1947 to conduct terrorist operations when political protest through legal channels was suppressed by authorities. Ait Ahmed was later succeeded as chief of the OS by former french soldier Ahmed Ben Bella, one of the early Algerian nationalist leaders.
Ben Bella created a new underground action committee to replace the OS, which had been broken up by the French police in 1950. The new group, the Revolutionary Committee of Unity and Action (Comité Révolutionnaire d'Unité et d'Action--CRUA), was based in Cairo, where Ben Bella had fled in 1952. Known as the chefs historiques (historical chiefs), the group's nine original leaders--Ait Ahmed, Mohamed Boudiaf, Belkacem Krim, Rabah Bitat, Larbi Ben M'Hidi, Mourad Didouch, Moustafa Ben Boulaid, Mohamed Khider, and Ben Bella--were considered the leaders of the Algerian War of Independence.
Between March and October 1954, the CRUA organized a military network in Algeria comprising six military regions (referred to at the time as wilayat; sing., wilaya). The leaders of these regions and their followers became known as the "internals." Ben Bella, Khider, and Ait Ahmed formed the External Delegation in Cairo. Encouraged by Egypt's President Gamal Abdul Nasser (r. 1954-71), their role was to gain foreign support for the rebellion and to acquire arms, supplies, and funds for the wilaya commanders. In October the CRUA renamed itself the National Liberation Front (Front de Libération Nationale--FLN), which assumed responsibility for the political direction of the revolution. The National Liberation Army (Armée de Libération Nationale--ALN), the FLN's military arm, was to conduct the War of Independence within Algeria.
War of Independence
In the early morning hours of All Saints' Day, November 1, 1954, (Front de Libération Nationale--FLN), maquisards (guerrillas) launched attacks in various parts of Algeria against military installations, police posts, warehouses, communications facilities, and public utilities. From Cairo, the FLN broadcast a proclamation calling on Muslims in Algeria to join in a national struggle for the "restoration of the Algerian state, sovereign, democratic, and social, within the framework of the principles of Islam." The French minister of interior, socialist François Mitterrand, responded sharply that "the only possible negotiation is war." It was the reaction of Premier Pierre Mendès-France, who only a few months before had completed the liquidation of France's empire in Indochina, that set the tone of French policy for the next five years. On November 12, he declared in the National Assembly: "One does not compromise when it comes to defending the internal peace of the nation, the unity and integrity of the Republic. The Algerian departments are part of the French Republic. They have been French for a long time, and they are irrevocably French . . . . Between them and metropolitan France there can be no conceivable secession."
After a long and costly War:
The creation of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria was formally proclaimed at the opening session of the National Assembly on September 25, 1962. Abbas, a moderate unconnected with the Political Bureau, was elected president of the assembly by the delegates. On the following day, after being named premier, Ben Bella formed a cabinet that was representative of the Political Bureau but that also included Boumediene as defense minister as well as other members of the so-called Oujda Group, who had served under him with the external forces in Morocco. Ben Bella, Boumediene, and Khider initially formed a triumvirate linking the leadership of the three power bases--the army, the party, and the government, respectively. However, Ben Bella's ambitions and authoritarian tendencies were to lead the triumvirate to unravel and provoke increasing discontent among Algerians.
Why France has become a prime target for terrorists
Business Insider
Pamela Engel - Mar 19th 2016
Tensions surrounding France's Muslim community have long been simmering, as George Packer, a foreign correspondent for The New Yorker who covered the Iraq war, chronicled in an August article. The article, titled "The Other France," wondered whether Paris suburbs are an "incubator for terrorism." "France has all kinds of suburbs, but the word for them, banlieues, has become pejorative, meaning slums dominated by immigrants," Packer wrote.
"Inside the banlieues are the cités: colossal concrete housing projects built during the postwar decades, in the Brutalist style of Le Corbusier. Conceived as utopias for workers, they have become concentrations of poverty and social isolation. The cités and their occupants are the subject of anxious and angry discussion in France.
After the attack on the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo earlier last year, which was carried out by Al-Qaeda operatives, local activists in a Paris banlieue worried that it would divide France even more. "I fear for the Muslims of France," one woman wrote on an activist's Facebook page, according to Packer. "The narrow-minded or frightened are going to dig in their heels and make an amalgame" to conflate terrorists with all Muslims, the woman said.
Packer explained the context of the tensions between some French people and families who came over from Algeria:
When Algeria was settled by Europeans, in the early nineteenth century, it became part of greater France, and remained so until 1962, when independence was achieved, after an eight-year war in which seven hundred thousand people died. It's hard to overstate how heavily this intimate, sad history has been repressed. "The Battle of Algiers," the filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo's neo-realist masterpiece about insurgency, counterinsurgency, terrorism, and torture in Algiers, was banned in France for five years after its release, in 1966, and it remains taboo there. On October 17, 1961, during demonstrations by pro-independence Algerians in Paris and its suburbs, the French police killed some two hundred people, throwing many bodies off bridges into the Seine. It took forty years for France to acknowledge that this massacre had occurred, and the incident remains barely mentioned in schools. Young people in the banlieues told me that colonial history is cursorily taught, and literature from former colonies hardly read.
Andrew Hussey, a British scholar at the University of London School of Advanced Study in Paris, told Packer: "The kids in the banlieues live in this perpetual present of weed, girls, gangsters, Islam. They have no sense of history, no sense of where they come from in North Africa, other than localized bits of Arabic that they don't understand, bits of Islam that don't really make sense." This can be isolating for Muslims in Paris's suburbs.
Packer explained that citizens of immigrant descent "often identify whites with the term Français de souche — 'French from the roots.' The implication is that people with darker skin are not fully French."
Interesting - the different activities by Race.
In 1900, the estimated population of Tunisia was 1,960,000. Today the French, Italian, and other European immigrants have swelled that number to 10,000,000.
Mr. Bouteflika claims Berber heritage
Mr. Ben Ali claims Arab heritage
MAURITANIA
The contemporary social structure of Mauritania can be dated from 1674. The warrior groups or Arabs dominated the Berber groups, who turned to clericalism to regain a degree of ascendancy. At the bottom of the social structure were the slaves, subservient to both warriors and Islamic holy men. All of these groups, whose language was Hassaniya Arabic, became known as Maures. The bitter rivalries and resentments characteristic of their social structure were later fully exploited by the French.
Despite the Almoravid domination of Spain in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, there seems to be little evidence of contact during that time between Mauritania and Europe. The inhospitable coastline of Mauritania continued to deter voyagers until the Portuguese began their African explorations in the fifteenth century. Lured by legends of vast wealth in interior kingdoms, the Portuguese established a trading fort at Arguin, southeast of Cap Blanc (present-day Ras Nouadhibou), in 1455. The king of Portugal also maintained a commercial agent at Ouadane in the Adrar in an attempt to divert gold traveling north by caravan. Having only slight success in their quest for gold, the Portuguese quickly adapted to dealing in slaves. In the midfifteenth century, as many as 1,000 slaves per year were exported from Arguin to Europe and to the Portuguese sugar plantations on the island of Sao Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea.
With the merger of the Portuguese and Spanish crowns in 1580, the Spaniards became the dominant influence along the coast. In 1638, however, they were replaced by the Dutch, who were the first to begin exploiting the gum arabic trade. Produced by the acacia trees of Trarza and Brakna and used in textile pattern printing, this gum arabic was considered superior to that previously obtained in Arabia. By 1678 the French had driven out the Dutch and established a permanent settlement at Saint Louis at the mouth of the Senegal River, where the French Company of the Senegal River (Compagnie Française du Sénégal) had been trading for more than fifty years.
The Maures, with whom the Europeans were trading, considered the constant rivalries between European powers a sign of weakness, and they quickly learned the benefits of playing one power against the other. For example, they agreed simultaneously to give monopolies to the French and the Dutch. The Maures also took advantage of the Europeans whenever possible, so that when the French negotiated with the amir of Trarza to secure a monopoly on the gum Arabic trade, the amir in exchange demanded a considerable number of gifts. Thus began the coutume, an annual payment expected by the Maures for doing business with a government or a company. By 1763 the British had expelled France from the West African coast, and France recovered control only when the Congress of Vienna in 1815 recognized French sovereignty over the coast of West Africa from Cap Blanc south to Senegal.
MOROCCO
The Alaouite Dynasty is the name of the current Moroccan royal family. The name Alaouite comes from its founder Moulay Ali Cherif who became Sultan of Tafilalt in 1631. His son Mulay r-Rshid (1664–1672) was able to unite and pacify the country. The Alaouite family claim descent from Muhammad through the line of Fātimah az-Zahrah, Muhammad's daughter, and her husband, the Fourth Caliph ‘Alī ibn Abī ālib. According to some legends the Alaouites entered Morocco at the end of the 13th century when Al Hassan Addakhil, who lived then in the town of Yanbu in the Hejaz, was brought to Morocco by the inhabitants of Tafilalet to be their imām. They were hoping that, as he was a descendant of Muhammad, his presence would help to improve their date palm crops.
In 1659, the last Saadī sultan was overthrown in the conquest of Marrakech by Mulay r-Rshid (1664–1672). After the victory over the zāwiya (Sanhadja Berbers) of Dila (middle Atlas), who controlled northern Morocco, he was able to unite and pacify the country. The organization of the kingdom developed under Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672–1727), who, against the opposition of local tribes began to create a unified state. Because the Alaouites, in contrast to previous dynasties, did not have the support of a single Berber or Bedouin tribe, Isma'īl controlled Morocco through an army from sub-Saharan Africa. With these soldiers he drove the English from Tangiers (1684) and the Spanish from Larache (1689.) However, the unity of Morocco did not survive his death — in the ensuing power struggles the tribes became a political and military force once again. Only with Muhammad III (1757–1790) could the kingdom be pacified again and the administration reorganized. A renewed attempt at centralization was abandoned and the tribes allowed to preserve their autonomy.
Albinos view history as merely an opportunity to propagandize themselves as important, involved participants, and shapers of history. Thus they made themselves ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Hebrews, American Indians, and now they are Arabs. And in situations were they cannot FAKE participation, they will cavalierly make stuff up - including images. These images are found in European museums and books.
Note this menagerie of fancifully drawn images of Moroccan rulers. Note that a common background and clothing is used throughout. Clearly there is no attempt to accurately depict anyone, caricature is used:
except when they decide to introduce an Albino to the mix!
The Alaouite sultan is said to be the father of over a thousand children, a total 867 children including 525 sons and 342 daughters was noted by 1703 and gained a 700th son in 1721. Meknes, the capital city he built, is sometimes called the "Versailles of Morocco", because of its extravagance. Some of the stones were plundered from the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis. He has also been given the epithet "The bloodthirsty" for his legendary cruelty. In order to intimidate rivals, Ismail ordered that his city walls be adorned with 10,000 heads of slain enemies. Legends of the ease in which Ismail could behead or torture laborers or servants he thought to be lazy are numerous. Within the 20 years of Ismail's rule, it is estimated 30,000 people died.
During Moulay Ismaïl's reign, Morocco's capital city was moved from Fez to Meknes. Like his contemporary King Louis XIV of France, Moulay Ismail began construction of an elaborate imperial palace and other monuments. In 1682 he sent Mohammed Tenim as an ambassador to Louis XIV, and he even made an offer of marriage to Louis XIV's beautiful legitimised daughter Marie Anne de Bourbon. Marie Anne refused.
Moulay Ismaïl is noted as one of the greatest figures in Moroccan history. He fought the Ottoman Turks in 1679, 1682 and 1695/96. After these battles the Moroccan independence was respected. Another problem was the European occupation of several seaports: in 1681 he retook al-Mamurah (La Mamora) from the Spanish, in 1684 Tangier from the English, and in 1689 Larache also from the Spanish. Moulay Ismaïl had excellent relations with Louis XIV of France, the enemy of Spain, to whom he sent ambassador Mohammad Temim in 1682. There was cooperation in several fields. French officers trained the Moroccan army and advised the Moroccans in the building of public works.
Moulay Ismaïl is also known as a fearsome ruler and used at least 25,000 slaves for the construction of his capital. His Christian slaves were often used as bargaining counters with the European powers, selling them back their captured subjects for inflated sums or for rich gifts. Most of his slaves were obtained by Barbary pirates in raids on Western Europe. Over 150,000 men from sub-Saharan Africa served in his elite Black Guard. By the time of Ismail's death, the guard had grown tenfold, the largest in Moroccan history.
Quote: Over 150,000 men from sub-Saharan Africa served in his elite Black Guard. By the time of Ismail's death, the guard had grown tenfold (1.5 million), the largest in Moroccan history.
We have no idea why Albino compilers of Moroccan history have decided to inject such a stupid lie! As we have seen over and over again, Albinos often use the telling of history as a way to inject a particular racist lie to promote their presence or participation. In this case, (crazy as it sounds) they may be using this ridiculous scenario, and its numbers, to suggest that this is the source of Morocco’s Black population. Remembering that in the delusional Albino and Mulatto mind, it is perfectly reasonable to suggest that they are "Native" to North Africa - note the following:
Mediterranean race
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mediterranean race (also Mediterranid race) is one of the sub-races into which the Caucasian race was categorized by most anthropologists in the late nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. According to various definitions, it was said to be prevalent in Southern Europe and Southeast Europe, in Western Asia, Central Asia, certain parts of South Asia, in North Africa and the Horn of Africa, and in certain parts of the British Isles and Germany. It is characterized by medium to tall stature, long (dolichocephalic) or moderate (mesocephalic) skull, a narrow and often slightly aquiline nose, prevalence of dark hair and eyes, and pink to reddish to light or dark brown skin tone; olive complexion being especially common.
This is what a Mediterranean race man is supposed to look like - Surprise, Surprise, he looks just like a regular European - Silly delusional people. This is of course the whole point of pages like this North African History: to refute Albino nonsense history by explaining where the Albinos came from, and when.
To put the stupidity of the lie in context, consider this: The estimated population of Morocco in the 17th. 18th. centuries would have been 4-5 million at most. Making the so-called Black guard about 1/3 - (33%) of the Moroccan population. No mention is made of the REGULAR Moroccan army, so we can only guess at its size. No nation was EVER been rich enough to afford such an army, as a percentage of its population - EVER. The reason is simple - the ruler would have to allow a total destruct of his own people, so as to allow his mercenaries to take all of their land and property as pay. Not to mention that such an army would simply overthrow the ruler, and take the country.
Providing context:
By share of population, the largest empire was the Achaemenid Empire, better known as the Persian Empire, which accounted for approximately 49.4 million of the world's 112.4 million people in around 480 BC – an astonishing 44%.
In spite of Herodotus's wild claims, most experts place the size of the Persian army at under a million men - including perhaps 10% or less in mercenaries. Today - the largest Army in the world is the Chinese army = 2,333,000 men. China's Population = 1.5 BILLION
Like we say: What an absolutely STUPID lie to tell!
After Moulay Ismaïl's death at the age of eighty (or around ninety by the 1634 birthdate) in 1727, there was another succession battle between his surviving sons. His successors continued with his building program, but in 1755 the huge palace compound at Meknes was severely damaged by an earthquake. By 1757 his grandson, Mohammad III moved the capital to Marrakech.
Successful Portuguese efforts to invade and control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century did not profoundly affect the Mediterranean heart of Morocco. After the Napoleonic Wars, Egypt and the North African maghreb became increasingly ungovernable from Istanbul, the resort of pirates under local beys, and as Europe industrialized, an increasingly prized potential for colonization. The Maghreb had far greater proven wealth than the unknown rest of Africa and a location of strategic importance affecting the exit from the Mediterranean. For the first time, Morocco became a state of some interest in itself to the European Powers. France showed a strong interest in Morocco as early as 1830.
Abd al-Rahman ibn Hisham was born in 1778. Following the death of his uncle Suleiman of Morocco, Abd al-Rahman was proclaimed sultan of Morocco in Fez on 30 November 1822. His reign began during a tumultuous time, when many noble families and rural tribal confederations in Morocco were trying to extract greater power away from the center, and spent much of the early part of his reign crushing revolts.
The most serious foreign threat to Morocco, however, was France, which had launched its invasion of neighboring Algeria in 1830. Abd al-Rahman rushed Moroccan troops up to defend Tlemcen, but they were thrown back and Tlemcen was captured by the French in 1832. Abd al-Rahman supported the continued guerilla resistance in Algeria led by Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri, albeit only tentatively, not wishing to incur French retaliation. But the border tribes of Morocco continued supporting Abd al-Qadir more actively, prompting the French launch their own strikes over the border and establishing forward outposts in Moroccan territory, which only inflamed the reaction in Morocco and increased the irregular border war.
The French demanded that Morocco cease its support of Abd al-Qadir and cede its eastern frontierlands to French control and in 1844, launched the Franco-Moroccan War. The war did not go well for the sultan. The French navy bombarded Mogador (Essaouira) and Tangier, while the Moroccan army, under Abd al-Rahman's son Moulay Muhammad, was decisively defeated by the French at the Battle of Isly in August 1844. Abd al-Rahman was forced to consent to the humiliating Treaty of Tangier in October 1844, withdrawing support for al-Qadir, reducing the frontier garrisons, and submitting the Moroccan/Algerian border to modification. The Treaty of Lalla Maghnia was signed in March 1845, whereby the Moroccan border was demarcated further west, closer to the Moulouya River.
Hassan I of Morocco (1836 - 1894) was Sultan of Morocco from 1873 to 1894. He was a member of the Alaouite dynasty. Mulay Hassan was among the most successful sultans. He increased the power of the makhzen in Morocco and at a time when so much of the rest of Africa was falling under foreign control, he brought in military and administrative reforms to strengthen the regime within its own territory, and he carried out an active military and diplomatic program on the periphery.
Moulay Hassan I of Morocco in Meknes in 1887
INTERESTING HOW WHITE MEDIA "TURNED" HIM WHITE WHEN HE DIED!
The Raisuli
Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni (known as Raisuli to most English speakers, also Raissoulli, Rais Uli and Raysuni) (1871-April 1925) was the Sharif (descendant of Mohammed) of the Jebala tribe in Morocco at the turn of the 20th Century, and considered by many to be the rightful heir to the throne of Morocco. While regarded by foreigners and the Moroccan government as a brigand, some Moroccans considered him a heroic figure, fighting a repressive, corrupt government, while others considered him a thief. Historian David S. Woolman referred to Raisuni as "a combination Robin Hood, feudal baron and tyrannical bandit." He was considered by many as "The last of the Barbary Pirates".
Mulai Ahmed er Raisuni was born in the village of Zinat sometime in 1871. Due to his place of origin and his reportedly handsome visage, one of his other nicknames was "the Eagle of Zinat." He was the son of a prominent Caid, and began following in his father's footsteps.
By most accounts, the formative event in Raisuni's life was his arrest and imprisonment by Abd-el-Rahman Abd el-Saduk, the Pasha of Tangier, who was Raisuli's cousin and foster brother. The Pasha had invited Raisuni to dinner in his home in Tangier, only for his men to capture and brutalize Raisuni when he arrived. He was sent to the dungeon of Mogador and chained to a wall for four years; fortunately, his friends were allowed to bring him food, and he managed to survive. Raisuni was released from prison as part of a general clemency early in the reign of Sultan Abdelaziz - ironically, soon to become Raisuni's greatest enemy.
Abdelaziz of Morocco (1878–1943; also known as Mulai Abd al-Aziz IV, served as the Sultan of Morocco from 1894 at the age of sixteen until he was deposed in 1908. He succeeded his father Hassan I of Morocco. He was a member of the Alaouite dynasty.
Rule
Urged by his Circassian mother, the sultan sought advice and counsel from Europe and endeavored to act on it, but advice not motivated by a conflict of interest was difficult to obtain, and in spite of the unquestionable desire of the young ruler to do the best for the country, wild extravagance both in action and expenditure resulted, leaving the sultan with depleted exchequer and the confidence of his people impaired. His intimacy with foreigners and his imitation of their ways were sufficient to rouse fanaticism and create dissatisfaction. In 1908 Abdelaziz was defeated in battle.
Abdelhafid of Morocco (or Mulai Abd al-Hafiz) served as the Sultan of Morocco from 1908 to 1912, as a member of the Alaouite Dynasty. His younger brother, Abdelaziz of Morocco, preceded him. Abdelaziz was considered by many in Morocco as a puppet of the French. He was backed by Madani al-Glaoui, older brother of T'hami one of the so called Lords of the Atlas. He was assisted in the training of his troops by Andrew Belton (Kaid), a British officer and veteran of the Second Boer War. For a brief period Abdelaziz reigned from Rabat while Abdelhafid reigned in Marrakech and Fez was disputed.
El Haj T'hami el Mezouari el Glaoui (1879 - 1956), better known in English-speaking countries as T'hami El Glaoui or Lord of the Atlas, was a Berber Pasha of Marrakech from 1912 to 1956. His family name was El Mezouari, from a title given an ancestor by Sultan Moulay Ismail in 1700, while El Glaoui refers to his chieftainship of the Glaoua (Arabic) or Aglawou (Chleuh) tribe of Southern Morocco, based at the Kasbah of Telouet in the High Atlas and at Marrakech. He became head of the Glaoua upon the death of his elder Brother Si el Madani, and as an ally of the French in Morocco conspired with them in the overthrow of the king, Sultan Mohammed V.
As we can clearly see from the picture above: Thami El Glaoui was superior in rank to the Sultan of Morocco. Throughout modern history, there seems to have been several Albino Moroccan Sultans. These may have been of Turkic, Portuguese, Spanish, or French extraction - all of whom ruled Morocco to one extant or the other over that period. But as we can see from the picture, the Black Berber Chief was still supreme.
Abdelhafid abdicated in favor of his brother Yusef after signing the Treaty of Fez on March 30, 1912, which made Morocco a French protectorate. He signed his abdication only when on the quay in Rabat, with the ship that would bring him to France already waiting. After an extended visit to France, where he received a great deal of attention from the press, he returned to Morocco and was exiled to the Dar el Makzhen (Sultanate Palace) in Tangier.
Sultan Yusef ben Hassan (1882–November 17, 1927) ruled the French Protectorate of Morocco from 1912 until his death in 1927. Born in the city of Meknes to Sultan Hassan I, he inherited the throne from his brother, Sultan Abdelhafid, who abdicated after the Treaty of Fez (1912), which made Morocco a French protectorate. He was a member of the Alaouite Dynasty. His mother was Lalla Ruqiya, fifth wife of his father - (a Turkish lady from Constantinople). Yusef's reign was turbulent and marked with frequent uprisings against Spain and France. The most serious of these was a Berber uprising in the Rif Mountains.
Recognition by the United Kingdom in 1904 of France's sphere of influence in Morocco provoked a reaction from the German Empire; the crisis of June 1905 was resolved at the Algeciras Conference, Spain in 1906, which formalized France's "special position" and entrusted policing of Morocco jointly to France and Spain. A second Moroccan crisis provoked by Berlin, increased tensions between European powers. The Treaty of Fez (signed on March 30, 1912) made Morocco a protectorate of France. By the same treaty, Spain assumed the role of protecting power over the northern and southern Saharan zones on November 27 that year.
Under the French protectorate, Moroccan natives were denied their basic human rights such as freedom of speech, the right of gathering and travel in their own country. French settlers built for themselves modern European-like cities called " Village or ville" next to poor old Arab cities called "Medinas". The French apartheid system forbade native Moroccans from living, working, and traveling into the French quarters. The French education system was teaching the few favored noble native Moroccan families about solely French history, art and culture. There was complete disregard for the natives own language and culture. Colonial authorities exerted tighter control on religious schools and universities namely "madrassas" and quaraouaine university. The rise of a young Moroccan intellectual class gave birth to nationalist movements whose main goals were to restore the governance of the country to its own people. Nationalist political parties, which subsequently arose under the French protectorate, based their arguments for Moroccan independence on such World War II declarations as the Atlantic Charter (a joint U.S.-British statement that set forth, among other things, the right of all people to choose the form of government under which they live). A manifesto of the Istiqlal Party (Independence party in English) in 1944 was one of the earliest public demands for independence. That party subsequently provided most of the leadership for the nationalist movement.
Though this originally began in the Spanish-controlled area in the north of the country, it reached to the French-controlled area until a coalition of France and Spain finally defeated the rebels in 1925. To ensure his own safety, Yusef moved the court from Fez to Rabat, which has served as the capital of the country ever since. Yusef's reign came to an abrupt end when he died suddenly of uremia in 1927. He was succeeded by his son Muhammad.
Mohammed V (10 August 1909 � 26 February 1961) was Sultan of Morocco from 1927–53. On 20 August 1953, the French who were occupying Morocco at the time forced Mohammed V and his family into exile on Corsica. A relative of his, Mohammed Ben Aarafa, was placed on the throne. Mohammed V and his family were then transferred to Madagascar in January 1954.
France's exile of Sultan Mohammed V in 1953 to Madagascar and his replacement by the unpopular Mohammed Ben Aarafa, whose reign was perceived as illegitimate, sparked active opposition to the French and Spanish protectorates. The most notable violence occurred in Oujda where Moroccans attacked French and other European residents in the streets. Operations by the newly created "Jaish al-tahrir" (Liberation Army), were launched on October 1, 1955. Jaish al-tahrir was created by "Comité de Libération du Maghreb Arabe" (Arab Maghreb Liberation Committee) in Cairo, Egypt to constitute a resistance movement against occupation. Its goal was the return of King Mohammed V and the liberation of Algeria and Tunisia as well. France allowed Mohammed V to return in 1955, and the negotiations that led to Moroccan independence began the following year. In February 1956 he successfully negotiated with France for the independence of Morocco, and in 1957 took the title of King.
King Hassan II ( July 9, 1929 – July 23, 1999) was King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was the second eldest son of Mohammed V. Hassan's rule, one characterized by a poor human rights record, strengthened the Alaouite dynasty. In Morocco's first constitution of 1963, Hassan II reaffirmed Morocco's choice of a multi-party political system, the only one in the Maghreb. The constitution gave the King large powers he eventually used to strengthen his rule, which provoked strong political protest from the UNFP and the Istiqlal parties that formed the backbone of the opposition. In 1965, Hassan dissolved Parliament and ruled directly, although he did not abolish the mechanisms of parliamentary democracy. When elections were eventually held, they were mostly rigged in favor of loyal parties. This caused severe discontent among the opposition, and protest demonstrations and riots challenged the King's rule. He survived two assassination attempts.
These assassination attempts perhaps prompted his marriage to his second wife, Lalla Latifa - a supposed Berber or Arab. Hassan died of natural causes in his birth town at the age of 70 on 23 July 1999.
Mohammed VI, is the present King of Morocco and self-appointed Amir al-Mu'minin (commander of the faithful). He ascended to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his father King Hassan II. He married Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco née Salma Bennani; born 10 May 1978). She is the first wife of a Moroccan ruler to have been publicly acknowledged and given a royal title.
Current Moroccan King and family
1957 - 10,688,000
2010 - 35,948,000
The surge in population from 1957 to 2010, was due to a huge influx of migrant whites from Europe, America, and the Middle East.
They however, seem to entertain no great fondness for the Monarchy.
RABAT, July 3, 2011 (AFP) - Faced with protests like those that ousted the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt and have shaken much of the Arab world, Morocco's King Mohammed VI made an unusual offer: concessions. And now that voters have massively backed a new constitution curbing his near absolute powers, analysts say the king will need to follow through on promises of democracy to his increasingly demanding people.
“The constitutional reform is an opening granted by the monarchy, a measured and controlled opening,” said Khadija Mohsen-Finan, a regional expert at the University of Paris.
“It may seem enviable in comparison with the rest of the unmoving Arab world, but it is well below the demands of the streets,” she said. Mohammed VI, who in 1999 took over the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty, has faced demonstrations since February after the pro-democracy movement sweeping the region reached his country, the westernmost in north Africa.
Using websites such as Facebook and YouTube, the youth-based February 20 Movement has organised weeks of demonstrations that brought thousands to the streets calling for greater democracy, better economic prospects and an end to corruption. But from the beginning, analysts said, Morocco's Arab Spring uprising was different. “Some reforms were already underway in Morocco and there was a much bigger openness (to dissent) than in other countries,” said Mohamed Tozy, a political science professor at Casablanca's Hassan II University, noting that protests were largely allowed to go ahead without interference. “And of course the (protest) movement never questioned the legitimacy of the regime” by calling for the overthrow of the monarchy, he said.
Instead, protesters demanded a constitutional monarchy akin to those in Britain or Spain, with the king becoming the figurehead of a democratically elected government. As the protests grew, the king announced a new constitution under which he would remain head of state, the military, and the Islamic faith in Morocco, but the prime minister, chosen from the largest party elected to parliament, would take over as the head of government. Other changes would grant more power to parliament, introduce an independent judiciary and provide new guarantees of civil liberties. After a referendum campaign fiercely backed by authorities and in the media, more than 98 percent of voters approved the new constitution on Friday. The February 20 Movement, which had urged a boycott of the vote, immediately denounced the result as a fraud.
Anti-government protesters in Morocco have taken to the streets two days after the country voted to in a referendum to limit the almost absolute power of King Mohammed VI. Pro-democracy campaigners say the thousands of people who took to the streets are proof that the constitutional changes were nothing more than political window-dressing.
The University of Calgary: Applied History Research Group - The End of Europe's Middle Ages
Origins of the Ottoman Empire
Pressured out of their homes in the Asian steppes by the Mongols, the Turkish tribes converted to Islam during the eighth and ninth centuries. By the tenth century, one of the Turkish tribes, the seljuk , had become a significant power in the Islamic world and had adopted a settled life that included Islamic orthodoxy, a central administration, and taxation. However, many other Turkish groups remained nomadic and, pursuing the gazi tradition, sought to conquer land for Islam and to acquire war booty for themselves. This led them into conflict with the Seljuk Turks, and to pacify the nomadic tribes, the Seljuks directed them to the eastern domain of the Byzantine Empire, Anatolia. The tribe known as the Ottomans arose from one of the smaller emirates established in northwestern Anatolia after 1071. The dynasty was named for Osman (1259-1326), who began to expand his kingdom into the Byzantine Empire in Asia Minor, moving his capital to Bursa in 1326.
Click here for the history of the Turkish usurpation of Islam, and the deposing of the Arabs. Click >>>
| Volubilis |
Which American comedy-drama detective television series broadcast between 2002 and 2009 starred Tony Shalhoub as the title character, a private detective | Morocco Travel Guide Information | TripExtras
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Morocco is just a step away from Europe, across the narrow straits of Gibraltar, but it is a world away in terms of culture and experience, brimming over with contrasts, colour and mystery. This is partly due to its geographical position, situated at the crossroads where East meets West, Africa shakes hands with Europe, and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic.
Sitting at the top northwest corner of Africa and sharing two oceans, the country's main appeal for visitors has always been its Mediterranean charm, the quality of its crafts, and its exotic nature. However, in more recent years travellers are discovering other hidden delights and adventures, particularly in the northern and central parts of Morocco, in the Rif and High Atlas Mountains, where it is even possible to enjoy a skiing holiday. Then, down south, some are drawn to explore the sands of the Western Sahara, on camelback, horseback or by 4X4.
Whether you visit Morocco for the sunshine or to trek through the mountains or the hot desert sands, it is a sure bet that you will also be enchanted by the timeless Medieval medinas of the cities, particularly in Fez and Marrakech, where the souks and squares plunge visitors into a fascinating foreign world. Snake charmers weave their magic; the stench of the tanners' yards pervades the air; and the call of the muezzins wafts from the ancient minarets. The abiding memory will be one of sweetened mint tea, brightly-coloured slippered feet and big smiles.
Although most of its suburban enclaves are modern, Morocco has more than its fair share of ancient monuments and magnificent buildings, reflecting a turbulent history shaped by its strategic location. Since the days of the Phoenicians, Morocco has attracted foreign interest from the Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and ancient Greeks until the coming of the Arabs in the 7th century, who brought Islam and the Alaouite Dynasty. European powers have had their day, too, trying to control this northernmost tip of Africa: France and Spain battled for control until nationalism triumphed and the Kingdom of Morocco gained independence in 1956 (except for the two small enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the north, which are still controlled by Spain). This rich past, coupled with a timeless present, makes Morocco a magical mystery tour of surprises and enchantments for millions of visitors every year.
All foreign passengers to Morocco must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. All visitors who wish to stay for a longer period than their visa exemption allows, must report to the nearest police station within 21 days of their arrival in Morocco. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Koutoubia Mosque
Address: Marrakech
Towering over the labyrinthine streets and markets of Marrakech is the city's principal landmark, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, known as the 'mosque of the booksellers' because of the bazaar of book traders that used to be nearby. The red stone mosque was first built in 1147, but demolished and rebuilt in 1199 because it was not correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque, basically a massive prayer hall, has 17 aisles and 112 columns, and room for thousands to pray within it. The ornately carved minbar (pulpit) is believed to have been a gift from the Almoravid Sultan Ali Ben Youssef. The landmark minaret is 221ft (69m) high and consists of six chambers one atop the other, ascended by a ramp through which the muezzin rises to the top balcony.
The mosque, as a sacred place of worship, is unfortunately closed to non-Muslims, but the gardens and the general area around it is a wonderful place for an evening stroll. The minaret is perhaps at its most beautiful lit up at night, but is best for photographs at sunset, when the red stone glows. Hearing the haunting call to prayer of this ancient mosque is a special experience.
Djemaa el-Fna
Address: Marrakech
What it lacks in beauty, the large town square of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna (Square of the Dead), makes up for with a pulsating liveliness that belies its name. Every day the square is a colourful circus of performing artists where snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers vie with each other to be noticed by the milling crowds; every evening food stalls take over and the competition is fierce among them for the passing trade, with everything from boiled snails and sheep's heads to thick vegetable soup, kebabs or fresh salads on offer. Freshly squeezed orange juice stalls stand side by side encircling the market and offer a refreshing drink both day and night. The square is a fascinating place to sit a while at one of the surrounding cafes, watching the swirling parade. The square is also the gateway to the souks (bazaars) of Marrakech, tucked away in the surrounding labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys. It is easy to lose your way, but well worth exploring the plethora of craftsmen offering their wares. Bargain for anything from water mugs and dates to exotic Moroccan carpets. The souks are also well shaded from the searing Moroccan sun and therefore provide a respite from the heat.
Travellers should be on the alert for petty crime as pick-pocketers are known to operate in the square.
Saadian Tombs
Address: Rue de la Kasbah near the city walls in the old city, beneath the minaret of the Kasbah mosque Marrakech
Admission: About MAD 10 is charged for entry. Wednesday to Monday, 8am to 11:45am and 2:30pm to 5:45pm
The beautiful necropolis was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a final resting place for himself and his successors. The tombs were discovered (rediscovered that is) in 1917 and carefully restored to their former splendour. There are 66 indoor tombs, lavishly decorated with colourful, intricate mosaics. The central mausoleum, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, is exceptionally ornate with a high vaulted roof, furnished with stunning carved cedar panels and columns of grey Italian marble. The tombs are spread through three rooms and there are gardens outside the building where the graves of soldiers and servants can be seen. The Saadian Tombs are a remarkable tourist attraction but they don't require much time and can be fully appreciated in under an hour. The tombs are a stop on many sightseeing tours. Photographs are permitted inside the building, which is fantastic because the minute details and mosaics are the highlight. Visitors should be respectful as they are visiting grave sites - sitting on or leaning on the tombs will earn them a reprimand. There is not much information at the site so it's worth looking up the history beforehand if you are not going with a tour guide.
Oukaimeden
Address: Marrakech
A ski resort in the desert! Indeed, thick snow envelops the Jebal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months (usually January and February), just a 46-mile (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town of Oukaimeden, which can be reached by taxi or car, is well-equipped with the basics for skiers, with restaurants, ski equipment to rent, comfortable hotels set in lush greenery and backed by blue mountains, and ski schools for beginners. Skiers can ascend the mountain by donkey or camel, but there are also some modern ski lifts. Five ski runs traverse down from the dizzying heights of Jebel Attar and there are nursery slopes and some intermediate runs. The ski equipment for rent can be somewhat outdated and visitors should be wary of renting from unofficial 'shops'. At the top of the chair lift young men typically vie for jobs as guides down the mountain and many visitors choose to hire them for at least one run because the routes are difficult to discern.
Oukaimeden is one of the best ski resorts on the African continent, although of course there is not much competition. The resort is tiny and the facilities very basic compared to European equivalents, but there is a lot of fun to be had at Oukaimeden which has some charming aspects. The resort is notably Moroccan in style and this gives it an eccentric feel for those used to European ski resorts. A lot of development is due to begin at Oukaimeden, which will no doubt make it more typical, and more convenient.
Ouirgane
Address: Marrakech
The village of Ouirgane, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, about 90 minutes' drive from Marrakech, stands at the centre of a popular resort area, where summers are cooler and winters less harsh than those experienced in the city. The surrounding Berber countryside offers picturesque villages and hamlets to explore, set in pine forests full of wildlife and groves of fruit trees, alongside streams cascading down from the High Atlas Mountains and fields of wild flowers. The soil is a striking red, which emphasises the luxuriant greenery and makes the landscapes slightly otherworldly in some lights. The area is also known for its extraordinarily beautiful rose gardens.
The village is mainly just used as a peaceful place to relax, and as a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain-biking and horseriding. There are a few attractions in town, however, including the Tin Mal Mosque, what remains of the somewhat ruined old kasbah, and a small souk (market) every Thursday, which is noted for its traditional Berber pottery. Although the mild climate is one of the attractions of Ouirgane year-round, the best time to visit the town and surrounding area is between March and May, or between mid-September and December.
Karaouine Mosque
Address: Fez
The al-Karaouine Mosque, located in the heart of the Fes El Bali (Medina), was founded in 859 with an associated madrasa (school) that subsequently grew to become one of the leading educational and spiritual centres in the Islamic world and is now called the University of al-Karaouine and incorporated into the modern university system of the country. According to UNESCO it is the oldest continually operating educational institution in the world.
The mosque itself is enormous (one of the largest in Morocco) and beautiful, although austere, with many striking features. It is considered the most sacred mosque in the country and the timing of Islamic festivals across Morocco are determined here. Unfortunately for tourists non-Muslims may not enter it, but often the doors stand open and it is certainly worth taking a peek inside to get a sense of the place. The mosque is still surrounded by numerous madrasas, many of which are open to the public, and these are certainly worth exploring. The most famous of these is the Attarin Madrasa, built in the early 14th century, which features a beautiful bronze door and elegant courtyard with some impressive marble, alabaster and cedar wood decoration.
Tanneries
Address: Bab Debbagh (Tannery Gate) Fez
Morocco is famous for producing high quality soft leather and the tannery in Fez is thought by many to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, leather tannery in the world, dating back at least nine centuries. The tannery is comprised of connected circular stone vessels filled with various dyes and liquids. All the work is done manually, as it has been since the 11th century. It is recommended that only those with strong stomachs visit the tanner's quarter, close to the Karaouine Mosque, which despite its odorous reputation has become one of Fez's main attractions. You can hire a guide to take you into the leather-dying pits, but will not be allowed to see them unaccompanied. Alternatively, visitors can ascend to any one of the terraces belonging to the surrounding leather shops that look down on the fascinating tanners' yard, honeycombed with vats of dye and piled with skins (it is expected that you will at least look around the shop afterwards, and if nothing is bought a tip to the shop owner is customary). The reason for the bad smell is chiefly because guano and pigeon droppings are used as part of the curing process. The tannery can sadly be a bit of a tourist trap as there are so many locals trying to capitalise on this ancient craft, but it is still worth a look for those interested.
Kasbah des Oudaias
Address: Kasbah des Oudaias, off Rue des Consuls Rabat
An airy 'village within the city', the Kasbah is a pleasant place to take a stroll and admire some interesting architecture and see some sights. The Kasbah was the Alhomad citadel of medieval Rabat, and is guarded by an impressive arched gate built around 1195. Inside the Kasbah is the palace and Andalucian gardens, as well as a broad terrace, which gives beautiful views of the river and sea close to the city's oldest mosque, the Kasbah Mosque, founded in 1050. Below the terrace are several fortifications with gun emplacements guarding the estuary, and even further below is a beach, usually crowded with local people. The views from this ancient stronghold are marvellous (it is worth heading onto the beach to take photos of the Kasbah walls if you are a keen photographer), and a little cafe perches next to the palace, where visitors can have traditional mint tea and almond cookies while admiring the view. The winding alleys and characteristic blue and white buildings give the area a cool and peaceful allure. The Kasbah des Oudaias was recently added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
The Palace in the Kasbah on the Rue Bazzo dates from the 17th century and was built by Moulay Ismail after he subdued the pirate republic of Rabat and took over the Kasbah as a garrison for the Oudaias, a Saharan tribe who formed the bulk of his mercenary army. Today the palace, a beautiful classic building, houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts, featuring exhibits such as Berber jewellery, costumes and local carpets. The palace grounds contain the beautiful Andalucian Gardens with their sunken shrubberies and flowerbeds, bougainvillea and fragrant herbs.
The Citadel of Chellah
Address: Rabat
Emerging from the boulevards of the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) of Rabat one comes across the ruins of Chellah, once the thriving walled Roman port city of Sala Colonia, abandoned in 1154 in favour of Sale across the other side of the river mouth. In the time of the Almohads the site was used as a royal burial ground or necropolis. The Merenid Sultan Abou El Hassan added some monuments and the striking main gate during his reign in the mid-14th century. Just inside the gate are the Roman ruins dating from 200 BC, which include a forum, a temple and a craftsmen's quarter. The citadel is now part of a garden and in spring the ruins are surrounded by a beautiful variety of flowers. The Chellah Gardens are entered through an ancient gateway created by the Almohads and notable ruins inside, apart from the Roman remains, include what is left of the small mosque dedicated to Abou Youssef, several elaborate tombs, and a stone minaret in the centre of the grounds. Visitors are welcome to wander freely and none of the ruins are off limits. The garden is a lovely place to spend some time and since 2005 has been the venue of an annual international jazz festival, Jazz au Chellah.
Hassan Tower
Address: Rabat
The massive Hassan Tower, or Tour Hassan, which dates from 1195, is the minaret of a mosque and towers over Rabat, although the huge Rabat Mosque itself was never completed and was largely destroyed in an earthquake in 1755. The mosque and the minaret were intended by the builders to be the largest in the world but today all that is left of the mosque is several walls in various states of ruin and 200 columns. The minaret, made from striking red sandstone, is unusually situated at the centre of the mosque building, and was intended to be 262ft (80m) high, though it stands today at 164ft (50m). Each façade of the minaret is intricately patterned with different motifs on each face. Opposite the Hassan Mosque is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of the great monuments of modern Morocco, inaugurated in 1967. The deceased king lies entombed in white onyx, surrounded by royal guards, and hundreds of Moroccans pay homage by filing through the mausoleum each day. The tower, what remains of the mosque, and the modern mausoleum form an important historical and cultural complex which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction.
Volubilis
Address: Rabat
Volubilis, near the Moroccan town of Meknes, situated between Rabat and Fez, was a central Roman administrative city in Africa from around the third century BC, built atop a previous Carthaginian city. Volubilis was unique in that it was not abandoned after the Romans lost North Africa to the Arabs, with even the Latin language living on in the area for several centuries. Volubilis remained inhabited until the 18th century, when it was demolished to provide building materials for the palaces of Moulay Ismail in nearby Meknes, which meant that a great deal of the Roman architectural heritage was lost. Today the ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consist of some well-preserved columns, a basilica, a triumphal arch and about 30 truly magnificent mosaics. It is recommended that you have a knowledgeable guide for this site, as it is greatly enriched by knowing the background and context of what you are seeing. It takes a few hours to stroll around all the ruins and visitors should be sure to come prepared for the baking sun as there is little shade - drinking water, sunscreen and a hat will make all the difference, and comfortable walking shoes are also essential.
Grand Socco
Address: Tangier
The word socco is the Spanish version of souk, meaning market, and has stuck to this square in the heart of Tangier because of its Spanish heritage. The square is, however, no longer a marketplace, but rather a city crossroads and huge taxi rank, fronted by cafes, outside the fortified old part of the city. The Grand Socco has developed something of a reputation for being a meeting place for criminals and drug dealers, but it is still an interesting spot to spend time watching the passing parade and the Rif women in colourful traditional costume touting vegetables and fresh mint. It is also the jumping off point for entry to the medina, and for admiring the luxurious Mendoubia Gardens on the north side, and the mosaic-studded minaret of the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque to the west. Tourists should be vigilant and should not openly display wealth, but the crime in the Grand Socco is generally petty and opportunistic, mainly consisting of pick-pocketting. The Grand Socco is particularly active at night, when food stalls and second-hand goods stores pop up and the square takes on some of its traditional function as a market. The square is also associated with Morocco's independence movement and is actually officially called the Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947, after a famous speech made in support of independence.
Tangier American Legation Museum
Address: 8 Zankat America Tangier
In the midst of the old medina in Tangier, the US has provided a thriving cultural centre, museum, conference venue and library in the only historic landmark of the United States that is located abroad. The American Legation Museum is housed in the American Embassy, established in Tangier soon after Morocco became the first power to recognise the United States of America as an independent country in 1777; the Moroccan ruler, Sid Suleiman, gifted the US this building in 1821. Although the sultan presented such buildings to a number of countries, the US is the only one to have held onto the property until the present day. The museum houses art collections, restored historic rooms, and a number of permanent exhibitions. The American Legation Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Tangier and well worth a visit, particularly as entrance is free, but it should not demand too much time - an hour or two is sufficient for most visitors. For many American tourists it is fascinating to explore the first official representation of their country overseas. Guided tours are offered and the curator/tour guide is a fount of knowledge, but it is possible to explore on your own.
Dar el Makhzen
Address: Place de la Kasbah Tangier
A collection of art from all over Morocco is housed in the imposing Dar el Makhzen, the former Sultan's palace dating from the 17th century, which dominates the Tangier kasbah. The art collections are housed in the prince's apartments, which are breathtaking with their frescoed ceilings, sculptured plasterwork and intricate mosaics. The art on display has been assembled from all regions of Morocco, and includes firearms decorated with marquetry; pottery; carpets from Rabat; silks; and bound manuscripts from Fez. The Dar el Makhzen palace is home, too, to a fascinating museum of antiquities relating to Morocco's pre-history, gathered from archaeological sites such as Lixus, Cotta and Volubilis. The museum includes a life-sized model of a Carthaginian tomb, and a reproduction of an ancient necropolis, which is situated in a peaceful Andalusian garden. This palace is not to be confused with the Dar el Makhzen in Fez, which is famous for its stunning golden doors and intricately carved and tiled gateway, but is not open to the public. The Sultan's Palace in Tangier is situated on one of the highest points of the city and therefore affords visitors some glorious views and good photographic opportunities.
Chefchaouen
Address: Tangier
This beautiful medieval town, a short drive from Tangier in the mountain region, has a distinctive Spanish character, having been settled by Spanish refugees in the middle ages. The medina of the town has become renowned as one of the most charming in Morocco, with whitewashed gabled houses and blue-rinsed buildings where craftsmen sit in their shops sewing caftans and embroidering jellabahs. The medina is dominated by the 17th-century Great Mosque, which fronts a picturesque square dotted with mulberry trees and inviting restaurants. The square is surrounded by souks selling carpets, leather goods, pottery and copper ware. Chefchaouen has enough picturesque Moroccan charm to attract droves of tourists, but another aspect of the popularity of the tranquil town is its reputation as a place tolerant of recreational drug use (it is the centre of a marijuana producing region). There are a number of wonderful hiking trails in the mountains around the town and some delightful small villages in the Rif Mountains to trek to. It is possible to explore the region alone, but some prefer to hire local guides. There are several good tour operators offering hiking and cultural tours in Chefchaouen.
One of the best places to trek to is the tiny traditional village of Kalaa, hiding in the hills outside Chefchaouen. Here one can relax in the remote serenity of rural Moroccan life that has changed little over the centuries. The village is also a wonderful base for exploring the Rif Mountains and hikes can be arranged to other local villages in the area and all the way to the Mediterranean. As tourism increases more villagers are opening their doors to the trade and new guest houses are springing up in the area.
Asilah
Address: Tangier
The fishing village of Asilah, south of Tangier, has become a popular seaside resort because of its nearby Paradise Beach, relaxing ambience, and picturesque 15th-century Andalusian medina, which extends to the sea wall. Asilah is characterised aesthetically by picturesque white buildings reminiscent of Santorini, but with a dash of Moroccan flavour. The town has a long and fascinating history, dating back to 1500BC, and it was not always as peaceful as it is now: in the 19th and 20th centuries Asilah was a notorious base for pirates, and from 1912 to 1956 it was part of Spanish Morocco. The ramparts and gateworks designed to fortify the old town are still intact. The town is small enough to explore on foot (donkey carts are also a fun option) and is renowned for its seafood restaurants. It is accessible from Tangier by train and coastal road, and this easy accessibility contributes to its popularity with tourists wanting to recuperate after seeing the sights of the city. Asilah is fairly quiet for most of the year, except when artists and performers descend for the Asilah Arts Festival each August. The resort town hosts several arts and music festivals, including a mural-painting festival which ensures that some of the town's walls remain covered in striking paintings all year.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Address: Just off Rue Souk el Khemis, Marrakech Marrakech
The Ben Youssef Madrassa was once an Islamic college in Marrakech named after Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf (who reigned from 1106 to 1142), who expanded the city considerably. This madrassa was one of the largest theological colleges in North Africa and may have housed as many as 900 students. After being closed down in 1960, this historical site was refurbished and reopened in 1982, an interesting attraction for the value of its educational influence, but mostly thrilling for tourists because of the stunning architecture and mosaics. The courtyards and patios are richly carved in marble, cedar and stucco, with intricate geometric patterns and Islamic inscriptions. The Ben Youssef Madrassa is often ranked as one of the best attractions of Marrakech by tourists. Visitors can explore the student study rooms and dormitories and photography is permitted - which is a good thing because it is one of the most photogenic buildings in Morocco. Although centrally located the madrassa can be difficult to find, partly because various touts sometimes mislead tourists for reasons of their own, often trying to redirect them to family-owned stores and the like. It is better to rely on a good map and take directions from locals with a pinch of salt.
The Shrob ou shouf (Chrob ou chouf) fountain is not far from the Ben Youssef Madrassa, built during Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur's reign (1578-1603). Its wooden crown is carved to look like honeycomb and a green tiled roof shelters the structure. One of the fountain's inscriptions invites passers-by to drink and look (shrob ou shouf). In 1985, UNESCO recognised this Saadian fountain as a cultural heritage site. It is worth a visit for those in the area.
The Museum of Marrakech
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Who was the 18th century Swiss mathematician and physicist, who published more papers than any other mathematician in history and pioneered the theory of trigometric and logarithmic functions? | All Elementary Mathematics - Online Mathematical School - Great Mathematicians - Euler
EULER
Leonhard Euler (1707 пїЅ 1783) was a pioneering Swiss mathematician and physicist. He made important discoveries in fields as diverse as infinitesimal calculus and graph theory. He also introduced much of the modern mathematical terminology and notation, particularly for mathematical analysis, such as the notion of a mathematical function. He is also renowned for his work in mechanics, fluid dynamics, optics, and astronomy.
Euler spent most of his adult life in St. Petersburg, Russia, and in Berlin, Prussia. He is considered to be the preeminent mathematician of the 18th century, and one of the greatest of all time. He is also one of the most prolific mathematicians ever; his collected works fill 60пїЅ80 quarto volumes. A statement attributed to Pierre-Simon Laplace expresses Euler's influence on mathematics: "Read Euler, read Euler, he is the master of us all".
Euler was born on April 15, 1707, in Basel to Paul Euler, a pastor of the Reformed Church. His mother was Marguerite Brucker, a pastor's daughter. He had two younger sisters named Anna Maria and Maria Magdalena. Soon after the birth of Leonhard, the Eulers moved from Basel to the town of Riehen, where Euler spent most of his childhood. Paul Euler was a friend of the Bernoulli familyпїЅJohann Bernoulli, who was then regarded as Europe's foremost mathematician, would eventually be the most important influence on young Leonhard. Euler's early formal education started in Basel, where he was sent to live with his maternal grandmother. At the age of thirteen he enrolled at the University of Basel, and in 1723, received his Master of Philosophy with a dissertation that compared the philosophies of Descartes and Newton. At this time, he was receiving Saturday afternoon lessons from Johann Bernoulli, who quickly discovered his new pupil's incredible talent for mathematics. Euler was at this point studying theology, Greek, and Hebrew at his father's urging, in order to become a pastor, but Bernoulli convinced Paul Euler that Leonhard was destined to become a great mathematician. In 1726, Euler completed a dissertation on the propagation of sound with the title De Sono. At that time, he was pursuing an (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to obtain a position at the University of Basel. In 1727, he entered the Paris Academy Prize Problem competition, where the problem that year was to find the best way to place the masts on a ship. He won second place, losing only to Pierre BouguerпїЅa man now known as "the father of naval architecture". Euler subsequently won this coveted annual prize twelve times in his career.
Around this time Johann Bernoulli's two sons, Daniel and Nicolas, were working at the Imperial Russian Academy of Sciences in St Petersburg. On July 10, 1726, Nicolas died of appendicitis after spending a year in Russia, and when Daniel assumed his brother's position in the mathematics/physics division, he recommended that the post in physiology that he had vacated be filled by his friend Euler. In November 1726 Euler eagerly accepted the offer, but delayed making the trip to St Petersburg while he unsuccessfully applied for a physics professorship at the University of Basel.
Euler arrived in the Russian capital on 17 May 1727. He was promoted from his junior post in the medical department of the academy to a position in the mathematics department. He lodged with Daniel Bernoulli with whom he often worked in close collaboration. Euler mastered Russian and settled into life in St. Petersburg. He also took on an additional job as a medic in the Russian Navy.
The Academy at St. Petersburg, established by Peter the Great, was intended to improve education in Russia and to close the scientific gap with Western Europe. As a result, it was made especially attractive to foreign scholars like Euler. The academy possessed ample financial resources and a comprehensive library drawn from the private libraries of Peter himself and of the nobility. Very few students were enrolled in the academy in order to lessen the faculty's teaching burden, and the academy emphasized research and offered to its faculty both the time and the freedom to pursue scientific questions.
The Academy's benefactress, Catherine I, who had continued the progressive policies of her late husband, died on the day of Euler's arrival. The Russian nobility then gained power upon the ascension of the twelve-year-old Peter II. The nobility were suspicious of the academy's foreign scientists, and thus cut funding and caused other difficulties for Euler and his colleagues.
Conditions improved slightly upon the death of Peter II, and Euler swiftly rose through the ranks in the academy and was made professor of physics in 1731. Two years later, Daniel Bernoulli, who was fed up with the censorship and hostility he faced at St. Petersburg, left for Basel. Euler succeeded him as the head of the mathematics department. On 7 January 1734, he married Katharina Gsell (1707пїЅ1773), a daughter of Georg Gsell, a painter from the Academy Gymnasium. The young couple bought a house by the Neva River. Of their thirteen children, only five survived childhood.
Concerned about the continuing turmoil in Russia, Euler left St. Petersburg on 19 June 1741 to take up a post at the Berlin Academy, which he had been offered by Frederick the Great of Prussia. He lived for twenty-five years in Berlin, where he wrote over 380 articles. In Berlin, he published the two works which he would be most renowned for: the "Introductio in analysin infinitorum", a text on functions published in 1748, and the "Institutiones calculi differentialis", published in 1755 on differential calculus. In 1755, he was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In addition, Euler was asked to tutor the Princess of Anhalt-Dessau, Frederick's niece. Euler wrote over 200 letters to her in the early 1760s, which were later compiled into a best-selling volume entitled Letters of Euler on different Subjects in Natural Philosophy Addressed to a German Princess. This work contained Euler's exposition on various subjects pertaining to physics and mathematics, as well as offering valuable insights into Euler's personality and religious beliefs. This book became more widely read than any of his mathematical works, and it was published across Europe and in the United States. The popularity of the 'Letters' testifies to Euler's ability to communicate scientific matters effectively to a lay audience, a rare ability for a dedicated research scientist.
Despite Euler's immense contribution to the Academy's prestige, he was eventually forced to leave Berlin. This was partly because of a conflict of personality with Frederick, who came to regard Euler as unsophisticated, especially in comparison to the circle of philosophers the German king brought to the Academy. Voltaire was among those in Frederick's employ, and the Frenchman enjoyed a prominent position in the king's social circle. Euler, a simple religious man and a hard worker, was very conventional in his beliefs and tastes. He was in many ways the direct opposite of Voltaire. Euler had limited training in rhetoric, and tended to debate matters that he knew little about, making him a frequent target of Voltaire's wit. Frederick also expressed disappointment with Euler's practical engineering abilities: "I wanted to have a water jet in my garden: Euler calculated the force of the wheels necessary to raise the water to a reservoir, from where it should fall back through channels, finally spurting out in Sanssouci. My mill was carried out geometrically and could not raise a mouthful of water closer than fifty paces to the reservoir. Vanity of vanities! Vanity of geometry!"
A 1753 portrait by Emanuel Handmann.
This portrayal suggests problems of the right eyelid, and possible strabismus. The left eye, which here appears healthy, was later affected by a cataract.
Euler's eyesight worsened throughout his mathematical career. Three years after suffering a near-fatal fever in 1735 he became nearly blind in his right eye, but Euler rather blamed his condition on the painstaking work on cartography he performed for the St. Petersburg Academy. Euler's sight in that eye worsened throughout his stay in Germany, so much so that Frederick referred to him as "Cyclops". Euler later suffered a cataract in his good left eye, rendering him almost totally blind a few weeks after its discovery in 1766. Even so, his condition appeared to have little effect on his productivity, as he compensated for it with his mental calculation skills and photographic memory. For example, Euler could repeat the Aeneid of Virgil from beginning to end without hesitation, and for every page in the edition he could indicate which line was the first and which the last. With the aid of his scribes, Euler's productivity on many areas of study actually increased. He produced on average one mathematical paper every week in the year 1775.
The situation in Russia had improved greatly since the accession to the throne of Catherine the Great, and in 1766 Euler accepted an invitation to return to the St. Petersburg Academy and spent the rest of his life in Russia. His second stay in the country was marred by tragedy. A fire in St. Petersburg in 1771 cost him his home, and almost his life. In 1773, he lost his wife Katharina after 40 years of marriage. Three years after his wife's death Euler married her half sister, Salome Abigail Gsell (1723пїЅ1794). This marriage lasted until his death.
In St. Petersburg on 18 September 1783, after a lunch with his family, during a conversation with a fellow academician Anders Johan Lexell about the newly discovered Uranus and its orbit, Euler suffered a brain hemorrhage and died a few hours later. A short obituary for the Russian Academy of Sciences was written by Jacob von Staehlin-Storcksburg and a more detailed eulogy was written and delivered at a memorial meeting by Russian mathematician Nicolas Fuss, one of Euler's disciples. In the eulogy written for the French Academy by the French mathematician and philosopher Marquis de Condorcet, he commented, "...il cessa de calculer et de vivre пїЅ ... he ceased to calculate and to live".
He was buried next to Katharina at the Smolensk Lutheran Cemetery on Vasilievsky Island. In 1785, the Russian Academy of Sciences put a marble bust of Leonhard Euler on a pedestal next to the Director's seat and, in 1837, placed a headstone on Euler's grave. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Euler's birth, the headstone was moved in 1956, together with his remains, to the 18th-century necropolis at the Alexander Nevsky Monastery.
Euler worked in almost all areas of mathematics: geometry, infinitesimal calculus, trigonometry, algebra, and number theory, as well as continuum physics, lunar theory and other areas of physics. He is a seminal figure in the history of mathematics; if printed, his works, many of which are of fundamental interest, would occupy between 60 and 80 quarto volumes. Euler's name is associated with a large number of topics.
Euler is the only mathematician to have two numbers named after him: the immensely important Euler's Number in calculus, e, approximately equal to 2.71828, and the Euler-Mascheroni Constant
(gamma) sometimes referred to as just "Euler's constant", approximately equal to 0.57721. It is not known whether
is rational or irrational.
Euler introduced and popularized several notational conventions through his numerous and widely circulated textbooks. Most notably, he introduced the concept of a function and was the first to write f(x) to denote the function f applied to the argument x. He also introduced the modern notation for the trigonometric functions, the letter e for the base of the natural logarithm (now also known as Euler's number), the Greek letter
for summations and the letter i to denote the imaginary unit. The use of the Greek letter
to denote the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter was also popularized by Euler, although it did not originate with him.
The development of infinitesimal calculus was at the forefront of 18th Century mathematical research, and Bernoulli пїЅ family friends of Euler пїЅ were responsible for much of the early progress in the field. Thanks to their influence, studying calculus became the major focus of Euler's work. While some of Euler's proofs are not acceptable by modern standards of mathematical rigour (in particular his reliance on the principle of the generality of algebra), his ideas led to many great advances. Euler is well known in analysis for his frequent use and development of power series.
Notably, Euler directly proved the power series expansions for e and the inverse tangent function. (Indirect proof via the inverse power series technique was given by Newton and Leibniz between 1670 and 1680.) His daring use of power series enabled him to solve the famous Basel problem in 1735 (he provided a more elaborate argument in 1741):
Euler introduced the use of the exponential function and logarithms in analytic proofs. He discovered ways to express various logarithmic functions using power series, and he successfully defined logarithms for negative and complex numbers, thus greatly expanding the scope of mathematical applications of logarithms. He also defined the exponential function for complex numbers, and discovered its relation to the trigonometric functions. For any real number
, Euler's formula states that the complex exponential function satisfies
A special case of the above formula is known as Euler's identity:
called "the most remarkable formula in mathematics" by Richard P. Feynman, for its single uses of the notions of addition, multiplication, exponentiation, and equality, and the single uses of the important constants 0, 1, e, i and
. In 1988, readers of the "Mathematical Intelligencer" voted it "the Most Beautiful Mathematical Formula Ever". In total, Euler was responsible for three of the top five formulae in that poll.
De Moivre's formula is a direct consequence of Euler's formula.
A geometric interpretation of Euler's formula.
In addition, Euler elaborated the theory of higher transcendental functions by introducing the gamma function and introduced a new method for solving quartic equations. He also found a way to calculate integrals with complex Euler has made a great contribution to the limits, foreshadowing the development of modern complex analysis. He also invented the calculus of variations including its best-known result, the EulerпїЅLagrange equation. Euler also pioneered the use of analytic methods to solve number theory problems. In doing so, he united two disparate branches of mathematics and introduced a new field of study, analytic number theory. In breaking ground for this new field, Euler created the theory of hyper geometric series, q-series, hyperbolic trigonometric functions and the analytic theory of continued fractions. For example, he proved the infinitude of primes using the divergence of the harmonic series, and he used analytic methods to gain some understanding of the way prime numbers are distributed. Euler's work in this area led to the development of the prime number theorem. Euler's interest in number theory can be traced to the influence of Christian Goldbach, his friend in the St. Petersburg Academy. A lot of Euler's early work on number theory was based on the works of Pierre de Fermat. Euler developed some of Fermat's ideas, and disproved some of his conjectures.
Euler linked the nature of prime distribution with ideas in analysis. He proved that the sum of the reciprocals of the primes diverges. In doing so, he discovered the connection between the Riemann zeta function and the prime numbers; this is known as the Euler product formula for the Riemann zeta-function.
Euler proved Newton's identities, Fermat's little theorem, Fermat's theorem on sums of two squares, and he made distinct contributions to Lagrange's four-square theorem. He also invented the totient function
(n) which is the number of positive integers less than or equal to the integer n that are cop rime to n. Using properties of this function, he generalized Fermat's little theorem to what is now known as Euler's theorem. He contributed significantly to the theory of perfect numbers, which had fascinated mathematicians since Euclid. Euler also conjectured the law of quadratic reciprocity. The concept is regarded as a fundamental theorem of number theory, and his ideas paved the way for the work of Carl Friedrich Gauss.
By 1772 Euler had proved that 231 - 1 = 2,147,483,647 is a Mersenne prime. It may have remained the largest known prime until 1867.
In 1736, Euler solved the problem known as the Seven Bridges of Koenigsberg. The city of Konigsberg, Prussia was set on the Pregel River, and included two large islands which were connected to each other and the mainland by seven bridges. The problem is to decide whether it is possible to follow a path that crosses each bridge exactly once and returns to the starting point. It is impossible: there is no Eulerian circuit. This solution is considered to be the first theorem of graph theory, specifically of planar graph theory.
Euler also discovered the formula V + E + F = 2 relating the number of vertices, edges, and faces of a convex polyhedron, and hence of a planar graph. The constant in this formula is now known as the Euler characteristic for the graph (or other mathematical object), and is related to the genus of the object. The study and generalization of this formula, specifically by Cauchy and L'Huillier, is at the origin of topology.
Some of Euler's greatest successes were in solving real-world problems analytically, and in describing numerous applications of the Bernoulli numbers, Fourier series, Venn diagrams, Euler numbers, the constants e and
, continued fractions and integrals. He integrated Leibniz's differential calculus with Newton's Method of Fluxions, and developed tools that made it easier to apply calculus to physical problems. He made great strides in improving the numerical approximation of integrals, inventing what are now known as the Euler approximations. The most notable of these approximations are Euler's method and the EulerпїЅMaclaurin formula.
One of Euler's more unusual interests was the application of mathematical ideas in music. In 1739 he wrote the tractate, hoping to eventually incorporate musical theory as part of mathematics. This part of his work, however, did not receive wide attention and was once described as too mathematical for musicians and too musical for mathematicians.
Euler helped develop the EulerпїЅBernoulli beam equation, which became a cornerstone of engineering. Aside from successfully applying his analytic tools to problems in classical mechanics, Euler also applied these techniques to celestial problems. His work in astronomy was recognized by a number of Paris Academy Prizes over the course of his career. His accomplishments include determining with great accuracy the orbits of comets and other celestial bodies, understanding the nature of comets, and calculating the parallax of the sun. His calculations also contributed to the development of accurate longitude tables.
In addition, Euler made important contributions in optics. He disagreed with Newton's corpuscular theory of light in the "Opticks", which was then the prevailing theory. His 1740s papers on optics helped ensure that the wave theory of light proposed by Christian Huygens would become the dominant mode of thought, at least until the development of the quantum theory of light.
In 1757 he published an important set of equations for in viscid flow, those are now known in hydrodynamics as the Euler equations.
Euler is also credited with using closed curves to illustrate syllogistic reasoning (1768). These diagrams have become known as Euler diagrams. Many works are lead by Euler in the field of heavenly mechanics. It has laid a foundation for the theory of indignations, after completed by Laplace, and has developed very precise theory of movement of the Moon. This theory has appeared suitable for the decision of an essential problem of definition of a longitude on the sea, and the English Admiralty has paid for it to Euler the special premium.
Euler investigated a field of gravitation not only spherical, but also ellipsoid bodies that represented an essential step forward.
Euler for the first time in history has found formulas in engineering (1757) for definition of a critical load at compression of an elastic core. However those years these formulas could not find practical implementation. Almost hundred years later when in many countries - and first of all in England - began to build railways, strength of railway bridges was required to calculate. Euler's model has brought practical advantage in carrying out of experiments.
Practically it is impossible to find areas of a science and knowledge where this protruding scientist would not put the ingenious capacities.
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Who was the legendary herald of the Greek forces during the Trojan War who was said to be able to shout as loudly as fifty normal men? | Leonhard Paul Euler (1707 - 1783) - Genealogy
Leonhard Paul Euler
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Saint Petersburg, gorod Sankt-Peterburg, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Immediate Family:
Apr 4 1707 - Basle, Switzerland
Death:
Apr 15 1707 - Базель, Швейцария
Death:
Sep 7 1783 - Санкт-Петербург, Россия
Wife:
Apr 15 1707 - Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
Death:
Sep 18 1783 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Parents:
Paul Euler, Margaretha Euler (born Euler (Эйлер))
Siblings:
Anna Maria Euler, Maria Magdalena Euler, Johann Heinrich Euler
Wife:
Katharina Euler (born Euler (Эйлер))
Wife:
Salome Abigail Euler
Children:
...aretha Euler, Maria Gertrude Euler, Anna Elisabeth Euler, Karl Johann Euler, Katharina Helene Von Bell (born Euler), Chirstophor (Христоф...
Mar 15 1717 - Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
Death:
Nov 18 1783 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Parents:
Paul Euler III, Margaretha Euler (born Brucker)
Siblings:
Johann Heinrich Euler, Maria Magdalena, Anna Maria
Wife:
Salome Abigael Euler (born Gsell)
Children:
...aretha Euler, Maria Gertrude Euler, Anna Elisabeth Euler, Karl Euler, Catharina Helena Euler, Chirstophor Euler, Charlotte Van Delen (bor...
Apr 15 1707 - Базель, Швейцария
Death:
Sep 18 1783 - г. Санкт-Петербург
Father:
Cause of death: Cerebral hemorrhage - Sep 18 1783 - Saint Petersburg
Parents:
Maria Magdalena Euler, Anna Maria Euler
Wife:
Katharina Gsell, Salome Abigail Gsell
Children:
Johann Euler, Christof Euler, Karl Euler, Helene Euler, Charlotte Euler
Residences:
Sep 18 1783 - Sankt Petersburg
Parents:
Paul Euler, Margaretha Euler (geb. Brucker)
Wife:
Apr 15 1707 - Basilea Suiza
Death:
Sep 18 1783 - San Petersburgo Rusia
Parents:
Paulus Euler, Margarete Euler (nacida Brucker)
Wife:
Katharina Euler Brucker (nacida Gsell)
Children:
Johann Albrecht Euler, Karl Euler, Christoph Euler, Charlotte v. Delen (nacida Euler), Helene v. Bell (nacida Euler)
daughter
About Leonhard Paul Euler
Euler's FamilyTree: Father: Paul Euler , Mother: Margaret Brucker , Wife: Katharina Gsell (m. 7-Jan-1734, d. 1773), Son: Johann Albrecht Euler , Son: Christof Euler , Son: Karl Euler, Daughter: Katerine Euler, Daughter: Charlotte van Delen, Brother: Johann Heinrich Euler
See complete extended Euler Family tree
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Leonhard Euler (15 April 1707 – 18 September 1783) is considered to be the preeminent mathematician of the 18th century, and arguably one of the greatest of all time. He is also one of the most prolific mathematicians ever; his collected works fill 60–80 quarto volumes. A statement attributed to Pierre-Simon Laplace expresses Euler's influence on mathematics: "Read Euler, read Euler, he is our teacher in all things," which has also been translated as "Read Euler, read Euler, he is the master of us all."
Euler, a Swiss mathematician and physicist made important discoveries in fields as diverse as infinitesimal calculus and graph theory. He also introduced much of the modern mathematical terminology and notation, particularly for mathematical analysis, such as the notion of a mathematical function. He is also renowned for his work in mechanics, fluid dynamics, optics, and astronomy.
Euler spent most of his adult life in St. Petersburg, Russia and in Berlin, Prussia.
Euler was featured on the sixth series of the Swiss 10-franc banknote and on numerous Swiss, German, and Russian postage stamps. The asteroid 2002 Euler was named in his honor. He is also commemorated by the Lutheran Church on their Calendar of Saints on 24 May – he was a devout Christian (and believer in biblical inerrancy) who wrote apologetics and argued forcefully against the prominent atheists of his time.
Early years
Euler was born on April 15, 1707 in Basel to Paul Euler, a pastor of the Reformed Church. His mother was Marguerite Brucker, a pastor's daughter. He had two younger sisters named Anna Maria and Maria Magdalena. Soon after the birth of Leonhard, the Eulers moved from Basel to the town of Riehen, where Euler spent most of his childhood. Paul Euler was a friend of the Bernoulli family—Johann Bernoulli, who was then regarded as Europe's foremost mathematician, would eventually be the most important influence on young Leonhard. Euler's early formal education started in Basel, where he was sent to live with his maternal grandmother.
At the age of thirteen he enrolled at the University of Basel, and in 1723, received his Master of Philosophy with a dissertation that compared the philosophies of Descartes and Newton. At this time, he was receiving Saturday afternoon lessons from Johann Bernoulli, who quickly discovered his new pupil's incredible talent for mathematics.
Euler was at this point studying theology, Greek, and Hebrew at his father's urging, in order to become a pastor, but Bernoulli convinced Paul Euler that Leonhard was destined to become a great mathematician.
In 1726, Euler completed a dissertation on the propagation of sound with the title De Sono. At that time, he was pursuing an (ultimately unsuccessful) attempt to obtain a position at the University of Basel. In 1727, he entered the Paris Academy Prize Problem competition, where the problem that year was to find the best way to place the masts on a ship. He won second place, losing only to Pierre Bouguer—who is now known as "the father of naval architecture". Euler subsequently won this coveted annual prize twelve times in his career.
St. Petersburg
Around this time Johann Bernoulli's two sons, Daniel and Nicolas, were working at the Imperial Russian Academy of Sciences in St Petersburg. On July 10, 1726, Nicolas died of appendicitis after spending a year in Russia, and when Daniel assumed his brother's position in the mathematics/physics division, he recommended that the post in physiology that he had vacated be filled by his friend Euler. In November 1726 Euler eagerly accepted the offer, but delayed making the trip to St Petersburg while he unsuccessfully applied for a physics professorship at the University of Basel.
Euler arrived in the Russian capital on 17 May 1727. He was promoted from his junior post in the medical department of the academy to a position in the mathematics department. He lodged with Daniel Bernoulli with whom he often worked in close collaboration. Euler mastered Russian and settled into life in St Petersburg. He also took on an additional job as a medic in the Russian Navy.
The Academy at St. Petersburg, established by Peter the Great, was intended to improve education in Russia and to close the scientific gap with Western Europe. As a result, it was made especially attractive to foreign scholars like Euler. The academy possessed ample financial resources and a comprehensive library drawn from the private libraries of Peter himself and of the nobility. Very few students were enrolled in the academy in order to lessen the faculty's teaching burden, and the academy emphasized research and offered to its faculty both the time and the freedom to pursue scientific questions.
The Academy's benefactress, Catherine I, who had continued the progressive policies of her late husband, died on the day of Euler's arrival. The Russian nobility then gained power upon the ascension of the twelve-year-old Peter II. The nobility were suspicious of the academy's foreign scientists, and thus cut funding and caused other difficulties for Euler and his colleagues.
Conditions improved slightly upon the death of Peter II, and Euler swiftly rose through the ranks in the academy and was made professor of physics in 1731. Two years later, Daniel Bernoulli, who was fed up with the censorship and hostility he faced at St. Petersburg, left for Basel. Euler succeeded him as the head of the mathematics department.
On 7 January 1734, he married Katharina Gsell (1707–1773), a daughter of Georg Gsell, a painter from the Academy Gymnasium. The young couple bought a house by the Neva River. Of their thirteen children, only five survived childhood.
Berlin
Concerned about the continuing turmoil in Russia, Euler left St. Petersburg on 19 June 1741 to take up a post at the Berlin Academy, which he had been offered by Frederick the Great of Prussia. He lived for twenty-five years in Berlin, where he wrote over 380 articles.
In Berlin, he published the two works which he would be most renowned for: the Introductio in analysin infinitorum, a text on functions published in 1748, and the Institutiones calculi differentialis, published in 1755 on differential calculus.
In 1755, he was elected a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
In addition, Euler was asked to tutor the Princess of Anhalt-Dessau, Frederick's niece. Euler wrote over 200 letters to her, which were later compiled into a best-selling volume entitled Letters of Euler on different Subjects in Natural Philosophy Addressed to a German Princess. This work contained Euler's exposition on various subjects pertaining to physics and mathematics, as well as offering valuable insights into Euler's personality and religious beliefs. This book became more widely read than any of his mathematical works, and it was published across Europe and in the United States. The popularity of the 'Letters' testifies to Euler's ability to communicate scientific matters effectively to a lay audience, a rare ability for a dedicated research scientist.
Despite Euler's immense contribution to the Academy's prestige, he was eventually forced to leave Berlin. This was partly because of a conflict of personality with Frederick, who came to regard Euler as unsophisticated, especially in comparison to the circle of philosophers the German king brought to the Academy. Voltaire was among those in Frederick's employ, and the Frenchman enjoyed a prominent position in the king's social circle. Euler, a simple religious man and a hard worker, was very conventional in his beliefs and tastes. He was in many ways the direct opposite of Voltaire. Euler had limited training in rhetoric, and tended to debate matters that he knew little about, making him a frequent target of Voltaire's wit. Frederick also expressed disappointment with Euler's practical engineering abilities:
“I wanted to have a water jet in my garden: Euler calculated the force of the wheels necessary to raise the water to a reservoir, from where it should fall back through channels, finally spurting out in Sanssouci. My mill was carried out geometrically and could not raise a mouthful of water closer than fifty paces to the reservoir. Vanity of vanities! Vanity of geometry!”
Eyesight deterioration
Euler's eyesight worsened throughout his mathematical career. Three years after suffering a near-fatal fever in 1735 he became nearly blind in his right eye, but Euler rather blamed his condition on the painstaking work on cartography he performed for the St. Petersburg Academy. Euler's sight in that eye worsened throughout his stay in Germany, so much so that Frederick referred to him as "Cyclops".
Euler later suffered a cataract in his good left eye, rendering him almost totally blind a few weeks after its discovery in 1766. Even so, his condition appeared to have little effect on his productivity, as he compensated for it with his mental calculation skills and photographic memory. For example, Euler could repeat the Aeneid of Virgil from beginning to end without hesitation, and for every page in the edition he could indicate which line was the first and which the last. With the aid of his scribes, Euler's productivity on many areas of study actually increased. He produced on average one mathematical paper every week in the year 1775.
Return to Russia
The situation in Russia had improved greatly since the accession to the throne of Catherine the Great, and in 1766 Euler accepted an invitation to return to the St. Petersburg Academy and spent the rest of his life in Russia. His second stay in the country was marred by tragedy. A fire in St. Petersburg in 1771 cost him his home, and almost his life.
In 1773, he lost his wife Katharina after 40 years of marriage. Three years after his wife's death Euler married her half sister, Salome Abigail Gsell (1723–1794).This marriage would last until his death.
On 18 September 1783, after a lunch with his family, during a conversation with Anders Lexell about the newly discovered Uranus and its orbit Euler suffered a brain hemorrhage and died few hours later.] A short obituary for the Russian Academy of Sciences was written by Jacob von Shtelin and a more detailed eulogy[20] was written and delivered at a memorial meeting by Russian mathematician Nicolas Fuss, one of the Euler's disciples. In the eulogy written for the French Academy by the French mathematician and philosopher Marquis de Condorcet, he commented:
“…il cessa de calculer et de vivre — … he ceased to calculate and to live.”
He was buried next to Katharina at the Smolensk Lutheran Cemetery on Vasilievsky Island. In 1785 Russian Academy of Sciences put a marble bust of Leonhard Euler on a pedestal next to the Director's seat. In 1837 Russian Academy of Sciences put a headstone on his grave, which in 1956, for the 250th anniversary of Euler, was moved together with his remains to the necropolis of 18th century at Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
Contributions to mathematics and physics
Schanuel's conjecture
Euler worked in almost all areas of mathematics: geometry, infinitesimal calculus, trigonometry, algebra, and number theory, as well as continuum physics, lunar theory and other areas of physics. He is a seminal figure in the history of mathematics; if printed, his works, many of which are of fundamental interest, would occupy between 60 and 80 quarto volumes. Euler's name is associated with a large number of topics.
Mathematical notation
Euler introduced and popularized several notational conventions through his numerous and widely circulated textbooks. Most notably, he introduced the concept of a function and was the first to write f(x) to denote the function f applied to the argument x. He also introduced the modern notation for the trigonometric functions, the letter e for the base of the natural logarithm (now also known as Euler's number), the Greek letter Σ for summations and the letter i to denote the imaginary unit. The use of the Greek letter π to denote the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter was also popularized by Euler, although it did not originate with him.
Analysis
The development of infinitesimal calculus was at the forefront of 18th century mathematical research, and the Bernoullis—family friends of Euler—were responsible for much of the early progress in the field. Thanks to their influence, studying calculus became the major focus of Euler's work. While some of Euler's proofs are not acceptable by modern standards of mathematical rigour,[25] his ideas led to many great advances.
Notably, Euler directly proved the power series expansions for e and the inverse tangent function. (Indirect proof via the inverse power series technique was given by Newton and Leibniz between 1670 and 1680.) His daring use of power series enabled him to solve the famous Basel problem in 1735 (he provided a more elaborate argument in 1741):
A geometric interpretation of Euler's formula
Euler introduced the use of the exponential function and logarithms in analytic proofs. He discovered ways to express various logarithmic functions using power series, and he successfully defined logarithms for negative and complex numbers, thus greatly expanding the scope of mathematical applications of logarithms.
A special formula is known as Euler's identity, called "the most remarkable formula in mathematics" by Richard Feynman, for its single uses of the notions of addition, multiplication, exponentiation, and equality, and the single uses of the important constants 0, 1, e, i and π.
In 1988, readers of the Mathematical Intelligencer voted it "the Most Beautiful Mathematical Formula Ever". In total, Euler was responsible for three of the top five formulae in that poll.
De Moivre's formula is a direct consequence of Euler's formula.
In addition, Euler elaborated the theory of higher transcendental functions by introducing the gamma function and introduced a new method for solving quartic equations. He also found a way to calculate integrals with complex limits, foreshadowing the development of modern complex analysis, and invented the calculus of variations including its best-known result, the Euler–Lagrange equation. Euler also pioneered the use of analytic methods to solve number theory problems. In doing so, he united two disparate branches of mathematics and introduced a new field of study, analytic number theory. In breaking ground for this new field, Euler created the theory of hypergeometric series, q-series, hyperbolic trigonometric functions and the analytic theory of continued fractions. For example, he proved the infinitude of primes using the divergence of the harmonic series, and he used analytic methods to gain some understanding of the way prime numbers are distributed. Euler's work in this area led to the development of the prime number theorem.
Number theory
Euler's interest in number theory can be traced to the influence of Christian Goldbach, his friend in the St. Petersburg Academy. A lot of Euler's early work on number theory was based on the works of Pierre de Fermat. Euler developed some of Fermat's ideas, and disproved some of his conjectures.
Euler linked the nature of prime distribution with ideas in analysis. He proved that the sum of the reciprocals of the primes diverges. In doing so, he discovered the connection between the Riemann zeta function and the prime numbers; this is known as the Euler product formula for the Riemann zeta function.
Euler proved Newton's identities, Fermat's little theorem, Fermat's theorem on sums of two squares, and he made distinct contributions to Lagrange's four-square theorem. He also invented the totient function φ(n) which is the number of positive integers less than or equal to the integer n that are coprime to n. Using properties of this function, he generalized Fermat's little theorem to what is now known as Euler's theorem. He contributed significantly to the theory of perfect numbers, which had fascinated mathematicians since Euclid. Euler also made progress toward the prime number theorem, and he conjectured the law of quadratic reciprocity. The two concepts are regarded as fundamental theorems of number theory, and his ideas paved the way for the work of Carl Friedrich Gauss.
By 1772 Euler had proved that 231 − 1 = 2,147,483,647 is a Mersenne prime. It may have remained the largest known prime until 1867.[30]
Seven Bridges of Königsberg
In 1736, Euler solved the problem known as the Seven Bridges of Königsberg. The city of Königsberg, Prussia was set on the Pregel River, and included two large islands which were connected to each other and the mainland by seven bridges. The problem is to decide whether it is possible to follow a path that crosses each bridge exactly once and returns to the starting point. It is not possible: there is no Eulerian circuit. This solution is considered to be the first theorem of graph theory, specifically of planar graph theory.
Euler also discovered the formula V − E + F = 2 relating the number of vertices, edges, and faces of a convex polyhedron, and hence of a planar graph. The constant in this formula is now known as the Euler characteristic for the graph (or other mathematical object), and is related to the genus of the object. The study and generalization of this formula, specifically by Cauchy and L'Huillier, is at the origin of topology.
Applied mathematics
Some of Euler's greatest successes were in solving real-world problems analytically, and in describing numerous applications of the Bernoulli numbers, Fourier series, Venn diagrams, Euler numbers, the constants e and π, continued fractions and integrals. He integrated Leibniz's differential calculus with Newton's Method of Fluxions, and developed tools that made it easier to apply calculus to physical problems. He made great strides in improving the numerical approximation of integrals, inventing what are now known as the Euler approximations. The most notable of these approximations are Euler's method and the Euler–Maclaurin formula. He also facilitated the use of differential equations, in particular introducing the Euler–Mascheroni constant:
One of Euler's more unusual interests was the application of mathematical ideas in music. In 1739 he wrote the Tentamen novae theoriae musicae, hoping to eventually incorporate musical theory as part of mathematics. This part of his work, however, did not receive wide attention and was once described as too mathematical for musicians and too musical for mathematicians.
Physics and astronomy
Classical mechanics
Euler helped develop the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation, which became a cornerstone of engineering. Aside from successfully applying his analytic tools to problems in classical mechanics, Euler also applied these techniques to celestial problems. His work in astronomy was recognized by a number of Paris Academy Prizes over the course of his career. His accomplishments include determining with great accuracy the orbits of comets and other celestial bodies, understanding the nature of comets, and calculating the parallax of the sun. His calculations also contributed to the development of accurate longitude tables.
In addition, Euler made important contributions in optics. He disagreed with Newton's corpuscular theory of light in the Opticks, which was then the prevailing theory. His 1740s papers on optics helped ensure that the wave theory of light proposed by Christian Huygens would become the dominant mode of thought, at least until the development of the quantum theory of light.
Logic
He is also credited with using closed curves to illustrate syllogistic reasoning (1768). These diagrams have become known as Euler diagrams.
Personal philosophy and religious beliefs Euler and his friend Daniel Bernoulli were opponents of Leibniz's monadism and the philosophy of Christian Wolff. Euler insisted that knowledge is founded in part on the basis of precise quantitative laws, something that monadism and Wolffian science were unable to provide. Euler's religious leanings might also have had a bearing on his dislike of the doctrine; he went so far as to label Wolff's ideas as "heathen and atheistic".
Much of what is known of Euler's religious beliefs can be deduced from his Letters to a German Princess and an earlier work, Rettung der Göttlichen Offenbahrung Gegen die Einwürfe der Freygeister (Defense of the Divine Revelation against the Objections of the Freethinkers). These works show that Euler was a devout Christian who believed the Bible to be inspired; the Rettung was primarily an argument for the divine inspiration of scripture
There is a famous anecdote inspired by Euler's arguments with secular philosophers over religion, which is set during Euler's second stint at the St. Petersburg academy. The French philosopher Denis Diderot was visiting Russia on Catherine the Great's invitation. However, the Empress was alarmed that the philosopher's arguments for atheism were influencing members of her court, and so Euler was asked to confront the Frenchman. Diderot was later informed that a learned mathematician had produced a proof of the existence of God: he agreed to view the proof as it was presented in court. Euler appeared, advanced toward Diderot, and in a tone of perfect conviction announced, "Sir, , hence God exists—reply!". Diderot, to whom (says the story) all mathematics was gibberish, stood dumbstruck as peals of laughter erupted from the court. Embarrassed, he asked to leave Russia, a request that was graciously granted by the Empress. However amusing the anecdote may be, it is apocryphal, given that Diderot was a capable mathematician who had published mathematical treatises.
Selected bibliography
Euler has an extensive bibliography. His best known books include: ▪Elements of Algebra. This elementary algebra text starts with a discussion of the nature of numbers and gives a comprehensive introduction to algebra, including formulae for solutions of polynomial equations. ▪Introductio in analysin infinitorum (1748). English translation Introduction to Analysis of the Infinite by John Blanton (Book I, ISBN 0-387-96824-5, Springer-Verlag 1988; Book II, ISBN 0-387-97132-7, Springer-Verlag 1989). ▪Two influential textbooks on calculus: Institutiones calculi differentialis (1755) and Institutionum calculi integralis (1768–1770). ▪Lettres à une Princesse d'Allemagne (Letters to a German Princess) (1768–1772). Available online (in French). English translation, with notes, and a life of Euler, available online from Google Books: Volume 1, Volume 2 ▪Methodus inveniendi lineas curvas maximi minimive proprietate gaudentes, sive solutio problematis isoperimetrici latissimo sensu accepti (1744). The Latin title translates as a method for finding curved lines enjoying properties of maximum or minimum, or solution of isoperimetric problems in the broadest accepted sense. A definitive collection of Euler's works, entitled Opera Omnia, has been published since 1911 by the Euler Commission of the Swiss Academy of Sciences.
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The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the East Division of the National League of Major League Baseball (MLB). The team's home ballpark is Nationals Park, located on South Capitol Street in Southeast D.C., near the Anacostia River. The Nationals' name derives from the former Washington baseball team that had the same name (used interchangeably with Senators). Their nickname is "the Nats" - a shortened version that was also used by the old D.C. teams. The Nationals have a friendly rivalry with the nearby Baltimore Orioles nicknamed the Beltway Series. The teams have played a series home and away every season since 2005.
Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team that plays in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). Since their founding in 1974, the "Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup Finals, and captured seven division titles. In 1997, the team moved their home hockey rink from the suburban Capital Centre to the new Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Former AOL executive Ted Leonsis has owned the team since 1999, and has revitalized the franchise by drafting star players such as Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Mike Green, and hiring Hall of Fame head coach (and former Washington Capital player) Adam Oates. The 2009-10 Capitals won the franchise's first-ever Presidents' Trophy, for being the team with the most points at the end of the regular season.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball franchise based in Washington, D.C. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association. The team plays their home games at the Verizon Center, in the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. In 1995, owner Abe Pollin announced he was changing the team's name because Bullets had acquired violent overtones that had made him increasingly uncomfortable over the years, particularly given the high homicide and crime rate in the early 1990s in Washington, D.C.
Navy Midshipmen
The United States Naval Academy's called the Navy Midshipmen or "Mids". They participate in the NCAA's Division I-A, as a non-football member of the Patriot League. The most important sporting event at the academy is the annual Army-Navy Game. The 2011 season marked Navy's tenth consecutive victory over Army. The three major service academies (Navy, Air Force, and Army) compete for the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, which is awarded to the academy that defeats the others in football that year (or retained by the previous winner in the event of a three-way tie). Varsity-letter winners wear a specially-issued blue cardigan with a large gold "N" patch affixed. If they belong to a team that beats Army in any sport designated "Star" competition, they are also awarded a gold star ("N-Star") to affix near the "N" for each such victory.
Georgetown Hoyas
The Georgetown Hoyas are the athletics teams that officially represent Georgetown University in college sports. Part of the NCAA's Division I, the Hoyas field 23 varsity level sports teams, most of which participate in the Big East Conference, with the exception of the Division I-AA Patriot League in football. In late 2012, Georgetown and six other Catholic, non-FBS schools announced that they were departing the Big East for a new conference. The rowing and sailing teams also participate in east coast conferences. The men's basketball team is the school's most famous and most successful program, but Hoyas have achieved success in a wide range of sports.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Virginia Cavaliers, also known as Wahoos or Hoos, are the athletic teams representing the University of Virginia. They compete as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I level (Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sub-level for football), primarily competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for all sports since the 1953-54 season. The media generally refers to the University's athletic teams as simply "Virginia" for short, or "the Cavaliers," the University's official mascot of a mounted swordsman. An unofficial moniker, the Wahoos, or 'Hoos for short, based on the University's rallying cry "Wah-hoo-wah!" is also commonly used. Though originally only used by the student body, both terms - Wahoos and 'Hoos - have come into wide use by the media as well.
Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech Hokies are the athletic teams officially representing Virginia Tech in college sports. The Hokies participate in the NCAA's Division I Atlantic Coast Conference in 19 varsity sports. The stylized VT (the abbreviation for Virginia Tech) is used primarily by the athletic department as a symbol for Virginia Tech athletic teams. The "athletic VT" symbol is trademarked by the university and appears frequently on licensed merchandise. Virginia Tech's fight song, Tech Triumph, was written in 1919 and remains in use today.
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FedEx Field (1997-present)
a.k.a. Jack Kent Cooke Stadium (1997-1999)
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The team plays at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn, Virginia. The Redskins have played over one thousand games since 1932. The Redskins have won five NFL Championships (two pre-merger , and three Super Bowls ). The franchise has captured ten NFL divisional titles and six NFL conference championships. [1]
The Redskins won the 1937 and 1942 Championship games, as well as Super Bowls XVII, XXII, and XXVI. They also played in and lost the 1936, 1940, 1943, and 1945 Championship games, as well as Super Bowls VII and XVIII. They have made twenty-two postseason appearances, and have an overall postseason record of 23 wins and 17 losses. Only four teams have appeared in more Super Bowls than the Redskins: the Pittsburgh Steelers (eight), Dallas Cowboys (eight), Denver Broncos (six), and New England Patriots (six); the Redskins' five appearances are tied with the San Francisco 49ers , Oakland Raiders , Miami Dolphins , and Green Bay Packers . [2]
All of the Redskins' league titles were attained during two ten-year spans. From 1936 to 1945 , the Redskins went to the NFL Championship six times, winning two of them. [3] The second period lasted between 1982 and 1991 where the Redskins appeared in the postseason seven times, captured four Conference titles, and won three Super Bowls out of four appearances. [3] The Redskins have also experienced failure in their history. The most notable period of failure was from 1946 to 1970 , during which the Redskins did not have a single postseason appearance. [1] During this period, the Redskins went without a single winning season between 1956 and 1968 . [1] In 1961 , the franchise posted their worst regular season record with a 1–12–1 showing. [1]
According to Forbes Magazine, the Redskins are the second most valuable franchise in the NFL, behind the Dallas Cowboys , and were valued at approximately $1.55 billion as of 2009. [4] Being the second most valuable franchise, the Redskins remain the highest grossing team in the NFL with $345 million in revenue during the 2009 season. [4] They have also broken the NFL's mark for single-season attendance nine years in a row. [5]
The Redskins were the first team in the NFL with an official marching band and also the first team to have a fight song, "Hail to the Redskins" [6] Template:TOC limit
Contents
Main article: History of the Washington Redskins
The team originated as the Boston Braves, based in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1932. They changed their name to the Boston Redskins the following year, and relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1937. In their early years in Washington, the Redskins shared Griffith Stadium with the Washington Senators baseball team. [7] The Redskins played and won their first game in Washington D.C. on September 16, 1937, a victory against the Giants , 13–3. [8] On December 5, 1937, they earned their first division title in Washington against the Giants, 49–14, for the Eastern Championship. [8] The team then proceeded to win their first league championship, the 1937 NFL Championship Game , on December 12, 1937, against the Chicago Bears , their first year in D.C. [8] The Redskins then met the Bears again in the 1940 NFL Championship Game on December 8, 1940. [9] The result, 73–0 in favor of the Bears, is still the worst one-sided loss in NFL history. [9] The other big loss for the Redskins that season occurred during a coin-tossing ceremony prior to a game against the Giants . After calling the coin toss and shaking hands with the opposing team captain, Turk Edwards attempted to pivot around to head back to his sideline. However, his cleats caught in the grass and his knee gave way, injuring him and bringing his season and career to an unusual end. [10]
In what became an early rivalry in the NFL, the Redskins and Bears met two more times in the NFL Championship. The third time was during the 1942 NFL Championship Game on December 13, 1942, where the Redskins won their second championship, 14–6. [9] The final time the two met was the 1943 NFL Championship Game on December 26, 1943, during which the Bears won, 41–21. [9] The most notable accomplishment achieved during the Redskins ' 1943 season was Sammy Baugh leading the NFL in passing, punting , and interceptions . [11]
The Redskins played in the NFL Championship one more time before a quarter-century drought that did not end until the 1972 season . With former Olympic gold medalist Dudley DeGroot as their new head coach, the Redskins went 8–2 during the 1945 season . One of the most impressive performances came from Sammy Baugh, who had a completion percentage of .703. [12] They ended the season by losing to the Cleveland Rams in the 1945 NFL Championship Game on December 16, 1945, 15–14. [9] The one-point margin of victory came under scrutiny because of a safety that occurred early in the game. In the first quarter, the Redskins had the ball at their own 5 yard line. Dropping back into the end zone , quarterback Sammy Baugh threw to an open receiver, but the ball hit the goal post (which at the time was on the goal line instead of at the back of the end zone) and bounced back to the ground in the end zone. Under the rules at the time, this was ruled as a safety and thus gave the Rams a 2–0 lead. It was that safety that proved to be the margin of victory. Owner Marshall was so mad at the outcome that he became a major force in passing the following major rule change after the season: A forward pass that strikes the goal posts is automatically ruled incomplete. This later became known as the "Baugh/Marshall Rule". [13]
Front-office disarray and integration (1946–1970)
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The team's early success endeared it to the fans of Washington, D.C. However, after 1945, the Redskins began a slow decline that they did not end until a playoff appearance in the 1971 season . [14] The Redskins had four different head coaches from 1946 to 1951, including former players Turk Edwards and Dick Todd as well as John Whelchel and Herman Ball , and none were successful. But this did not stop George Preston Marshall from trying to make the Redskins the most successful franchise in the league. His first major alteration happened on June 14, 1950, when it was announced that Amoco planned to televise all Redskins games, making Washington the first NFL team to have an entire season of televised games. [15] [16] His next major change came in February 1952, when he hired former Green Bay Packers coach Earl "Curly" Lambeau . [16] But, after two seasons, Marshall fired Lambeau following the Redskins loss in their exhibition opener to the Los Angeles Rams and hired Joe Kuharich . [16] In 1955 , Kuharich led the Redskins to their first winning season in ten years and was named both Sporting News Coach of the Year and UPI NFL Coach of the Year . [17]
In 1961 , the Redskins moved into their new stadium called D.C. Stadium (later changed to Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in 1969). The first game in new D.C. Stadium occurred on October 1, 1961 in front of 37,767 fans. However, the Redskins failed to hold a 21–7 lead and lost to the New York Giants 24–21. [18] That same year, Bill McPeak became the head coach and had a record of 21–46–3 over five seasons. During his tenure, he helped draft future stars: wide receiver Charley Taylor , tight end Jerry Smith , safety Paul Krause , center Len Hauss , and linebacker Chris Hanburger . [19] He also helped pull off two important trades, gaining quarterback Sonny Jurgensen from the Philadelphia Eagles and linebacker Sam Huff from the New York Giants . [20]
One reason for the team's struggles was disarray in the front office. Marshall, team owner and president, began a mental decline in 1962, and the team's other stockholders found it difficult to make decisions without their boss. Marshall died on August 9, 1969, [18] and Edward Bennett Williams , a minority stockholder who was a Washington resident and one of America's most esteemed attorneys, was chosen to run the franchise while the majority stockholder, Jack Kent Cooke , lived in Los Angeles and ran his basketball team, the Los Angeles Lakers. [21] In 1966 Otto Graham was hired as the new head coach. Graham coached the Redskins between 1966 and 1968, but whatever magic he had as an NFL player disappeared on the sidelines as the team recorded a mark of 17-22-3 during that time period. After resigning the Redskins' post in favor of the legendary Vince Lombardi, Graham returned as athletic director of the Coast Guard Academy before retiring at the end of 1984.
In 1969 , the Redskins hired Vince Lombardi — who gained fame coaching with the Green Bay Packers — to be their new head coach. [22] Lombardi led the team to a 7–5–2 record, [14] their best since 1955, but died of cancer on the eve of the 1970 season. [22] Assistant coach Bill Austin was chosen to replace Lombardi during 1970 and produced a record of 6–8. [14]
Integration controversy
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During most of this unsuccessful period, Marshall continually refused to integrate the team, despite pressure from The Washington Post and the federal government of the United States. [23] On March 24, 1961, Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall warned Marshall to hire black players or face federal retribution. For the first time in history, the federal government had attempted to desegregate a professional sports team. [24] The Redskins were under the threat of civil rights legal action by the Kennedy administration, which would have prevented a segregated team from playing at the new D.C. Stadium , as it was owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior and thus federal government property.
In 1962 , they became the final professional American football franchise to integrate. First, the Redskins drafted Ernie Davis , the first black player to win the Heisman Trophy. [24] With their second pick in the draft, the Redskins chose another black halfback, Joe Hernandez from Arizona. They also took black fullback Ron Hatcher in the eighth round, a player from Michigan State who became the first black American football player to sign a contract with the Redskins. [24] But, in mid-December, Marshall announced that on the day of the NFL draft he had traded the rights to Davis to the Cleveland Browns , who wanted Davis to join the league's leading rusher, Jim Brown , in their backfield. Davis was traded to the Browns for running back Bobby Mitchell (who became a wide receiver in Washington) and 1962 first-round draft choice Leroy Jackson . [24] [25] The move was made under unfortunate circumstances - as it turned out that Davis had leukemia, and died without ever playing a down in professional football. [24] Mitchell was joined by black stars like receiver Charley Taylor , running back Larry Brown , defensive back Brig Owens , and guard John Nisby from the Pittsburgh Steelers . [24] The Redskins ended the 1962 season with their best record in five years: 5–7–2. Mitchell led the league with eleven touchdowns, and caught 72 passes and was selected to the Pro Bowl .
George Allen's Revival (1971–1980)
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After the death of Lombardi and Austin's unsuccessful 1970 season, Williams signed former Los Angeles Rams head coach George Allen as head coach on January 6, 1971. [26] Partial to seasoned veterans instead of highly-touted young players, Allen's teams became known as the Over-the-Hill Gang . [27] That season , the Redskins made the playoffs for the first time since 1945 with a 9–4–1 mark. [14] However, they lost in the Divisional Playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers , 24–20. [26] The following season , the Redskins then hosted their first post-season game in Washington since 1942, where they beat the Green Bay Packers 16–3 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs . [9] The Redskins reached the NFC Championship Game , defeating Dallas 26–3, only to lose to the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14–7 in Super Bowl VII . [26]
The Redskins again made the playoffs in 1973 , 1974 and 1976 , only to lose all three times in the first round. [26] After his Redskins failed to make the playoffs in 1977 despite posting a 9–5 record, [14] Allen was fired and was replaced by new head coach Jack Pardee , a star linebacker under Allen in Los Angeles and Washington. [14] In his first year, his team started 6–0 but then lost 8 of the last 10 games. Then in the offseason, Redskins majority owner Jack Kent Cooke moved from Los Angeles to Virginia and took over the team's day-by-day operations from Edward Bennett Williams . [21]
The Redskins chose well during the 1979 NFL Draft , where they drafted future stars Don Warren and Monte Coleman . They opened the 1979 season 6–2 and were 10–5 heading into the season finale at Texas Stadium , against whom a win would assure a playoff spot and a possible NFC East title. Washington led 34–28 with time running out, but quarterback Roger Staubach then led the Cowboys in a fourth-quarter comeback with two touchdown passes. The 35–34 loss knocked the 10–6 Redskins out of playoff contention. [14] Pardee's quick success with the team did not go unnoticed, however, and he was named Associated Press Coach of the Year and UPI NFC Coach of the Year . Pardee's tenure did not last long though, for he was fired after posting a 6–10 record in 1980 . [14] He did, however, draft Art Monk in the first-round.
Gibbs' Era (1981–1992)
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On January 13, 1981, owner Jack Kent Cooke signed the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers , Joe Gibbs , as their head coach. [28] Also during the off-season, the Redskins acquired Mark May , Russ Grimm , and Dexter Manley in the 1981 NFL Draft , all of whom became significant contributors to the team for the next few years. After starting the 1981 season 0–5, the Redskins won eight out of their next eleven games and finished the season 8–8. [28]
Starting on September 21, 1982, [28] the NFL faced a 57–day long players' strike , which reduced the 1982 season from a 16-game schedule to a 9-game schedule. Because of the shortened season, the NFL adopted a special 16-team playoff tournament, in which eight teams from each conference were seeded 1–8 based on their regular season records. After the strike was settled, the Redskins dominated, winning six out of the seven remaining games to make the playoffs for the first time since 1976 . [14]
On January 15, 1983, during the second round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Vikings , Riggins rushed for a Redskins playoff record 185 yds, leading Washington to a 21–7 win and a place in the NFC Championship Game against Dallas, whom they beat 31 to 17. [28] The Redskins' first Super Bowl win, and their first NFL Championship in 40 years, was in Super Bowl XVII , where the Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins 27–17 on January 30, 1983. [9] Riggins provided the game's signature play when, on 4th and inches, with the Redskins down 17–13, the coaches called "70 Chip" a play designed for short yardage. [29] Riggins instead gained 43 yards by running through would-be tackler Don McNeal and getting the go-ahead touchdown. The Redskins ended up winning by a 27–17 score.
The 1983 season marked the rookie debut of Darrell Green , selected in the 1983 NFL Draft along with Charles Mann , who played for twenty more seasons. On October 1, 1983, the Redskins lost to the Green Bay Packers 48–47 in the highest scoring Monday night football game in history , in which both teams combine for more than 1000 yards of total offense. [28] Then during the regular-season finale on December 17, 1983, Moseley set an NFL scoring record with 161 points while Riggins' total of 144 points was second. This marked the first time since 1951 that the top two scorers in a season played on the same team. [28] They dominated the NFL with a 14-win season which included scoring a then NFL record 541 points, [30] many of which came from Riggins, who scored 24 touchdowns. In the postseason, the Redskins beat the Los Angeles Rams 51–7. [9] The next week, Washington barely beat the San Francisco 49ers 24–21 on a last minute field goal, after having lead 21–0 after three quarters. [9] It was their final win of the season because two weeks later, the Raiders beat the Redskins 38–9 in Super Bowl XVIII . [9]
The Redskins finished the 1984 season with an 11–5 record, [14] and won the NFC East for the third consecutive season. [28] However, they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Chicago Bears , 23–19. [9] On November 18, 1985, while playing against the Giants , Theismann broke his leg during a sack by Lawrence Taylor . The compound fracture forced him to retire after a 12-year career, during which he became the Redskins' all-time leader in pass attempts and completions. [28]
The 1986 offseason's major highlight occurred during the 1986 NFL Draft , when the Redskins picked up future Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien in the sixth round. In 1986 , the road to the playoffs was even harder, with the Redskins making the postseason as a wild-card team despite having a regular season record of 12–4. [14] They won the Wild Card playoff against the Rams, and then again in the Divisional playoffs against the Bears. This game was Gibbs 70th career, which made him the winningest head coach in Redskins history. [28] The season ended next week, however, when the Redskins lost to the Giants 17–0 in the NFC Championship game. [9] [28]
The 1987 season began with a 24-day players' strike , reducing the 16-game season to 15. The games for weeks 4–6 were won with all replacement players. The Redskins have the distinction of being the only team with no players crossing the picket line. [31] Those three victories are often credited with getting the team into the playoffs and the basis for the 2000 movie The Replacements. The Redskins won their second championship in Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, in San Diego, California. The Redskins routed the Denver Broncos 42–10 [9] after starting the game in a 10–0 deficit, the largest come-from-behind victory in Super Bowl history, which was tied by the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, who trailed the Indianapolis Colts 10-0 after the 1st quarter, and won 31-17. This game is more famous for the stellar performance by quarterback Doug Williams who passed for four touchdowns in the second quarter en route to becoming the first black quarterback to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory. [32] Rookie running back Timmy Smith had a great performance as well, running for a Super Bowl record 204 yards. [32]
The Redskins returned to the playoffs in 1990 as a wild card team, but lost in the Divisional playoffs to the 49ers , 28–10. [9]
The 1991 season started with a franchise-record with 11 straight victories. [33] Also during the season, " The Hogs " allowed a league low and franchise record nine sacks — the third lowest total in NFL history. [33] After posting a 14–2 record, the Redskins made and dominated the playoffs , beating the Falcons and Lions by a combined score of 64–17. [9] On January 26, 1992, the Redskins won Super Bowl XXVI by defeating the Buffalo Bills 37–24. [9] After the Super Bowl, the Redskins set another franchise record by sending eight players to the Pro Bowl . [33]
The Redskins success in 1992 culminated in a trip to the playoffs as a wild card team, but they lost in the Divisional playoffs to the 49ers , 20–13. [9] The most impressive feat during the season occurred on October 12, 1992, when Art Monk became the NFL's all-time leading pass receiver against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football by catching his 820th career reception. [33] The era ended on March 5, 1993, when Joe Gibbs retired after twelve years of coaching with the Redskins. [33] In what proved to be a temporary retirement, Gibbs pursued an interest in NASCAR by founding Joe Gibbs Racing. [34]
Franchise Downturn 1993-present
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During the years 1993-2010, hard times have come upon the Washington Redskins franchise. While they still retain a very large and dedicated fan base, the team has only seen 2 playoff victories in 3 appearances. After the 1992 retirement of famed head coach Joe Gibbs , the Redskins fell into a tailspin. Since 1993, the Redskins have had 8 different head coaches , including a 4 year stint with former coach Gibbs from 2004-2007. Many fans place the direct blame for the Redskins' poor performance on owner Daniel Snyder , along with his former general manager and personal friend Vinny Cerrato , who shared control of the team with Snyder for 10 of the past 17 years. Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer (2001) was fired at the end of his first season as head coach with an 8-8 record and subsequently Cerrato was re-hired. Other controversial issues involving Snyder were the 2009 banning of signs at FedEx Field because of their negative nature toward the owner, and 2009 lawsuits in which team owner Dan Snyder sued unemployed season ticket holders who backed out of contracts because they could not afford them. In the trial, Snyder sued multiple season ticket holders for multiple years of future payment. The season ticket holders could not afford lawyers and were made to pay over $66,000 each.
End of RFK (1993–96)
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After the end of Gibbs' first tenure, the Redskins hired former Redskins player Richie Petitbon for the 1993 season . However, his first and only year as head coach, the Redskins finished with a record of 4–12. [14] Petitbon was fired at the end of the season and on February 2, 1994, Norv Turner was hired as head coach after being the offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys . [33] On October 9, 1994, linebacker Monte Coleman played in his 206th career game with the Redskins, which broke Art Monk 's team record for games played (Coleman retired at season's end with 216 games played). [33] On March 13, 1996, Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke , Maryland Governor Parris Glendening, and Prince George's County Executive Wayne K. Curry signed a contract that paved the way for the immediate start of construction for the new home of the Redskins (now FedEx Field). [33] On December 22, 1996, the Redskins played their final game at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium , a victory over the Dallas Cowboys 37–10, and finished their tenure at the stadium with a 173–102–3 record, including 11–1 in the playoffs. [33]
Death of Jack Kent Cooke and the beginning of FedExField (1997–98)
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On April 6, 1997, Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke died of congestive heart failure at the age of 84. [33] In his will, Cooke left the Redskins to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, with instructions that the foundation sell the team. His estate, headed by son John Kent Cooke , took over ownership of the Redskins and at his memorial service, John Kent Cooke announced that the new stadium in Landover, Maryland will be named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium . [33] On September 14, 1997, the Redskins played in their new stadium for the first time, and beat the Arizona Cardinals , 19–13 in overtime. [33] On November 23, 1997, they played the New York Giants and the result was a 7–7 tie, the Redskins first tie game since the 1971 season . The result was a 8–7–1 record, and the Redskins missed the playoffs for a fifth season in a row. One bright spot during the season, however, occurred on December 13, 1997, when Darrell Green played in his 217th career game as a Redskin, breaking Monte Coleman 's team record for games played. [33]
The 1998 season started with a seven-game losing streak, [35] and the Redskins finished with a 6–10 record.
Daniel Snyder becomes Owner (1999–present)
File:FedexField photo by Flickr user dbking.jpg
After two seasons, John Kent Cooke was unable to raise sufficient funds to permanently purchase the Redskins, and on May 25, 1999, Daniel Snyder gained unanimous approval (31-0) from league owners and bought the franchise for $800 million, [33] a deal that was the most expensive team-purchasing deal in sporting history. [36] One of his first acts as team owner occurred on November 21, 1999, when he sold the naming-rights to Jack Kent Cooke Stadium to the highest bidder, Federal Express, who renamed the stadium FedEx Field . [33]
In Snyder's first season as owner, the Redskins went 10–6, [14] including a four-game winning streak early in the season, [37] and made it to the playoffs for the first time in Norv Turner 's career, and the first time for the Redskins since 1992 in the final game of the season, on January 2, 2000, against the Dolphins . Running back Stephen Davis rushed for a club-record 1405 yards and quarterback Brad Johnson completed a club-record 316 passes and threw for more than 4000 yards in regular play that season. [38] They then beat the Detroit Lions in the first round of the playoffs , but lost to the Buccaneers , 14–13.
The 2000 season started with the selection of future Pro Bowler Chris Samuels and the Tumultuous LaVar Arrington in the 2000 NFL Draft and included five consecutive wins in the first half of the season. [39] However, they ended up going 7–6, and on December 4, 2000, Norv Turner was fired as head coach. [38] Terry Robiskie was named interim coach to finish out the season, [38] which ended with an 8–8 record. [14] During the final game of the season on December 24, 2000, Larry Centers became the NFL's all-time leader in catches by a running back with 685 receptions. [38]
(2001–2003)
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On January 3, 2001, the Redskins hired former Browns and Chiefs head coach Marty Schottenheimer as head coach. [38] The 2001 season began with a loss to the San Diego Chargers , 30–3, two days before the September 11, 2001 attacks. On September 13, 2001, the Redskins announced the establishment of the Redskins Relief Fund to help families of the victims of the attack at the Pentagon. During the course of the season, the Redskins raised more than $700,000. [38] They finished the season with an 8–8 record [14] and Schottenheimer was fired after the final game.
File:2003 Washington Redskins New York Giants at line.jpg
On January 14, 2002, Snyder hired University of Florida coach Steve Spurrier , [38] the Redskins' fifth new head coach in ten years. They finished with a 7–9 record, their first losing season since 1998 . [14] A bittersweet moment during the season occurred on December 29, 2002, when Darrell Green concluded his 20th and final season as the Redskins defeated the Cowboys 20–14 at FedEx Field. During his twenty seasons, he set a NFL record for consecutive seasons with at least one interception (19) and a Redskins team record for regular season games played (295) and started (258). [38]
The Redskins finished the 2003 season with a 5–11 record, their worst since 1994 . [14] The one bright note of the season was on December 7, 2003, when defensive end Bruce Smith sacked Giants quarterback Jesse Palmer in the fourth quarter. With his 199th career sack, broke Reggie White 's all-time NFL mark (Smith finished the season with 200 career sacks). [38] After two mediocre years, Spurrier resigned after the 2003 season with three years left on his contract.
Return of Joe Gibbs (2004–2007)
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For the 2004 season , Snyder successfully lured former coach Joe Gibbs away from NASCAR to return as head coach and team president. His employment came with a promise of decreased intervention in football operations from Snyder. [40] Snyder also expanded FedEx Field to a league-high capacity of 91,665 seats. Gibbs's return to the franchise did not pay instant dividends as the Redskins finished the 2004 season with a record of 6 wins and 10 losses.
Despite an impressive defense, the team struggled offensively. Quarterback Mark Brunell —an off-season acquisition from the Jacksonville Jaguars —struggled in his first season, and was replaced midway through the season by backup Patrick Ramsey . On the other hand, some of Gibbs's other new signings, such as cornerback Shawn Springs and linebacker Marcus Washington , did very well. The Redskins also picked Sean Taylor from University of Miami during the draft in Gibbs's first season.
Partly because owner Dan Snyder has turned the Redskins into the greatest revenue producer in pro football, he has spent a lot of money on free agents. These moves did not work out well in the beginning ( Bruce Smith , Deion Sanders ), but the quality of free agents signed under Coach Gibbs improved by signing or trading for stars such as Cornelius Griffin, Santana Moss , and Clinton Portis.
2005
Main article: 2005 Washington Redskins season
During the 2005 offseason, the Redskins traded back WR Laveranues Coles to the New York Jets and acquired WR Santana Moss in return.
The Redskins used their first pick of the 2005 NFL Draft on Auburn University cornerback Carlos Rogers . The Redskins used their next first round draft pick (acquired from the Denver Broncos ) on Auburn Quarterback Jason Campbell . The rest of their picks included UCLA fullback Manuel White, Jr., Louisville linebacker Robert McCune, Stanford linebacker Jared Newberry, and Citadel College fullback Nehemiah Broughton .
Hoping to improve on the previous season's dismal passing attack, Coach Gibbs added former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave as his quarterbacks coach. For the first time under Gibbs, the Redskins offense utilized the shotgun formation .
The team won its first three games, including a Monday Night Football victory over Dallas , but then fell into a slump, including three straight losses in November, which lessened the chances of the team making the playoffs. However, five consecutive victories at the end of the season allowed Washington to finish the season at 10-6, qualifying for the playoffs as a wild card team. They opened the playoffs on the road against the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, January 7, 2006. They won the rematch by a final score of 17-10, [9] after taking an early 14-0 lead, which they later seemed to have squandered until replay evidence showed that an apparent touchdown that would have tied the game was in fact an incomplete pass. In that game, the Redskins broke the record for fewest offensive yards (120) gained in a playoff victory, with one of their two touchdowns being from a defensive run after a fumble recovery. The following weekend, they played the Seattle Seahawks , who had received a first round bye. The Seahawks defeated the Redskins 20-10, [9] ending the Redskins' hopes of reaching their first NFC Championship Game since 1991.
Three team records were broken during the 2005 season. Clinton Portis set the Redskins record for rushing yards in a season with 1,516 yards, breaking Stephen Davis 's 2001 mark of 1,432 yards and Santana Moss's 1,483 receiving yards broke Bobby Mitchell 's 1963 record of 1,436 yards. Chris Cooley 's 71 receptions broke Jerry Smith 's season record for a Redskins tight end.
2006
Main article: 2006 Washington Redskins season
The inconsistency of the offense during the 2005 season resulted in Gibbs hiring offensive coordinator Al Saunders as the Associate Head Coach - Offense . Saunders came from a similar background as Gibbs through being mentored under Don Coryell and was thought to be able to make the offense become more efficient. Saunders would serve as the primary playcaller. Because of this, it was believed that Gibbs would have the role of Head Coach/CEO with the Redskins in 2006 and would largely deal with personnel matters, as well as having more time to focus on special teams and defense, while Saunders would supplement Gibbs with the offense. Gibbs also added former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray to his staff as Secondary/Cornerbacks Coach. Gibbs did lose quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave to the Atlanta Falcons over the summer of 2006.
After bringing in new faces Brandon Lloyd , Antwaan Randle El , Adam Archuleta and Andre Carter with lucrative contracts and lucrative bonuses in the 2005-06 offseason, expectations for the Redskins were high. The expectations would in no way be met. The Redskins struggled every week to stay close in games and hold leads. The Redskins lost a close season-opener to the Minnesota Vikings 19-16. However, the season turned for the worse quickly. The Redskins played another primetime game the very next week against the hated rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night football and fell flat on their face, losing 27-10. The Redskins seemed to turn it around after that, routing the Houston Texans 31-15 and quarterback Mark Brunell setting a then-NFL record by completing 22 consecutive passes. The Redskins then defeated the highly regarded Jacksonville Jaguars in overtime 36-30. However, this 2-game win streak would be the high point. The Redskins entered the next week favored over the slumping rival New York Giants and fell again, being demolished 19-3. The Redskins then hosted the winless Tennessee Titans at home, and lost 25-22, allowing Vince Young to win his first career start. After a loss to Indianapolis Colts , the Redskins returned home for a second jab at the Cowboys. The Redskins rallied to tie the game at 19-19. However, the Cowboys were on their way to victory and lined up for a 38-yard field-goal attempt by renowned kicker Mike Vanderjagt . When the kick went up, it was blocked and returned by Sean Taylor to the Cowboys 47 yard line as time expired, apparently sending the game to overtime, but a facemask on Dallas allowed newly signed kicker Nick Novak attempt a 49-yard field goal on an untimed down. He squeezed it through the uprights and the Redskins won the game 22-19. The next week, the Redskins traveled to Philadelphia to take on the rival Philadelphia Eagles and fell flat again, falling 27-3. After this, Joe Gibbs replaced Brunell with young quarterback Jason Campbell. The Redskins continued to lose games by close margins and blow late leads, winning only two of its final 7 games, and finishing the season 5-11, last in the NFC East.
Analysts differ on exactly why the 2006 season was such a failure. Some point to free agent signings such as strong safety Adam Archuleta and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. Others point to the disconnect between the offensive philosophies of Gibbs and Saunders: Gibbs preferring a power-running scheme while Saunders desired an aggressive pass-oriented style. Many looked to the breakdowns in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams's system, while some point to specific player breakdowns in the porous secondary such as the struggles of defensive backs, allowing a league high 30 TD passes, and accumulating an NFL low 6 interceptions. The defense went from 7th overall in 2005 to 29th in 2006.
2007
Main article: 2007 Washington Redskins
The 2007 Washington Redskins season was the team's 75th season, and saw the team achieve a record of 9–7 and a playoff appearance. This was an improvement over the 2006 season in which they went 5–11 and finished last in the NFC East.
The Redskins began the 2007 season by "winning ugly" starting the season off 2–0. The Redskins kept winning and losing close games, the only exception to this a 34–3 rout of the Detroit Lions . The Redskins continued to win ugly and lose ugly to be 5–3 at the halfway mark. However, the Redskins would begin to collapse. The Washington Redskins lost their next three games to fall to 5–6. On Monday, November 26, 2007, Redskins superstar, Sean Taylor was shot by intruders early in the morning in his Miami home. The next morning, Sean Taylor died from severe blood loss. [41] The heartbreak continued for the Washington Redskins, taking a 9–2 halftime lead against the Buffalo Bills , and eventually a 16–5 lead. However, the Bills cut the lead to 16–14, and got into position with just 8 seconds remaining to win the game. In an attempt to ice the kicker, head coach Joe Gibbs called timeout. However, he attempted to re-ice him, and called timeout again, which drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, reducing the field goal from 51 yards to 36, and Bills kicker Rian Lindell nailed it with ease. Following the heartbreaking loss, the Redskins attended Sean Taylor's funeral two days later, with a game to play on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears . The bad news continued, as quarterback Jason Campbell went down for the season with a knee injury. Following this, unlikely hero and backup quarterback Todd Collins led the Redskins to the victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Things continued to turn in the right direction behind Collins, who led the Redskins to a 22-10 victory on Sunday Night Football over the New York Giants and routs of the Minnesota Vikings and rival Dallas Cowboys in the final two weeks to propel the Redskins to 9–7 and the final playoff spot in the NFL playoffs .
The Washington Redskins trailed 13–0 entering the 4th quarter to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Playoffs, but rallied back to take a 14–13 lead, but Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham missed a field goal later in the game, and the Seahawks scored on the next drive and converted the two-point conversion . To close the game, Todd Collins threw two interceptions, each returned for touchdowns, and the Redskins fell 35–14.
Zorn Period (2008-09)
Main article: 2008 Washington Redskins season
The Washington Redskins looked to return to the playoffs in 2008 but could not, finishing 8–8. After Joe Gibbs announced his retirement, Jim Zorn was hired as head coach, and brought in a West Coast Offense .
The season started about as well as it could have, as the Washington Redskins started the season 6–2, with their two losses coming by a combined 11 points to the New York Giants and St. Louis Rams . Furthermore, Redskins star Clinton Portis led the NFL in rushing yards and Jason Campbell was just 40 pass attempts away from breaking Bernie Kosar 's record of consecutive passes to start the season without an interception. However, the downturn began on the eve of the 2008 Presidential Election, being routed 23–6 by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Clinton Portis' injuries finally caught up to him. The Redskins continued to struggle, falling all the way to 7–7, with their only win a 3-point victory of the then-2–8 Seattle Seahawks , who were at that point 3–11. Despite this, their fast start ballooned them and thus were still barely breathing, but they needed help. The Washington Redskins upset the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, but were eliminated by the Atlanta Falcons due to their 24–17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings that same week. The Redskins lost the final game of the season 27–24 to the San Francisco 49ers , despite having a 17–7 lead at halftime, losing on a Joe Nedney field goal as time expired.
2009
Main article: 2009 Washington Redskins
The Redskins signed defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to a 7-year, $100 million contract in the offseason. They also signed cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a 6-year, $54 million contract. Hall had joined the team for the final seven games of the 2008 season after being released by the Oakland Raiders .
The Redskins also signed offensive guard Derrick Dockery to a 5-year deal, bringing him back to the team that drafted him in 2003. In the 2009 NFL Draft the Redskins, with the 13th pick overall, drafted defensive end Brian Orakpo out of Texas . They also released two veterans, offensive tackle Jon Jansen and wide receiver/kick returner James Thrash . In addition the Redskins selected University of Kentucky defensive end Jeremy Jarmon in the third round of the supplemental draft.
After starting the season 2-3 with all-winless opponents, the Redskins hired former NFL offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis as an offensive consultant. Following a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs , Lewis was promoted to playcalling duties with coach Jim Zorn was stripped of those duties. Despite huge controversy of the job security of coach Zorn, Vinny Cerrato had stated that Zorn will be the coach of the Redskins for the remainder of the season. However, Zorn and Campbell would outlast Cerrato himself, as he resigned after Week 14. Three days before the Monday Night Football game against the New York Giants , the Redskins hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Bruce Allen . Despite the fanfare surrounding the Redskins after hiring the son of George Allen, the man who began the winning tradition in Washington, the Redskins were routed 45-12, being swept by the Giants for the third time in four years.
The Redskins finished their 2009 season on January 3, 2010 with a 23-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers . The next day, in the early morning, head coach Jim Zorn was fired. They finished with the 2009 season with a 4-12 record.
Arrival of Mike Shanahan
Edit
On January 5, 2010, Mike Shanahan agreed to a five-year contract with the Redskins and announced that he would bring his son, Kyle , from Houston to be offensive coordinator, and ex-NFL head coach Jim Haslett for the defensive coordinator position. [42] Other major changes in the coaching staff included retirement of long-time offensive line coach Joe Bugel and defensive coordinator Greg Blache . Jim Haslett made a major change to the defensive scheme, switching from the traditional 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, a move which drastically changed the Redskins' plans for defensive personnel. [43] Ahead of free agency, General Manager Bruce Allen cut 10 players off the roster, including notables Antwaan Randle El and Fred Smoot . [44]
Early in his tenure at Washington, Mike Shanahan entered into a heated controversy with star defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth, unhappy with the prospect of playing the position of nose tackle in the new 3–4 defense, refused to attend early training camps and showed up to preseason practice out of shape. Shanahan refused to let Haynesworth practice at preseason camp until he passed a fitness test first. Haynesworth was unable to pass this test for several weeks, during which the divide between him and Shanahan grew deeper. To this point, Haynesworth's contribution on the field in the 3-4 has been nominal and his relationship with Shanahan seems irrevocable. On December 7, 2010, Haynesworth was suspended for the last four games of the season for conduct detrimental to the team, after he told General Manager Bruce Allen that he refused to speak to Coach Shanahan after Shanahan made Haynesworth inactive in Week 13 for poor practice the week prior. Shanahan said the suspension followed a refusal by Haynesworth to cooperate in a series of ways and not only because of the practice absence.
On April 4, 2010, the team acquired Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb from the division rival Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft and a third or fourth-round pick in 2011. On April 22, 2010, in the 2010 NFL Draft , the team selected All-American Oklahoma Tackle Trent Williams with the 4th overall pick. Also during the 2010 draft, they traded their former starting quarterback Jason Campbell to the Oakland Raiders for a 2012 fourth-round draft pick.
The Redskins won their season opener, 13-7, at FedEx Field against the Dallas Cowboys on September 12, 2010. The game was also Coach Shanahan's debut with the team. [45]
On October 24, 2010, during a game at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears , DeAngelo Hall tied a team single-game pass interception record with former Redskin Sammy Baugh . The Redskins went on to win the game 17–14.
On December 17, only three days before the Redskins traveled to Dallas, Coach Shanahan announced that McNabb would no longer be the starting quarterback, and he was benched in favor of Rex Grossman. McNabb was the second-string quarterback for the Dallas game, and the third-string quarterback for the last two games of the season. Shanahan also reportedly told McNabb that he could not guarantee that McNabb would be with the team the next year. In the game against Dallas, Grossman threw for 322 yards, 4 touchdowns and two 2-pt conversions, yet he turned the ball over three times. It was not enough, however, to overcome the Cowboys, who won 33–30.
The Redskins finished the season with a 6–10 record.
2011
Main article: 2011 Washington Redskins
At the conclusion of the 2010 season, Mike Shanahan stated that the Redskins were going to revamp their roster in the coming offseason via trades, free agency and the draft. It is widely believed and reported that The Redskins are in a rebuilding process. The general consensus is that Shanahan wishes to reduce the age of the roster, and after a quiet salary cap purge during the 2010 Season by Bruce Allen , the team has many options going into a very promising rebuilding process. On February 28, after finishing the last three seasons on IR, the Redskins released Clinton Portis, due to the $8 million he was scheduled to make next season. The Redskins then released veteran guard Derrick Dockery and linebacker Andre Carter. On March 3, the Redskins signed O.J Atogwe to a five-year contract.
In the 2011 NFL draft, the Redskins traded the 10th overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 16th pick, among others, and selected defensive end Ryan Kerrigan from Purdue. The Washington Redskins made a habit of trading down and acquiring more, later round picks in the draft; the team entered the draft with 7 picks and ended up making a total of 12 selections. The Redskins selected Jarvis Jenkins, a defensive tackle from Clemson in the second round; Mike Shanahan addressed this selection in a post-draft interview, saying that Jenkins will transition to a defensive end in the 3-4 defensive scheme that Jim Haslett runs. The Redskins then drafted Leonard Hankerson, a wide receiver from the University of Miami in the third round.
Logos and uniforms
File:Washington Redskins script R logo.gif
The Washington Redskins' primary colors are burgundy and gold. The Redskins' main current uniform design was introduced by coach Jack Pardee in 1979. Continuously from 1961 through 1978, the Redskins wore gold pants with both the burgundy and white jerseys, although details of the jerseys and pants changed a few times during this period. Gold face masks were introduced in 1978 and remain to this day; previous to that they were grey. From the start of the Joe Gibbs era until 2010, the Redskins were one of three NFL teams that primarily wore their white jerseys at home (the others being the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins ; though the Dolphins, who do so because the warm weather that causes many teams to wear white early in the season exists year-round in South Florida, traditionally wear dark jerseys at night). The tradition of wearing white jerseys over burgundy pants at home, which is considered the "classic" look, was started by Joe Gibbs when he took over as coach in 1981. Gibbs was an assistant for the San Diego Chargers in 1979 and 1980, and the Chargers wore white at home during the tenure of coach Don Coryell in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
From 1981-2009, their burgundy jersey were primarily used when the opposing team decided to wear white at home, which comes mostly against the Dallas Cowboys and occasionally the Philadelphia Eagles , and was normally worn over white pants. It was and is also worn on the road against other teams that like to wear white at home for games occurring early in a particular season. From 1981 through 2000, the Redskins wore their white jerseys over burgundy pants at home almost exclusively. In 1994, as part of a league-wide celebration of the NFL's 75th Anniversary, during certain games the Redskins wore special uniforms which emulated the uniforms worn by the team in its inaugural season as the Washington Redskins, 1937. Both worn over gold pants, the burgundy jerseys featured gold numbers bordered in white and the white jerseys featured burgundy numbers bordered in gold. The most distinctive feature of both colors of the jersey was the patches worn on both sleeves, which were a reproduction of the patches worn on the full-length sleeves of the 1937 jerseys. Worn with these uniforms was a plain burgundy helmet with a gold facemask. In 2001, the Redskins wore burgundy for all home games in the preseason and regular season per a decision by Marty Schottenheimer, their coach for that year. In 2002, the team celebrated the passing of 70 years since its creation as the Boston Braves in 1932, and wore a special home uniform of burgundy jersey over gold pants which roughly resembled the home uniforms used from 1969-1978. The helmets used with this special home uniform during that year were a reproduction of the helmets used by the team from 1965-69. [46] This special home uniform was also worn during one game in 2003. In 2004, when Joe Gibbs became the coach of the Redskins once again, the team switched back to wearing white jerseys at home; in Gibbs's 16 years as head coach, the team never wore burgundy jerseys at home.
Their white jerseys have provided three basic color combinations, two of which have been previously alluded to in this article. The last combination consists of both white jerseys and pants. That particular combination surfaced in the first game of the 2003 season, when the team was coached by Steve Spurrier, during a nationally televised game against the New York Jets , which led many sports fans and Redskins faithful alike to point out that they had never seen that particular combination before. That year the Redskins wore it two more times. That look didn't appear again until midway through the 2005 season when the Redskins wore it in a road game against the St. Louis Rams . The Redskins won six straight games, including one in the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, wearing that combination and the local media jokingly pointed out that the reason the Redskins were winning was their use of the white over white combination. In the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the eventual 2005 NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks , the Redskins wore the all-white uniforms, in hopes that they could keep their streak going; however, they lost 20-10. The Redskins continued to wear the white jerseys and white pants into the 2006 preseason. In the 2006 season, the Redskins started wearing black cleats, something that hadn't been done for quite a while. It was a surprise because they wore white cleats during the preseason. They would have to wear that color for the rest of the season, because the NFL usually asks teams to choose either black or white cleats to be worn throughout the season.
After the white-over-white period which lasted from the mid/late 2005 season into 2006, the classic uniform of white jerseys over burgundy pants reappeared on November 26, 2006, in a home game against the Carolina Panthers . The decision to return to the classic look may have symbolized a desire by the team to turn a new page on their 2006 season, which had been very lackluster previous to that game, the period of success with the white jerseys over white pants having come to an end the previous season. The move may have also been related to the fact that this home game was the second start and first home start of second-year quarterback Jason Campbell, and that the game and the previous week's game were, in the hopes and perceptions of many Redskins fans, the start of the "Jason Campbell era." The Redskins went on to win that game against Carolina, preserving slim hopes of the team's being able to make it to the 2006 playoffs, although they ultimately missed the playoffs.
File:NFCE-75th-Uniform-WAS.PNG
In celebration of the franchise's 75th anniversary, the Redskins wore a special throwback uniform for the September 23, 2007 home game against the New York Giants . Players wore a white jersey (in keeping with Gibbs's exclusive use of the color, whereas most other NFL throwback jerseys tend to be dark) with 3 burgundy and 2 gold stripes on each sleeve and the 75th anniversary logo on the left chest. The pants were gold, with one white stripe bordered by a burgundy stripe on each side, running down each side. The helmet was yellow-colored with a burgundy "R" logo. The helmet and uniform styles (besides the anniversary patch and the position of the upper-most, "TV," numbers) were the same as the ones the franchise used during the 1970-71 seasons. While this throwback uniform was worn during a home game, it was actually the away uniform for 1970-71. (The helmet was discontinued after the 1971 season, while this basic away uniform design, minus the helmet, was used through the 1978 season, as well as during most the 1969 season.) The legendary Vince Lombardi , who coached the Redskins in 1969 before passing away during the 1970 pre-season, was the inspiration behind the helmet. Lombardi pushed for the logo, which sat inside a white circle enclosed within a burgundy circle border, with Indian feathers hanging down from the side, because of its similarity to the "G" on the helmets worn by his Green Bay Packers for many years.
On September 14, 2008, Week 2 and game two for the team of the 2008 season, the Redskins again donned the white-on-white look, which was reminiscent of the successful stretch at the end of the 2005 season.
On November 3, 2008, the Redskins wore burgundy jerseys over their burgundy pants in a Monday night home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers the night before the 2008 U.S. Presidential election. The Redskins lost the game, 23-6. [47] It was the first time the Redskins went with the dark "monochrome" look that many NFL teams have adopted in some form over the past few years. This uniform combination made a reappearance in 2009 against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on November 22 and a home Monday night game against the New York Giants on December 21.
The Redskins, after wearing white almost exclusively in the '80s and '90s, occasionally reverted from 2002-2009 to using their burgundy jerseys for home games during the latter weeks of the season, but would still wear white against the Dallas Cowboys . At the 2010 season and home opener on September 12, the team debuted a never-before-seen look, pairing the standard modern burgundy jerseys with the throwback style of gold pants that are reminiscent of the era of Head Coach George Allen, the late father of new GM Bruce Allen, which had last been seen in the game vs. the Giants in 2007. [48] In 2010, the team wore burgundy jerseys for all regular season home games, including six total sporting the afore-mentioned new look. For two home games, vs Green Bay and Tampa Bay, the team wore the standard white pants. In Philadelphia on October 3, with the Eagles wearing white at home, the team also wore white pants with their burgundy jerseys---and did the same when visiting Dallas in December. Away against Tennessee on November 21, they debuted another new look, matching the gold pants with the standard modern white jerseys for the first time ever; the same combination would be worn at the Giants two weeks later. In the other four away games, the team wore the white jerseys over the burgundy pants.
Native American mascot controversy
Edit
Some consider the namesake and logo of the Washington Redskins insensitive towards Native Americans. [49] There have been movements by certain groups to change the name, [50] but the attempts have been unsuccessful. Others make the case in defense that the Redskins name is intended to honor the bravery and dignity of Native Americans and that, regardless of past usage, the word redskins today refers to the football team. Notwithstanding the protests of activists, a 2002 poll commissioned by Sports Illustrated found that 75% of those Native Americans surveyed had no objection to the Redskins name. [51] The results of the poll have been criticized by Native American activists due to Sports Illustrated's refusal to provide polling information (i.e. how participants were recruited and contacted, if they were concentrated in one region, if one ethnic group is over represented and the exact wording and order of questions). [52] [53] But in 2004, a poll by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania essentially confirmed the prior poll's findings, concluding that 91% of the American Indians surveyed in the 48 states on the mainland USA found the name acceptable and setting out in detail the exact wording of the questions. [54]
In 1992, a group of Native Americans led by Suzan Harjo filed Harjo et al v. Pro Football, Inc. to have the United States trademarks associated with the Redskins name cancelled under statutes which prevent registration of disparaging terms. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in 1999 ruled in favor of the petition and cancelled the trademarks. Following appeals, in 2005 the D.C. Court of Appeals in Pro-Football, Inc. v. Harjo reversed the cancellation, ruling that there was insufficient evidence to support the finding of disparagement and holding that the majority of the petitioners were barred by laches from maintaining the suit. [55] Had the cancellation of the trademark been successful, the team could have still used the name, and it still would have had enforceable trademark rights under state and local law. It would thus have been able to prevent others from using its marks on promotional goods, such as jackets and caps. It would, however, have lost various benefits of federal trademark registration, such as the ability to enlist the aid of the U.S. Customs Service to seize infringing imports at the border. On May 15, 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit affirmed an earlier ruling that the Native Americans had waited too long to challenge the trademark. The trademark was registered in 1967. Native Americans successfully got the court to reconsider based on the fact that one of the plaintiffs, Mateo Romero, was only 1 year old in 1967 and turned 18 in 1984. The court decision affirmed that, even accepting the 1984 date, the Native Americans had still waited too long for the 1992 challenge. [56] In November 2009, in Harjo v. Pro-Football, Inc., Case No. 09-326, the U.S. Supreme Court declined certiorari and refused to hear the Native American group's appeal.
Season-by-season records
Main article: Cowboys–Redskins rivalry
The Cowboys–Redskins rivalry is a sports rivalry between two professional American football teams in the NFL that have won 31 combined division titles and ten World Championships, including eight combined Super Bowls . [57] The rivalry started in 1960 when the Cowboys joined the league as an expansion team . [58] During that year they were in separate conferences, but played once during the season. In 1961 , Dallas was placed in the same division as the Redskins, and from that point on, they have played each other twice during every regular season.
Texas oil tycoon Clint Murchison, Jr. was having a hard time bringing an NFL team to Dallas, Texas. In 1958, Murchison heard that George Preston Marshall , owner of the Washington Redskins, was eager to sell the team. Just as the sale was about to be finalized, Marshall called for a change in terms. Murchison was outraged and canceled the whole deal. [59] Around this time, Marshall had a falling out with the Redskin band director, Barnee Breeskin . Breeskin had written the music to the Redskins fight song, now a staple at the stadium. [59] He wanted revenge after the failed negotiations with Marshall. He approached Tom Webb, Murchison’s lawyer, and sold the rights for $2,500. [59] Murchison then decided to create his own team, with the support of NFL expansion committee chairman, George Halas . Halas decided to put the proposition of a Dallas franchise before the NFL owners, which needed to have unanimous approval in order to pass. The only owner against the proposal was George Preston Marshall. However, Marshall found out that Murchison owned the rights to Washington's fight song, so a deal was finally struck. If Marshall showed his approval of the Dallas franchise, Murchison would return the song. The Cowboys were then founded and began playing in 1960. [59]
Players of note
81 Art Monk , WR, 1980–93
Sean Taylor 's number 21 has not been reissued since his death during the 2007 season, but it is unknown, as of 2011, whether the number should be considered "unofficially retired." A Google search reveals multiple fan petitions seeking to have the number formally retired. Free agent signing O.J. Atogwe , who had "worn No. 21 his entire life", chose to switch to No. 20 out of respect for Taylor. [60]
The use of unofficial retired numbers drew controversy during Steve Spurrier 's first year as head coach. [61] Quarterbacks Danny Wuerffel and Shane Matthews first wore 7 and 9 respectively during training camp. The resulting sports talk furor led to them switching to 17 and 6. [61] During the season, reserve tight end Leonard Stephens wore number 49 for the season. After his retirement as assistant GM, Bobby Mitchell blasted the team, accusing late owners Edward Bennett Williams and Jack Kent Cooke of racism for not being considered for GM and was upset that the team would let a player like Leonard Stephens wear his number. [62]
Washington Hall of Stars
Edit
The Washington Hall of Stars is a series of banners hanging at RFK Stadium honoring D.C. performers from all sports. It was previously located on a series of white-and-red signs ringing the face of the stadium's mezzanine level. Another version hangs on a large sign on one of the parking garages at Nationals Park. The Redskins honored on it include Hall-of-Famers Allen, Battles, Baugh, Dudley, Grimm, Houston, Huff, Jurgensen, Marshall, Millner, Mitchell, Monk, Riggins, and Taylor; "retired number" honorees Brown, Moseley, and Theismann; and the following:
Arthur "Dutch" Bergman , Head Coach 1943, also coached in D.C. at The Catholic University of America and President of the company that lobbied for the building of what became RFK Stadium
17 Doug Williams QB 1986–89
Edward Bennett Williams , team owner 1962–85 (majority owner until 1974)
Despite having been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Turk Edwards, Ray Flaherty, Joe Gibbs, and Paul Krause are not on the Hall of Stars banners. Edwards, Flaherty, and Gibbs had been honored on signs on the prior version of the Hall of Stars.
Redskins Ring of Fame
Edit
When the Redskins moved out of RFK Stadium, the signs commemorating the Washington Hall of Stars were left behind and the team began a new tradition of honoring Redskins greats via the "Ring of Fame," a set of signs on the upper level facade at FedEx Field. Unlike the Hall of Stars, which honors historical greats from all sports, the Ring of Fame is limited to honoring Redskins greats. The following is a list of members of the Ring of Fame: [63] [64]
Doug Williams , QB, 1986–89
Super Bowl
Edit
The Redskins have played in 5 super bowls, going 3-2 during that span. They have faced the Dolphins twice, spliting the series. The have also played the Los Angeles Raiders (a 38-9 loss) the Denver Broncos, and the Buffalo Bills. Three Redskins players have been named MVP of the Super Bowl. [65]
John Riggins RB 44 Super Bowl XVII
Doug Williams QB 17 Super Bowl XXII
Mark Rypien QB 11 Super Bowl XXVI
The 70 Greatest Redskins
File:May, Mark (USAF).jpg
In honor of the Redskins' 70th anniversary, on June 13, 2002, a panel selected the 70 Greatest Redskins to honor the players and coaches who were significant on-field contributors to the Redskins five championships and rich history. They were honored in a weekend of festivities, including a special halftime ceremony during the Redskins' 26–21 win over the Indianapolis Colts . [67]
The panel that chose the 70 consisted of former news anchor Bernard Shaw ; former player Bobby Mitchell ; Senator George Allen (son of coach George Allen ); broadcaster Ken Beatrice ; Noel Epstein, editor for the Washington Post ; former diplomat Joseph J. Sisco ; Phil Hochberg, who retired in 2001 after 38 years as team stadium announcer; Pro Football Hall of Fame historian Joe Horrigan; sportscaster George Michael ; sports director Andy Pollin ; NFL Films president Steven Sabol ; and news anchor Jim Vance . [67]
The list includes three head coaches and 67 players, of which 41 were offensive players, 23 defensive players and three special teams players. [67]
Among the 70 Greatest, there are 92 Super Bowl appearances, with 47 going once and 45 playing in more than one. Twenty-nine members possess one Super Bowl ring and 26 have more than one. Also, before the Super Bowl, members of the 70 made 18 World Championship appearances including six that participated in the Redskins' NFL Championship victories in 1937 and 1942. [67]
Edit
The Washington Redskins have had two 14-win seasons, in 1983 and 1991 . This is sixth place all-time. [75]
The Redskins scored 541 points in 1983, an NFL record that was surpassed by the 1998 Minnesota Vikings and again by the 2007 New England Patriots , which is still third all-time. [76]
The Redskins' 72 points against the New York Giants on November 27, 1966, are the most points ever scored by an NFL team in a regular season game, and the 72 to 41 score amounted to 113 points and the highest-scoring game ever in NFL history. [76] The second-half scoring for the game amounted to 65 points, the second-highest point total for second-half scoring and the third-highest total scoring in any half in NFL history. [76] The Redskins' ten touchdowns are the most by a team in a single game, and the 16 total touchdowns are the most combined for a game. [77] The Redskins' nine PATs are the second most all-time for a single game, and the 14 combined PATs are the most ever in a game. [78]
The Redskins set a record for most first downs in a game with 39 in a game against Detroit on November 4, 1990. They also set a record by not allowing a single first down against the Giants on September 27, 1942. [79]
The Redskins have led the league in passing eight times: in 1938, 1940, 1944, 1947–48, 1967, 1974 and 1989. Only the San Diego Chargers have led more times. [80] The Redskins led the league in completion percentage 11 times: in 1937, 1939–1940, 1942–45, 1947–48 and 1969–1970, second only to the San Francisco 49ers . [80] Their four straight years from 1942–45 is the second longest streak.
The Redskins' nine sacks allowed in 1991 are the third fewest allowed in a season. [80]
The Redskins completed 43 passes in an overtime win against Detroit on November 4, 1990, second most all-time. [80]
The Redskins have sold out every home game since 1958.
Defense
The Redskins recovered eight opponent's fumbles against the St. Louis Cardinals on October 25, 1976, the most ever in one game. [81]
The Redskins' allowed 82 first downs in 1937 , third fewest all-time. [82]
The Redskins have led the league in fewest total yards allowed five times, 1935–37, 1939, and 1946, which is the third most. [83] Their three consecutive years from 1935-37 is an NFL record. [83]
The Redskins have led the league in fewest passing yards allowed seven times, in 1939, 1942, 1945, 1952–53, 1980, and 1985, second only to Green Bay (10). [84]
The Redskins had 61 defensive turnovers in 1983 , the third most all-time. [85] The turnover differential of +43 that year was the highest of all time.
The Redskins had only 12 defensive turnovers in 2006 , the fewest in a 16-game season and second all time. (The Baltimore Colts had 11 turnovers in the strike-shortened 1982 Season which lasted only 9 games.) [86]
Special teams
Edit
The Redskins led the league in field goals for eight seasons, 1945 , 1956 , 1971 , 1976 - 77 , 1979 , 1982 , 1992 . Only the Green Bay Packers have ever led more. Their 49 field goals attempted in 1971 is the most ever attempted in a single season. [87]
The Redskins and Bears attempted an NFL record 11 field goals on November 14, 1971, and the Redskins and Giants tied that mark on November 14, 1976. [87]
The Redskins 28 consecutive games, from 1988 to 1990 , scoring a field goal is third all time. [87]
The Redskins have led the league in punting average six times, in 1940-43, 1945, and 1958, second only to the Denver Broncos . [88] Their four consecutive years from 1940–43 is an NFL record. [88]
The Redskins have led the league in average kickoff return yards eight times, in 1942, 1947, 1962–63, 1973–74, 1981, and 1995, more than any other team. [89]
Broadcasting
Larry Michael , formerly of Westwood One , is the team's play-by-play announcer and director of broadcasting. [91] Michael replaced longtime announcer Frank Herzog in 2004 . [92] Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Huff are the color analysts . [92] Rick "Doc" Walker is the sideline reporter .
Television
Edit
Telecasts of preseason games not shown on national networks are aired in HD exclusively on Comcast SportsNet in the overall Mid-Atlantic region. WRC-TV broadcasts preseason games in SD in the Washington, D.C. area. Comcast SportsNet also airs a pregame show and an extensive game recap program after each Redskins regular season Sunday game.
Kenny Albert does play-by-play, former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann is the color analyst, and Rick "Doc" Walker is the sideline reporter.
Superstition regarding US Presidential elections
Main article: Redskins Rule
For 17 of the past 18 United States Presidential elections, a win for the Redskins' last home game prior to Election Day coincided with the incumbent party winning re-election. The exception was in 2004, when the Republican Party incumbent George W. Bush won re-election despite the Green Bay Packers beating the Redskins. [93] Other than this exception, this "Redskins Rule" has proven true since 1936 when they won and incumbent Franklin D. Roosevelt won re-election, prior to the Redskins' move from Boston in 1937. [94]
In 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Redskins on the eve of Election Day 23-6, and Barack Obama won the presidency the following evening.
The Redskins Rule was discovered by Steve Hirdt, executive vice president of the Elias Sports Bureau, while searching for discussion fodder in 2000 for a game between the Redskins and Titans . [95]
References
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Which city on the south coast of the Gulf of Sidra, halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi, was the birthplace, in 1942, of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi? | Learn and talk about Sirte, Former national capitals, Gulf of Sidra, Muammar Gaddafi, Populated coastal places in Libya
( help · info )
; from Ancient Greek : Σύρτις ), also spelled Sirt, Surt, Sert or Syrte, is a city in Libya . It is on the south coast of the Gulf of Sidra (ancient Syrtis Major , from which Sirte's name is derived). Sirte lies halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi . The settlement was established in the early 20th century by the Italians , at the site of a 19th-century fortress built by the Ottomans . It grew into a city after World War II .
As the birthplace of Muammar Gaddafi , Sirte was favoured by the Gaddafi government .[ citation needed ] The city was the final major stronghold of Gaddafi loyalists in the Libyan Civil War and Gaddafi was killed there by rebel forces on 20 October 2011. During the battle , Sirte was left almost completely in ruins, with many buildings totally destroyed or damaged. [2] Six months after the civil war, almost 60,000 inhabitants, more than 70 percent of pre-war population, had returned. [3]
Contents
Early history[ edit ]
Sirte is built near the site of the ancient Phoenician city of Macomedes-Euphranta, [4] which was an important link on the road along the Mediterranean Sea littoral. It is the last confirmed place where the Punic language was spoken, in the 5th century CE. The region had no recognized administrative centre and was infested for centuries by bandits. In Classical times, the coast was "proverbially dangerous to shipping", [5] called "inhospita Syrtis" in Virgil 's Aeneid . [6] John Milton 's Paradise Lost Book 2 lines 939-940 speaks of "a boggy Syrtis, neither sea/Nor good dry land". Note: this section is incomplete.
Modern history[ edit ]
In 1842 the Ottomans built a fortress at Marsat al Zaafran (" saffron harbour") which became known as Qasr al Zaafran ("saffron castle "), and later as Qasr Sert. The fortress was built under sultan Abdülmecid I as part of the restoration of Ottoman control over Tripolitania after the fall of the Karamanli dynasty . It was around this fortification, which was taken over and repaired by the Italians in 1912, that the settlement of Sirte grew up. [7]
Sirte served as an administrative centre under Italian rule. [8] During the North African Campaign of the Second World War there were no noteworthy events in this location, which was characterised at the time as "a shabby little Arab village of mud huts, clustered on the banks of a foul-smelling stream." [9]
The village grew into a prominent town after the Second World War for two reasons – the discovery and exploitation of oil nearby and the birth of Muammar Gaddafi in 1942 in a tent at Qasr Abu Hadi , some 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Sirte. He was sent to the primary school at Sirte at the age of ten. [10]
Gaddafi era[ edit ]
After seizing power in 1969 , Gaddafi transformed Sirte into a showcase of his self-proclaimed revolution, carrying out an extensive programme of public works to expand the former village into a small city. After 1988, most government departments and the Libyan parliament were relocated from Tripoli to Sirte, although Tripoli remained formally the capital of the country. [11] Al-Tahadi University was established in 1991.
In 1999, Gaddafi proposed the idea of creating a " United States of Africa " with Sirte as its administrative centre. Ambitious plans to build a new international airport and seaport were announced in 2007. [12]
In 1999, the Sirte Declaration was signed in the city by the Organisation of African Unity in a conference that was hosted by Gaddafi. In 2007 he also hosted talks in Sirte to broker a peace agreement between the government of Sudan and warring factions in Darfur . [13]
In 2008, China Railway Construction Corporation won a $2.6 billion bid in Libya to build a west-to-east coastal railway 352 km (219 mi) from Khoms to Sirte and a south-to-west railway 800 km (500 mi) long for iron ore transport from the southern city Sabha to Misrata . [14]
Libyan civil war[ edit ]
Further information: 2011 Libyan civil war , Libyan rebel advance on Sirte , and Battle of Sirte (2011)
On 5 March 2011, anti-Gaddafi forces said they were preparing to capture the city. [15] However, on 6 March, the rebel advance was stopped during the Battle of Bin Jawad before reaching Sirte. Government forces launched a counter-offensive that recaptured Ra's Lanuf [16] [17] and continued to advance as far as the outskirts of the de facto rebel capital of Benghazi . Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 , several Western and Arab countries then intervened with air and missile strikes, which turned the tide again in favour of the rebels. On 28 March, Al Jazeera reported that Sirte had been claimed to be taken by rebel forces overnight with little resistance, [18] but other news organisations later reported that rebels and Gaddafi forces were fighting on the road between Bin Jawad and Sirte. [19] By 30 March, Gaddafi loyalists had forced the rebels out of Bin Jawad and Ra's Lanuf and once again removed the immediate threat of an attack on Sirte. [20]
In August, the city faced a more severe threat from the rebels as the loyalist position deteriorated rapidly, with rebels making gains on multiple fronts. As Tripoli came under attack , other rebel forces based in Benghazi broke the military stalemate in the eastern desert, taking Brega and Ra's Lanuf . At the same time, rebels in Misrata pushed eastward along the coast towards Sirte, which then faced a pincer movement from the rebels on two fronts. [21] On 24 August, rebel units were reported as being 56 km (35 mi) from the city. [22] On 27 August, Bin Jawad – about 150 km east – was once again recaptured by the rebels. It was also reported that the National Transitional Council were in negotiations with tribal figures from the city for it to surrender to rebel forces. [23]
In a radio address on 1 September 2011, Gaddafi declared Sirte the new capital of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya , replacing the former capital Tripoli , which had been captured by rebels. [24]
Anti-Gaddafi forces surrounded the city during September 2011 and began a long, difficult battle there, hoping to bring the war to an end. On 20 October, after suffering massive casualties during a siege that lasted over a month, NTC fighters mounted a major offensive and took control of the last remaining district of Sirte, "Number Two", that was in the hands of regime loyalists. Muammar Gaddafi attempted to flee the city, but he was injured and captured by fighters. He was killed in custody less than an hour later. [25]
Sirte was left heavily damaged by a month of intense fighting, which was preceded by NATO airstrikes throughout the war, [26] and was considered to have been subjected to the most damage of any Libyan city during the civil war. [27] Many homes were ransacked and looted by fighters, angering residents including those loyal to Gaddafi and those sympathetic to the revolution. [28] Many streets and buildings also experienced flooding as water mains were destroyed, though it was unclear by which side. [29] Landmarks like the Ouagadougou Conference Center, which became an impromptu fortress for the city's defenders during the battle, were ruined by artillery fire and blasts. A number of Libyan residents and fighters described the city as unrecognisable after weeks of siege. [30]
After the civil war[ edit ]
In April 2012, almost six months after the civil war, more than 70 percent of the inhabitants had returned to Sirte. Rebuilding of the city started, although unexploded ordnance still posed a great risk to civilians. [3] In February 2012, some local residents said they felt abandoned by the National Transitional Council (NTC), but the new government had promised to rebuild the city and Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Abushagur insisted this would happen. [31] Some local rebuilding was done in 2012 and 2013, [27] but reconstruction of municipal services did not begin until a 9 million Libyan dinars reconstruction project started in 2014. [32]
Further information: Battle of Sirte (2015) and Battle of Sirte (2016)
During the widespread chaos and civil war that followed the revolution and led to the erosion of territorial control under the General National Congress (GNC) (which had succeeded the NTC) and the new GNC (NGNC), local loyalists to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which had previously seized the port city of Derna , launched an attack in March 2015 to capture Sirte, which was then occupied by the Libya Shield Force , an NGNC-linked militia. Sirte fell to the ISIL loyalists in May 2015. [33]
Following the formation of a new Tripoli-based government, the Government of National Accord (GNA), an offensive backed by the United Nations was launched in May 2016 by GNA-aligned forces, known as the Bunyan Marsous , to recapture Sirte. [34] After two months of advances, pro-government forces took control of ISIL's Sirte headquarters on 10 August, 2016, [35] although pockets of ISIL resistance continued to prolong fighting through the end of the year. [36] Sirte was substantially under the control of the GNA by 6 December, 2016. [36] [37] [38] A contributing factor to the recapture of the city were the over 400 airstrikes organized by the United States Africa Command against ISIL positions during the months-long battle. [34] Approximately 700 Libya pro-government fighters and 2,000 ISIL loyalists died in Sirte between May and November 2016. [34] [39]
Reconstruction[ edit ]
Mayoral elections are scheduled for 12 December 2016 with the previously (2015) municipal councilmen taking office again. [40]
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| Sirte |
Saddam Hussein was born, in 1937, in the village of Al Awja, on the outskirts of which large Iraqi town northwest of Baghdad on the River Tigris? | What is Sirte known for?
What is Sirte known for?
world year
village into a small city. After 1988, most government departments and the Libyan parliament were relocated from Tripoli to Sirte, although Tripoli remained formally the capital of the country. "Libya". ''Europa World Year 2004'' Volume II, p. 2651. Taylor & Francis Group, 2004. ISBN 978-1-85743-255-8 Al-Tahadi University was established in 1991. In 1999, Gaddafi proposed the idea of creating a "United States of Africa" with Sirte as its
support quot
nationworld world la-fg-libya-nato-20111021,0,4843984.story?track rss&utm_source feedburner&utm_medium feed&utm_campaign Feed%3A+latimes%2Fmostviewed+%28L.A.+Times+-+Most+Viewed+Stories%29 "Kadafi slain against a backdrop of NATO support" , ''Los Angeles Times'', October 21, 2011 6:45 pm. Retrieved 2011-10-21. toward Misrata. Fleishman, Jeffrey, and Henry Chu,
fierce quot
that the National Transitional Council were in negotiations with tribal figures from the city for it to surrender to rebel forces. The '''United Nations Democracy Fund''' (UNDEF) was established by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in July 2005 at the African Union Summit in Sirte, Libya, as a United Nations General Trust Fund under his authority.The Fund was launched by Prime Minister of world's largest deomocracy Shri Manmohan Singh and the then US President George Bush for promotion of democratic values Its primary purpose is to support democratization (democracy) throughout the world. UNDEF finances projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes. * The Executive Council of the African Union, meeting on March 7 and March 8, 2005 in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), decided to propose that Africa is represented by two permanent members of the Security Council of the UN. These representatives will need to have the same rights as the other council members, notably the veto power. * A summit of the African Union was held in Sirte (Libya) on July 4 and July 5, 2005. The African heads of states requested the G8 to totally cancel the debt of all African countries, and demanded that the continent is represented by two permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Tripoli
-Surt.ogg pronunciation ; from ), also spelled ''Sirt'', ''Surt'', ''Sert'' or ''Syrte'', is a city in Libya. It is on the south coast of the Gulf of Sidra (ancient Syrtis Major, from which Sirte's name is derived). Sirte lies halfway between Tripoli and Benghazi. The settlement was established in the early 20th century by the Italians (Italian Libya), at the site of a 19th-century fortress built by the Ottoman Tripolitania Ottomans
village into a small city. After 1988, most government departments and the Libyan parliament were relocated from Tripoli to Sirte, although Tripoli remained formally the capital of the country. "Libya". ''Europa World Year 2004'' Volume II, p. 2651. Taylor & Francis Group, 2004. ISBN 978-1-85743-255-8 Al-Tahadi University was established in 1991. In 1999, Gaddafi proposed the idea of creating a "United States of Africa" with Sirte as its
Libya: Gaddafi's fighters force rebel retreat date 30 March 2011 In August, the city faced a more severe threat from the rebels as the loyalist position deteriorated rapidly, with rebels making gains on multiple fronts. As Tripoli came under attack (Battle of Tripoli (2011)), other rebel forces based in Benghazi broke the military stalemate in the eastern desert, taking Brega (Fourth Battle of Brega) and Ra's Lanuf. At the same time, rebels in Misrata pushed
title work
Tunisian border at Ras Ajdir to Tripoli, and on to Misrata, Sirte, Benghazi and Bayda (Bayda, Libya). Another railway line will run inland from Misrata to Sabha (Sabha, Libya) at the centre of a mineral-rich area. The '''United Nations Democracy Fund''' (UNDEF) was established by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in July 2005 at the African Union Summit in Sirte, Libya, as a United Nations General Trust Fund under his authority.The Fund was launched by Prime Minister of world's largest deomocracy Shri Manmohan Singh and the then US President George Bush for promotion of democratic values Its primary purpose is to support democratization (democracy) throughout the world. UNDEF finances projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes. * The Executive Council of the African Union, meeting on March 7 and March 8, 2005 in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), decided to propose that Africa is represented by two permanent members of the Security Council of the UN. These representatives will need to have the same rights as the other council members, notably the veto power. * A summit of the African Union was held in Sirte (Libya) on July 4 and July 5, 2005. The African heads of states requested the G8 to totally cancel the debt of all African countries, and demanded that the continent is represented by two permanent members of the UN Security Council.
live coverage
of his body showed that he had wounds in the abdomen, chest, and head. Rebels argued over whether to kill Gaddafi as he begged for his life – The Daily Telegraph – 21 October 2011 The '''United Nations Democracy Fund''' (UNDEF) was established by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in July 2005 at the African Union Summit in Sirte, Libya, as a United Nations General Trust Fund under his authority.The Fund was launched by Prime Minister of world's largest deomocracy Shri Manmohan Singh and the then US President George Bush for promotion of democratic values Its primary purpose is to support democratization (democracy) throughout the world. UNDEF finances projects that build and strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and ensure the participation of all groups in democratic processes. * The Executive Council of the African Union, meeting on March 7 and March 8, 2005 in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), decided to propose that Africa is represented by two permanent members of the Security Council of the UN. These representatives will need to have the same rights as the other council members, notably the veto power. * A summit of the African Union was held in Sirte (Libya) on July 4 and July 5, 2005. The African heads of states requested the G8 to totally cancel the debt of all African countries, and demanded that the continent is represented by two permanent members of the UN Security Council.
news
;ref long for iron ore transport from the southern city
Sabha (Sabha, Libya) to Misrata. China Railway Construction Corporation website Libyan civil war On 5 March 2011, anti-Gaddafi forces said they were preparing to capture the city.
10 March 2011 accessdate 10 March 2011 url http: english.aljazeera.net news africa 2011 03 201131041228856242.html publisher Al Jazeera and continued to advance as far as the outskirts of the de facto rebel
quot fierce
that the National Transitional Council were in negotiations with tribal figures from the city for it to surrender to rebel forces. In a radio address on 1 September 2011, Gaddafi declared Sirte the new capital of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
attacking
pronunciation ), is one of the districts (Districts of Libya) of Libya. It lies in the north of the country and borders the Gulf of Sidra. Its capital is the city of Sirte. Al-Tahadi University is located in Sirte. The last operations of 1941 were in December, when the LRDG twice ferried the SAS to and from raids on Axis airfields, attacking the airfields at Sirte (twice), El Agheila, Ajdabia, Nofaliya and Tamit, and destroying 151 aircraft and 30 vehicles. ref
name sho8 During the second raid at Sirte, the SAS devised a new method of attacking parked aircraft. They drove the LRDG trucks between the rows of aircraft, which were then engaged by machine guns and hand grenades. Prior to this the procedure had been to quietly infiltrate an airfield and place Lewes bombs on aircraft and vehicles, leaving before the bombs exploded, but this attack was so successful that it became the preferred method for attacking airfields. ref name sho8>
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In a mobile phone, for what do the letters SIM, as in SIM card, stand? | What Does SIM Stand for on a Cell Phone?
What Does SIM Stand for on a Cell Phone?
What Does SIM Stand for on a Cell Phone?
September 15, 2016
By: Chris Blank
Most mobile phones used in Europe, as well as many in the United States, run on the system called Groupe Speciale Mobile, or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). These phones require a SIM card in order to operate. This is in contrast to the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, which is common to mobile phones in the United States and do not use SIM cards.
Definition of SIM Cards
SIM is an acronym that stands for Subscriber Identity Module. SIM cards contain the subscriber information of the individual mobile phone user and identify the user to the network. SIM cards may also contain applications and personal data, such as stored telephone numbers. They are usually about the size of a thumbnail and are inserted into the mobile phone.
SIM Cards on Unlocked Mobile Phones
An unlocked phone is not operational without a SIM card. However, any GSM-compatible SIM card may be used with an unlocked phone. Personal data such as telephone numbers may be stored on the SIM card or on the phone itself. The operational data for the phone is stored on the SIM card.
SIM Cards on Locked Mobile Phones
A locked mobile phone will often be supplied to the customer with the SIM card already installed and programmed. While the SIM card can be physically removed from a locked mobile phone, the phone will not operate without it. It is not possible to substitute another SIM card into a locked phone unless it is unlocked by the carrier or by unlocking software.
SIM Cards Versus Re-Usable Identification Module (R-UIM) Cards
CDMA mobile phones do not use SIM cards. However, Re-Usable Identification Module (R-UIM) cards have been used in China since 2002. This technology works on a similar principle as SIM cards. As of 2009, development is underway to make R-UIM cards available in the United States, to make interchangeability for CDMA mobile phones possible.
Considerations for Travel
People who travel to many different destinations may have several SIM cards, which allow them to use a single unlocked mobile phone with their stored phone numbers and to obtain a local telephone number wherever they are.
Multiple-band GSM-network mobile phones can often be used overseas, whether locked or unlocked, although international roaming charges for locked mobile phones can be prohibitively high. Network bands for GSM phones are 850 and 1900, widely used in North and South America, and 900 and 1800, widely used in Europe. Tri-band mobile phones usually carry the 850, 1800 and 1900 bands, while quad-band mobile phones carry all four bands.
| Subscriber identity module |
Which singer is mentioned in the opening line of the lyrics to 'Dexy's Midnight Runners' hit 'Come On Eileen'? | How To Turn A Micro sim Card into a Regular Sim Card and Back Again - YouTube
How To Turn A Micro sim Card into a Regular Sim Card and Back Again
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Published on Aug 26, 2010
Please visit my brand new website. We've been working really hard on it lately and could really use your support
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Hey guys, well since i was on an iphone 4, which uses a micro sim card and i just recently bought the samsung captivate which uses a regular sim, i needed an adapter if i ever wanted to use the captivate as a phone
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The highest-grossing film of the year, so far, what is the title of the latest instalment in the 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' film franchise? | Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) - News
NEWS
11 December 2013 2:33 PM, PST | Variety - Film News | See recent Variety - Film News news »
When Jerry Bruckheimer becomes the 27th recipient of the American Cinematheque Award on Dec. 12, he follows such filmmakers as Steven Spielberg , Martin Scorsese , and Al Pacino. But, fittingly, Bruckheimer is the first producer so honored. For while the self-effacing and low-key vet is not one of those producers given to shamelessly tooting his own horn or screaming to underscore his power, for over three decades now he’s racked up hit after hit — earning more than $125 billion worldwide — to emerge as one of the most successful producers Hollywood has ever seen. And he’s just signed a three-year, first-look agreement for theatrical films with Paramount Pictures .
And thanks to such movie and TV franchises as the “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “ National Treasure ,” “ Beverly Hills Cop ,” “ The Amazing Race ” and “CSI,” Bruckheimer has also achieved what few other producers ever have — a brand-name awareness with the general public. While highbrow critics »
- Iain Blair
7 December 2013 7:42 AM, PST | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »
2015 is shaping up as the Year of the Hollywood Franchise, but 2016 isn’t looking shabby either. A handful of genre tentpoles – like the Warcraft and Angry Birds game movies and The Mummy film reboot – have already been set for release that year, in addition to heavyweight sequels like Independence Day 2, Finding Dory and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (all of which had previously been eyed for a 2015 launch).
Paramount hopes to have Star Trek 3 - the third entry in the rebooted Star Trek movie continuity - ready for takeoff by 2016, seeing how that year marks the 50th anniversary of the late Gene Roddenberry ’s original ...
Click to continue reading ‘ Star Trek 3 ′ Gets Three Writers; Aiming for 2016 Release Date
The post ‘ Star Trek 3 ′ Gets Three Writers; Aiming for 2016 Release Date appeared first on Screen Rant.
»
6 December 2013 1:16 PM, PST | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »
Celebrity break-ups are something of a guilty pleasure to look in on, and one of this years’s biggest separations was that of long-term couple Jerry Bruckheimer and Walt Disney Studios. In the wake of The Lone Ranger bombing spectacularly at the box office, it was announced that Bruckheimer and Disney would be going their separate ways after 20 years in business.
Bruckheimer’s Disney legacy includes the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which has been extremely lucrative for the company so far in a trend that seems set to continue when Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is released in 2016. Bruckheimer has no doubt been ...
Click to continue reading Bruckheimer Makes Paramount Deal; ‘ Beverly Hills Cop ’ & ‘ Top Gun ’ Sequels Planned
The post Bruckheimer Makes Paramount Deal; ‘ Beverly Hills Cop ’ & ‘ Top Gun ’ Sequels Planned appeared first on Screen Rant.
»
6 December 2013 8:30 AM, PST | Moviefone | See recent Moviefone news »
Following his breakup with Disney, uber-producer Jerry Bruckheimer has a new dance partner: Paramount Pictures .
TheWrap reports that Bruckheimer has officially signed a three-year deal with Paramount Pictures . The producer's relationship with Disney -- which yielded " Pearl Harbor ," " The Rock ," and the blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise -- ended in September.
"I will have the freedom and opportunity to make various kinds of pictures, which I didn't have at Disney," he told TheWrap of his decision.
Bruckheimer made " Top Gun " and " Beverly Hills Cop " with Paramount, so it's no surprise that those two properties are high on his "to do" list.
"We would very much like to continue with [a ' Top Gun ' sequel]," Bruckheimer said. Late director Tony Scott had "a great beat on how to redo it, and we would like to follow that along."
However, Deadline reports that a reboot of "Cop" will likely come first, under director Brett Ratner , »
- Kelly Woo
News Simon Brew 3 Dec 2013 - 06:40
Jeremy Renner is set to return for the next Bourne movie, in the summer of 2015...
The once-crowded blockbuster summer of 2015 is looking a little less packed than it once was. Independence Day 2, Star Wars: Episode VII and Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 are amongst the films that have vacated it so far. And whilst Ant-Man has moved in, there's still likely to be some jiggling to do before the finally line-up for summer 2015 at the movies is confirmed.
And you can add the follow-up to The Bourne Legacy to the list, too. Universal has confirmed that Bourne 5 is going to be released on August 14th 2015, and that Justin Lin - the man behind lots of Fast & Furious movies - is set to direct.
Jeremy Renner will be back as Aaron Cross in the new movie, although the rest of the casting is some way off being confirmed. »
- simonbrew
30 November 2013 1:26 AM, PST | Flickeringmyth | See recent Flickeringmyth news »
News of the fifth instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has been rare since confirmation of its subtitle Dead Men Tell No Tales.
So far, only Johnny Depp has been confirmed to return for another outing as Captain Jack Sparrow, however it's been reported that Christoph Waltz ( Inglourious Basterds , Django Unchained ) is currently being courted to play the lead villain while Keith Richards is rumoured to be back as Jack Sparrow's father Teague.
This is still firmly in the rumour stage at present but it would be intriguing to see Waltz playing such a major role in one of the biggest franchises ever. If he is cast, it's said he would play Captain Brand, a ghost who wants the Trident so he can get his revenge on Jack for turning his brother into a pirate.
29 November 2013 1:06 PM, PST | MovieWeb | See recent MovieWeb news »
A slew of interesting new details have come to surface for the impending sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales , which has Johnny Depp signed to return as Captain Jack Sparrow for a fifth time.
The Daily Mail is reporting that Keith Richards will return as the pirate Captain Teague, who also happens to be Jack's biological father. The pair will team up to battle Captain Brand in a search for a mythical trident.
While Disney has not confirmed any of this, Django Unchained 's Christoph Waltz is reportedly interested in taking on the villainous role of Captain Brand.
This will be the third franchise sequel for Keith Richards , who first appeared in 2007's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and then again in 2011's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides .
In this new story, Teague holds valuable information in the search of a mythical trident. »
- MovieWeb
29 November 2013 9:00 AM, PST | firstshowing.net | See recent FirstShowing.net news »
After originally being slated for release on July 10th, 2015, Disney's latest high seas sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was pushed back to an unknown date in the summer of 2016 instead. At the time, the studio only had an advanced outline from writer Jeff Nathanson , and while they have time to get the script done before the film would have to start shooting in February, they decided not to rush. However, new details have emerged from The Daily Mail (though some seem premature), including the return of Captain Teague, played by Keith Richards , who also happens to be Jack Sparrow's father. In addition, they also revealed that the villain in the film is Captain Brand, another ghost who is after something called The Trident, which he will use to get revenge on Jack. But why? Well, brand thinks that Jack is responsible for turning his brother into a pirate, »
- Ethan Anderton
29 November 2013 8:00 AM, PST | Movies.com | See recent Movies.com news »
Transformers: Age of Extinction : We've seen the humans, we've seen the new Optimus Prime, so what's left to see of the upcoming Transformers: Age of Extinction ? Multiple new images from the film have been released, mostly of humans, and our favorite is a behind-the-scenes shot of director Michael Bay explaining to new co-star Nicola Peltz why she should listen to everything he says. (Either that, or he's demonstrating how one of the giants robot might attack her.) The movie will hit theaters on June 27, 2014. [Latino Review] Pirates of the Caribbean 5 : Who will play the villain in the next Pirates of the Caribbean adventure ? Christoph Waltz has been rumored, but that's "nothing like a done deal," according to a more recent report. As for other...
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29 November 2013 6:15 AM, PST | We Got This Covered | See recent We Got This Covered news »
Though would-be series starter The Lone Ranger flopped at the box office this past summer, Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer will always have Pirates of the Caribbean to fall back on. The swashbuckling franchise currently holds the title of sixth highest-grossing series of all time, and 2011′s On Stranger Tides scored over $1 billion without the help of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley . So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Disney and Bruckheimer are working fast to pull together a fifth installment.
Currently subtitled Dead Men Tell No Tales, the film has already been slated for the summer of 2016. Now, we have news from The Daily Mail that two well-respected actors are considering major roles in the sequel. Oscar winner Christoph Waltz ( Django Unchained ) and BAFTA nominee Rebecca Hall ( The Awakening ) have both been approached to play key characters in Dead Men Tell No Tales, which will find »
- Isaac Feldberg
29 November 2013 1:18 AM, PST | The Hollywood News | See recent The Hollywood News news »
Walt Disney Studios has always been one of the largest film production companies in the world and have long held the power to make others cower in fear with the mere announcement of a new film bearing their iconic logo. Well now it has been officially confirmed that the mouse house has broken an astonishing $4 billion at the global box office this year for the first time in their history.
What is perhaps more astonishing however, is the fact that Disney have crossed the Billion dollar mark for eight consecutive years now and was the first to make the milestone this year thanks to Marvels mighty Iron Man 3 . This is also the fourth year in a row that Disney has crossed $2 billion at the international Box office which is also an astounding feat. I’m sure Disney executives are hailing their $5 billion dollar purchase of Marvel in 2009 as the »
- Ben Read
28 November 2013 12:05 PM, PST | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »
Although the long-standing love affair between Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney is coming to an end next year, its legacy will live on in the extraordinary success of Bruckheimer’s swashbuckling franchise Pirates of the Caribbean and the $3.7 billion it has grossed from box office sales alone.
Disney attempted a similar revival this summer with The Lone Ranger , which ended up being something of a financial disaster, but the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have always been heavy-hitters. The fourth installment, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides , made well over $1 billion at the box office and as a result a new film, Pirates of the Caribbean: ...
The post Christoph Waltz and Rebecca Hall Circling ‘ Pirates of the Caribbean 5 ′ appeared first on Screen Rant.
»
Christoph Waltz (" Inglourious Basterds ," " Django Unchained ") has reportedly shown interest in playing the villain 'Captain Brand' in the upcoming " Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales " at Disney Pictures.
The report also includes a brief synopsis:
"Jack and his team are in search of The Trident, which Keith Richards ' Captain Teague holds valuable information to. The villain this time is Captain Brand, a ghost that wants the Trident so he can get his revenge on Jack.
Brand believes Jack turned his brother Eric into a pirate, which led to his death. Also, Jack becomes enchanted by Barbosa's daughter, Carina Smyth, a woman called a witch by some though she's actually an adept astronomer."
Rebecca Hall is said to be circling the Carina role. Filming is slated to begin next year for a release in Summer 2015.
Source: The Daily Mail »
28 November 2013 12:58 AM, PST | The Hollywood News | See recent The Hollywood News news »
It’s true that Johnny Depp will be reprising his role, again, for Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and now we’ve got a little rumour that Dr King Schultz is possibly set to take on the lead villain, yes, Mr Christoph Waltz !
Disregarding the fact that no-one knows how we’ve got to five of these films, beyond Captain Jack Sparrow’s endless japery, the first three were lot of fun and they’re not stopping yet. The new one is written by Jeff Nathanson (Catch Me If You Can but also Rush Hour 3) and directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (both Kon-tiki ). There appears to be more rumours around this film than most and for some reason they’re also intent on hiding any spoilers plot-wise, which is impressive if they manage it.
Waltz is reportedly interested by the role as Captain Brand, »
- Dan Bullock
27 November 2013 6:31 PM, PST | Collider.com | See recent Collider.com news »
As of this writing, we know that Johnny Depp is set to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales , written by Jeff Nathanson and directed by Kon-Tiki ‘s Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg , who are aiming for a 2016 release. Everything else that follows can be filed squarely under "rumor". We've got a few new possible plot details for the fifth installment of the high-seas fanchise, along with a pair of actors who could be starring alongside Depp, plus a host of character descriptions. It'll be interesting to say the least if it all turns out to be true, but there's a good chance it's nothing but bilge. Hit the jump for more. We first reported on rumored plot details a couple of months ago. Here's what we had, with spoilers whited out for your protection (highlight to read): Witchcraft »
- Dave Trumbore
22 November 2013 12:16 PM, PST | The Playlist | See recent The Playlist news »
It's been brewing for a while now, and this afternoon it has become a lot more real: " Alice In Wonderland 2 " now has a 2016 release date, with plans to send you down the rabbit hole once again. Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska are returning to reprise their roles in the film, a followup to the 2010, billion dollar smash hit, which was the first post-"Avatar" 3D box office sensation (even though it was converted). No word yet on who will direct, but the project has original 'Alice' writer Linda Woolverton penning the script for the flick that will drop on May 27, 2016. Don't ask about plot details either, but we're sure they'll give plenty of opportunity for Depp to dress up. Speaking of which, with this announcement, it would appear that the already delayed " Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales "—originally set for a 2015 release—could be even further off at this point. »
- Kevin Jagernauth
22 November 2013 7:45 AM, PST | JoBlo.com | See recent JoBlo news »
Disney is banking on Johnny Depp to elevate another sequel. But, instead of Pirates Of The Caribbean it will be Alice In Wonderland 2 . The 2010 Tim Burton film has a worldwide gross of over a billion dollars and remains the 28th highest grossing domestic film of all time. While Burton will not be back for the sequel, Depp and Mia Wasikowska will reprise their roles as The Mad Hatter and Alice. Disney set the release date as May 27, 2016. Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales »
- Alex Maidy
13 November 2013 8:17 AM, PST | ScreenRant.com | See recent Screen Rant news »
Studios have been pushing and shoving one another (figuratively-speaking… as far as we know), in order to secure an ideal position in Summer 2015, which looks to be the end-all of Hollywood blockbuster derbies. We’ve already seen Disney move two prized ponies – Star Wars: Episode VII and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – back, in order to give them more breathing room during their opening weekends; not to mention, provide them with more time for development (so as to ensure a respectable final product).
Filmmaker Roland Emmerich has been saying for a while now that Independence Day 2 (a.k.a. ID Forever) needs ...
Click to continue reading ‘ Independence Day 2′ & ‘ Fifty Shades of Grey ’ Delayed; New Release Dates Set
The post ‘ Independence Day 2′ & ‘ Fifty Shades of Grey ’ Delayed; New Release Dates Set appeared first on Screen Rant.
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12 November 2013 2:08 PM, PST | Rope of Silicon | See recent Rope Of Silicon news »
Update: Only minutes after posting this article Fox bumped Roland Emmerich 's Independence Day 2 from July 2015 to July 1, 2016. Update #2 Focus has set a February 13, 2015 release date for Fifty Shades of Grey . Update #3 Paramount has now set a Christmas Day release for Mission: Impossible 5. Back in July I took a look at the mess of franchises and sequels hitting theaters in 2015 (find that here), but things have picked up a little since then. A few films such as Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and Finding Dory have moved out of the 12 month timeframe, but the studios have found plenty to fill in. I felt it was worth a little update as Fox recently shuffled their deck and moved their Fantastic Four reboot back three months and it's always good to make sure our 36 month calendars are up to date. 2015 won't waste anytime getting into familiar territory when Fox releases yet another »
- Brad Brevet
| Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides |
In May 1521, Pope Leo X presided over which assembly at which Martin Luther was summoned to renounce the views expressed in his 95 theses? | BOX OFFICE: Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Passes $1 Billion Worldwide!
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BOX OFFICE: Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Passes $1 Billion Worldwide!
New reports indicate that the latest instalment in the popular Disney franchise has passed $1 billion at the global box office! Hit the jump to check out the details...
Deadline report that the fourth instalment in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise has now hit a box office milestone of over $1 billion globally. 2006's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest also made roughly the same amount, and with 2010's Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story 3, this means Disney now have four or five pictures in the list of the 10 highest grossing films of all time. Wonder whether we'll see The Avengers join that list>
Here are some specific details courtesy of the site.
Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films have yet to confirm this Summer 2011 milestone yet. But unofficially rival studios tell me that the franchise's fourth film Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides just crossed $1 billion in global box office today. The pic had grossed $995.4M globally as of June 30th, and $232,1M domestically as of July 1st.
Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Jerry Bruckheimer said of the news, "This is such a beloved franchise, and Johnny Depp is such a huge worldwide star. The combination of all these talents was really something."
After the last three movies, and mixed critical reception of this one, I decided to give On Stranger Tides a miss, but I guess the franchise still has plenty of life left in it yet! Don't be surprised to see the announcement of a fifth movie sometime in the next few months.
| i don't know |
The third highest-grossing film of the year, so far, what is the title of the latest instalment in the 'Transformers' film franchise? | Highest Grossing Movies Of 2014
Highest Grossing Movies Of 2014
27 December 2014
Transformers: Age of Extinction
2014 has been another terrific year with a whole host of movies performing incredibly well at the box office. It has been bumper year when it comes to the blockbuster with a range of sequels hitting the big screen as well as couple of brand new films that have thrilled audiences.
Now that the year is almost at a close - I cannot believe that we are already saying goodbye to 2014 and looking ahead to 2015 - we take a look at those movies that grossed the most when it came to the box office.
1. Transformers: Age of Extinction - $1,087,404,499
There is one only movie that has grossed over the magical $1 billion this year, and that is Transformers: Age of Extinction as the popular franchise was given a big of a facelift and taken in a new direction with a completely new cast.
Michael Bay, who brought us the first three hugely successful films in the franchise, remained in the director's chair for Age of Extinction, despite it looking at one point that he wasn't going to return for the fourth film.
Mark Wahlberg took over the central role in the film, as we were introduced to the character of Cade Yeager for the first time. He was joined on the cast list by Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Sophia Miles, and Li Bingbing, while Peter Cullen returned to voice the character of Optimus Prime.
Once again, the movie was met poorly by the critics, but that didn't stop an army of Transformers fans from flocking to cinemas to check out the latest instalment. The $1,087 billion success makes it the second highest grossing film in the Transformers franchise - behind Dark of the Moon - and the second film in the franchise to gross over $1 billion.
A fifth movie is set to be released in 2016, while Paramount has launched their campaign to get age of Extinction nominated for the Best Picture and Best Director Oscar. While it may not end up in the running in those two categories, it could well find itself in some of the technical and special effects categories.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy - $771,826,145
No movie year is complete without a Marvel film hitting the big screen and in 2014, we were treated to two. Guardians of the Galaxy was the second of those two films and was the launch of a brand new Marvel franchise.
Guardians of the Galaxy was the final film before Phase two is brought to a close by Avengers: Age of Ultron next year, and was one of the most anticipated blockbusters of the summer. The movie marked the most adventurous project for Marvel to date and saw James Gunn in the director's chair.
Gunn has been behind Slither and Super so far in his directing career, but Guardians of the Galaxy marked the biggest film of his career - however, you would not know that when you see the movie as it is a triumph. He infused great action with the humour that has become Marvel's trademark and the space special effects were just incredible.
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, and Vin Diesel took on the central roles of Peter Quill, Gamora, Rocket, Drax, and Groot. Lee Pace, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio Del Toro were also on board.
The movie was both a critical and commercial success as it grossed over $771 million at the global box office. So far, it is the second highest grossing movie of 2014, and the third highest grossing Marvel movie of all time behind Avengers Assemble and Iron Man 3.
A Guardians of the Galaxy sequel is already scheduled for 2017 and James Gunn has revealed that work on the screenplay has been completed. However, details of the plot and cast are you to be unveiled.
3. Maleficent - $757,752,378
There was a little apprehension at the beginning of the year as to just how well Maleficent was going to fair at the box office… it seems no one should have worried as it is the highest grossing female led film of the year and the second highest grossing none-sequel of 2014.
Maleficent is a live action re-telling of one of Disney's most famous villains, with Angelina Jolie perfectly cast in the title role. While the movie does touch on aspects of the Sleeping Beauty story that we are familiar with, it showed off a very different side to this 'villainous' character.
Jolie delivers a terrific performance as Maleficent - seriously, there was one of the most perfect pieces of casting of the year - as she embodied the fierceness and terror of this character as well as the most vulnerable side that we have never seen before.
Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Sam Riley, and Brenton Thwaites made up a cast list that was a mix of established talent and up and coming stars, while Robert Stromberg was in the director's chair.
Stromberg is best known for his work in special effects with the likes of The Golden Compass, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Aviator and The Terminal - he also has two Oscars for his work on Avatar and Alice in Wonderland - but Maleficent was to mark his feature film directorial debut.
Maleficent enjoyed huge box office success upon release, taking over $757 million worldwide, making it the third highest grossing movie of the year.
4. X-Men: Days of Future Past - $746,045,777
X-Men: Days of Future Past was the summer blockbuster that I was looking forward to the most as it not only saw Bryan Singer back in the director's chair, but it saw actors from the two different X-Men franchises come together for the first time.
Singer had been behind X-Men and X2 and it was great to see him return to Days of Future Past - his first X-Men movie for eleven years - and he really did not disappoint, as this was one of the best blockbuster movies of the year.
Actors from the original franchise such as Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, and Hugh Jackman joined forces with First Class actors Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, and Nicholas Hoult as the past and future collided.
Singer was on top directing form as he juggled individual stories of all of the characters, jumped back and forth between the past and the future, while giving all of these great actors plenty of screen time to develop their characters further.
The result was a top draw blockbuster that was a box office smash and had the critics singing its praises left, right, and centre. For me, it was just a triumph and is the best film in the X-Men franchise to date - and I have been a long-standing fan of X2 ever since it was released back in 2003.
Work on X-Men: Apocalypse is already underway as Singer and co are currently thrashing out a screenplay - he will also be returning to the director's chair. Fassbender, McAvoy, Lawrence, and Hoult are all back, while we will be introduced to Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse and Channing Tatum as Gambit.
5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier - $714,083,572
Guardians of the Galaxy may have been the better performing Marvel movie of 2014, Captain America: The Winter Solider remains my personal favourite as Chris Evans returns for a second solo film. This was the first time we had seen Evans reprise the role of Steve Rodgers since Avengers Assemble, and The Winter Solider was bigger and better than The First Avenger.
Anthony and Joe Russo took up the director's chair this time around in what was the first Marvel movie for the filmmaking sibling… I have to say, that did a terrific job, as The Winter Solider is action packed and funny as well as continuing to develop the title character.
Evans was joined on the cast list by Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Cobie Smulders, as they reprised their roles of Black Widow, Nick Fury, and Maria Hill. However, there were some new faces to watch out for as Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, and Robert Redford were introduced as Falcon, Winter Solider, and Alexander Pierce.
The Winter Solider was the first critical and commercial hit for Marvel in 2014, as their good run at the box office continued with this movie topping the box office around the world and taking over $714 million worldwide. It is the fourth highest grossing Marvel film behind Avengers Assemble, Iron Man 3, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Anthony and Joe Russo are staying with the franchise and have begun work on the next film Captain America: Civil War - which has already been announced for 2016. Robert Downey Jr, Jeremy Renner, Sebastian Stan, Frank Grillo and Anthony Mackie have all been linked with the cast list, while we are expecting Chadwick Boseman to be introduced as Black Panther ahead of his own solo movie.
Other big performing movies this year include The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, How To Train Your Dragon 2, Interstellar and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.
by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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13 July 2014 11:16 AM, PDT | Flickeringmyth | See recent Flickeringmyth news »
Well, X-Men: Days of Future Past ’s stay as the biggest earner of the year didn’t last long, with Michael Bay ’s Transformers: Age of Extinction shrugging aside almost universal negative reviews to become the highest-grossing movie of 2014 so far, with a whopping $752 million worldwide just three weekends after its release. The fourth instalment in the Hasbro franchise looks set to become the first (and only?) release of the year to crack a billion – although The Hunger Games : Mockingjay – Part 1 and The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies may have something to say about that.
9 July 2014 11:06 AM, PDT | Flickeringmyth | See recent Flickeringmyth news »
The box office juggernaut that is Transformers: Age of Extinction just keeps on rolling. One day after becoming China’s highest-grossing movie ever, the Michael Bay -directed sequel has now passed the $600 million mark worldwide, with a domestic haul of $185 million and an international take of $421.2 million giving the film a whopping $606.5 million already. It’s surely only a matter of time before Age of Extinction overtakes Fox’s X-Men: Days of Future Past to become the biggest earner of the year so far, and at this stage it looks all but assured that it will go on to become the first billion dollar release of 2014.
6 July 2014 11:44 AM, PDT | Flickeringmyth | See recent Flickeringmyth news »
It looks like X-Men: Days of Future Past is on borrowed time as the highest-grossing movie of the year so far, with Michael Bay ’s latest Transformers: Age of Extinction shaking off a mauling from critics [read our ★ reviews here, here and here] to hit $575 million at the worldwide box office just 12 days after it starting rolling out across the globe. By close of play this weekend, the fourth instalment in the Transformers franchise will be sitting on $175 domestically, with a further $400 million from international markets.
All this is despite a delayed release schedule across Europe and Latin America (it came out here in the UK just yesterday), and is due in no small part to its terrific performance in China, where it’s made $212 million alone so far. At this rate, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Age of Extinction hitting Transformers: Dark of the Moon numbers, with the third movie currently the highest »
- Gary Collinson
4 July 2014 12:00 PM, PDT | Flickeringmyth | See recent Flickeringmyth news »
Might there be a new Princess Leia?
In this week’s episode of Movie Newsgasm, Owen Rhys finds out if the negative critical reaction to Michael Bay ’s Transformers: Age of Extinction has affected its box office takings, discusses one big(ish) confirmation and one intriguing rumour from Star Wars: Episode VII and checks out Mark Ruffalo ’s thoughts on a standalone Incredible Hulk movie after Avengers: Age of Ultron .
That’s all the biggest film stories of the week in one easy-to-digest Movie Newsgasm video! Watching it will make you 15% cooler (effects noticable immediately). Check it out here…
Fmtv Movie Newsgasm #2
Fmtv will be back next week with another installment of Movie Myths and Movie Newsgasm. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe here. And see below for more information on the films discussed…
Transformers: Age of Extinction is currently out in North America and is released in the UK on July 5th, »
- Oliver Davis
Starring Mark Wahlberg , Victoria Summer , Stanley Tucci , Kelsey Grammer , Nicola Peltz , Jack Reynor , Titus Welliver , Li Bingbing and featuring the voice talents of Peter Cullen , Frank Welker , John Goodman , Ken Watanabe , and Mark Ryan .
Synopsis:
An automobile mechanic and his daughter make a discovery that brings down the Autobots – and a paranoid government official – on them.
Transformers: Age of Extinction follows a down and out inventor ( Mark Wahlberg ) and his daughter ( Nicola Peltz ) who are struggling to make ends meet. The Transformers have basically become an enemy of mankind and there’s a brutal scene involving the hunting down of an Autobot which is the most impactful scene in any Transformers movie. Even the handling of the Transformers mythology is better here, with the screenwriters taking advantage of the theme of extinction. It follows up on the climax of Dark of the »
- Gary Collinson
Stars: Robert Englund , Jill Schoelen , Bill Nighy , Alex Hyde-White , Stephanie Lawrence, Terence Harvey , Nathan Lewis , Peter Clapham , Molly Shannon , Emma Rawson , Mark Ryan , Terence Beesley | Written by Duke Sandefur | Directed by Dwight H. Little
Christine Day (Schoelen) is a young Broadway singer in New York City. She is auditioning for a show and comes across a piece of music written by an unknown music composer named Erik Destler (Englund) nearly 100 years before. Erik had made a pact with the devil so the world would love his music, but the devil had one condition: that Erik’s face would be horribly disfigured forever. Once Christine sings his music, she is taken from present day New York to 1881 London were she is the star of the London Opera House. There she is coached by a mysterious caped figure who will do anything to make her the star of the opera even if it means murdering people, »
- Phil Wheat
26 March 2014 2:05 PM, PDT | Comicmix.com | See recent Comicmix news »
Neil Gaiman . Brandon Sanderson . Tracy Hickman. Peter David . These are just some of the authors included in StoryBundle’s Truly Epic Fantasy Bundle. All these books can be yours for a price you name, all DRM-free, with the option to donate a portion of your purchase to The Challenger Center.
The books include:
The Sacrifice by Kristine Kathryn Rusch Spirit Walker by David Farland MythWorld by James A. Owen The Camelot Papers by Peter David The Monarch of the Glen by Neil Gaiman Bloodletting by Peter J. Wacks & Mark Ryan Clockwork Angels by Kevin J. Anderson The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson The Immortals by Tracy Hickman
Order them now at StoryBundle. But hurry– there are only eight hours left to take advantage of the deal.
Glenn Hauman on Google+
Originally published on ComicMix as Only Eight Hours Left To Get Epic Fantasy StoryBundle »
- Glenn Hauman
| i don't know |
The architect Louis Kahn designed which Asian capital's Government Assembly complex in 1962? | Louis I Kahn National Assembly building Dhaka 1962 83 Center of - AH - 205
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23. Louis I. Kahn, National Assembly building, Dhaka 1962-83. Center of government for East Pakistan, completed as East Pakistan became Bangladesh Mosque, president’s residence, assembly halls 24. Louis I. Kahn, National Assembly building, Dhaka 1962-83, two views of the prayer hall. Architecture could influence ideas of Western democracy in newly formed country 25. Louis I. Kahn, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad 1962-74. Large university campus Design based on geometric view of architecture
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Uses local materials and those which are easier to use: reinforced concrete 26. Jeet Lal Mahotra, High School, Chandigarh 1959-60. Geometric repetition Use of brick Predates Kahn in SE Asia 27. Balkrishna V. Doshi, Architect’s Studio (Sangath), Ahmedabad 1979-81. Vaults covered in ceramic to protect from sun, openings, 28. Balkrishna V. Doshi, Architect’s Studio (Sangath), Ahmedabad 1979-81, interior view. Part of building is below ground to keep temperature down 29. Balkrishna V. Doshi, Husain-Doshi Gufa, Ahmedabad 1992-95. Construction is below ground Each hall covered by thin reinforce concrete dome Pillars to hold up, covered by ceramic tiles to reflect sunlight and control temperature 30. Stupa, Sanchi (near Bopal, Madhya Pradesh) 5th century BC-1st century AD. 31. Charles Correa, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ahmedabad 1958-63. Gandhi Memorial Large pavilion built of reinforced concrete and bricks Very large horizontal space open on all sides 32. Charles Correa, Kovalam Beach Hotel, Kovalam 1969-74.
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TERM
Technological Advancements of the 60s
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Edith of East Anglia was the wife of which pre-Norman English king, born in c. 993 AD? | Louis i kahn - Education
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1. LOUIS KAHN DONE BY, ARJUN.M DIVYA.S GAVYA.S GAYATHRI.D
2. LIFE • Born February 20, 1901 on Saaremmaa Island in Kuressaare. • Kahn's Jewish parents immigrated to the United States in 1906. • His given name at birth was Itze-Leib Schmuilowsky but was changed upon arrival in the US. • Kahn's architecture is notable for its simple, platonic forms and compositions. • Through the use of brick and poured-in place concrete masonry, he developed a contemporary and monumental architecture that maintained a sympathy for the site. • While rooted in the International Style, Kahn's architecture was an amalgam of his Beaux Arts education and a personal aesthetic impulse to develop his own architectural forms. • Kahn received the AIA Gold Medal in 1971 and the RIBA Gold Medal in 1972. • Louis Kahn is considered one of the foremost architects of the late twentieth century. • On March 17, 1974, he died of a heart attack in a men's restroom in Pennsylvania Station in New York City. • Education/ Occupation • He attended the University of Pennsylvania and received his Bachelors degree in architecture at the age of 24. • After college, he worked as a senior draftsman in the office of Philadelphia City Architect John Molitor. • To find his inspiration, he traveled through Europe visiting castles and medieval strongholds in 1928, only 4 years after graduating. • He finally started his own firm in 1935. • While he still designed and worked as a design critic on the side, Louis became a professor of architecture at Yale school of Architecture. • Personal designs Kahn created many unique an intricate buildings, but among his most memorable were… * The Yale University Art gallery: 1951. * The Jonas Salk institute for Biological Studies: 1965 * The Margaret Esherick house: 1961 * The National Assembly building: 1962 Louis Kahn’s works in India : • Indian Institute of Management,Ahemedabad • Institute of Public Administration • National Assembly at Dacca.
3. LIST OF WORKS • Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut,(1951–1953), • Richards Medical Research Laboratories, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (1957–1965), • The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California, (1959–1965), • First Unitarian Church, Rochester, New York (1959–1969),. • Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Assembly Building) in Dhaka, Bangladesh (1962–1974) • Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh • Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, in Ahmedabad, India (1962). • National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Dhaka, Bangladesh (1963) • Phillips Exeter Academy Library, Exeter, New Hampshire, (1965–1972), awarded the Twenty-five Year Award by the American Institute of Architects in 1997. It is famous for its dramatic atrium with enormous circular openings into the book stacks. • Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas, (1967–1972), • Yale Center for British Art, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, (1969–1974). • Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island, New York, (1972–1974)
4. CONCEPT Influenced by ancient ruins, Kahn's style tends to the monumental and monolithic; his heavy buildings do not hide their weight, their materials, or the way they are assembled. Louis Kahn's works are considered as monumental beyond modernism. The Jonas Salk institute for Biological Studies The National Assembly building
5. Geometry in his work Kahn used many different shapes and lines to create his masterpieces. However, among his most famous creations, he seems to favor both parallel and perpendicular lines. Through his bold technique, he created streamline, radical, and futuristic looking buildings. His stile is his own, and his creations are legendary, through the use of geometry, he has created both beautiful works of art, and useful establishments, for the whole world to enjoy.
6. THE NORMAN FISHER HOUSE • The Fisher House, also known as the Norman Fisher House was designed by the architect Louis I. Kahn and built for Dr. Norman Fisher and his wife, Doris, a landscape designer, in 1967 inHatboro, Pennsylvania. • The Fisher House is located in Hatboro, Pennsylvania • The Fisher House stands as the clearest example of Kahn's unique architectural style at the time, his use of the two almost perfect cubes differing greatly from much of what was being done at the time and setting him apart in his own field of design. • The house is sited along the top ridge of a slight hill just off of Mill Road. Its entry faces the street and is much more closed on this side. At the rear of the house lies a small wood and a creek runs along at the bottom of the hill. • Kahn had originally planned on an all stone construction but was forced away from that idea due to the prohibitive cost of building in all stone in Pennsylvania • The Fishers set a budget $45,000.00 and Kahn was forced to strike three rooms from the first sketch plan he drew. • According to the location of the building, Pennsylvania, which is really cold in winter and hot in summer, so the architect have created the double window in the house, these double window have different size that can effective let the sunlight into the house due to the sun are rise very low in winter at Pennsylvania, meanwhile in the summer, the double window can keep the sunlight outside the building that keep the room in cool. • The public volume intersects the north face of the private with its southeast corner. The public space, which is perfectly square in plan, holds the entrance corridor and the master bedroom at ground level and two other bedrooms above. • Throughout the house there are deeply recessed windows. These allow light in during winter and keep out direct light in summer. The recession of the windows provides further use than simply the circulation of light and air through the home. • Kahn sought a sense of monumentality and longevity in his work, but also strove to bring the ideas of modernism to a place of familiarity. • In the Fisher house, Kahn uses the stone plinth to create a sense of timelessness. In this plinth he has created a piece ofarcheology. • The woodwork used in the Fisher house creates the sense of warmth and tradition to an otherwise starkly modern design.
7. • Material Choices • . The stone foundation was necessary due to the home’s placement on a slope and its’ need for a solid anchoring into the ground of the site. • The exterior and interior portions of the home are made from the same cedar wood sourced from the local Pennsylvania area. This was done to keep down costs. • The use of cedar wood throughout the interior and exterior of the home compelled Kahn to create amazing details in the building simply by folding windows into the building envelope to provide new habitable space on both the interior and exterior of the building. • orientation • the Norman Fisher house consists of three cubes, two cube forms appear like rolled dice sitting at ninety and forty-five degree angles and serve as the two buckets of living within the home. • The orientation of the house gives an impression of an expansive space but these two forms clearly demonstrate a public and private zone, as do many interior and materialistic features of the house. • The Creator's Words • Material we now use in architecture we know only for its superior strength but not for its meaningful form. Concrete and steel must become greater than the engineer. • The expected wonders in concrete and steel confront us. We know from the spirit of architecture that their characteristics must be in harmony with the spaces that want to be and evoke what spaces can be.
8. YALE CENTER FOR BRITISH ART • The Yale Center for British "Art" is an art museum at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut which houses the most comprehensive collection of British Art outside the United Kingdom. It concentrates on work from the Elizabethan period onward. • The building was designed by Louis I. Kahn and constructed at the corner of York and Chapel Streets in New Haven, across the street from one of Kahn's earliest buildings, the Yale University Art Gallery, built in 1953. • The exterior is made of matte steel and reflective glass; the interior is of travertine marble, white oak, and Belgian linen. • The building's discreet, grey, monotone exterior of mat steel and reflective glass and its clearly read concrete frame confera certain noble, armored mien appropriate to its purpose. • Without the plan being fully revealed upon entry, the entrance court immediately establishes a sense of logical orientation,and the second-floor library court continues this interior organization so that the visitor intuitively feels familiar with the plan and can find his way around the galleries through reference to the courts. • Louis Kahn's Yale Center for British Art, based on a repetitive 20-foot-square grid, was formally conceived as a series of highly structured 'roomlike' spaces. • Organized around two inner courts which, like the fourth and top floor, are beautifully naturally lighted from above througha coffered skylight system, the whole ambiance of the building is rich, seductive, and well-scaled to the mainly eighteenth and early nineteenth century paintings. • The exposed concrete structure with oak paneled inserts has led to a warmer, more sedate feeling, appropriate to the art displayed. • As Kahn asked himself questions about light to the interior he made openings in planes; as he broached questions of exhibit he devised systems to place planes in space.
9. • The Creator's Words • A museum seems like a secondary thing, unless it is a great treasury. A treasury, a guarded love for your source. Oh, what a place that would be! Not just an accumulation crowded together. You go through halls and halls and halls. The Museum of Cairo is a confined building that looks more like a storage house than it does a museum. • Constructed of brick, concrete, glass, and steel, and presenting a windowless wall along its most public façade, the building was a radical break from the neo-Gothic buildings that characterize much of the campus, including the adjacent Swartwout building. • When it opened in November 1953, the “Yale University Art Gallery and Design Center” included expansive, open spaces for the exhibition of art, as well as studio space for use by art and architecture students.
10. Indian Institute of Management,Ahemedabad • The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad, also known as IIMA) is considered to be the premier institute of management education in India. • Every time a student walks past a really expensive piece of architecture that belongs to his college. • Louis Kahn, the American architect, was an exponent of exposed- brick architecture. • The most distinctive feature of the plan was the numerous arches and square brick structures with circles carved out in the facade. • These arches were first constructed by the architect himself and later on taught it to the workers on site. • Those original prototypes could be found in the residential areas even today. • Huge open spaces depict the freedom thought, the principles that this institute stand for. • Even the classrooms have been designed to facilitate students’ participation in the class. • The most awe-inspiring and photographed view is that of the main academic block which is built as a huge monolith. • The dorms are connected to the main complex by a series of arched corridors and landscaped courts. • The 132 feet long underpass connects the old campus to the new. • There is a stark contrast between the new campus and the old. • The new campus which came into being • only a few years ago has a starkly different architecture from the one at the old campus. • The rooms here much more spacious and each dorm is home to a larger number of students.
11. LOUIS KHAN WORKS IN INDIA & THEIR INFLUENCES ON EMPIRICISTS •Louis khan was steeped in classicism by his beaux arts education and his Experience at the American Academy in Rome. •He came to India to in 1962 a decade later than Lecorbusier on being Selected to design IIM Ahemedabad. •Kahn’s influence on the Indian architectural scene occurred in much same Way as Lecorbusier but the time, volume , Location and size of his work Resulted in a lesser impact. he was less of a guru for Indian Architects. •Some of his work in India were the IIM in Ahemedabad and gandhinagar Gujarat’s new capital. •Kahn is officially listed as the architectural consultant to the National Insitute of design in Ahemedabad on the IIM Project but he was actually The architect. Doshi & Anant Raje were the liason architects. •In IIM he used local building skills and used brick , a common building Material rather than going for more sophisticated techniques used by Lecorb in Chandigarh. Entrance to the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. The main complex and Louis Kahn Plaza
12. •In South Asian work he was able to explore the use of brick in way that He had been unable to do in America. his Indian experiences thus very Much influenced the later American architecture. •The IIM seems to have stood up well over time although shortcomings in Dealings with the climate are again in evidence. •Kahn’s Indian colleagues such as Raje and assistants such as Kulbushan Jain were directly affected by the experience of working with him. his major Lessons for India stemmed from the grounding of his work in reality and Tradition , local materials and methods . •On Khan’s death and the withdrawal of his Philadelphia office from work On the IIM , Raje continued the development of the campus with the Designing of the dining halls , the Management Development center and The housing for staffs and students . •To the lay person this work is almost this work is almost indistinguishable From Khan’s and gives consistency of design to the whole Institute. •Like lecorbusier ,Kahn also had an impact on architectural education. His Collaboration with doshi occurred in formative years of the school of Architecture at the CEPT in Ahemedabad. With the development of such Schools and with the younger architects being Exposed to the work of Lecorbusier and Khan , a new period of Architectural Work emerged in India. It is highly influenced by the Masters
13. Bibliography Sokol, David. Louis Kahn-Designed House (Still) Up for Sale http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/08052k ahn.asp © 2008 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Nov 8, 2008 Wikipedia, free encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Kahn 4 October 2008. Nov 9, 2008. Cavern, Jackie. Louis Kahn, Modernist Architect. http://architecture.about.com/od/greatarchitects//louiskahn.htm. Nov 9, 2008.
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Which 'Eminem and Rhianna' hit was the UK's best selling single of 2010? | Eminem And Rihanna Have The Year’s Best-Selling Single In The UK | Idolator
Eminem And Rihanna Have The Year’s Best-Selling Single In The UK
Robbie Daw @chartrigger | December 22, 2010 - 8:38 am
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NME has posted the UK’s 40 best-selling singles of 2010, and while we’re not surprised that Eminem and Rihanna’s global mega-hit “Love The Way You Lie” topped the list, what is interesting is the overall lack of UK artists in the Top 10. Sure, there’s the Helping Haiti “Everybody Hurts” charity record, which featured basically a who’s who of current British pop stars. But #1 through #6 is populated by us Yanks (with, of course, the exception of fashionable Barbadian Rihanna, who “features” on #1). Catch the upper portion of the UK’s biggest singles of the year after the jump.
Regarding the top single across the pond, NME notes, “Surprisingly, it never reached Number One of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at Number Two. It did, however, top the UK R&B Chart.”
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Edith of Wessex was the wife of which pre-Norman English king, born c. 1003 AD? | Eminem & Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie (The Monster Tour Version) - YouTube
Eminem & Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie (The Monster Tour Version)
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Published on Jul 19, 2014
"Love the Way You Lie" is a song by the American hip hop recording artist Eminem from his seventh studio album Recovery (2010). Skylar Grey, a singer-songwriter, wrote and recorded the demo alongside the producer Alex da Kid when she felt she was in an abusive romantic relationship with the music industry. Eminem wrote the verses and chose the Barbadian singer Rihanna to sing the chorus; their past experiences in difficult relationships influenced the collaboration. Recording sessions were held in Ferndale, Michigan, and Dublin, Ireland. Backed by guitar, piano and violin, the track is a midtempo hip hop ballad with a R&B refrain and describes two lovers who refuse to separate despite being in a dangerous love--hate relationship.
Interscope Records released the song in August 2010 as the second single from Recovery. Critics praised its melody but were divided on thematic aspects such as poignancy and accuracy. Eminem promoted the single with performances at the 2010 Electronic Entertainment Expo, the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and festivals. The music video, directed by Joseph Kahn, stars Dominic Monaghan and Megan Fox in a violent relationship and shows Eminem and Rihanna in front of a burning house. The clip had a mixed reception due to scenes of domestic violence. Reporters suggested that the song and its accompanying video were influenced by Eminem's and Rihanna's relationships with their respective ex-lovers Kimberly Scott and Chris Brown.
Critics listed "Love the Way You Lie" among the best tracks of 2010 and of Eminem's career. The song won many awards and received five Grammy nominations. It is Eminem's best-selling single and ranked number one on twenty-six record charts, including the United States' Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks. The single sold six million copies in the US, and was the best-selling song of 2010 in the United Kingdom. Musical acts such as Cher Lloyd and The Band Perry performed cover versions. Rihanna has said that the theme of domestic violence, a topic on which she claims many people do not have insight, is what makes the song effective. She later recorded "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)", narrated mostly from her perspective.
"Love the Way You Lie (Part II)" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her fifth studio album Loud (2010). It features guest vocals from American rapper Eminem, who wrote the song alongside Skylar Grey and the producer Alex da Kid. It is the sequel to the 2010 hit single "Love the Way You Lie", which appears on Eminem's seventh studio album Recovery. It received positive reviews from critics and was performed for at the American Music Awards of 2010 on November 21, 2010, as part of a medley with "What's My Name?" and "Only Girl (In the World)".
Eminem & Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie (The Monster Tour Version) [Produced by M.A.F.]
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Sharing its name with an ex-Soviet state, which cruise ship sank in the Baltic Sea in September 1994 claiming 852 lives? | Baltic Weekly Crier - News Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
News highlights from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Updated every Monday.
News Highlights from December 11-December 18, 2000
A British composer is writing a musical score celebrating a Latvian-based telescope built and then abandoned by the Soviet army, the BBC's in-house newspaper Playback recently reported.
The composer, Michael Omer, was inspired by a BBC report about the telescope; the report included recordings of the noises that the giant 32-meter wide dish makes as it's scanning the skies for radio waves.
The composition for orchestra, entitled Little Star Began to Sing, will premiere in London at the Guildhall School of Music in the Barbican on February 3. There will also be performances in April at the Barbican and in St. John's Smith Square.
The building-sized telescope, which scientists dubbed Little Star, was used by the Soviet military to spy on NATO communications during the Cold War.
Latvians only discovered it existed in 1994, the year the Russian army pulled out of Latvia. Withdrawing troops poured acid on the telescope's motors and destroyed much of the surrounding infrastructure.
Local Latvian scientists, however, struggled to restored the radio telescopethe largest in northern Europeand now use it to monitor the stars for possible signs of intelligent life outside the Solar System.
When it receives radio waves from outer space, transformers begin to vibrate on the telescope's antennas, creating a series of buzzes, bleeps and clanging sounds. The transformers are also called selsyans.
"Little Star began To Sing is a musical evocation of the selsyans' chorus and the whole ensemble of the forest," explained BBC reporter William Horsley. "And the climax corresponds exactly with the pitch and quality of the notes which I heard ringing out through the Latvian forest."
Estonia's parliament on December 13 approved a plan to set up one of the world's largest gene banks to store the genetic information of 1 million people, which proponents say could help scientists develop powerful new drugs.
Legislators in the 101-seat Riigikogu parliament adopted the gene bank legislation by a 42-to-three vote; one deputy abstained and the others either weren't present or didn't vote.
"This is the fundamental law we need to go forward," said Estonian geneticist Andres Metspalu, the principal author of the gene bank plan.
He said the project would be launched next year and take five years to fully complete.
The multi-million-dollar project, strongly backed by the government, seeks to digitally store the genetic codes of at least two-thirds of the 1.4 million population, making the data available to doctors and researchers.
Iceland, with 270,000 people, is the only country currently with a gene program on a similar scale. But it doesn't store gene codes, instead using vast archives of family health records to help identify disease-causing genes.
Such large-scale studies are key to finding links between genes and common diseases, like cancer. Knowing the genetic factors involved would open the way for the creation of revolutionary gene-specific drugs, Metspalu said.
Estonians could start giving blood samples and providing medical histories to their doctors by the middle of next year. Participation is voluntary, unlike in Iceland where everyone's automatically included unless they opt out.
Only a few Estonian scientists and politicians have openly criticized the plan, arguing that unscrupulous employers could manage to gain access to the data, denying jobs to those with gene markers for debilitating illnesses.
Backers insist privacy provisions will prevent abuses. Records will be encrypted so even researchers won't be able to match specific names with files. The law also provides for jail terms for anyone violating the privacy rules.
Less than half the necessary funds, estimated at between 100-200 million dollars, would come from the state. The rest would come from companies that would buy rights to access and later profit from Estonia's gene research.
No biotech companies have yet signed up, though the U.S.-based Orchid BioSciences has expressed interest, according to Jaanus Pikani, another Estonian geneticist involved.
American venture capitalist Todd Morrill said at a recent gene conference in Estonia that biotech firms have only begun to learn of the planned gene bank.
"But when I explain it to executives I meet in the United States, I can tell you they are very intrigued," he said. "The reaction isn't ,'Ho hum.' It's 'Wow!'"
(Also see Gene Bank in CITY PAPER No. 49, November / December 2000.)
After years in the sights of Nazi hunters worldwide, alleged Nazi war criminal Konrads Kalejs was arrested on December 13 in Australia after authorities in his Latvian homeland requested his extradition.
The 87-year-old, who was charged by Latvian prosecutors earlier this year for allegedly participating in the murder of Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation, appeared in a court in Melbourne and was then released on bail.
His Australian passport was confiscated so he couldn't leave the country he has called home since the mid-1950s.
Jewish groups say the Latvian-born Kalejs was an officer in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi-sponsored death squad believed to be responsible for the murder of some 30,000 Jews. He has denied taking part in atrocities.
The process of his extradition to Latvia could take years if he decides to fight his deportation in Australian courts. His lawyers have said he suffers from prostate cancer and dementia. Nazi hunters say he is healthier than his attorneys let on.
If he is extradited and tried in Latvia, he would be the first person born in Latvia to be tried for Nazi war crimes after 1991. Hundreds of key Nazi figures, including regional SS Commander Friedrich Jeckeln, were tried and executed in Riga in 1946.
News Highlights December 4-December 11, 2000
People in the Baltic states reacted negatively to a Russian move on December 7 to declare the old Soviet anthem its national hymn, saying it was an ominous throwback to the dark, repressive Soviet era.
"This will bring back shadows of a terrible monster, and it was absolutely unnecessary," Lithuania's former president and independence hero Vytautas Landsbergis said Friday. "It's extremely unfortunate Russia has done this."
Landsbergis, speaking from Vilnius, said many people across the Baltics would find the restoration of the Soviet anthem offensive. He said it could sour feelings towards Russia and even contribute to undermining Baltic-Russian relations.
The Red Army occupied the then-independent Baltic states in 1940; hundreds of thousands of Balts were subsequently deported to Siberia by Soviet dictator Stalin. The Baltics only regained independence after the 1991 Soviet collapse.
Estonian government spokesman Priit Poiklik refused to comment, saying "Russia's anthem was an internal affair of Russia." But other Estonians were quick to express what they said was their disgust at the Russian decision.
"It's a double standard that there isn't an outcry in the West when Russia does such things," said Estonian parliamentarian Mari-Ann Kelam. "In Germany, many such symbols are banned because of the evil they so clearly represent."
Russian lawmakers, supported by President Vladimir Putin, overwhelmingly backed the restoration of the anthem, though they said the text of the song, which included praise for Communist leader Vladimir Lenin, should be rewritten.
Landsbergis, a professor of music before entering politics, gave a low appraisal of the musical value of the anthem itself, saying it was "very bombastic, in the style of its time." He added that it was irrelevant whether the words were changed.
"When people hear the tune, no matter what, they will hear the old words," he said.
Kelam, a member of the foreign relations committee in Estonia's parliament, agreed.
"Music is unique in that it makes us feel very deeply, very emotionally," she said. "For people in Russia longing for the Soviet past, it will reawaken very powerful feeling, and they certainly won't all be positive ones."
A former Soviet secret police agent may soon begin serving an 8-year prison term after Estonia's highest court refused to hear an appeal to have his sentence overturned, court and police officials said on December 7.
While several other ex-agents have been convicted, 76-year-old Karl-Leonhard Paulov would be the first to actually be jailed under Estonia's tough crimes against humanity laws.
He would be one of just two or three ex-Soviet officials anywhere in the former Soviet empire to ever go to jail specifically for Stalinist-era atrocities.
A lower court earlier this year sentenced Paulov for killing three Estonian members of the resistance hiding from Soviet forces in the 1940s, when the Soviet Union occupied the Baltic state.
Defense lawyers say Paulov has cancer and is too ill to go to prison. But Estonia's Supreme Court on December 5 refused to hear the appeal, signaling that the lower court's ruling followed the law.
Paulov, who lives near Tartu, 190 kilometers southeast of Tallinn, is still free. But police spokesman Indrek Raudjalg said he could be arrested within days or weeks.
One of his last recourses would be to ask for a pardon from Estonian President Lennart Meri, who was himself deported by Stalinist agents in 1941 when he was just 12 years old, said Supreme Court spokesman Aivar Jarne.
"His other legal options have pretty much run out," Jarne said.
President Meri hasn't commented on the case. But he said in an interview with the CITY PAPER editor earlier this year that shedding light on Stalinist repressions was more important than punishment.
"We should not have an emotional relationship with our past, but a rational one, where, after suspects have had their day in court, we will also have the chance to forgive," he said.
Thousands of people in the Baltic states, including Latvia and Lithuania, took refuge in the region's dense forests when the Red Army invaded in 1940. Many sought to avoid deportation, while others took up arms.
As a young agent, prosecutors said Paulov was ordered to capture or kill the anti-Soviet forest dwellers. They said he shot two victims in the back. He pleaded innocent, saying he acted in self-defense.
Looking tired and clutching a cane, Paulov told journalists in a rare public appearance last year that he was traumatized by the legal proceedings.
"This has all hit me very deeply," he said. "I can't sleep at night."
Prime Minister Mart Laar responded that he didn't feel sorry for Paulov.
"None of these men have ever said, 'I understand what I did was wrong and I'm sorry,'" he said. "They hint others did the deed or that they were just following orders."
After regaining independence, all three Baltic states vowed to bring Soviet agents to justice. More than a dozens cases have gone to trial.
Moscow has criticized the trials, saying the Baltics were exacting revenge on ailing, elderly men, some of whom hold Russian passports.
(See Stalin's Agents and Off to Court for further details about the Stalinist-crimes trials in the Baltic states.)
The three Baltic states said they'll be looking for clear signals to come out of the European Union summit in Nice that the bloc's eastward expansion will continue, and even pick up pace.
"We see this as a historic turning point in the process of enlargement," President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said recently in Brussels.
Other Baltic officials concurred.
"We want a clear message that enlargement will go ahead at the end of 2002 or early 2003," said Toivo Klaar, foreign adviser to Estonia's president. "We would like to have a clear understanding that things are moving forward."
At their French Riviera gathering, EU leaders grappled through the weekend with key expansion issues, such as how a larger EUexpected to grow from its current 15 to 28 memberswill make policy decisions.
Internal reform is seen as a prerequisite to accepting any of the 13 EU-candidate nations, some of which, including the Baltic states, say they'll be ready to join in three to five years.
"The worst-case outcome would be if there was serious disarray at Nice, with EU ministers unable to agree," said Trivimi Velliste, a former Estonian foreign minister. "That could suggest a major delay in the expansion process."
Soon after regaining independence, the Baltic states began implementing wide-ranging market reforms and adopting hundreds of EU-mandated laws with their eyes on future EU membership.
Estonia is considered a top prospect for any first wave of expansion, though EU officials said recently that Latvia wasn't far behind. Delays in restructuring its large farming sector could hold Lithuania back.
The Baltics, with a combined population of just 8 million, express some concerns that the powers of smaller EU states could be unfairly curtailed by several reforms now being discussed.
Support for EU membership has slipped to some 50 percent in all three countries, partly because of popular fears that the Baltic states could be dictated to by larger nations within the EU.
Many Baltic officials say they prefer the status quo where all EU states have a place on the European Commission, the EU's executive branch, rather than, as some suggest, fixing the number of commissioners and rotating country participation.
Baltic leaders say they don't object to distributing EU votes according to a country's sizeif the rights of small nations were safeguarded and they weren't steamrolled by larger nations.
In addition to opening up new trade opportunities, the Baltic states, which still have security concerns vis-a-vis Russia, say one of the strongest arguments for joining the EU is that it will enhance their national security.
"EU member states will hardly ignore a threat or attack against another one of its fellow members," said Harri Tiido, a deputy chancellor at Estonia's Foreign Ministry. Tiido hastened to add that Estonia was as committed to joining the NATO alliance, despite strong Kremlin opposition to Baltic membership in the alliance.
Some 4,000 retirees rallied outside the Estonian parliament on December 5 to demand an increase in their state pensions, which demonstrators complained are currently set at near-poverty levels.
The peaceful protest in a square outside the Riigikogu legislature was one of the largest of its kind since Estonia restored its independence.
Some protesters criticized what they said was Estonia's rush to join the European Union without attending to the elderly and poor.
While many prices, including for basic food stuffs, have risen to Western European levels, the average monthly pension for 350,000 Estonian retirees in a nation of 1.4 million is around 90 dollars.
The average monthly wage is 300 dollars, though many young professionals make many times that.
Some pensioners' groups have called for average pensions to be raised to at least 120 dollars a month. Officials say such a move would cost the states some 10 million dollars a month and would bust the national budget.
Since Estonia shrugged off communist rule, it has slashed virtually all state subsidies and stuck to tightfisted fiscal policies. It's often singled out by financial bodies, like the World Bank, as a model free-market reformer.
The wife of Lithuanian NBA star Arvydas Sabonis was arrested by police a second time for drunk driving in Portland, Oregon, where her husband plays as center for the Trail Blazers.
Ingrida Sabonis was stopped by police shortly after they received a call saying her car was traveling erratically along the road. She had just picked up her kids from school.
Authorities said she could now potentially face jail time since it was her second offense. Mrs. Sabonis is a former Miss Vilnius.
News Highlights from November 27-December 4, 2000
The U.N. Development Program is closing its office in Estonia because the country has developed so far that it no longer needs the outside help, officials announced on December 1.
The UNDP, which assists developing nations to alleviate poverty and build up their infrastructure, said Estonia was the first nation from the former Soviet empire where it was closing an office specifically because the country had been so successful.
"Estonia's development since the restoration of its independence (from Moscow) in 1991 has been remarkable," a statement released by the UNDP's Tallinn office said.
Estonia consented to the office's closure, on January 1 next year, in talks with the United Nation's body and enthusiastically welcomed the move, according to a spokesman for Estonia's foreign ministry, Vahur Soosaar.
"The fact that UNDP is going to close the office is a sign of recognition of Estonia's progress," he said. "It's obvious that the presence of the UNDP in many countries is more important than it is in Estonia."
After Estonia regained independence following the 1991 Soviet collapse, it quickly implemented radical pro-market polices. The UNDP opened its Estonian office in 1993, and has directly contributed or administered some 8 million dollars in aid to this nation of 1.4 million.
In eight years since it cast off Kremlin rule, Estonia has privatized nearly all state firms and slashed inflation from 1000 to 5 percent a year; annual economic growth has gone from minus 15 percent to plus five percent.
The UNDP also recently cited Estonian progress in setting up an advanced IT infrastructure, reporting that Estonia has one of the highest per capita rates of Internet access in eastern Europehigher than in some Western countries.
UNDP spokesmen said they recognized that Estonia still had major social and economic problems, but that the Baltic state now seemed more than capable of dealing with them without significant outside intervention.
Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves said recently that Estonia was now primarily a donor of aid, rather than a recipient. In 2000, Estonia gave some 400,000 dollars in foreign aid, mostly to Belarus, Ukraine and Georgia.
Four years ago, Estonia also became the first ex-Soviet bloc
country to have U.S. aid officially cut, also by consent of the Estonian government, because Washington said it was too well developed and no longer needed it.
(Also see, from four years ago, Uncle Same Turns Off the Taps , about the American aid cut to Estonia in 1996.)
Prosecutors have charged three Russian citizens with terrorism for recently threatening to blow up a Riga church. It is the first time since Latvia regained independence that anyone has been indicted under the country's terrorism laws.
The three young men, Sergey Solovyev, Maxim Zhurkin, Dmitry Gafarov belong to a far-left Russian nationalist group, called the National Bolsheviks. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of life in prison, though few expect such an extreme sentence to ever be imposed.
On November 17, the three barricaded themselves in St. Peter's Church in downtown Riga and threatened to detonate what later turned out to be a mock grenade.
Authorities said the men wanted to protest Latvia's bid to join the U.S.-led NATO alliance. They also called for the release of several members of their organization arrested earlier in Latvia. The men surrendered after several hours when police agreed they could speak by telephone to officials at Russia's Embassy in Riga.
The National Bolsheviks group is made up mostly of young Russians from Russia and from Latvia's ethnic Russian minority. They say they oppose Latvian independence and advocate the restoration of the Soviet Union.
Some observers, while agreeing the assailants should be punished, argue that the terrorism charges out of proportion to the actual crime, in which no one was injured.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on November 28 imposed bans on German beef, saying they had no choice but to take precautions against the spread of mad cow disease to their countries.
Germany has confirmed that several cows born in Germany tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, for the first time. Germany had long claimed to be free of the disease.
Health officials in Estonia and Lithuania banned beef imports from anywhere in Germany, while Latvia's ban only applies to beef from the Schleswig-Holstein and Saxony-Anhalt provinces where the infected cows originated.
All three bans take effect immediately. Laws in the Baltic states dictate that they remain in place until BSE-infected regions are free of the disease for five straight years.
"It's a question of playing it safe to ensure the disease can't spread here," said Estonian government spokesman Priit Poiklik, adding that Estonia's import-ban laws are based on the European Union's, which Estonia wants to join.
Some Latvian and Lithuanian officials suggested they could lift or modify their bans sooner than the five-year period if it turns out BSE is not as widely spread in Germany as some feared.
Earlier, the Baltic states banned beef imports, also over concerns about BSE, from Spain, Britain, France, Portugal, Denmark, Belgium and several other European countries. All those bans are still in place.
The Baltics produce most of their own beef, and Germany isn't among the region's top foreign beef suppliers.
German businesses in the Baltics, however, said they were worried about the implications of the bans, including whether the Baltic bans could encourage other countries to follow suit.
"This will certainly be of concern for our business community," said Roland Grosse, of the Tallinn-based German Chamber of Commerce. "And there are some Germans who these Baltic bans will directly affect."
Contaminated meat and bone meal in animal feed is suspected as the source of BSE in cows. Some scientists believe humans can contract the similar fatal brain-wasting disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, by eating infected beef.
The Curonian Spit, a sliver of a peninsula that runs parallel to Lithuania's coast, has been included on the World Heritage List of objects with an international importance.
The sand-dune, windswept spit, which is also known as Neringa, has been celebrated for centuries by poets and writers, including Germany's Thomas Mann, who had a summer cottage on the narrow slice of land that pokes into the Baltic Sea. Part of the Curonian Spit is Russian territory.
The prestigious designation was made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on November 31 during a meeting in Australia.
The old towns in all three Baltic capitals have also been placed on the World Heritage List, which obliges the countries to maintain the uniqueness of the areas for posterity.
Being included on the list can help a country raise the interest of tourist. But Lithuanian environmentalists have urged the government to ensure that the pristine Curonian Spit remains unspoiled by development.
(For an article about the region, entitled The Curonian Spit, see No. 47 July-August, 2000.)
News Highlights from November 20-27, 2000
Latvia has long harbored hopes of becoming the so called Baltic Hong Kong, a regional financial and banking powerhouse. It now appears to be vying to become the Baltic Saudi Arabia after an announcement on November 22 that the government will soon sell off-shore oil drilling licenses.
The licenses, to be auctioned next year, would allow companies to explore and develop a 2,675-sqaure-kilometer area off the country's Baltic Sea coast that is thought to contain some 250 million barrels of oil.
The amounts are considered tiny compared to reserves in oil-rich regions like the Persian Gulf or North Sea. But Latvia hopes that supplies could be sufficient enough to inspire the growth a modest oil production industry.
Latvian ports currently serve as main transit points for Russian oil bound for Western markets, but the Baltic state does not produce any oil of its own.
Soviet-era geologists discovered oil reserves off the Latvian and Lithuanian coasts in the 1980s, though the extent of that find and the economic viability of pumping out the crude has still not been fully determined.
Some of the off-shore territory where there is thought to be oil is disputed between Latvia and Lithuania. A Swedish company, OPAB was granted rights by Latvia four years ago to drill in the area, but it pulled out of the deal because the two Baltic states couldn't agree where their sea borders were.
Lithuania's state AIDS Center said on November 22 that it has Europe's lowest HIV infection rate, which it argued was largely due to early and effective prevention programs.
The Center's director, Saulius Caplinskas, said that there are currently just 6.5 cases of HIV virus infection per 100,000 people, or less than .01 percent of the 3.7 million population.
He said rates in Latvia and Estonia were higher, around 33 and 26 cases per 100,000. While the Latvian and Estonian numbers are higher than Lithuania's, they also fall well below European averages.
Regional health officials say that rises of HIV infection in the Baltics parallels rising intravenous drug use, particularly in more economically depressed areas, like Daugavpils in Latvia and Narva in Estonia.
The U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS recently reported Ukraine had Europe's highest HIV rate with a full 1.0 percent of its 50 million population infected. With a .7 percent rate, Portugal had the highest figure in Western Europe.
The U.N report said Lithuania's percentage was .02 percent,
just slightly higher than the figure given by Lithuanian officials
themselves; it said .04 percent of Estonia's population was infected and .11 percent of Latvia's.
Over 35 million people worldwide either have AIDS or carry the AIDS-causing HIV virus, the U.N. body reported. In several sub-Saharan African nations, over 20 percent of the population carry the virus.
World health officials recently warned that, despite Lithuanian claims of success, the former Soviet bloc faced an AIDS epidemic. Russia, for instance, now has 300,000 HIV carries, double 1999 figures.
"The situation on AIDS in eastern Europe is really exploding," said Peter Piot, of the director of the U.N's. AIDS body. He said growing drug use and prostitution were the primary factors.
But Lithuanian officials explained that they wasted little time after the country regained independence in 1991 in setting up condom distribution programs and supplying free needles to drug addicts.
The deadly HIV virus, which attacks the body's immune system once it develops into to full-blown AIDS, is usually spread by sexual intercourse and by intravenous drug users sharing contaminated needles.
Ten years ago, the Vilnius-based AIDS Center began organizing Condom Days, festive events held in public parks where bands performed and free condoms were handed out to the mostly teenage participants.
The Center also promoted AIDS awareness with a contest to find a Lithuanian-language word for condom; the winning word was sargis, which means "one that protects." It's since become a commonly used word in Lithuania.
Lithuanians say another factor reining in the spread of HIV is the fact that Lithuania is a predominantly Catholic nation where there are still strong moral convictions against sexual promiscuity.
Other observers, while praising Lithuania's prevention programs, cautioned that national HIV figures don't always reflect the full scale of the problem since some virus carriers are never tested.
Russia has said that it could help solve its worsening demographic situation by encouraging Russians living outside the country, including in the Baltic states, to return to their ancestral homeland.
Russia's population has decreased by 6 million people since the Soviet collapse and is expected to drop by another 7 million in the next 15 years; it could soon fall from being the seventh largest nation in the world to being the 14th largest, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty recently reported.
The Prague-based American broadcaster said Russia was facing a severe labor shortage and would also soon find it difficult to staff its still-sizable military with new recruits.
Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the prospect of encouraging immigration to Russia during a recent trip to Siberia, which has been particularly hard hit by labor shortages.
While the invitation for Russians to return home may attract some Russians living in poorer former Soviet republics, like Tajikistan, Russians living in the increasingly affluent Baltics aren't likely to heed the Kremlin's call.
General living standards in the Baltics far outpace those in Russia. The Baltics also have an added attraction for Russians: the three countries are set to join the European Union within several the next several years. Given the choice between living and working in the elite EU or in desolate Siberia, most Russians aren't liable to give the latter option any consideration at all.
The Baltic states, with their ever-more vibrant economies and demographic problems of their own, also badly need the Russian workers they have. Russian laborers dominate the energy and industrial sectors in Estonia and Latvia, and on the off chance they should decide to emigrate en mass, that could deliver a major blow to all three Baltic economies.
News Highlights from November 13-November 20, 2000
Three Russian youths from a shadowy, far-left organization locked themselves in Riga's St. Peter's Church on November 17 and threatened to blow it up, though police managed to quickly persuade them to give themselves up.
In the slightly surreal midday incident, the members of the radical communist National Bolsheviks barricaded themselves in the old town church, went to an observation deck in the steeple that towers over the capital's Medieval quarter and unfurled a red communist banner over the ledge.
Witnesses said the three carried grenades, which they threatened to set off. According to reports, they demanded the release of National Bolsheviks jailed earlier in the week and they also declared their opposition to bids by the Baltic states to join the U.S.-led NATO alliance.
The three, reportedly Russian citizens who had entered Latvia illegally by jumping off a train in transit to Kaliningrad, surrendered after just two hours when the church was surrounded by police. Latvian officials praised Russian intelligence services, which had tipped Latvia off weeks before about possible actions by the National Bolsheviks.
Earlier in the week, Latvian police had detained nine members of the same group, including five Latvian-based Russians, under suspicion they planned to disrupt Independence Day festivities on November 18. On the day, however, there were no other disturbances reported.
The National Bolsheviks, a fringe Russian nationalist group made up mostly of university-age ethnic Russians from Russia and Latvia's Russian minority community, advocate the restoration of the Soviet Union and have called on Russia to restore its dominance in the region.
The group is thought to have, at most, just a few hundred members in Latvia and has very little popular support.
The National Bolsheviks have held small protest rallies in Riga before, but have never before taken over a building. Still, many observers say its members should be seen as quirky if PR-savvy thrill seekers and should not be regarded as genuine terrorists.
Religious leaders rained on Latvia's Independence Day parade on November 18, choosing the celebratory occasion to denounce what they called the questionable moral values of the modern-day state.
The country's Lutheran, Catholic, Russian Orthodox and Old Believer archbishops all refused to take part in religious ceremonies marking the 82nd year since Latvia declared independence in 1918, decrying abortion laws, corruption and what they said was scant attention by authorities to the sexual abuse of children.
"This year year I feel deeply sad and ashamed of our country and it would be extremely difficult for me to head the official services as if everything was for the better," Lutheran Archbishop Janis Vangas said in a letter addressed to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.
The president later criticized the archbishops, saying it was inappropriate for them to stage their protest on Independence Day.
Church leaders have generally stayed out of politics in the country, and some observers said their Independence Day stand could mark the dawn of a new religious activism.
Businessmen have taken Estonian Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves to task for what they said are his frequent inflammatory public statements about the futility of Baltic cooperation.
The Eesti Ekpress weekly reported on November 16 that a group of influential businessmen met recently with Prime Minister Mart Laar to complain about repeated comments by Ilves downplaying the importance of pan-Baltic economic and political cooperation. Ilves has suggested that Estonia should put more emphasis on links with the Nordic region.
But many Estonian businesses, including leading banks, see the Latvian and Lithuanian markets as critical to their future business success. They say the Nordic nations aren't viable options for expansion for most Baltic firms given the cost and competition obstacles of setting up shop in those more developed countries.
According to Eesti Ekpress, those in attendance in the meeting with Laar, including the heads of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Small Business Association, told the prime minister that they had vital economic interests in Latvia and Lithuania and that Ilves was unnecessarily making their jobs harder. "They told the government to understand that Minister Ilves could keep his mouth shout and think first before he says something."
Most recently, in a speech to parliament on October 12, Ilves questioned the usefulness of pan-Baltic cooperation, telling Estonian parliamentarians that its benefits were limited. He said that some forms of Baltic military cooperation had worked, but that in other areas, especially in the drive towards European Union membership, Baltic cooperation was sometimes counterproductive.
"I'm tired of all the noise about so called Baltic cooperation," he said, speaking on the floor of the Estonian legislature.
At a CITY PAPER and American Chamber of Commerce forum two years ago, Ilves said, "I don't see any advantage in the so called Baltic states. I don't think Estonia is a Baltic state. I think the idea of a Baltic state is a construction made up elsewhere...as foreign minister, my goal was to separate Estonia from being a Baltic state."
But businessmen argue that Ilves's sometimes biting, dismissive comments on Baltic issues haven't served any useful purpose and only undermined their relations with Latvian and Lithuanian businessmen. Some Estonian companies, like the country's main bank, Hansapank, are currently involved in complex negotiations to buy large firms in the other two Baltic states.
(A full transcript of the CITY PAPER/ACCE forum in which Ilves criticized the notion of Baltic cooperation and identity is available on this site, here. )
News Highlights from November 6-November 13, 2000
Four Latvians who organized a 1999 car rally that resulted in the death of eight people were convicted of negligence on November 6 and given prison sentences of up to three years.
The tragedy, the worst of in Latvian sports history, occurred when two cars collided and spun off the track. One of the vehicles catapulted end over end into a crowd, killing eight spectators and injuring 25.
The organizers were accused of not taking adequate safety precautions, including by allowing rally fans to stand at the very edged of the pretzel-shaped dirt track.
Authorities said the drivers were not at fault, despite claims by organizers that they were driving recklessly at the time of the accident, which occurred outside the western Latvian town of Ladzone.
The two drivers were never charged, but both shortly after announced they were retiring from rally racing, explaining that they were too traumatized to continue.
Hollywood reportedly plans a major movie based on the sinking of the MS Estonia and staring Martin Sheen, though the film is expected to play fairly fast and loose with the known facts about the catastrophe.
The Estonia sank in stormy seas en route from Tallinn to Stockholm in 1994. Over 800 of 1000 passengers perished in the accident, considered Europe's worst maritime disaster after World War II.
While investigators blamed the tragedy on poorly built bow door locks which gave way under the strain of powerful waves, the American producers intend to suggest that mob sabotage was the root cause.
Some conspiracy theorists have suggested that organized crime gangs may have purposely sunk the Estonia in order to conceal contraband smuggling across the Baltic Sea.
Other theories include one that the Estonia hit a Russian submarine or that secret Swedish military weapons exploded on board. Some have suggested a massive conspiracy by the U.S. and Swedish governments to cover up the true cause of the shipwreck.
Investigators, however, have scoffed at the alternative accident theories.
"The only theory left is that it was sunk by a UFO," said Uno Laur, an Estonian investigator
(Also look here for a detailed chronology of the dramatic sinking of the MS Estonia.)
European Union officials say the Baltic states are on the right track to win full EU membership, though they may have to wait longer they expected to actually be let in to the elite European bloc.
In a report released on November 9, the executive branch of the EU, the European Commission, said that the three country had made significant economic and political progress towards entry.
While it mentioned that the first new members could theoretically be accepted at the end of 2002, observers say that 2005, given the need for current EU states to first adopt complicated internal reforms, was a far more realistic date.
Commission President Romano Prodi said that the EU summit in Nice in December would be key to the entire enlargement process. The 15 EU member states are slated to approve far-reaching internal reforms.
"The whole momentum of enlargement will be lost without success at Nice," he said.
The frontrunners for early entry are thought to be Hungary, Slovenia and also Estonia, which has already met the main EU economic criteria. According to The Scotsman newspaper, these three countries are in better economic condition than Greece and Portugal were when they joined the EU.
The EU report, however, said that corruption as well as ineffective courts and civil services continued to be obstacles to the membership of most former Soviet bloc countries, in the Baltic countries.
In some countries, especially Poland, unreformed agricultural sectors pose serious problems. Poland has more farmers than the entire EU combined. Paying out agricultural subsidies to Poland under the EU's existing scheme would quickly bankrupt the entire system.
The Baltic states, like other Eastern European countries, have expressed fears that the expansion process is moving too slowly, risking popular support for the EU.
There has also been some friction between Estonia and the other two Baltic states over calls for all three to be admitted simultaneously. Estonia has expressed deep annoyance at the idea, arguing that it should not be held back in the EU line if its Baltic neighbors are lagging behind.
Sweden, a strong backer of Baltic EU aspirations, takes over the 6-month rotating EU presidency in January. Baltic official hope the Swedish presidency will focus more attention on the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian membership bids.
The trial in absentia of 93-year-old alleged Nazi Kazys Gimzauskas began on November 13, more than a year after regular proceedings against him were stopped for health reasons.
Kazys Gimzauskas, who suffers Alzheimer's, is accused of sending scores of Jews to their deaths when he served in the Vilnius security police during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
Lithuania's in-absentia law, adopted this year, allows lawyers to represent mentally incapacitated war crimes suspects at trial. If convicted, Gimzauskas wouldn't have to serve any sentence.
A ruling in his case could be handed down before the end of this year.
His in-absentia trial begins two months after another alleged Nazi, Aleksandras Lileikis, died of a heart attack in Vilnius before a court could pass judgment. He also was 93.
Gimzauskas has denied charges he took part in the Holocaust. He emigrated to the United States in 1956 and lived in St. Petersburg, Fla.
He returned to Lithuania in 1994 after a U.S. court moved to strip him of his citizenship. Lithuanian prosecutors charged him several years later.
Analysis: The Baltic states, like much of the rest of the world, have followed the unresolved U.S presidential race with a mixture of bemusementand bewilderment. But as the U.S. sorts out who won, many people here are still trying desperately to figure out which of the two would be better for the Baltic states: a President George W. Bush or a President Al Gore.
The majority of analysts say they'd prefer a President Gore.
The biggest mark against Bush is his demonstrable lack of knowledge about international affairs, which makes many Balts uneasy. Reports that he has traveled abroad just three times in his entire life seem to suggest to many here that Bush isn't only ignorant about the world outside the United Stateshe doesn't appear even mildly curious.
Al Gore, as commentators point out, has traveled widely, including to Estonia several years ago (he reportedly struck up a friendship with current Estonian President Lennart Meri and promised to return to the country again.) Gore's apparent expertise on subjects ranging from Iraqi Kurds to Moscow mayoral politics seems, rightly or wrongly, to give many people here confidence.
Bush does seem to appreciate his own ignorance of world affairs and would, it's understood, surround himself with well-schooled, experienced foreign advisors. But many Baltic officials worry about some of those advisors, particularly Condoleezza Rice. Rice, Bush's closest foreign advisor, is seen here as being cool to the idea of Baltic NATO membership and her name is inevitably brought up by Bushophobes. Gore, at least during the campaign, was explicit about supporting Baltic NATO membership.
But others note that Gore and other Democrats have always seemed more willing to accept Kremlin claims that Russia is now a gentle giant with no ill-will towards its neighbors. In any future disputes between Estonia and Russia , there's concern that the Democrats might be more willing than Republicans to side with Moscow. More Republicans than Democrats still seem to harbor Cold War-era suspicions of Russia; that, from the perspective of most Balts anyway, is a healthy, respectable attitude.
All that said, most analysts also seem to appreciate that the discussion about whom is more Baltic friendly, Bush or Gore, is largely academic. Most conclude that foreign policy differences under a President Gore or a President Bush, especially vis-�-vis the Baltics, will probably be slightif noticeable at all.
Highlights from October 30-November 6, 2000
A leading U.S. beer maker has poked fun at Latvia in a Canadian TV commercial directed at fans of American football, prompting complaints from some Latvians.
The Budweiser ad features an actor playing a Latvian athlete at the Olympics, with Latvia's maroon and white flag flying nearby and the Latvian national anthem playing in the background.
Suddenly three American football players appear and dump a bucket of ice water on the athlete's head as the announcer says, "Let the real games begin!"
The AFP news agency quoted some Latvian politicians in Riga as criticizing the commercial.
"It's of questionable taste," parliamentarian Inese Birzniece was quoted as saying. "I could understand if they were trying to popularize Budweiser in Latvia by saying, 'congratulations on your medal,' but this is not good."
Latvia won three Olympic medals at Sydney, including its first gold since regaining independence in 1991. Per capita, Latvia won more medals than most other countries participating in the Games, including Canada.
Estonia could end up having to honor 70-year-old government bonds now valued at around 15 million dollars, if Florida resident William T. Hardison's legal challenges are successful.
Estonia's Aripaev business newspaper reported on November 6 that the American holder of pre-war Estonian bonds has sought payment and threatened legal action if the current government refuses.
Estonia has stuck firmly to the policy that it is the legal successor to pre-war independent Estonia and that the 50 years of Soviet rule was strictly an illegal occupation.
This principle of legal continuity played a major role in justifying Estonian independence claims to the outside world in the late 1980s and early '90s.
But Estonians have now found that the knife can cut both ways.
Hardison is leading the drive to have the bonds, emitted by the 1927 Estonian government, redeemed. He is one of dozens of bond holders who could start knocking on the Estonian treasury's door.
Hardison said he was assured by exiled Estonian officials during the Soviet occupation that Estonia would met its bond obligations once it regained freedom. But he complained that he has broached the issue with Estonian authorities, but hadn't yet received a reply.
Contacted by Aripaev, Estonian Finance Ministry officials appeared non-committal. The daily quoted one as saying that Estonia had to wait and see how the legal proceedings played out.
A Latvian judge on November 3 upheld a lower court's decision a week before to issue an arrest warrant for alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs, allowing extradition proceedings against him to proceed.
The court rejected defense lawyers claims that Kalejs was too physically and mentally unfit to be arrested and then deported from his adopted Australian home. The court's decision should be the last word on the arrest order question, which had been addressed by several appellate courts.
The 87-year-old, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, was charged by Latvian prosecutors in September with genocide for allegedly participating in the murder of Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
An arrest order is required to launch extradition proceedings
Now that the order has been submitted, Latvian authorities said they will resume the process.
Jewish groups say the Latvian-born Kalejs was an officer in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi-sponsored death squad believed to be responsible for the murder of some 30,000 Latvian Jews.
American businessman Gregg Bemis, who led a diving mission to the shipwrecked Estonia recently, has said he has further proof to back up his claim that an explosion may have sunk the ship.
The 71-year-old said in a letter addressed to Swedish, Finnish and Estonian leaders this past week that a piece of metal taken from the ship and tested showed traces of an explosion.
"The test results showed quite conclusively that there had been an explosion," the letter said. "We are arranging for additional tests to further confirm these findings and to seek additional definition of the characteristics of the explosion."
He said the findings should lead to a new investigation of the accident. After his August dive, Bemis also controversial claimed that his team had taken film footage of a hole possibly caused by an explosion.
But the original investigators of the Estonia ferry accident, which killed 852 people in 1994, said after studying the film that they saw nothing that might warrant opening a fresh investigation.
"I can say there are no new facts requiring a new investigation. None at all," said Kari Lehtola, a Finnish member of the tri-nation commission that investigated the maritime disaster, Europe's worst since World War II.
A 1997 report by the Estonian-Finnish-Swedish commission blamed badly built locks on the 50-ton bow door for the shipwreck, though conspiracy theories, including that a bomb exploded on board, have been rife.
Four other investigators who also screened a half-hour excerpt of the film all agreed that nothing new was revealed, according to Finnish investigator, Tuomo Karppinen.
The investigators, who watched footage that Bemis said could be of a hole, scoffed at the claim. Lehtola and Karppinen said the alleged hole was most likely just a shadow projected by a bright camera light behind a sand deposit.
"Before Mr. Bemis went down, he said he'd show the world an
explosion hole. So what's he showing us now? Footage of a sandbed and a shadow. That's his hole!" said Karppinen, who added he was exasperated by the American's claims.
Skeptics of the Bemis expedition say there are vested interests, especially the German shipyard that built the Estonia and is facing legal action, who want to cloud the issue of how the ferry sank. They say the allegation that there was an explosion of some sort is playing into the hands of those vested interests.
Orthodox leader Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople left Estonia on November 1 with signs that his six-day visit only deepened divisions between pro-Constantinople and pro-Moscow Orthodox factions.
After Estonia regained independence, the sides argued over church property. Tensions rose when the Constantinople Patriarchate took the pro-Constantinople wing under its jurisdiction.
The Turkey-based Constantinople Patriarchate said it was merely restoring the rightful pre-war status of Estonia's Orthodox church, whose leaders were purged by Stalin and replaced by pro-Kremlin clergy in the 1940s.
But the Moscow Patriarchate, which had jurisdiction during the Soviet occupation, reacted angrily, accusing Constantinople of
encroaching on its territory and of risking a full schism in the
Orthodox Christian world.
During Patriarch Bartholomew's visit, his first to Estonia, he met with pro-Constantinople clergy. But he told a news conference that pro-Moscow church leaders steadfastly refused to meet him.
Bartholomew singled out pro-Moscow Archbishop Cornelius for strong criticism, complaining that he "questioned our status here as if we were heretics."
"Without wanting to interfere in the internal affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, I think they should replace Archbishop Cornelius," he said. "He is doing damage to the Moscow Patriarchate with his tactics."
The head of the pro-Constantinople church in Estonia, Metropolitan Stephanos, accused his pro-Moscow counterparts of threatening to disrupt the Patriarch's visit.
"There was pressure and, sadly, even threats," he said, sitting by Bartholomew at the news conference. "We've underlined our brotherly love for Russian Orthodox. But we can't be called heretics and schismatic."
Moscow's Patriarchate Wednesday echoed criticism of its loyalists in Estonia that Bartholomew's visit only exacerbated the rift.
Russia's Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed source at the Moscow Patriarchate as warning that Constantinople planned to take parts of the Orthodox church in Ukraine under its control.
"If no urgent measures are taken...Russia will lose the Orthodox churches in Estonia and Ukraine, which will be a colossal defeat for the Russian Church and Russia itself," Interfax quoted the source as saying.
Estonian courts have ruled that the pro-Constantinople factions are the rightful heirs to church property, including land and many churches, nationalized after the Red Army invaded in 1940.
They haven't been threatened with eviction, but the pro-Moscow side complained the ruling stripped them of legal rights to churches they have used for decades.
In this nation of 1.4 million, the majority is Lutheran. There are up to 50,000 ethnic-Estonian Orthodox and some 100,000 ethnic-Russian Orthodox.
Most of the pro-Moscow believers are ethnic Russian and most of those siding with Constantinople are ethnic Estonian.
News Highlights from October 23-October 30, 2000
Vladimir Lenin is on the runwanted in Estonia for tax fraud.
The inclusion of Lenin's name on a police wanted list on October 24 raised eyebrows in Estonia. The fugitive, however, isn't the famed Communist revolutionary, but a namesake 34-year-old.
Estonia's Lenin, an ethnic-Russian Estonian citizen, even shares the same middle initial as the founder of the Soviet Union, "I," according to Estonian police spokesman Hannes Kont.
The living Vladimir I. Lenin is accused of participating in a scam with nine other suspects to set up a phony oil firm to fraudulently claim some 800,000 dollars in tax rebates from the government.
Many Estonians do advocate putting the better-known Lenin on trial posthumously for setting up the Soviet secret police system blamed for the murder and deportation of millions of people last century.
Police spokesman Kont said he couldn't say if Lenin, the Communist revolutionary, might qualify for prosecution under Estonia's tough crimes against humanity laws used to convict several living ex-Soviet secret police.
The concept of Big Brother was stood on its head in Latvia as one minister installed a 24-hour webcam in his office so that the masses could keep an eye on him.
The People's Party, which said it wanted to demonstrate that its ministers were hard at work and weren't engaged in corruption, came up with the idea of placing an Internet camera in the office of Finance Minister Gundars Berzins.
Three coalition parties, the People's Party, Latvia's Way and Fatherland and Freedom, make up the government. The other two coalition partners aren't participating in the webcam scheme.
The webcasts of the minister don't include sound. When he's out, an on-screen notice says where he is. The webcam will later be moved to the offices of other People's Party ministers.
(You can see the Finance Minister in action, at www.tautaspartija.lv/ministry/ .)
Estonian Carmen Kass, 22, won the coveted Model of the Year title at the recent VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards.
After she won the highly coveted prize, the Tallinn-based Paevaleht newspaper said Kasspossibly along with composer Arvo Partwas now the most famous Estonian in the world.
Kass has appeared on Vogue a number of times and has strode down the catwalk for the likes of Calvin Klein and Christian Dior.
''She's got this wonderful combination of tomboy and glamour,'' Vogue spokesman Patrick O'Connell was quoted as telling USA today.
As proof of her newfound jet-set status, actor Leonardo DiCaprio last year dropped by her 21st birthday party.
(Also see Model City on this site about Cass and other top Estonian models who have made it big. You can see more more details about Cass, plus photos, at www.carmen-kass.net .)
Prime minister-designate Rolandas Paksas told parliament on October 24 that he wanted to lower taxes and cut bureaucratic red tape as a way to kickstart the Lithuanian economy.
"Lithuania has reached a critical point. The situation can't get any worse," he told parliamentarians a day after President Valdas Adamkus nominated him. "We can't imitate economic reforms any longer."
On October 25 parliament approved his nomination in a secret ballot by a 79-to-51 vote. Paksas, a former stunt pilot who served briefly as prime minister last year, has 15 days to put together a Cabinet and have its government program approved.
The nomination of the 44-year-old Liberal Union leader came two weeks after Oct. 8 elections that swept the ruling Conservatives, widely blamed for record-high 12 percent unemployment, from power.
The economy shrank by 4 percent last year thanks to financial turmoil in neighboring Russia, a major trading partner. The economy has improved since then, but is expected to grow by just 1-2 percent this year.
Paksas said the best way to encourage growth was for the government to stop obstructing free enterprise.
"We will start removing bureaucratic obstacles from the business sector and reform the tax system by decreasing taxes gradually and attracting investments," he said.
But he warned his government would have to make unpopular decisions, which will likely include whether or not to restore farm subsidies that the Conservatives slashed in an effort to balance the national budget.
"Most of our reforms will be a bitter, but necessary pill," he said.
The center-right Liberal Union, the center-left New Party and the smaller Center Union and Modern Christian Democratic Union agreed to form a government following the election.
The four coalition partners fell just short of a majority in the 141-seat Seimas legislature, but promised support from several independents gives Paksas more than enough support in parliament.
It will be Lithuania's first multiparty coalition government since it regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is likely to face internal differences over policy.
The Liberal Union's main coalition partner, the New Party, has shown less enthusiasm for tax cuts and, during campaigning, advocated government intervention to boost the economy.
President Adamkus, also speaking to parliament on October 24, urged the coalition parties to commit themselves to working for the good of the country.
He also wished Paksas luck.
"I wish you toughness and patience in looking for common solutions with your coalition partners and in dealing with the opposition," he said.
Orthodox spiritual leader Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople arrived on October 26 in Estonia, where pro-Constantinople and pro-Moscow Orthodox factions remain divided.
It's his first visit to Estonia since a dispute erupted nine years ago between two competing wings of Estonia's Orthodox church, with one part pledging loyalty to Constantinople and the other to Moscow.
During his six-day stay, Patriarch Bartholomew is slated to meet with clergy from the pro-Constantiople branch and also with top Estonian officials, including the prime minister and president.
But pro-Moscow clergy said they weren't willing to meet with the Bartholomew and no talks between them were planned, according to Ringo Ringvee of the Estonian Interior Ministry's religious affairs office.
In the years Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the two sides clashed over which is the rightful heir to church property, including land and many churches.
Estonian courts have ruled that the pro-Constantinople Estonian wing, dominated by ethnic-Estonians, is the sole heir to virtually all church property nationalized after the Red Army invaded Estonia in 1940. Many Estonian church leaders were arrested and killed by the Communist authorities then, and all property was nationalized.
While they weren't threatened with eviction, the court ruling infuriated the pro-Moscow, mostly ethnic-Russian congregations, which say it stripped them of legal rights to churches they have used for almost five decades.
Differences over property and legal status were further complicated in 1996, when the Turkey-based Patriarchate of Constantinople, headed by Bartholomew, officially took the Estonian branch under its jurisdiction.
The move angered the Patriarchate of Moscow, which had presided over Orthodox believers here for 50 years. There were fears that harsh words between Constantinople and Moscow could even lead to a full-blown schism.
In this multiethnic nation of 1.4 million, the majority of people are Lutheran. There are up to 50,000 ethnic-Estonian Orthodox believers, and around 100,000 ethnic-Russian Orthodox.
News Highlights from October 16-October 23, 2000
The privatization of Lithuania's largest company, Mazeikiai Oil, was thrown into confusion after judges ruled on October 18 that a key provision of its sale to Americans violated the constitution.
Lithuania last year sold 33 percent of the concern to the U.S.-based Williams International for 150 million dollars and 650 million dollars in investment. In the biggest deal of its kind in Lithuanian history, Williams was also given rights to buy a majority stake later.
But a high court ruled that a government promise to cover a 350-million dollar capital deficit that the ailing plant had incurred was unconstitutional.
The guarantee to pay that debt was a cornerstone of the deal and also the focus of fierce opposition to the sale. Critics argued that the cash-strapped Baltic state couldn't afford to take on such a liability.
Mazeikiai Oil, located 300 kilometers from Vilnius in the city of Mazeikiai, includes an oil terminal, a pipeline and refinery. Its turnover for 2000 is expected to be over 500 million dollars.
Then Conservative Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas resigned in 1999 after he said he couldn't back the agreement. It was signed later in the year by a new Conservative prime minister, Andrius Kubilius.
Ironically, recent October 8 parliamentary elections led to a major Conservative defeat. And Paksas, now of the Liberal Union, is slated to again become prime minister in a new centrist coalition government.
The implications of the court decision remain unclear.
Some analysts said the ruling could result in parts of the deal being renegotiated. But few believe the government would attempt to go so far as to have the agreement annulled completely.
Williams, which has already begun some of the costly renovation work on the outdated, Soviet-built plant, declined any comment.
(Also see the latest CITY PAPER, November/December 2000, for an interview with the Lithuanian representative of Mazeikiai Oil.)
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus on October 23 signed a decree nominating Liberal Union leader Rolandas Paksas to become prime minister following parliamentary elections.
Adamkus is expected to formally announce Paksas' candidacy before parliament in the coming few days, after which the 44-year-old will have 15 days to put together a Cabinet. Legislators would then have to approve the government.
Paksas' center-right Liberal Union, the center-left New Party, plus the small Center Union and Modern Christian Democratic Union, signed a coalition deal following the Oct. 8 election.
The four coalition partners fall just short of a majority in the 141-seat Seimas legislature. But promised support from several independents should give Paksas enough seats to win parliamentary approval.
Paksas, a former champion aerobatics pilot, is seen as a golden boy of Lithuanian politics. He first made a name for himself as Vilnius mayor the mid-1990s, when he was credited for reviving the city center.
He only came to national prominence in 1999 when he took over as prime minister after a government crisis. But he soon resigned over opposition to the deal privatizing a major stake in a state oil concern, Mazeikiai Oil (see above).
His forthright opposition to the deeply unpopular sale pushed his own approval ratings to new highs. After resigning, Paksas left the Conservative party and joined the strongly free-market Liberal Union.
Paksas has advocated more streamlined government and has said taxes are stifling small and medium sized businesses. He has expressed strong support for Lithuania's bids to join the European Union and NATO.
But his main coalition partner, the center-left New Party, has shown less enthusiasm for tax cuts and has advocated government intervention to kickstart the flagging Lithuanian economy.
The outgoing Conservative government, headed by Andrius Kubilius, will stay in office in a caretaker role until a new administration is approved.
A Latvian judge on October 23 issued an arrest warrant for alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs, allowing extradition proceedings against him to begin.
The 87-year-old, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, was charged in September with genocide for allegedly participating in the murder of Latvian Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
An arrest order is required to launch extradition proceedings
Another court earlier this month refused to issue the warrant, throwing the extradition of Kalejs from Australia to Latvia into doubt. But now that the order has been submitted, Latvian authorities said they will start the process.
The defense attorney for Kalejs said he was too ill to be deported. Others have said Kalejs is in relatively good mental and physical condition for a man of his age.
Jewish groups say the Latvian-born Kalejs was an officer in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi-sponsored death squad believed to be responsible for the murder of some 30,000 Latvian Jews.
Reader Commentaryfrom Andrew Zimkauskas.
Lithuania came out of its October 8 election a lot better off than many people expected. There were fears raised in some quarters that the country was destined for a sharp turn to the left. Some even raised the specter of a "return of the Reds." What Lithuania is going to get instead, it seems, is a rather odd and somewhat more benign creaturea government with the head of a free-market capitalist (Rolandas Paksas and his Liberal Union) and the body of a center-left neo-socialist (Arturas Paulauskas and his New Party.) The question is: Will this beast be able to function effectively? It's not clear to me that it can. One end talks of drastically lowering taxes, while the other talks about increased spending. Paulauskas also has the reputation anyway of being soft on Moscow and of straddling the fence on NATO membership. Lithuania has also never demonstrated that it can make coalitions work. Until now, Lithuania has never had such a patch-work of political parties forming a single government. I'm guessing the coalition will fall apart within a year. Two, if they're lucky.
News highlights from October 9-October 16, 2000
Four centrist parties on October 12 signed an agreement to form a coalition government after the ruling Conservatives were crushed in parliamentary elections several days before.
The center-right Liberal Union and center-left New Union will share the top posts; the small Center Union and Modern Christian Democratic Union will also take part.
Their choice for prime minister is Rolandas Paksas, a former Conservative prime minister and current head of the Liberal Union. New Union leader Arturas Paulauskas would become parliamentary speaker.
The laissez faire Liberal Union was also expected to secure the key ministries of economics, finance and defense. The New Union was lobbying for the ministries of foreign affairs, interior and health.
Paulauskas, of the New Union, said the coalition partners were still putting the final touches on the composition of the administration.
All the would-be government parties strongly back Lithuania's bid for European Union and NATO membership. But there are differences on some key economic issues, with the center-right advocating deeper tax cuts than other parties. The question of how to bring down record-high 12 percent unemployment could also cause friction.
The far-left Social Democrats, which includes some ex-communists, won the largest parliamentary bloc in Sunday's polls for the 141-seat Seimas legislature. But their 51 seats weren't enough to form a government.
The Liberal Union has 34 seats and New Union, 29. The three seats of the Center Union, two from the Modern Christian Democratic Union and the promised support of several independents should give the coalition a slim 71-seat majority.
The rightwing Conservatives, blamed for widespread economic
hardships, won just eight seats. They weren't asked to join a new
government, but they could be expected to back many of its pro-reform, pro-West policies.
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamuks is expected to name Liberal Union leader Paksas as the official candidate for prime minister next week. He and his Cabinet should win legislative approval by the end of the month.
Final results of the October 8 Lithuanian Election
Seventy seats for the 141-seat parliament were distributed to parties according to the percentage of the popular vote that they won; 71 other seats were allotted according to which candidate won the most votes in a district. Some parties, like the Liberal Union, did especially well in winning individual mandates.
By Party, Percentage of Popular Vote and Seats Won
Social Democrats - 31 percent, 51 seats
New Union - 20 percent, 29 seats
Liberal Union - 17 percent, 34 seats
Conservatives - 9 percent, 9 seats
Christian Democratic Union - 4 percent, 1 seat
Center Union - 3 percent, 2 seats
Lithuanian Polish Action - 2 percent, 2 seats
Modern Conservatives - 2 percent, 1 seat
Young Lithuania - 1 percent, 1 seat
Freedom League - 1 percent, 1 seat
Modern Christian Democrats - 1 seat
Independents - 3 seats
A judge ruled on October 13 that the trial of alleged Nazi Kazys Gimzauskas should proceed in absentia even though he suffers from Alzheimer's and other diseases.
The 93-year-old is charged with genocide for allegedly sending scores of Jews to their deaths when he was an officer in the Vilnius security police during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
The ruling comes a month after indicted Nazi war criminal Aleksandras Lileikis, Gimzauskas' boss in the security police, died of a heart attack in Vilnius before a court could ever pass final judgment in his case. He was 93.
In absentia laws allow a lawyer to represent a mentally incapacitated war crimes suspects at trial.
If convicted, however, Gimzauskas wouldn't have to serve any
sentences handed down. Genocide carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The trial is slated to begin on November 13.
A trial in absentia was also launched against Lileikis, but was halted when his health deteriorated. But because he was deemed mentally fit, judges said they had to wait until his physical health improved.
Ironically, the fact that Gimzauskas is both mentally and physically unfit means the court doesn't have to stop the proceedings and should be able to reach a verdict as long as he is alive.
Gimzauskas, who earlier denied charges he took part in the Holocaust, emigrated to the United States in 1956 and lived in St.
Petersburg, Florida.
He returned to Lithuania in 1994 after a U.S. court moved to strip him of his citizenship for lying about his Nazi past. Lithuanian prosecutors charged him several years later.
His regular trial began in 1998, but was repeatedly delayed and then suspended on health grounds.
The in absentia law was only adopted in February of this year, opening the way for Nazi war crimes trials without defendants present in court.
Estonian Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves on October 12 questioned the usefulness of pan-Baltic cooperation, telling Estonian parliamentarians that its benefits were limited.
Ilves said that some forms of Baltic military cooperation had worked, but that in other areas, especially in the drive towards European Union membership, Baltic cooperation was sometimes counterproductive.
"I'm tired of all the noise about so called Baltic cooperation," he said, speaking on the floor of the Estonian legislature.
Ilves has made similar points before, to the chagrin of many businessmen operating in all three Baltic states. Many Latvians and Lithuanians have also criticized the minister's apparent coolness towards pan-Baltic cooperation.
At at forum organized by the American Chamber of Commerce and City Paper a year and a half ago, Ilves said Estonia should sell itself as a Nordic country and avoid the 'Baltic' label.
"I don't see any advantage in the so called Baltic states. I don't think Estonia is a Baltic state. I think the idea of a Baltic state is a construction made up elsewhere...as foreign minister, my goal was to separate Estonia from being a Baltic state."
The comments, widely reported in the Estonian media, provoked sharp criticism from several leading politicians, who argued that Baltic cooperation had played an important role in Estonia's development since 1991.
Other panelists at the CITY PAPER/ACCE forum also strongly disagreed with Ilves, saying Estonia would be foolish to play down Baltic unity and to write off the potential of a pan-Baltic economic market.
(A full transcript of the CITY PAPER/ACCE forum in which Ilves criticized the notion of Baltic cooperation and identity is available on this site, here. )
News Highlights from October 2-October 9, 2000
Two major parties shunned the biggest vote-getter in the weekend's parliamentary election, saying on October 9 that they would be able to form the next Lithuanian government.
The two parties, the center-left New Union and the center-right Liberal Union, told Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus they could secure a majority in the 141-seat Seimas parliament, the president's office said.
President Adamkus, charged with brokering coalition talks and later nominating the prime minister, reacted favorably to their bid to take the reins of power, said presidential spokeswoman Violetta Gaizaukaite.
"The president took the proposal very positively," she said.
But the leftist Social Democratic coalition that won the largest bloc of seats in the election reacted angrily, saying it was inappropriate to sweep aside the most successful political grouping in the country.
"This looks very strange when we, the group that grabs the biggest share of the vote, is forced into opposition," said Algirdas Brazauskas, Lithuania's ex-Communist Party boss who heads the Social Democrats.
The Social Democrats won 31 percent of the proportional vote with ballots from all 2,027 polling stations counted and won 51 seats.
Adamkus, who spent most of his adult life in the United States before returning to his homeland to become president in 1998, isn't affiliated with any party but is thought to favor center-right, pro-market groups.
Some fear Brazauskas, who is otherwise regarded as affable and honest, could send the wrong signal to investors if he took power: that Lithuania wanted to peel back market reforms implemented after it regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
"What scares me most about some of these left-wingers is their attitude that businesses are hoarding money, and we need to steal from the rich to give to the poor," said Rita Dapkus, a Liberal Union supporter and a leading restauranteur in Vilnius.
The New Union, which is led by populist former Soviet prosecutor Arturas Paulauskas, came in second in the popular vote with 19 percent and it won 29seats.
The center-right Liberal Union, a pro-market party headed by popular Vilnius mayor and former Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas, won just 17 percent of the votes cast, but took 34 legislative seats.
Some parliamentary seats were distributed according to party and other by individual totals. The Liberals, who had several popular figures on their list, did especially well with individual mandates.
The centrist Center Union, which holds 3 seats, said prior to the election that it would enter an alliance with the New and Liberal Unions.
With 69 seats between them, the New Union, Liberal Union and Center Union are just two shy of a parliamentary majority, but are expected to tag up with several independent legislators to put them over the top.
To form a government, a party or group of parties must control 71 seats.
The ruling Conservatives, blamed for economic hardships, won a mere 8 percent of the vote for eight seats. In the last election in 1996, they won more than 40 percent of the vote.
The Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, will stay in power in a caretaker role until a new prime minister and Cabinet are approved. The process could take several weeks or more.
Many observers saw the New Union and the Social Democratic coalition as natural bedfellows, since they agree on many issues. But the New Union kept the Social Democrats at arm's length, saying they were too left-wing.
The New Union, for instance, opposed the Social Democrats' proposed progressive income tax, which would raise taxes on wealthier Lithuanians in this Baltic nation of 3.7 million people.
All the parliamentary parties say they back Lithuania's long-cherished goals of membership in the 15-nation European Union and NATO.
The Conservatives saw their approval ratings plummet due to a recession brought on by 1998 financial turmoil in Russia. The jobless rate also soared to a record high of 12 percent this year.
The election press center reported a slightly better than usual turnout among the 2.6 million eligible voters during Sunday's election, with about 55 percent casting ballots.
The Lithuanian government said on October 6 that Moscow should pay Lithuania 20 billion dollars in damage compensation for five decades of harsh Soviet occupation that only ended in 1991.
Lithuania's parliament adopted a controversial bill in June demanding the government seek compensation from Moscow, but it called on officials to come up with the exact figure to ask from Russia's government.
The figure, released Friday, included 500 million dollars for property expropriated by Communist rulers and 1.8 billion dollars to compensate over 100,000 Lithuanians deported during the Stalinist era.
The sum also includes environmental damage caused by hundreds of Red Army bases established across Lithuania as well as compensation for the destruction of dozens of churches in this predominantly Catholic nation.
The opposition said the announcement, made two days before the October 8 parliamentary election, was an attempt by ruling Conservatives to score political points before an election that polls indicate they will lose.
But government spokesman Audrius Baciulis insisted the timing was coincidental. He also denied the 20-billion figure, eight times the government's annual national budget, was exaggerated.
"We didn't pull this figure out of thin air. It took weeks of hard work to come up with," he said.
The Red Army occupied the then-independent Baltics, including Latvia and Estonia, in 1940. It retook them after a 1941-44 Nazi occupation. They only regained independence after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
Russia's government has long argued it isn't responsible for Soviet actions. The Kremlin also hasn't acknowledged that the 1940 annexation of the Baltics was illegal, arguing they joined the Soviet Union voluntarily.
By law, the government is supposed to try and initiate negotiations with Moscow now that they have a precise compensation sum.
But few observers expect Russia to agree.
After the June law was adopted, Russia reacted angrily, saying that bilateral relations could be harmed if Lithuania pushed ahead with claims.
Yegor Stoyev, chairman of the Russian Federation Council, said at the time that Lithuania should be thankful for all the infrastructure projects, including ports and roads, that were built during Soviet rule.
"It is a shame and a sin to raise such issues after all that has been done for the Baltic region by the Soviet Union," he was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
The Lithuanian spokesman conceded Moscow isn't likely to agree to discuss the issue any time soon. But he held out hope that one day it would.
"Ten years ago, people were saying Moscow would never let Lithuania be independent, and that happened," Baciulis said. "It will be a long hard process to get them to discuss this, but I think it's possible."
Governments must do more to help track down Jewish art stolen by Nazis and return it to its rightful heirs, an appeal adopted on October 5 at a high-level forum in Vilnius said.
"The Vilnius Forum asks all governments to undertake every reasonable effort to achieve the restitution of cultural assets looted during the Holocaust era," said the resolution, adopted by more than 300 delegates.
It said officials needed to throw open any records that might relate to some 600,000 pieces of art plundered from Holocaust victims and make that information publicly available, including via the Internet.
During the conference, delegates also discussed establishing a worldwide database that heirs could use to track specific works and which galleries could check to see if they possess stolen objects.
Participants also debated whether art taken from museums in Nazi-occupied Europe should be returned to the nations of origin or to Israel. But the highly contentious issue wasn't mentioned in the final resolution.
During the conference, a top U.S. official also announced that the United States and Russia had agreed on a major deal to open key Russian archives in the search for Jewish artwork stolen by the Nazis.
U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary of State Stuart Eizenstat, Washington's point man on Holocaust issues, said in a keynote address that a nonprofit U.S. group would begin sifting through the Russian archives.
Jewish groups have complained that Russia has not been sufficiently cooperative in opening its Nazi records, which experts say could be key in tracking down and returning plundered artworks.
"This is a major breakthrough," Eizenstat said. "I'm confident that in this way Russia will demonstrate its commitment to the international effort to bring justice, long sought, for Holocaust victims."
He also said Washington would declassify millions of pages of wartime records over the next two years to try to shed light on looted Jewish property. He said 2.5 million pages of files have already been released.
The conference, attended by art experts and officials from Europe, the United States and Israel, follows similar conferences devoted to lost Jewish assets, including one in Washington in 1998 and in London in 1997.
News Highlights from September 25-October 2, 2000
Alleged Nazi Aleksandras Lileikis, indicted for sending scores of Jews to their deaths during World War II, died on September 26 of a heart attack before a court ever could pass final judgment on whether or not he was guilty as charged. He was 93.
Nazi hunters sought for years to bring Lileikis to justice. Lithuanian prosecutors charged him, but his on-again, off-again trial never got beyond preliminary stages. The one-time U.S. citizen maintained his innocence, claiming he had backed the anti-Nazi resistance and even tried to foil massacres of Jews. Jewish groups balked at the claims, and they urged Lileikis to admit his guilt before he died.
Efraim Zuroff, of the Nazi-hunting Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem, said that, in death, Lileikis had successfully evaded justice. "His guilt was unquestionable. He should have died in jail, where murderers are supposed to die," he said.
Lileikis was charged with genocide for allegedly turning Jews over to be executed during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation, when he headed the Vilnius security police. His alleged victims were shot in sand pits near Vilnius.
Fitness questions repeatedly delayed the Lileikis trial. It restarted in June under a new law allowing trials in absentia, but was halted after judges said he was too ill to even follow proceedings via closed-curcuit television.
Lileikis appeared in court only once, in 1998. In a wheelchair and wearing a neck brace, he briefly declared his innocence, then began trembling and gasping. He was rushed away in an ambulance and never again appeared in court.
His lawyers said his death was the ultimate rebuke to those who said Lileikis was feigning illness to avoid trial. Lileikis was buried in Vilnius.
The U.S Justice Department's Office of Special Investigations, which investigated Lileikis when he was in the United States, said it feared he would die before legal proceedings could ever be completed.
"There is a biological solution to these cases, and that day will come," the unit's director, Eli Rosenbaum, said, speaking in 1996. "I lament it in advance."
In a related story, Latvian prosecutors formally charged alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs with war crimes on September 28. The 87-year-old Latvian-born man currently lives in Australia and he could now be extradited to face trial in Latvia.
All three Baltic states had a wildly successful Olympic Games, with each country bringing home at least one gold and a handful of other medals. Per capita, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia won more medals than most of the other participating countries-including the United States and Russia.
Lithuania rounded out the Baltic medal winnings, with its Cinderella-story basketball team taking the bronze on the final day of the Games. In another outstanding Baltic performance, Estonia's Erki Nool came from behind to capture the gold in the decathlon, winning the coveted title as the world's finest all-round athlete
One of the most breathtaking performances of the entire Olympics was by Lithuania's basketball team-not in victory but in a memorable defeat.
The Lithuanians came within inches of one of the biggest upsets in sports history, losing in the final seconds of a semifinal match against the U.S. Dream Team by just two points. Millions of TV viewers worldwide cheered on the underdog Lithuanians as they took the lead with 40 seconds. After the Americans scored, a three-pointer by the Lithuanians as the buzzer sounded just missed.
The 85-83 final score was the closest by far that any team had ever come to beating the Americans since they starting fielding Olympic teams made up of NBA superstars. Said one American newspaper headline the next day: "Lithuania Nearly Turns Dream into a Nightmare."
The feat was all the more amazing because the Lithuanians were without its two best players, Portland Trailblazer Arvydas Sabonis and Cleveland Cavalier Zydrunas Ilgauskas-both centers who missed the Olympics because of injury. No one who was on the young Lithuanian squad plays in the NBA.
The American side also expressed new-found respect for the Lithuanians, who early in the second half manhandled the Dream Team, going on a 20-4 scoring run to turn an 11 point deficit into a two point lead.
"That was unbelievable," Antonio McDyless told reporters after the game. "My heart is pumping. Lithuania showed big heart. I would have never expected them to play so hard and with such courage."
Lithuania brought home two gold medals, in the discus and shooting, and also added three bronze to their collection. Latvian Igors Vihrovs took gold in gymnastics, while Latvia also won a silver in walk racing and a bronze in judo. In addition to Nool's gold, Estonia also brought home two bronze medals in judo.
Nool's victory, in which he snatched the gold only in the final of ten events, the 1,500-meter run, was seen in Estonia's as one of the nation's greatest sports triumphs ever. Even Estonian President Lennart Meri reportedly stayed up throughout the night to watch the nail-biting final day of the decathlon live on television. Newspaper's widely hailed Nool as a national hero.
One black mark for Latvia in an otherwise impressive Games was the sending home of rower Andris Reinholds after he tested positive for the steroid nandrolone. Reinholds was considered a bright hope for future Olympic medals. He now faces a lifetime ban from the sport.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia won more medals than many countries ten, twenty or even 100 times larger. Separately, all three Baltic states won more medals than the likes of Brazil, South Africa and Indiawhich, with its 1 billion population, captured just one medal, a bronze.
Estonia (pop. 1.4 million) ranked 8th in per capita medals won, securing roughly one medal for every 500,000 residents. Lithuania (pop. 3.7 million) was in 14th place and Latvia in 17th place, winning one medal per 700,000 and 800,000 inhabitants, respectively. The first seven nations in per capital medals won were the Bahamas, Barbados, Iceland, Australia, Jamaica, Cuba and Norway. The United States, with its 97 medals, won the most medals numerically; but in medals won per population, it was in 46th place.
Baltic medals received more than just glory for their efforts, with Baltic government and Olympic officials paying out cash bonuses to victorious athletes. Before the Games started, Latvia said it was paying 165,000 dollars, 83,000 dollars and 50,000 dollars for gold, silver and bronze, while Lithuania said it will pay 100,000, 50,000 and 37,500 dollars. Estonia's prize money was put up by its national Olympic committee, which said it would hand over 65,000 dollars for gold, 45,000 for silver and 30,000 for bronze.
The medal winners, especially those who won gold, are also likely land lucrative endorsement contracts. Barely after he been awarded his gold medal, Erki Nool was already appearing in full-page ads and on TV spots for Coca-Cola.
News Highlights from September 18-September 25, 2000
The Baltic states have won more medals per capita than virtually any other nations taking part in the Olympics, leading Australia's Bureau of Statistics to rank them as among the most successful Olympic participants.
Lithuania (pop. 3.7 million) has been particularly successful, winning two gold medals and a bronze by September 25, with a week left to go in the Sydney Games.
Lithuania was 24th in the medal standings as of Monday. All the other countries above it had larger populations, many of them by ten or twenty fold. Among much larger nations that came after Lithuania in the standings were Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, South Africa and India.
Discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna won Lithuania's latest gold. A Lithuanian also won gold in a shooting competition and the country secured a bronze in rowing.
Latvia (pop. 2.5 million) and Estonia (1.4 million) also fared well. Gymnast Igors Vihrovs won Latvia's first gold since the country regained independence in 1991, while Latvia's other medal came in judo. Estonia's two bronze medals were also in judo.
Several Baltic athletes and teams were in the running for more medals, including Lithuania's basketball team. The Lithuanians already made history this week by becoming the only team to lead an American Dream Team, made up of NBA stars, at half-time in an Olympics match-up. Lithuania eventually lost 85-76.
Leading geneticists met in Estonia on September 21 to discuss the nation's plans to set up the world's largest national gene bank, which advocates say could dramatically improve understanding of diseases and potential cures.
The Baltic state's government recently okayed the 200-million-dollar proposal to digitally store the genetic codes of at least two-thirds of the 1.5 million population and sent it to parliament where it's expected win easy approval.
Some 400 geneticists, doctors and state officials from Europe and the United States attended a two-day conference in Tartu to discuss the plan and the ethical issues raised by it, including who should have access to the records.
Most Estonians seem enthusiastic about the gene-bank plan, set for launch in 2001, saying it's a rare chance for their small nation to grab the limelight.
"Estonia can be a follower of knowledge in the world or it can a leader," said Jaanus Pikani, chairman of Estonia's Genome Foundation, which drew up the project's details. "I want it to be one of the leaders."
Only Iceland, with its 270,000 people, has a gene program on a similar scale. Iceland's program doesn't map and store gene codes, but uses vast archives of family health records to help identify disease-causing genes.
Estonia would use techniques only now coming onto the market to record the parts of genes that vary from person to another. Geneticists say people share 99.9 percent of the same genes; the .1 percent variations are key to isolating harmful genes.
Advocates of Estonia's gene-bank plan say it will not only advance gene science, but also promote the growth of a lucrative biotech industry and allow Estonians to benefit from gene-specific drugs now being developed.
"This project would be the largest of its kind. The potential health benefits are substantial," Thomas Caskey, a leading gene researcher and president of the U.S.-based Cogene BioTech Ventures, told a news conference.
Only some 10,000 genes have been named and their functions pinpointed; Estonia's gene project would help identify the 100,000 other genes that aren't understood at all, said Andres Metspalu, also of the Genome Foundation.
Breakthroughs could open the way for revolutionary new medications designed to target specific genes and not whole organs or the entire body, reducing potentially life-threatening side effects of some drugs today.
Criticism of the plan in Estonia has been muted.
Tiina Tasmuth, an Estonian medical professor and a rare public critic of the proposal, said people were agreeing out of ignorance.
"This has all been top-down, with prominent people, like the prime minister, dictating this," she said. "People here don't ask 'why' as they do in the West."
She said money would be better spent on basic health care.
"We can't even afford to offer screening tests for certain cancers that have been available in the West for 20 years," she said. "And we want to jump straight to something like this? We don't have our priorities straight."
Anto Raukas, a member of Estonia's Academy of Sciences, argued that privacy provisions, including encrypting gene records so researchers couldn't identify whom a given file belongs to, were inadequate.
"If experts want to steal a luxury car or break into your apartment, they'll find a way," he said. "They'll find a way to break these codes, too."
Backers say state funds won't be sucked away from traditional health care.
Just half the funds needed would come from the government, while the rest would come from business sources, including firms which would buy rights to access and later profit from Estonia's gene research.
But so far, most drug companies abroad seem unaware of Estonia's fledgling gene-bank program, said Todd Morrill, of the U.S.-based Venture Merchant Group.
"But when I explain it to biotech executives I meet there, I can tell you they are very intrigued," he said. "The response isn't, 'Ho hum. 'It's 'Wow!"
A Lithuanian aerobatics pilot who dramatically flew under a series of 10 river bridges before 200,000 cheering fans has been fined for illegally advertising cigarettes during the stunt.
Officials said on September 18 that Jurgis Kairys, 48, must pay 1,250 dollars for a silver and white West cigarette advertisement on his Russian SU-26 as he flew upside down under the bridges earlier this month.
Parliament recently banned tobacco ads in order to bring Lithuania's advertising law into line with the European Union's, which the Baltic state says it badly wants to join. Health advocates also said the ads encourage teenagers to smoke.
Kairys, a national celebrity in Lithuania for his dramatic air shows, said West helped pay the expenses of the flight, including fuel costs. But he said he made no money from the performance.
Formula One driver Mika Hakkinen was among the spectators during the Sept. 3 flight in Kaunas, 100 kilometers west of the capital, Vilnius. He wore clothes covered with advertisements for West, one of his major sponsors.
If you'd like to sound off about any of the news items addressed in the Weekly Crierfor possible publication herewrite to: "News Editor" at [email protected] . Comments should be no longer than 300 words, and should include a full name and email address.
Highlights for September 11-September 18, 2000
Putin-brand vodka hit liquor stores in Lithuania on September 15, raising eyebrows but also inspiring admiration for what many said was a clever marketing ploy to profit from Russian President Vladimir Putin's name.
Putin Vodka, produced by Lithuania's large Alita distillery, features a label in white, blue and red, the colors of Russia's national flag. "Putin" is written in large white letters across the bottle.
Because of its name, Putin Vodka has received widespread coverage in the local press, prompting envy from other companies that normally have to spend lavishly on advertising to publicize their new product lines.
Alita spokesmen have insisted that the brand wasn't meant to refer to the Russian president. They said it derived from putinas, or snowball tree in English, a red-berried tree found in Lithuania.
But most observers said they didn't believe the denials, saying the association with the Russian president couldn't have been accidental. The more the company denied the link, marketing experts pointed out, the more publicity Alita received.
The bottles of Putin almost certainly aren't meant to pay homage to the Russian president. Most Lithuanians have expressed deep suspicion about Putin's past working for the Soviet secret police, saying he can't be trusted.
The new vodka is currently sold only in Lithuania, though the distillery said it could later decide to export it, even to Russia.
There's no word on how the Russian president, who is said to be a teetotaler, feels about the namesake vodka.
Prosecutors said at the end of a special investigators' conference on September 15 that they made progress in the high-profile case against alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs. But they didn't reveal precisely what progress they'd made and refused to say whether war crimes charges would be filed against him soon.
Nazi investigators from Latvia, the United States, Britain, Canada, Israeli, Germany and Australia met for two days to compare notes and to test the strength of existing evidence again the 86-year-old. They also discussed the investigation of another alleged Nazi, 88-year-old Karlis Ozols, said to be the weaker of the two cases.
Both Latvian-born men were officers in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi death squad responsible for killing some 30,000 Latvian Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation. Kalejs and Ozols now live in Australia and have adamantly denied the accusations.
Jewish groups have urged Latvia to charge Kalejs as soon as possible, within a matter of weeks, arguing that his advanced age means he could die at any time and thereby escape justice.
Kalejs is thought to be in relatively good physical and mental condition, while Ozols, a former chess champion in Australia, is thought to be in poor health.
Latvian prosecutors have said they are doing everything they can to conclude the investigation, but argue that the cases are particularly complicated. Few if any direct witnesses, they say, remain alive.
A parliamentary candidate dramatically showed the lengths to which politicians will go to win votes by swimming across a reservoir with her hands and feet tightly bound, local media reported on September 11.
Birute Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene, 47, propelled herself the 500 meters across the lake by flopping her legs like a seal and periodically lifting her head to gulp for air.
Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene competed as a swimmer in the 1972 Munich Olympic games and was also a Lithuanian national swimming champion.
The water-filled quarry where she performed the stunt is in her voting district in Kaunas, Lithuania's second largest city.
Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene belongs to the rightwing Young Lithuania party, which had received little media attention. But her unusual swim received widespread coverage in national newspapers and on television.
The party isn't expected to cross the 5 percent threshold required to enter parliament in the proportional voting system. But
Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene could win an individual mandate if she draws the most votes in her district.
In the October 8 national election, Lithuania's Conservatives are expected to lose badly, with a September 15 poll by the Vilmorus agency indicating meager 7 percent support for the ruling partywhich has been in power since 1996.
The center-left New Union, headed by popular Soviet-era prosecutor Arturas Paulauskas, topped the latest poll with 23 percent backing. Just behind the New Union was the left-wing Social Democratic coalition, led by former President and one-time Communist Party chief Algirdas Brazauskas, which was supported by 17 percent of the respondents.
The centrist Center Union drew around 7 percent and the center-right Liberal Union 5 percent support in the poll. The New Union, Center Union and Liberal Union have declared they would join forces to form a government if they win a combined majority in the 141-seat Seimas legislature. They have ruled out any alliance with the Social Democrats.
Estonia ranked the least corrupt nation in the former Communist bloc, according to an annual corruption index released on September 13 by the Transparency International. Estonia ranked 27th out of 90 countries surveyed, while Lithuania and Latvia were 43rd and 57th.
The respected anti-corruption watch-dog talked to business people, analysts and members of the general public in the nations surveyed to come up with their list. In its points system, a score of 10 is considered "highly clean" and 0 is considered "highly corrupt."
Estonia received 5.7 points, Lithuania 4.1 and Latvia 3.4.
Finland, Estonia's neighbor to the north, topped the list as the least corrupt country in the world with a perfect 10 score. Nigeria appeared at the bottom of the barrel with 1.2 points.
The focus was on perceptions of how corrupt countries are, not on actual incidents of corruption. Spokesmen for the company have said that any score under 6.0 should be cause for concern a country. The complete Transparency International list follows:
1. Finland 10.0
| MS Estonia |
What is the name of the Spanish goalkeeper signed by Manchester United from Atletico Madrid this summer? | Baltic Weekly Crier - News Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
News highlights from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
Updated every Monday.
News Highlights from December 11-December 18, 2000
A British composer is writing a musical score celebrating a Latvian-based telescope built and then abandoned by the Soviet army, the BBC's in-house newspaper Playback recently reported.
The composer, Michael Omer, was inspired by a BBC report about the telescope; the report included recordings of the noises that the giant 32-meter wide dish makes as it's scanning the skies for radio waves.
The composition for orchestra, entitled Little Star Began to Sing, will premiere in London at the Guildhall School of Music in the Barbican on February 3. There will also be performances in April at the Barbican and in St. John's Smith Square.
The building-sized telescope, which scientists dubbed Little Star, was used by the Soviet military to spy on NATO communications during the Cold War.
Latvians only discovered it existed in 1994, the year the Russian army pulled out of Latvia. Withdrawing troops poured acid on the telescope's motors and destroyed much of the surrounding infrastructure.
Local Latvian scientists, however, struggled to restored the radio telescopethe largest in northern Europeand now use it to monitor the stars for possible signs of intelligent life outside the Solar System.
When it receives radio waves from outer space, transformers begin to vibrate on the telescope's antennas, creating a series of buzzes, bleeps and clanging sounds. The transformers are also called selsyans.
"Little Star began To Sing is a musical evocation of the selsyans' chorus and the whole ensemble of the forest," explained BBC reporter William Horsley. "And the climax corresponds exactly with the pitch and quality of the notes which I heard ringing out through the Latvian forest."
Estonia's parliament on December 13 approved a plan to set up one of the world's largest gene banks to store the genetic information of 1 million people, which proponents say could help scientists develop powerful new drugs.
Legislators in the 101-seat Riigikogu parliament adopted the gene bank legislation by a 42-to-three vote; one deputy abstained and the others either weren't present or didn't vote.
"This is the fundamental law we need to go forward," said Estonian geneticist Andres Metspalu, the principal author of the gene bank plan.
He said the project would be launched next year and take five years to fully complete.
The multi-million-dollar project, strongly backed by the government, seeks to digitally store the genetic codes of at least two-thirds of the 1.4 million population, making the data available to doctors and researchers.
Iceland, with 270,000 people, is the only country currently with a gene program on a similar scale. But it doesn't store gene codes, instead using vast archives of family health records to help identify disease-causing genes.
Such large-scale studies are key to finding links between genes and common diseases, like cancer. Knowing the genetic factors involved would open the way for the creation of revolutionary gene-specific drugs, Metspalu said.
Estonians could start giving blood samples and providing medical histories to their doctors by the middle of next year. Participation is voluntary, unlike in Iceland where everyone's automatically included unless they opt out.
Only a few Estonian scientists and politicians have openly criticized the plan, arguing that unscrupulous employers could manage to gain access to the data, denying jobs to those with gene markers for debilitating illnesses.
Backers insist privacy provisions will prevent abuses. Records will be encrypted so even researchers won't be able to match specific names with files. The law also provides for jail terms for anyone violating the privacy rules.
Less than half the necessary funds, estimated at between 100-200 million dollars, would come from the state. The rest would come from companies that would buy rights to access and later profit from Estonia's gene research.
No biotech companies have yet signed up, though the U.S.-based Orchid BioSciences has expressed interest, according to Jaanus Pikani, another Estonian geneticist involved.
American venture capitalist Todd Morrill said at a recent gene conference in Estonia that biotech firms have only begun to learn of the planned gene bank.
"But when I explain it to executives I meet in the United States, I can tell you they are very intrigued," he said. "The reaction isn't ,'Ho hum.' It's 'Wow!'"
(Also see Gene Bank in CITY PAPER No. 49, November / December 2000.)
After years in the sights of Nazi hunters worldwide, alleged Nazi war criminal Konrads Kalejs was arrested on December 13 in Australia after authorities in his Latvian homeland requested his extradition.
The 87-year-old, who was charged by Latvian prosecutors earlier this year for allegedly participating in the murder of Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation, appeared in a court in Melbourne and was then released on bail.
His Australian passport was confiscated so he couldn't leave the country he has called home since the mid-1950s.
Jewish groups say the Latvian-born Kalejs was an officer in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi-sponsored death squad believed to be responsible for the murder of some 30,000 Jews. He has denied taking part in atrocities.
The process of his extradition to Latvia could take years if he decides to fight his deportation in Australian courts. His lawyers have said he suffers from prostate cancer and dementia. Nazi hunters say he is healthier than his attorneys let on.
If he is extradited and tried in Latvia, he would be the first person born in Latvia to be tried for Nazi war crimes after 1991. Hundreds of key Nazi figures, including regional SS Commander Friedrich Jeckeln, were tried and executed in Riga in 1946.
News Highlights December 4-December 11, 2000
People in the Baltic states reacted negatively to a Russian move on December 7 to declare the old Soviet anthem its national hymn, saying it was an ominous throwback to the dark, repressive Soviet era.
"This will bring back shadows of a terrible monster, and it was absolutely unnecessary," Lithuania's former president and independence hero Vytautas Landsbergis said Friday. "It's extremely unfortunate Russia has done this."
Landsbergis, speaking from Vilnius, said many people across the Baltics would find the restoration of the Soviet anthem offensive. He said it could sour feelings towards Russia and even contribute to undermining Baltic-Russian relations.
The Red Army occupied the then-independent Baltic states in 1940; hundreds of thousands of Balts were subsequently deported to Siberia by Soviet dictator Stalin. The Baltics only regained independence after the 1991 Soviet collapse.
Estonian government spokesman Priit Poiklik refused to comment, saying "Russia's anthem was an internal affair of Russia." But other Estonians were quick to express what they said was their disgust at the Russian decision.
"It's a double standard that there isn't an outcry in the West when Russia does such things," said Estonian parliamentarian Mari-Ann Kelam. "In Germany, many such symbols are banned because of the evil they so clearly represent."
Russian lawmakers, supported by President Vladimir Putin, overwhelmingly backed the restoration of the anthem, though they said the text of the song, which included praise for Communist leader Vladimir Lenin, should be rewritten.
Landsbergis, a professor of music before entering politics, gave a low appraisal of the musical value of the anthem itself, saying it was "very bombastic, in the style of its time." He added that it was irrelevant whether the words were changed.
"When people hear the tune, no matter what, they will hear the old words," he said.
Kelam, a member of the foreign relations committee in Estonia's parliament, agreed.
"Music is unique in that it makes us feel very deeply, very emotionally," she said. "For people in Russia longing for the Soviet past, it will reawaken very powerful feeling, and they certainly won't all be positive ones."
A former Soviet secret police agent may soon begin serving an 8-year prison term after Estonia's highest court refused to hear an appeal to have his sentence overturned, court and police officials said on December 7.
While several other ex-agents have been convicted, 76-year-old Karl-Leonhard Paulov would be the first to actually be jailed under Estonia's tough crimes against humanity laws.
He would be one of just two or three ex-Soviet officials anywhere in the former Soviet empire to ever go to jail specifically for Stalinist-era atrocities.
A lower court earlier this year sentenced Paulov for killing three Estonian members of the resistance hiding from Soviet forces in the 1940s, when the Soviet Union occupied the Baltic state.
Defense lawyers say Paulov has cancer and is too ill to go to prison. But Estonia's Supreme Court on December 5 refused to hear the appeal, signaling that the lower court's ruling followed the law.
Paulov, who lives near Tartu, 190 kilometers southeast of Tallinn, is still free. But police spokesman Indrek Raudjalg said he could be arrested within days or weeks.
One of his last recourses would be to ask for a pardon from Estonian President Lennart Meri, who was himself deported by Stalinist agents in 1941 when he was just 12 years old, said Supreme Court spokesman Aivar Jarne.
"His other legal options have pretty much run out," Jarne said.
President Meri hasn't commented on the case. But he said in an interview with the CITY PAPER editor earlier this year that shedding light on Stalinist repressions was more important than punishment.
"We should not have an emotional relationship with our past, but a rational one, where, after suspects have had their day in court, we will also have the chance to forgive," he said.
Thousands of people in the Baltic states, including Latvia and Lithuania, took refuge in the region's dense forests when the Red Army invaded in 1940. Many sought to avoid deportation, while others took up arms.
As a young agent, prosecutors said Paulov was ordered to capture or kill the anti-Soviet forest dwellers. They said he shot two victims in the back. He pleaded innocent, saying he acted in self-defense.
Looking tired and clutching a cane, Paulov told journalists in a rare public appearance last year that he was traumatized by the legal proceedings.
"This has all hit me very deeply," he said. "I can't sleep at night."
Prime Minister Mart Laar responded that he didn't feel sorry for Paulov.
"None of these men have ever said, 'I understand what I did was wrong and I'm sorry,'" he said. "They hint others did the deed or that they were just following orders."
After regaining independence, all three Baltic states vowed to bring Soviet agents to justice. More than a dozens cases have gone to trial.
Moscow has criticized the trials, saying the Baltics were exacting revenge on ailing, elderly men, some of whom hold Russian passports.
(See Stalin's Agents and Off to Court for further details about the Stalinist-crimes trials in the Baltic states.)
The three Baltic states said they'll be looking for clear signals to come out of the European Union summit in Nice that the bloc's eastward expansion will continue, and even pick up pace.
"We see this as a historic turning point in the process of enlargement," President Vaira Vike-Freiberga said recently in Brussels.
Other Baltic officials concurred.
"We want a clear message that enlargement will go ahead at the end of 2002 or early 2003," said Toivo Klaar, foreign adviser to Estonia's president. "We would like to have a clear understanding that things are moving forward."
At their French Riviera gathering, EU leaders grappled through the weekend with key expansion issues, such as how a larger EUexpected to grow from its current 15 to 28 memberswill make policy decisions.
Internal reform is seen as a prerequisite to accepting any of the 13 EU-candidate nations, some of which, including the Baltic states, say they'll be ready to join in three to five years.
"The worst-case outcome would be if there was serious disarray at Nice, with EU ministers unable to agree," said Trivimi Velliste, a former Estonian foreign minister. "That could suggest a major delay in the expansion process."
Soon after regaining independence, the Baltic states began implementing wide-ranging market reforms and adopting hundreds of EU-mandated laws with their eyes on future EU membership.
Estonia is considered a top prospect for any first wave of expansion, though EU officials said recently that Latvia wasn't far behind. Delays in restructuring its large farming sector could hold Lithuania back.
The Baltics, with a combined population of just 8 million, express some concerns that the powers of smaller EU states could be unfairly curtailed by several reforms now being discussed.
Support for EU membership has slipped to some 50 percent in all three countries, partly because of popular fears that the Baltic states could be dictated to by larger nations within the EU.
Many Baltic officials say they prefer the status quo where all EU states have a place on the European Commission, the EU's executive branch, rather than, as some suggest, fixing the number of commissioners and rotating country participation.
Baltic leaders say they don't object to distributing EU votes according to a country's sizeif the rights of small nations were safeguarded and they weren't steamrolled by larger nations.
In addition to opening up new trade opportunities, the Baltic states, which still have security concerns vis-a-vis Russia, say one of the strongest arguments for joining the EU is that it will enhance their national security.
"EU member states will hardly ignore a threat or attack against another one of its fellow members," said Harri Tiido, a deputy chancellor at Estonia's Foreign Ministry. Tiido hastened to add that Estonia was as committed to joining the NATO alliance, despite strong Kremlin opposition to Baltic membership in the alliance.
Some 4,000 retirees rallied outside the Estonian parliament on December 5 to demand an increase in their state pensions, which demonstrators complained are currently set at near-poverty levels.
The peaceful protest in a square outside the Riigikogu legislature was one of the largest of its kind since Estonia restored its independence.
Some protesters criticized what they said was Estonia's rush to join the European Union without attending to the elderly and poor.
While many prices, including for basic food stuffs, have risen to Western European levels, the average monthly pension for 350,000 Estonian retirees in a nation of 1.4 million is around 90 dollars.
The average monthly wage is 300 dollars, though many young professionals make many times that.
Some pensioners' groups have called for average pensions to be raised to at least 120 dollars a month. Officials say such a move would cost the states some 10 million dollars a month and would bust the national budget.
Since Estonia shrugged off communist rule, it has slashed virtually all state subsidies and stuck to tightfisted fiscal policies. It's often singled out by financial bodies, like the World Bank, as a model free-market reformer.
The wife of Lithuanian NBA star Arvydas Sabonis was arrested by police a second time for drunk driving in Portland, Oregon, where her husband plays as center for the Trail Blazers.
Ingrida Sabonis was stopped by police shortly after they received a call saying her car was traveling erratically along the road. She had just picked up her kids from school.
Authorities said she could now potentially face jail time since it was her second offense. Mrs. Sabonis is a former Miss Vilnius.
News Highlights from November 27-December 4, 2000
The U.N. Development Program is closing its office in Estonia because the country has developed so far that it no longer needs the outside help, officials announced on December 1.
The UNDP, which assists developing nations to alleviate poverty and build up their infrastructure, said Estonia was the first nation from the former Soviet empire where it was closing an office specifically because the country had been so successful.
"Estonia's development since the restoration of its independence (from Moscow) in 1991 has been remarkable," a statement released by the UNDP's Tallinn office said.
Estonia consented to the office's closure, on January 1 next year, in talks with the United Nation's body and enthusiastically welcomed the move, according to a spokesman for Estonia's foreign ministry, Vahur Soosaar.
"The fact that UNDP is going to close the office is a sign of recognition of Estonia's progress," he said. "It's obvious that the presence of the UNDP in many countries is more important than it is in Estonia."
After Estonia regained independence following the 1991 Soviet collapse, it quickly implemented radical pro-market polices. The UNDP opened its Estonian office in 1993, and has directly contributed or administered some 8 million dollars in aid to this nation of 1.4 million.
In eight years since it cast off Kremlin rule, Estonia has privatized nearly all state firms and slashed inflation from 1000 to 5 percent a year; annual economic growth has gone from minus 15 percent to plus five percent.
The UNDP also recently cited Estonian progress in setting up an advanced IT infrastructure, reporting that Estonia has one of the highest per capita rates of Internet access in eastern Europehigher than in some Western countries.
UNDP spokesmen said they recognized that Estonia still had major social and economic problems, but that the Baltic state now seemed more than capable of dealing with them without significant outside intervention.
Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves said recently that Estonia was now primarily a donor of aid, rather than a recipient. In 2000, Estonia gave some 400,000 dollars in foreign aid, mostly to Belarus, Ukraine and Georgia.
Four years ago, Estonia also became the first ex-Soviet bloc
country to have U.S. aid officially cut, also by consent of the Estonian government, because Washington said it was too well developed and no longer needed it.
(Also see, from four years ago, Uncle Same Turns Off the Taps , about the American aid cut to Estonia in 1996.)
Prosecutors have charged three Russian citizens with terrorism for recently threatening to blow up a Riga church. It is the first time since Latvia regained independence that anyone has been indicted under the country's terrorism laws.
The three young men, Sergey Solovyev, Maxim Zhurkin, Dmitry Gafarov belong to a far-left Russian nationalist group, called the National Bolsheviks. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of life in prison, though few expect such an extreme sentence to ever be imposed.
On November 17, the three barricaded themselves in St. Peter's Church in downtown Riga and threatened to detonate what later turned out to be a mock grenade.
Authorities said the men wanted to protest Latvia's bid to join the U.S.-led NATO alliance. They also called for the release of several members of their organization arrested earlier in Latvia. The men surrendered after several hours when police agreed they could speak by telephone to officials at Russia's Embassy in Riga.
The National Bolsheviks group is made up mostly of young Russians from Russia and from Latvia's ethnic Russian minority. They say they oppose Latvian independence and advocate the restoration of the Soviet Union.
Some observers, while agreeing the assailants should be punished, argue that the terrorism charges out of proportion to the actual crime, in which no one was injured.
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on November 28 imposed bans on German beef, saying they had no choice but to take precautions against the spread of mad cow disease to their countries.
Germany has confirmed that several cows born in Germany tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, for the first time. Germany had long claimed to be free of the disease.
Health officials in Estonia and Lithuania banned beef imports from anywhere in Germany, while Latvia's ban only applies to beef from the Schleswig-Holstein and Saxony-Anhalt provinces where the infected cows originated.
All three bans take effect immediately. Laws in the Baltic states dictate that they remain in place until BSE-infected regions are free of the disease for five straight years.
"It's a question of playing it safe to ensure the disease can't spread here," said Estonian government spokesman Priit Poiklik, adding that Estonia's import-ban laws are based on the European Union's, which Estonia wants to join.
Some Latvian and Lithuanian officials suggested they could lift or modify their bans sooner than the five-year period if it turns out BSE is not as widely spread in Germany as some feared.
Earlier, the Baltic states banned beef imports, also over concerns about BSE, from Spain, Britain, France, Portugal, Denmark, Belgium and several other European countries. All those bans are still in place.
The Baltics produce most of their own beef, and Germany isn't among the region's top foreign beef suppliers.
German businesses in the Baltics, however, said they were worried about the implications of the bans, including whether the Baltic bans could encourage other countries to follow suit.
"This will certainly be of concern for our business community," said Roland Grosse, of the Tallinn-based German Chamber of Commerce. "And there are some Germans who these Baltic bans will directly affect."
Contaminated meat and bone meal in animal feed is suspected as the source of BSE in cows. Some scientists believe humans can contract the similar fatal brain-wasting disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, by eating infected beef.
The Curonian Spit, a sliver of a peninsula that runs parallel to Lithuania's coast, has been included on the World Heritage List of objects with an international importance.
The sand-dune, windswept spit, which is also known as Neringa, has been celebrated for centuries by poets and writers, including Germany's Thomas Mann, who had a summer cottage on the narrow slice of land that pokes into the Baltic Sea. Part of the Curonian Spit is Russian territory.
The prestigious designation was made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on November 31 during a meeting in Australia.
The old towns in all three Baltic capitals have also been placed on the World Heritage List, which obliges the countries to maintain the uniqueness of the areas for posterity.
Being included on the list can help a country raise the interest of tourist. But Lithuanian environmentalists have urged the government to ensure that the pristine Curonian Spit remains unspoiled by development.
(For an article about the region, entitled The Curonian Spit, see No. 47 July-August, 2000.)
News Highlights from November 20-27, 2000
Latvia has long harbored hopes of becoming the so called Baltic Hong Kong, a regional financial and banking powerhouse. It now appears to be vying to become the Baltic Saudi Arabia after an announcement on November 22 that the government will soon sell off-shore oil drilling licenses.
The licenses, to be auctioned next year, would allow companies to explore and develop a 2,675-sqaure-kilometer area off the country's Baltic Sea coast that is thought to contain some 250 million barrels of oil.
The amounts are considered tiny compared to reserves in oil-rich regions like the Persian Gulf or North Sea. But Latvia hopes that supplies could be sufficient enough to inspire the growth a modest oil production industry.
Latvian ports currently serve as main transit points for Russian oil bound for Western markets, but the Baltic state does not produce any oil of its own.
Soviet-era geologists discovered oil reserves off the Latvian and Lithuanian coasts in the 1980s, though the extent of that find and the economic viability of pumping out the crude has still not been fully determined.
Some of the off-shore territory where there is thought to be oil is disputed between Latvia and Lithuania. A Swedish company, OPAB was granted rights by Latvia four years ago to drill in the area, but it pulled out of the deal because the two Baltic states couldn't agree where their sea borders were.
Lithuania's state AIDS Center said on November 22 that it has Europe's lowest HIV infection rate, which it argued was largely due to early and effective prevention programs.
The Center's director, Saulius Caplinskas, said that there are currently just 6.5 cases of HIV virus infection per 100,000 people, or less than .01 percent of the 3.7 million population.
He said rates in Latvia and Estonia were higher, around 33 and 26 cases per 100,000. While the Latvian and Estonian numbers are higher than Lithuania's, they also fall well below European averages.
Regional health officials say that rises of HIV infection in the Baltics parallels rising intravenous drug use, particularly in more economically depressed areas, like Daugavpils in Latvia and Narva in Estonia.
The U.N. Program on HIV/AIDS recently reported Ukraine had Europe's highest HIV rate with a full 1.0 percent of its 50 million population infected. With a .7 percent rate, Portugal had the highest figure in Western Europe.
The U.N report said Lithuania's percentage was .02 percent,
just slightly higher than the figure given by Lithuanian officials
themselves; it said .04 percent of Estonia's population was infected and .11 percent of Latvia's.
Over 35 million people worldwide either have AIDS or carry the AIDS-causing HIV virus, the U.N. body reported. In several sub-Saharan African nations, over 20 percent of the population carry the virus.
World health officials recently warned that, despite Lithuanian claims of success, the former Soviet bloc faced an AIDS epidemic. Russia, for instance, now has 300,000 HIV carries, double 1999 figures.
"The situation on AIDS in eastern Europe is really exploding," said Peter Piot, of the director of the U.N's. AIDS body. He said growing drug use and prostitution were the primary factors.
But Lithuanian officials explained that they wasted little time after the country regained independence in 1991 in setting up condom distribution programs and supplying free needles to drug addicts.
The deadly HIV virus, which attacks the body's immune system once it develops into to full-blown AIDS, is usually spread by sexual intercourse and by intravenous drug users sharing contaminated needles.
Ten years ago, the Vilnius-based AIDS Center began organizing Condom Days, festive events held in public parks where bands performed and free condoms were handed out to the mostly teenage participants.
The Center also promoted AIDS awareness with a contest to find a Lithuanian-language word for condom; the winning word was sargis, which means "one that protects." It's since become a commonly used word in Lithuania.
Lithuanians say another factor reining in the spread of HIV is the fact that Lithuania is a predominantly Catholic nation where there are still strong moral convictions against sexual promiscuity.
Other observers, while praising Lithuania's prevention programs, cautioned that national HIV figures don't always reflect the full scale of the problem since some virus carriers are never tested.
Russia has said that it could help solve its worsening demographic situation by encouraging Russians living outside the country, including in the Baltic states, to return to their ancestral homeland.
Russia's population has decreased by 6 million people since the Soviet collapse and is expected to drop by another 7 million in the next 15 years; it could soon fall from being the seventh largest nation in the world to being the 14th largest, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty recently reported.
The Prague-based American broadcaster said Russia was facing a severe labor shortage and would also soon find it difficult to staff its still-sizable military with new recruits.
Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the prospect of encouraging immigration to Russia during a recent trip to Siberia, which has been particularly hard hit by labor shortages.
While the invitation for Russians to return home may attract some Russians living in poorer former Soviet republics, like Tajikistan, Russians living in the increasingly affluent Baltics aren't likely to heed the Kremlin's call.
General living standards in the Baltics far outpace those in Russia. The Baltics also have an added attraction for Russians: the three countries are set to join the European Union within several the next several years. Given the choice between living and working in the elite EU or in desolate Siberia, most Russians aren't liable to give the latter option any consideration at all.
The Baltic states, with their ever-more vibrant economies and demographic problems of their own, also badly need the Russian workers they have. Russian laborers dominate the energy and industrial sectors in Estonia and Latvia, and on the off chance they should decide to emigrate en mass, that could deliver a major blow to all three Baltic economies.
News Highlights from November 13-November 20, 2000
Three Russian youths from a shadowy, far-left organization locked themselves in Riga's St. Peter's Church on November 17 and threatened to blow it up, though police managed to quickly persuade them to give themselves up.
In the slightly surreal midday incident, the members of the radical communist National Bolsheviks barricaded themselves in the old town church, went to an observation deck in the steeple that towers over the capital's Medieval quarter and unfurled a red communist banner over the ledge.
Witnesses said the three carried grenades, which they threatened to set off. According to reports, they demanded the release of National Bolsheviks jailed earlier in the week and they also declared their opposition to bids by the Baltic states to join the U.S.-led NATO alliance.
The three, reportedly Russian citizens who had entered Latvia illegally by jumping off a train in transit to Kaliningrad, surrendered after just two hours when the church was surrounded by police. Latvian officials praised Russian intelligence services, which had tipped Latvia off weeks before about possible actions by the National Bolsheviks.
Earlier in the week, Latvian police had detained nine members of the same group, including five Latvian-based Russians, under suspicion they planned to disrupt Independence Day festivities on November 18. On the day, however, there were no other disturbances reported.
The National Bolsheviks, a fringe Russian nationalist group made up mostly of university-age ethnic Russians from Russia and Latvia's Russian minority community, advocate the restoration of the Soviet Union and have called on Russia to restore its dominance in the region.
The group is thought to have, at most, just a few hundred members in Latvia and has very little popular support.
The National Bolsheviks have held small protest rallies in Riga before, but have never before taken over a building. Still, many observers say its members should be seen as quirky if PR-savvy thrill seekers and should not be regarded as genuine terrorists.
Religious leaders rained on Latvia's Independence Day parade on November 18, choosing the celebratory occasion to denounce what they called the questionable moral values of the modern-day state.
The country's Lutheran, Catholic, Russian Orthodox and Old Believer archbishops all refused to take part in religious ceremonies marking the 82nd year since Latvia declared independence in 1918, decrying abortion laws, corruption and what they said was scant attention by authorities to the sexual abuse of children.
"This year year I feel deeply sad and ashamed of our country and it would be extremely difficult for me to head the official services as if everything was for the better," Lutheran Archbishop Janis Vangas said in a letter addressed to Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga.
The president later criticized the archbishops, saying it was inappropriate for them to stage their protest on Independence Day.
Church leaders have generally stayed out of politics in the country, and some observers said their Independence Day stand could mark the dawn of a new religious activism.
Businessmen have taken Estonian Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves to task for what they said are his frequent inflammatory public statements about the futility of Baltic cooperation.
The Eesti Ekpress weekly reported on November 16 that a group of influential businessmen met recently with Prime Minister Mart Laar to complain about repeated comments by Ilves downplaying the importance of pan-Baltic economic and political cooperation. Ilves has suggested that Estonia should put more emphasis on links with the Nordic region.
But many Estonian businesses, including leading banks, see the Latvian and Lithuanian markets as critical to their future business success. They say the Nordic nations aren't viable options for expansion for most Baltic firms given the cost and competition obstacles of setting up shop in those more developed countries.
According to Eesti Ekpress, those in attendance in the meeting with Laar, including the heads of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Small Business Association, told the prime minister that they had vital economic interests in Latvia and Lithuania and that Ilves was unnecessarily making their jobs harder. "They told the government to understand that Minister Ilves could keep his mouth shout and think first before he says something."
Most recently, in a speech to parliament on October 12, Ilves questioned the usefulness of pan-Baltic cooperation, telling Estonian parliamentarians that its benefits were limited. He said that some forms of Baltic military cooperation had worked, but that in other areas, especially in the drive towards European Union membership, Baltic cooperation was sometimes counterproductive.
"I'm tired of all the noise about so called Baltic cooperation," he said, speaking on the floor of the Estonian legislature.
At a CITY PAPER and American Chamber of Commerce forum two years ago, Ilves said, "I don't see any advantage in the so called Baltic states. I don't think Estonia is a Baltic state. I think the idea of a Baltic state is a construction made up elsewhere...as foreign minister, my goal was to separate Estonia from being a Baltic state."
But businessmen argue that Ilves's sometimes biting, dismissive comments on Baltic issues haven't served any useful purpose and only undermined their relations with Latvian and Lithuanian businessmen. Some Estonian companies, like the country's main bank, Hansapank, are currently involved in complex negotiations to buy large firms in the other two Baltic states.
(A full transcript of the CITY PAPER/ACCE forum in which Ilves criticized the notion of Baltic cooperation and identity is available on this site, here. )
News Highlights from November 6-November 13, 2000
Four Latvians who organized a 1999 car rally that resulted in the death of eight people were convicted of negligence on November 6 and given prison sentences of up to three years.
The tragedy, the worst of in Latvian sports history, occurred when two cars collided and spun off the track. One of the vehicles catapulted end over end into a crowd, killing eight spectators and injuring 25.
The organizers were accused of not taking adequate safety precautions, including by allowing rally fans to stand at the very edged of the pretzel-shaped dirt track.
Authorities said the drivers were not at fault, despite claims by organizers that they were driving recklessly at the time of the accident, which occurred outside the western Latvian town of Ladzone.
The two drivers were never charged, but both shortly after announced they were retiring from rally racing, explaining that they were too traumatized to continue.
Hollywood reportedly plans a major movie based on the sinking of the MS Estonia and staring Martin Sheen, though the film is expected to play fairly fast and loose with the known facts about the catastrophe.
The Estonia sank in stormy seas en route from Tallinn to Stockholm in 1994. Over 800 of 1000 passengers perished in the accident, considered Europe's worst maritime disaster after World War II.
While investigators blamed the tragedy on poorly built bow door locks which gave way under the strain of powerful waves, the American producers intend to suggest that mob sabotage was the root cause.
Some conspiracy theorists have suggested that organized crime gangs may have purposely sunk the Estonia in order to conceal contraband smuggling across the Baltic Sea.
Other theories include one that the Estonia hit a Russian submarine or that secret Swedish military weapons exploded on board. Some have suggested a massive conspiracy by the U.S. and Swedish governments to cover up the true cause of the shipwreck.
Investigators, however, have scoffed at the alternative accident theories.
"The only theory left is that it was sunk by a UFO," said Uno Laur, an Estonian investigator
(Also look here for a detailed chronology of the dramatic sinking of the MS Estonia.)
European Union officials say the Baltic states are on the right track to win full EU membership, though they may have to wait longer they expected to actually be let in to the elite European bloc.
In a report released on November 9, the executive branch of the EU, the European Commission, said that the three country had made significant economic and political progress towards entry.
While it mentioned that the first new members could theoretically be accepted at the end of 2002, observers say that 2005, given the need for current EU states to first adopt complicated internal reforms, was a far more realistic date.
Commission President Romano Prodi said that the EU summit in Nice in December would be key to the entire enlargement process. The 15 EU member states are slated to approve far-reaching internal reforms.
"The whole momentum of enlargement will be lost without success at Nice," he said.
The frontrunners for early entry are thought to be Hungary, Slovenia and also Estonia, which has already met the main EU economic criteria. According to The Scotsman newspaper, these three countries are in better economic condition than Greece and Portugal were when they joined the EU.
The EU report, however, said that corruption as well as ineffective courts and civil services continued to be obstacles to the membership of most former Soviet bloc countries, in the Baltic countries.
In some countries, especially Poland, unreformed agricultural sectors pose serious problems. Poland has more farmers than the entire EU combined. Paying out agricultural subsidies to Poland under the EU's existing scheme would quickly bankrupt the entire system.
The Baltic states, like other Eastern European countries, have expressed fears that the expansion process is moving too slowly, risking popular support for the EU.
There has also been some friction between Estonia and the other two Baltic states over calls for all three to be admitted simultaneously. Estonia has expressed deep annoyance at the idea, arguing that it should not be held back in the EU line if its Baltic neighbors are lagging behind.
Sweden, a strong backer of Baltic EU aspirations, takes over the 6-month rotating EU presidency in January. Baltic official hope the Swedish presidency will focus more attention on the Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian membership bids.
The trial in absentia of 93-year-old alleged Nazi Kazys Gimzauskas began on November 13, more than a year after regular proceedings against him were stopped for health reasons.
Kazys Gimzauskas, who suffers Alzheimer's, is accused of sending scores of Jews to their deaths when he served in the Vilnius security police during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
Lithuania's in-absentia law, adopted this year, allows lawyers to represent mentally incapacitated war crimes suspects at trial. If convicted, Gimzauskas wouldn't have to serve any sentence.
A ruling in his case could be handed down before the end of this year.
His in-absentia trial begins two months after another alleged Nazi, Aleksandras Lileikis, died of a heart attack in Vilnius before a court could pass judgment. He also was 93.
Gimzauskas has denied charges he took part in the Holocaust. He emigrated to the United States in 1956 and lived in St. Petersburg, Fla.
He returned to Lithuania in 1994 after a U.S. court moved to strip him of his citizenship. Lithuanian prosecutors charged him several years later.
Analysis: The Baltic states, like much of the rest of the world, have followed the unresolved U.S presidential race with a mixture of bemusementand bewilderment. But as the U.S. sorts out who won, many people here are still trying desperately to figure out which of the two would be better for the Baltic states: a President George W. Bush or a President Al Gore.
The majority of analysts say they'd prefer a President Gore.
The biggest mark against Bush is his demonstrable lack of knowledge about international affairs, which makes many Balts uneasy. Reports that he has traveled abroad just three times in his entire life seem to suggest to many here that Bush isn't only ignorant about the world outside the United Stateshe doesn't appear even mildly curious.
Al Gore, as commentators point out, has traveled widely, including to Estonia several years ago (he reportedly struck up a friendship with current Estonian President Lennart Meri and promised to return to the country again.) Gore's apparent expertise on subjects ranging from Iraqi Kurds to Moscow mayoral politics seems, rightly or wrongly, to give many people here confidence.
Bush does seem to appreciate his own ignorance of world affairs and would, it's understood, surround himself with well-schooled, experienced foreign advisors. But many Baltic officials worry about some of those advisors, particularly Condoleezza Rice. Rice, Bush's closest foreign advisor, is seen here as being cool to the idea of Baltic NATO membership and her name is inevitably brought up by Bushophobes. Gore, at least during the campaign, was explicit about supporting Baltic NATO membership.
But others note that Gore and other Democrats have always seemed more willing to accept Kremlin claims that Russia is now a gentle giant with no ill-will towards its neighbors. In any future disputes between Estonia and Russia , there's concern that the Democrats might be more willing than Republicans to side with Moscow. More Republicans than Democrats still seem to harbor Cold War-era suspicions of Russia; that, from the perspective of most Balts anyway, is a healthy, respectable attitude.
All that said, most analysts also seem to appreciate that the discussion about whom is more Baltic friendly, Bush or Gore, is largely academic. Most conclude that foreign policy differences under a President Gore or a President Bush, especially vis-�-vis the Baltics, will probably be slightif noticeable at all.
Highlights from October 30-November 6, 2000
A leading U.S. beer maker has poked fun at Latvia in a Canadian TV commercial directed at fans of American football, prompting complaints from some Latvians.
The Budweiser ad features an actor playing a Latvian athlete at the Olympics, with Latvia's maroon and white flag flying nearby and the Latvian national anthem playing in the background.
Suddenly three American football players appear and dump a bucket of ice water on the athlete's head as the announcer says, "Let the real games begin!"
The AFP news agency quoted some Latvian politicians in Riga as criticizing the commercial.
"It's of questionable taste," parliamentarian Inese Birzniece was quoted as saying. "I could understand if they were trying to popularize Budweiser in Latvia by saying, 'congratulations on your medal,' but this is not good."
Latvia won three Olympic medals at Sydney, including its first gold since regaining independence in 1991. Per capita, Latvia won more medals than most other countries participating in the Games, including Canada.
Estonia could end up having to honor 70-year-old government bonds now valued at around 15 million dollars, if Florida resident William T. Hardison's legal challenges are successful.
Estonia's Aripaev business newspaper reported on November 6 that the American holder of pre-war Estonian bonds has sought payment and threatened legal action if the current government refuses.
Estonia has stuck firmly to the policy that it is the legal successor to pre-war independent Estonia and that the 50 years of Soviet rule was strictly an illegal occupation.
This principle of legal continuity played a major role in justifying Estonian independence claims to the outside world in the late 1980s and early '90s.
But Estonians have now found that the knife can cut both ways.
Hardison is leading the drive to have the bonds, emitted by the 1927 Estonian government, redeemed. He is one of dozens of bond holders who could start knocking on the Estonian treasury's door.
Hardison said he was assured by exiled Estonian officials during the Soviet occupation that Estonia would met its bond obligations once it regained freedom. But he complained that he has broached the issue with Estonian authorities, but hadn't yet received a reply.
Contacted by Aripaev, Estonian Finance Ministry officials appeared non-committal. The daily quoted one as saying that Estonia had to wait and see how the legal proceedings played out.
A Latvian judge on November 3 upheld a lower court's decision a week before to issue an arrest warrant for alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs, allowing extradition proceedings against him to proceed.
The court rejected defense lawyers claims that Kalejs was too physically and mentally unfit to be arrested and then deported from his adopted Australian home. The court's decision should be the last word on the arrest order question, which had been addressed by several appellate courts.
The 87-year-old, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, was charged by Latvian prosecutors in September with genocide for allegedly participating in the murder of Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
An arrest order is required to launch extradition proceedings
Now that the order has been submitted, Latvian authorities said they will resume the process.
Jewish groups say the Latvian-born Kalejs was an officer in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi-sponsored death squad believed to be responsible for the murder of some 30,000 Latvian Jews.
American businessman Gregg Bemis, who led a diving mission to the shipwrecked Estonia recently, has said he has further proof to back up his claim that an explosion may have sunk the ship.
The 71-year-old said in a letter addressed to Swedish, Finnish and Estonian leaders this past week that a piece of metal taken from the ship and tested showed traces of an explosion.
"The test results showed quite conclusively that there had been an explosion," the letter said. "We are arranging for additional tests to further confirm these findings and to seek additional definition of the characteristics of the explosion."
He said the findings should lead to a new investigation of the accident. After his August dive, Bemis also controversial claimed that his team had taken film footage of a hole possibly caused by an explosion.
But the original investigators of the Estonia ferry accident, which killed 852 people in 1994, said after studying the film that they saw nothing that might warrant opening a fresh investigation.
"I can say there are no new facts requiring a new investigation. None at all," said Kari Lehtola, a Finnish member of the tri-nation commission that investigated the maritime disaster, Europe's worst since World War II.
A 1997 report by the Estonian-Finnish-Swedish commission blamed badly built locks on the 50-ton bow door for the shipwreck, though conspiracy theories, including that a bomb exploded on board, have been rife.
Four other investigators who also screened a half-hour excerpt of the film all agreed that nothing new was revealed, according to Finnish investigator, Tuomo Karppinen.
The investigators, who watched footage that Bemis said could be of a hole, scoffed at the claim. Lehtola and Karppinen said the alleged hole was most likely just a shadow projected by a bright camera light behind a sand deposit.
"Before Mr. Bemis went down, he said he'd show the world an
explosion hole. So what's he showing us now? Footage of a sandbed and a shadow. That's his hole!" said Karppinen, who added he was exasperated by the American's claims.
Skeptics of the Bemis expedition say there are vested interests, especially the German shipyard that built the Estonia and is facing legal action, who want to cloud the issue of how the ferry sank. They say the allegation that there was an explosion of some sort is playing into the hands of those vested interests.
Orthodox leader Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople left Estonia on November 1 with signs that his six-day visit only deepened divisions between pro-Constantinople and pro-Moscow Orthodox factions.
After Estonia regained independence, the sides argued over church property. Tensions rose when the Constantinople Patriarchate took the pro-Constantinople wing under its jurisdiction.
The Turkey-based Constantinople Patriarchate said it was merely restoring the rightful pre-war status of Estonia's Orthodox church, whose leaders were purged by Stalin and replaced by pro-Kremlin clergy in the 1940s.
But the Moscow Patriarchate, which had jurisdiction during the Soviet occupation, reacted angrily, accusing Constantinople of
encroaching on its territory and of risking a full schism in the
Orthodox Christian world.
During Patriarch Bartholomew's visit, his first to Estonia, he met with pro-Constantinople clergy. But he told a news conference that pro-Moscow church leaders steadfastly refused to meet him.
Bartholomew singled out pro-Moscow Archbishop Cornelius for strong criticism, complaining that he "questioned our status here as if we were heretics."
"Without wanting to interfere in the internal affairs of the Moscow Patriarchate, I think they should replace Archbishop Cornelius," he said. "He is doing damage to the Moscow Patriarchate with his tactics."
The head of the pro-Constantinople church in Estonia, Metropolitan Stephanos, accused his pro-Moscow counterparts of threatening to disrupt the Patriarch's visit.
"There was pressure and, sadly, even threats," he said, sitting by Bartholomew at the news conference. "We've underlined our brotherly love for Russian Orthodox. But we can't be called heretics and schismatic."
Moscow's Patriarchate Wednesday echoed criticism of its loyalists in Estonia that Bartholomew's visit only exacerbated the rift.
Russia's Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed source at the Moscow Patriarchate as warning that Constantinople planned to take parts of the Orthodox church in Ukraine under its control.
"If no urgent measures are taken...Russia will lose the Orthodox churches in Estonia and Ukraine, which will be a colossal defeat for the Russian Church and Russia itself," Interfax quoted the source as saying.
Estonian courts have ruled that the pro-Constantinople factions are the rightful heirs to church property, including land and many churches, nationalized after the Red Army invaded in 1940.
They haven't been threatened with eviction, but the pro-Moscow side complained the ruling stripped them of legal rights to churches they have used for decades.
In this nation of 1.4 million, the majority is Lutheran. There are up to 50,000 ethnic-Estonian Orthodox and some 100,000 ethnic-Russian Orthodox.
Most of the pro-Moscow believers are ethnic Russian and most of those siding with Constantinople are ethnic Estonian.
News Highlights from October 23-October 30, 2000
Vladimir Lenin is on the runwanted in Estonia for tax fraud.
The inclusion of Lenin's name on a police wanted list on October 24 raised eyebrows in Estonia. The fugitive, however, isn't the famed Communist revolutionary, but a namesake 34-year-old.
Estonia's Lenin, an ethnic-Russian Estonian citizen, even shares the same middle initial as the founder of the Soviet Union, "I," according to Estonian police spokesman Hannes Kont.
The living Vladimir I. Lenin is accused of participating in a scam with nine other suspects to set up a phony oil firm to fraudulently claim some 800,000 dollars in tax rebates from the government.
Many Estonians do advocate putting the better-known Lenin on trial posthumously for setting up the Soviet secret police system blamed for the murder and deportation of millions of people last century.
Police spokesman Kont said he couldn't say if Lenin, the Communist revolutionary, might qualify for prosecution under Estonia's tough crimes against humanity laws used to convict several living ex-Soviet secret police.
The concept of Big Brother was stood on its head in Latvia as one minister installed a 24-hour webcam in his office so that the masses could keep an eye on him.
The People's Party, which said it wanted to demonstrate that its ministers were hard at work and weren't engaged in corruption, came up with the idea of placing an Internet camera in the office of Finance Minister Gundars Berzins.
Three coalition parties, the People's Party, Latvia's Way and Fatherland and Freedom, make up the government. The other two coalition partners aren't participating in the webcam scheme.
The webcasts of the minister don't include sound. When he's out, an on-screen notice says where he is. The webcam will later be moved to the offices of other People's Party ministers.
(You can see the Finance Minister in action, at www.tautaspartija.lv/ministry/ .)
Estonian Carmen Kass, 22, won the coveted Model of the Year title at the recent VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards.
After she won the highly coveted prize, the Tallinn-based Paevaleht newspaper said Kasspossibly along with composer Arvo Partwas now the most famous Estonian in the world.
Kass has appeared on Vogue a number of times and has strode down the catwalk for the likes of Calvin Klein and Christian Dior.
''She's got this wonderful combination of tomboy and glamour,'' Vogue spokesman Patrick O'Connell was quoted as telling USA today.
As proof of her newfound jet-set status, actor Leonardo DiCaprio last year dropped by her 21st birthday party.
(Also see Model City on this site about Cass and other top Estonian models who have made it big. You can see more more details about Cass, plus photos, at www.carmen-kass.net .)
Prime minister-designate Rolandas Paksas told parliament on October 24 that he wanted to lower taxes and cut bureaucratic red tape as a way to kickstart the Lithuanian economy.
"Lithuania has reached a critical point. The situation can't get any worse," he told parliamentarians a day after President Valdas Adamkus nominated him. "We can't imitate economic reforms any longer."
On October 25 parliament approved his nomination in a secret ballot by a 79-to-51 vote. Paksas, a former stunt pilot who served briefly as prime minister last year, has 15 days to put together a Cabinet and have its government program approved.
The nomination of the 44-year-old Liberal Union leader came two weeks after Oct. 8 elections that swept the ruling Conservatives, widely blamed for record-high 12 percent unemployment, from power.
The economy shrank by 4 percent last year thanks to financial turmoil in neighboring Russia, a major trading partner. The economy has improved since then, but is expected to grow by just 1-2 percent this year.
Paksas said the best way to encourage growth was for the government to stop obstructing free enterprise.
"We will start removing bureaucratic obstacles from the business sector and reform the tax system by decreasing taxes gradually and attracting investments," he said.
But he warned his government would have to make unpopular decisions, which will likely include whether or not to restore farm subsidies that the Conservatives slashed in an effort to balance the national budget.
"Most of our reforms will be a bitter, but necessary pill," he said.
The center-right Liberal Union, the center-left New Party and the smaller Center Union and Modern Christian Democratic Union agreed to form a government following the election.
The four coalition partners fell just short of a majority in the 141-seat Seimas legislature, but promised support from several independents gives Paksas more than enough support in parliament.
It will be Lithuania's first multiparty coalition government since it regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is likely to face internal differences over policy.
The Liberal Union's main coalition partner, the New Party, has shown less enthusiasm for tax cuts and, during campaigning, advocated government intervention to boost the economy.
President Adamkus, also speaking to parliament on October 24, urged the coalition parties to commit themselves to working for the good of the country.
He also wished Paksas luck.
"I wish you toughness and patience in looking for common solutions with your coalition partners and in dealing with the opposition," he said.
Orthodox spiritual leader Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople arrived on October 26 in Estonia, where pro-Constantinople and pro-Moscow Orthodox factions remain divided.
It's his first visit to Estonia since a dispute erupted nine years ago between two competing wings of Estonia's Orthodox church, with one part pledging loyalty to Constantinople and the other to Moscow.
During his six-day stay, Patriarch Bartholomew is slated to meet with clergy from the pro-Constantiople branch and also with top Estonian officials, including the prime minister and president.
But pro-Moscow clergy said they weren't willing to meet with the Bartholomew and no talks between them were planned, according to Ringo Ringvee of the Estonian Interior Ministry's religious affairs office.
In the years Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the two sides clashed over which is the rightful heir to church property, including land and many churches.
Estonian courts have ruled that the pro-Constantinople Estonian wing, dominated by ethnic-Estonians, is the sole heir to virtually all church property nationalized after the Red Army invaded Estonia in 1940. Many Estonian church leaders were arrested and killed by the Communist authorities then, and all property was nationalized.
While they weren't threatened with eviction, the court ruling infuriated the pro-Moscow, mostly ethnic-Russian congregations, which say it stripped them of legal rights to churches they have used for almost five decades.
Differences over property and legal status were further complicated in 1996, when the Turkey-based Patriarchate of Constantinople, headed by Bartholomew, officially took the Estonian branch under its jurisdiction.
The move angered the Patriarchate of Moscow, which had presided over Orthodox believers here for 50 years. There were fears that harsh words between Constantinople and Moscow could even lead to a full-blown schism.
In this multiethnic nation of 1.4 million, the majority of people are Lutheran. There are up to 50,000 ethnic-Estonian Orthodox believers, and around 100,000 ethnic-Russian Orthodox.
News Highlights from October 16-October 23, 2000
The privatization of Lithuania's largest company, Mazeikiai Oil, was thrown into confusion after judges ruled on October 18 that a key provision of its sale to Americans violated the constitution.
Lithuania last year sold 33 percent of the concern to the U.S.-based Williams International for 150 million dollars and 650 million dollars in investment. In the biggest deal of its kind in Lithuanian history, Williams was also given rights to buy a majority stake later.
But a high court ruled that a government promise to cover a 350-million dollar capital deficit that the ailing plant had incurred was unconstitutional.
The guarantee to pay that debt was a cornerstone of the deal and also the focus of fierce opposition to the sale. Critics argued that the cash-strapped Baltic state couldn't afford to take on such a liability.
Mazeikiai Oil, located 300 kilometers from Vilnius in the city of Mazeikiai, includes an oil terminal, a pipeline and refinery. Its turnover for 2000 is expected to be over 500 million dollars.
Then Conservative Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas resigned in 1999 after he said he couldn't back the agreement. It was signed later in the year by a new Conservative prime minister, Andrius Kubilius.
Ironically, recent October 8 parliamentary elections led to a major Conservative defeat. And Paksas, now of the Liberal Union, is slated to again become prime minister in a new centrist coalition government.
The implications of the court decision remain unclear.
Some analysts said the ruling could result in parts of the deal being renegotiated. But few believe the government would attempt to go so far as to have the agreement annulled completely.
Williams, which has already begun some of the costly renovation work on the outdated, Soviet-built plant, declined any comment.
(Also see the latest CITY PAPER, November/December 2000, for an interview with the Lithuanian representative of Mazeikiai Oil.)
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus on October 23 signed a decree nominating Liberal Union leader Rolandas Paksas to become prime minister following parliamentary elections.
Adamkus is expected to formally announce Paksas' candidacy before parliament in the coming few days, after which the 44-year-old will have 15 days to put together a Cabinet. Legislators would then have to approve the government.
Paksas' center-right Liberal Union, the center-left New Party, plus the small Center Union and Modern Christian Democratic Union, signed a coalition deal following the Oct. 8 election.
The four coalition partners fall just short of a majority in the 141-seat Seimas legislature. But promised support from several independents should give Paksas enough seats to win parliamentary approval.
Paksas, a former champion aerobatics pilot, is seen as a golden boy of Lithuanian politics. He first made a name for himself as Vilnius mayor the mid-1990s, when he was credited for reviving the city center.
He only came to national prominence in 1999 when he took over as prime minister after a government crisis. But he soon resigned over opposition to the deal privatizing a major stake in a state oil concern, Mazeikiai Oil (see above).
His forthright opposition to the deeply unpopular sale pushed his own approval ratings to new highs. After resigning, Paksas left the Conservative party and joined the strongly free-market Liberal Union.
Paksas has advocated more streamlined government and has said taxes are stifling small and medium sized businesses. He has expressed strong support for Lithuania's bids to join the European Union and NATO.
But his main coalition partner, the center-left New Party, has shown less enthusiasm for tax cuts and has advocated government intervention to kickstart the flagging Lithuanian economy.
The outgoing Conservative government, headed by Andrius Kubilius, will stay in office in a caretaker role until a new administration is approved.
A Latvian judge on October 23 issued an arrest warrant for alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs, allowing extradition proceedings against him to begin.
The 87-year-old, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, was charged in September with genocide for allegedly participating in the murder of Latvian Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
An arrest order is required to launch extradition proceedings
Another court earlier this month refused to issue the warrant, throwing the extradition of Kalejs from Australia to Latvia into doubt. But now that the order has been submitted, Latvian authorities said they will start the process.
The defense attorney for Kalejs said he was too ill to be deported. Others have said Kalejs is in relatively good mental and physical condition for a man of his age.
Jewish groups say the Latvian-born Kalejs was an officer in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi-sponsored death squad believed to be responsible for the murder of some 30,000 Latvian Jews.
Reader Commentaryfrom Andrew Zimkauskas.
Lithuania came out of its October 8 election a lot better off than many people expected. There were fears raised in some quarters that the country was destined for a sharp turn to the left. Some even raised the specter of a "return of the Reds." What Lithuania is going to get instead, it seems, is a rather odd and somewhat more benign creaturea government with the head of a free-market capitalist (Rolandas Paksas and his Liberal Union) and the body of a center-left neo-socialist (Arturas Paulauskas and his New Party.) The question is: Will this beast be able to function effectively? It's not clear to me that it can. One end talks of drastically lowering taxes, while the other talks about increased spending. Paulauskas also has the reputation anyway of being soft on Moscow and of straddling the fence on NATO membership. Lithuania has also never demonstrated that it can make coalitions work. Until now, Lithuania has never had such a patch-work of political parties forming a single government. I'm guessing the coalition will fall apart within a year. Two, if they're lucky.
News highlights from October 9-October 16, 2000
Four centrist parties on October 12 signed an agreement to form a coalition government after the ruling Conservatives were crushed in parliamentary elections several days before.
The center-right Liberal Union and center-left New Union will share the top posts; the small Center Union and Modern Christian Democratic Union will also take part.
Their choice for prime minister is Rolandas Paksas, a former Conservative prime minister and current head of the Liberal Union. New Union leader Arturas Paulauskas would become parliamentary speaker.
The laissez faire Liberal Union was also expected to secure the key ministries of economics, finance and defense. The New Union was lobbying for the ministries of foreign affairs, interior and health.
Paulauskas, of the New Union, said the coalition partners were still putting the final touches on the composition of the administration.
All the would-be government parties strongly back Lithuania's bid for European Union and NATO membership. But there are differences on some key economic issues, with the center-right advocating deeper tax cuts than other parties. The question of how to bring down record-high 12 percent unemployment could also cause friction.
The far-left Social Democrats, which includes some ex-communists, won the largest parliamentary bloc in Sunday's polls for the 141-seat Seimas legislature. But their 51 seats weren't enough to form a government.
The Liberal Union has 34 seats and New Union, 29. The three seats of the Center Union, two from the Modern Christian Democratic Union and the promised support of several independents should give the coalition a slim 71-seat majority.
The rightwing Conservatives, blamed for widespread economic
hardships, won just eight seats. They weren't asked to join a new
government, but they could be expected to back many of its pro-reform, pro-West policies.
Lithuanian President Valdas Adamuks is expected to name Liberal Union leader Paksas as the official candidate for prime minister next week. He and his Cabinet should win legislative approval by the end of the month.
Final results of the October 8 Lithuanian Election
Seventy seats for the 141-seat parliament were distributed to parties according to the percentage of the popular vote that they won; 71 other seats were allotted according to which candidate won the most votes in a district. Some parties, like the Liberal Union, did especially well in winning individual mandates.
By Party, Percentage of Popular Vote and Seats Won
Social Democrats - 31 percent, 51 seats
New Union - 20 percent, 29 seats
Liberal Union - 17 percent, 34 seats
Conservatives - 9 percent, 9 seats
Christian Democratic Union - 4 percent, 1 seat
Center Union - 3 percent, 2 seats
Lithuanian Polish Action - 2 percent, 2 seats
Modern Conservatives - 2 percent, 1 seat
Young Lithuania - 1 percent, 1 seat
Freedom League - 1 percent, 1 seat
Modern Christian Democrats - 1 seat
Independents - 3 seats
A judge ruled on October 13 that the trial of alleged Nazi Kazys Gimzauskas should proceed in absentia even though he suffers from Alzheimer's and other diseases.
The 93-year-old is charged with genocide for allegedly sending scores of Jews to their deaths when he was an officer in the Vilnius security police during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation.
The ruling comes a month after indicted Nazi war criminal Aleksandras Lileikis, Gimzauskas' boss in the security police, died of a heart attack in Vilnius before a court could ever pass final judgment in his case. He was 93.
In absentia laws allow a lawyer to represent a mentally incapacitated war crimes suspects at trial.
If convicted, however, Gimzauskas wouldn't have to serve any
sentences handed down. Genocide carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The trial is slated to begin on November 13.
A trial in absentia was also launched against Lileikis, but was halted when his health deteriorated. But because he was deemed mentally fit, judges said they had to wait until his physical health improved.
Ironically, the fact that Gimzauskas is both mentally and physically unfit means the court doesn't have to stop the proceedings and should be able to reach a verdict as long as he is alive.
Gimzauskas, who earlier denied charges he took part in the Holocaust, emigrated to the United States in 1956 and lived in St.
Petersburg, Florida.
He returned to Lithuania in 1994 after a U.S. court moved to strip him of his citizenship for lying about his Nazi past. Lithuanian prosecutors charged him several years later.
His regular trial began in 1998, but was repeatedly delayed and then suspended on health grounds.
The in absentia law was only adopted in February of this year, opening the way for Nazi war crimes trials without defendants present in court.
Estonian Foreign Minister Toomas Ilves on October 12 questioned the usefulness of pan-Baltic cooperation, telling Estonian parliamentarians that its benefits were limited.
Ilves said that some forms of Baltic military cooperation had worked, but that in other areas, especially in the drive towards European Union membership, Baltic cooperation was sometimes counterproductive.
"I'm tired of all the noise about so called Baltic cooperation," he said, speaking on the floor of the Estonian legislature.
Ilves has made similar points before, to the chagrin of many businessmen operating in all three Baltic states. Many Latvians and Lithuanians have also criticized the minister's apparent coolness towards pan-Baltic cooperation.
At at forum organized by the American Chamber of Commerce and City Paper a year and a half ago, Ilves said Estonia should sell itself as a Nordic country and avoid the 'Baltic' label.
"I don't see any advantage in the so called Baltic states. I don't think Estonia is a Baltic state. I think the idea of a Baltic state is a construction made up elsewhere...as foreign minister, my goal was to separate Estonia from being a Baltic state."
The comments, widely reported in the Estonian media, provoked sharp criticism from several leading politicians, who argued that Baltic cooperation had played an important role in Estonia's development since 1991.
Other panelists at the CITY PAPER/ACCE forum also strongly disagreed with Ilves, saying Estonia would be foolish to play down Baltic unity and to write off the potential of a pan-Baltic economic market.
(A full transcript of the CITY PAPER/ACCE forum in which Ilves criticized the notion of Baltic cooperation and identity is available on this site, here. )
News Highlights from October 2-October 9, 2000
Two major parties shunned the biggest vote-getter in the weekend's parliamentary election, saying on October 9 that they would be able to form the next Lithuanian government.
The two parties, the center-left New Union and the center-right Liberal Union, told Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus they could secure a majority in the 141-seat Seimas parliament, the president's office said.
President Adamkus, charged with brokering coalition talks and later nominating the prime minister, reacted favorably to their bid to take the reins of power, said presidential spokeswoman Violetta Gaizaukaite.
"The president took the proposal very positively," she said.
But the leftist Social Democratic coalition that won the largest bloc of seats in the election reacted angrily, saying it was inappropriate to sweep aside the most successful political grouping in the country.
"This looks very strange when we, the group that grabs the biggest share of the vote, is forced into opposition," said Algirdas Brazauskas, Lithuania's ex-Communist Party boss who heads the Social Democrats.
The Social Democrats won 31 percent of the proportional vote with ballots from all 2,027 polling stations counted and won 51 seats.
Adamkus, who spent most of his adult life in the United States before returning to his homeland to become president in 1998, isn't affiliated with any party but is thought to favor center-right, pro-market groups.
Some fear Brazauskas, who is otherwise regarded as affable and honest, could send the wrong signal to investors if he took power: that Lithuania wanted to peel back market reforms implemented after it regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
"What scares me most about some of these left-wingers is their attitude that businesses are hoarding money, and we need to steal from the rich to give to the poor," said Rita Dapkus, a Liberal Union supporter and a leading restauranteur in Vilnius.
The New Union, which is led by populist former Soviet prosecutor Arturas Paulauskas, came in second in the popular vote with 19 percent and it won 29seats.
The center-right Liberal Union, a pro-market party headed by popular Vilnius mayor and former Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas, won just 17 percent of the votes cast, but took 34 legislative seats.
Some parliamentary seats were distributed according to party and other by individual totals. The Liberals, who had several popular figures on their list, did especially well with individual mandates.
The centrist Center Union, which holds 3 seats, said prior to the election that it would enter an alliance with the New and Liberal Unions.
With 69 seats between them, the New Union, Liberal Union and Center Union are just two shy of a parliamentary majority, but are expected to tag up with several independent legislators to put them over the top.
To form a government, a party or group of parties must control 71 seats.
The ruling Conservatives, blamed for economic hardships, won a mere 8 percent of the vote for eight seats. In the last election in 1996, they won more than 40 percent of the vote.
The Conservative government, led by Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, will stay in power in a caretaker role until a new prime minister and Cabinet are approved. The process could take several weeks or more.
Many observers saw the New Union and the Social Democratic coalition as natural bedfellows, since they agree on many issues. But the New Union kept the Social Democrats at arm's length, saying they were too left-wing.
The New Union, for instance, opposed the Social Democrats' proposed progressive income tax, which would raise taxes on wealthier Lithuanians in this Baltic nation of 3.7 million people.
All the parliamentary parties say they back Lithuania's long-cherished goals of membership in the 15-nation European Union and NATO.
The Conservatives saw their approval ratings plummet due to a recession brought on by 1998 financial turmoil in Russia. The jobless rate also soared to a record high of 12 percent this year.
The election press center reported a slightly better than usual turnout among the 2.6 million eligible voters during Sunday's election, with about 55 percent casting ballots.
The Lithuanian government said on October 6 that Moscow should pay Lithuania 20 billion dollars in damage compensation for five decades of harsh Soviet occupation that only ended in 1991.
Lithuania's parliament adopted a controversial bill in June demanding the government seek compensation from Moscow, but it called on officials to come up with the exact figure to ask from Russia's government.
The figure, released Friday, included 500 million dollars for property expropriated by Communist rulers and 1.8 billion dollars to compensate over 100,000 Lithuanians deported during the Stalinist era.
The sum also includes environmental damage caused by hundreds of Red Army bases established across Lithuania as well as compensation for the destruction of dozens of churches in this predominantly Catholic nation.
The opposition said the announcement, made two days before the October 8 parliamentary election, was an attempt by ruling Conservatives to score political points before an election that polls indicate they will lose.
But government spokesman Audrius Baciulis insisted the timing was coincidental. He also denied the 20-billion figure, eight times the government's annual national budget, was exaggerated.
"We didn't pull this figure out of thin air. It took weeks of hard work to come up with," he said.
The Red Army occupied the then-independent Baltics, including Latvia and Estonia, in 1940. It retook them after a 1941-44 Nazi occupation. They only regained independence after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
Russia's government has long argued it isn't responsible for Soviet actions. The Kremlin also hasn't acknowledged that the 1940 annexation of the Baltics was illegal, arguing they joined the Soviet Union voluntarily.
By law, the government is supposed to try and initiate negotiations with Moscow now that they have a precise compensation sum.
But few observers expect Russia to agree.
After the June law was adopted, Russia reacted angrily, saying that bilateral relations could be harmed if Lithuania pushed ahead with claims.
Yegor Stoyev, chairman of the Russian Federation Council, said at the time that Lithuania should be thankful for all the infrastructure projects, including ports and roads, that were built during Soviet rule.
"It is a shame and a sin to raise such issues after all that has been done for the Baltic region by the Soviet Union," he was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
The Lithuanian spokesman conceded Moscow isn't likely to agree to discuss the issue any time soon. But he held out hope that one day it would.
"Ten years ago, people were saying Moscow would never let Lithuania be independent, and that happened," Baciulis said. "It will be a long hard process to get them to discuss this, but I think it's possible."
Governments must do more to help track down Jewish art stolen by Nazis and return it to its rightful heirs, an appeal adopted on October 5 at a high-level forum in Vilnius said.
"The Vilnius Forum asks all governments to undertake every reasonable effort to achieve the restitution of cultural assets looted during the Holocaust era," said the resolution, adopted by more than 300 delegates.
It said officials needed to throw open any records that might relate to some 600,000 pieces of art plundered from Holocaust victims and make that information publicly available, including via the Internet.
During the conference, delegates also discussed establishing a worldwide database that heirs could use to track specific works and which galleries could check to see if they possess stolen objects.
Participants also debated whether art taken from museums in Nazi-occupied Europe should be returned to the nations of origin or to Israel. But the highly contentious issue wasn't mentioned in the final resolution.
During the conference, a top U.S. official also announced that the United States and Russia had agreed on a major deal to open key Russian archives in the search for Jewish artwork stolen by the Nazis.
U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary of State Stuart Eizenstat, Washington's point man on Holocaust issues, said in a keynote address that a nonprofit U.S. group would begin sifting through the Russian archives.
Jewish groups have complained that Russia has not been sufficiently cooperative in opening its Nazi records, which experts say could be key in tracking down and returning plundered artworks.
"This is a major breakthrough," Eizenstat said. "I'm confident that in this way Russia will demonstrate its commitment to the international effort to bring justice, long sought, for Holocaust victims."
He also said Washington would declassify millions of pages of wartime records over the next two years to try to shed light on looted Jewish property. He said 2.5 million pages of files have already been released.
The conference, attended by art experts and officials from Europe, the United States and Israel, follows similar conferences devoted to lost Jewish assets, including one in Washington in 1998 and in London in 1997.
News Highlights from September 25-October 2, 2000
Alleged Nazi Aleksandras Lileikis, indicted for sending scores of Jews to their deaths during World War II, died on September 26 of a heart attack before a court ever could pass final judgment on whether or not he was guilty as charged. He was 93.
Nazi hunters sought for years to bring Lileikis to justice. Lithuanian prosecutors charged him, but his on-again, off-again trial never got beyond preliminary stages. The one-time U.S. citizen maintained his innocence, claiming he had backed the anti-Nazi resistance and even tried to foil massacres of Jews. Jewish groups balked at the claims, and they urged Lileikis to admit his guilt before he died.
Efraim Zuroff, of the Nazi-hunting Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem, said that, in death, Lileikis had successfully evaded justice. "His guilt was unquestionable. He should have died in jail, where murderers are supposed to die," he said.
Lileikis was charged with genocide for allegedly turning Jews over to be executed during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation, when he headed the Vilnius security police. His alleged victims were shot in sand pits near Vilnius.
Fitness questions repeatedly delayed the Lileikis trial. It restarted in June under a new law allowing trials in absentia, but was halted after judges said he was too ill to even follow proceedings via closed-curcuit television.
Lileikis appeared in court only once, in 1998. In a wheelchair and wearing a neck brace, he briefly declared his innocence, then began trembling and gasping. He was rushed away in an ambulance and never again appeared in court.
His lawyers said his death was the ultimate rebuke to those who said Lileikis was feigning illness to avoid trial. Lileikis was buried in Vilnius.
The U.S Justice Department's Office of Special Investigations, which investigated Lileikis when he was in the United States, said it feared he would die before legal proceedings could ever be completed.
"There is a biological solution to these cases, and that day will come," the unit's director, Eli Rosenbaum, said, speaking in 1996. "I lament it in advance."
In a related story, Latvian prosecutors formally charged alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs with war crimes on September 28. The 87-year-old Latvian-born man currently lives in Australia and he could now be extradited to face trial in Latvia.
All three Baltic states had a wildly successful Olympic Games, with each country bringing home at least one gold and a handful of other medals. Per capita, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia won more medals than most of the other participating countries-including the United States and Russia.
Lithuania rounded out the Baltic medal winnings, with its Cinderella-story basketball team taking the bronze on the final day of the Games. In another outstanding Baltic performance, Estonia's Erki Nool came from behind to capture the gold in the decathlon, winning the coveted title as the world's finest all-round athlete
One of the most breathtaking performances of the entire Olympics was by Lithuania's basketball team-not in victory but in a memorable defeat.
The Lithuanians came within inches of one of the biggest upsets in sports history, losing in the final seconds of a semifinal match against the U.S. Dream Team by just two points. Millions of TV viewers worldwide cheered on the underdog Lithuanians as they took the lead with 40 seconds. After the Americans scored, a three-pointer by the Lithuanians as the buzzer sounded just missed.
The 85-83 final score was the closest by far that any team had ever come to beating the Americans since they starting fielding Olympic teams made up of NBA superstars. Said one American newspaper headline the next day: "Lithuania Nearly Turns Dream into a Nightmare."
The feat was all the more amazing because the Lithuanians were without its two best players, Portland Trailblazer Arvydas Sabonis and Cleveland Cavalier Zydrunas Ilgauskas-both centers who missed the Olympics because of injury. No one who was on the young Lithuanian squad plays in the NBA.
The American side also expressed new-found respect for the Lithuanians, who early in the second half manhandled the Dream Team, going on a 20-4 scoring run to turn an 11 point deficit into a two point lead.
"That was unbelievable," Antonio McDyless told reporters after the game. "My heart is pumping. Lithuania showed big heart. I would have never expected them to play so hard and with such courage."
Lithuania brought home two gold medals, in the discus and shooting, and also added three bronze to their collection. Latvian Igors Vihrovs took gold in gymnastics, while Latvia also won a silver in walk racing and a bronze in judo. In addition to Nool's gold, Estonia also brought home two bronze medals in judo.
Nool's victory, in which he snatched the gold only in the final of ten events, the 1,500-meter run, was seen in Estonia's as one of the nation's greatest sports triumphs ever. Even Estonian President Lennart Meri reportedly stayed up throughout the night to watch the nail-biting final day of the decathlon live on television. Newspaper's widely hailed Nool as a national hero.
One black mark for Latvia in an otherwise impressive Games was the sending home of rower Andris Reinholds after he tested positive for the steroid nandrolone. Reinholds was considered a bright hope for future Olympic medals. He now faces a lifetime ban from the sport.
Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia won more medals than many countries ten, twenty or even 100 times larger. Separately, all three Baltic states won more medals than the likes of Brazil, South Africa and Indiawhich, with its 1 billion population, captured just one medal, a bronze.
Estonia (pop. 1.4 million) ranked 8th in per capita medals won, securing roughly one medal for every 500,000 residents. Lithuania (pop. 3.7 million) was in 14th place and Latvia in 17th place, winning one medal per 700,000 and 800,000 inhabitants, respectively. The first seven nations in per capital medals won were the Bahamas, Barbados, Iceland, Australia, Jamaica, Cuba and Norway. The United States, with its 97 medals, won the most medals numerically; but in medals won per population, it was in 46th place.
Baltic medals received more than just glory for their efforts, with Baltic government and Olympic officials paying out cash bonuses to victorious athletes. Before the Games started, Latvia said it was paying 165,000 dollars, 83,000 dollars and 50,000 dollars for gold, silver and bronze, while Lithuania said it will pay 100,000, 50,000 and 37,500 dollars. Estonia's prize money was put up by its national Olympic committee, which said it would hand over 65,000 dollars for gold, 45,000 for silver and 30,000 for bronze.
The medal winners, especially those who won gold, are also likely land lucrative endorsement contracts. Barely after he been awarded his gold medal, Erki Nool was already appearing in full-page ads and on TV spots for Coca-Cola.
News Highlights from September 18-September 25, 2000
The Baltic states have won more medals per capita than virtually any other nations taking part in the Olympics, leading Australia's Bureau of Statistics to rank them as among the most successful Olympic participants.
Lithuania (pop. 3.7 million) has been particularly successful, winning two gold medals and a bronze by September 25, with a week left to go in the Sydney Games.
Lithuania was 24th in the medal standings as of Monday. All the other countries above it had larger populations, many of them by ten or twenty fold. Among much larger nations that came after Lithuania in the standings were Canada, Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, South Africa and India.
Discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna won Lithuania's latest gold. A Lithuanian also won gold in a shooting competition and the country secured a bronze in rowing.
Latvia (pop. 2.5 million) and Estonia (1.4 million) also fared well. Gymnast Igors Vihrovs won Latvia's first gold since the country regained independence in 1991, while Latvia's other medal came in judo. Estonia's two bronze medals were also in judo.
Several Baltic athletes and teams were in the running for more medals, including Lithuania's basketball team. The Lithuanians already made history this week by becoming the only team to lead an American Dream Team, made up of NBA stars, at half-time in an Olympics match-up. Lithuania eventually lost 85-76.
Leading geneticists met in Estonia on September 21 to discuss the nation's plans to set up the world's largest national gene bank, which advocates say could dramatically improve understanding of diseases and potential cures.
The Baltic state's government recently okayed the 200-million-dollar proposal to digitally store the genetic codes of at least two-thirds of the 1.5 million population and sent it to parliament where it's expected win easy approval.
Some 400 geneticists, doctors and state officials from Europe and the United States attended a two-day conference in Tartu to discuss the plan and the ethical issues raised by it, including who should have access to the records.
Most Estonians seem enthusiastic about the gene-bank plan, set for launch in 2001, saying it's a rare chance for their small nation to grab the limelight.
"Estonia can be a follower of knowledge in the world or it can a leader," said Jaanus Pikani, chairman of Estonia's Genome Foundation, which drew up the project's details. "I want it to be one of the leaders."
Only Iceland, with its 270,000 people, has a gene program on a similar scale. Iceland's program doesn't map and store gene codes, but uses vast archives of family health records to help identify disease-causing genes.
Estonia would use techniques only now coming onto the market to record the parts of genes that vary from person to another. Geneticists say people share 99.9 percent of the same genes; the .1 percent variations are key to isolating harmful genes.
Advocates of Estonia's gene-bank plan say it will not only advance gene science, but also promote the growth of a lucrative biotech industry and allow Estonians to benefit from gene-specific drugs now being developed.
"This project would be the largest of its kind. The potential health benefits are substantial," Thomas Caskey, a leading gene researcher and president of the U.S.-based Cogene BioTech Ventures, told a news conference.
Only some 10,000 genes have been named and their functions pinpointed; Estonia's gene project would help identify the 100,000 other genes that aren't understood at all, said Andres Metspalu, also of the Genome Foundation.
Breakthroughs could open the way for revolutionary new medications designed to target specific genes and not whole organs or the entire body, reducing potentially life-threatening side effects of some drugs today.
Criticism of the plan in Estonia has been muted.
Tiina Tasmuth, an Estonian medical professor and a rare public critic of the proposal, said people were agreeing out of ignorance.
"This has all been top-down, with prominent people, like the prime minister, dictating this," she said. "People here don't ask 'why' as they do in the West."
She said money would be better spent on basic health care.
"We can't even afford to offer screening tests for certain cancers that have been available in the West for 20 years," she said. "And we want to jump straight to something like this? We don't have our priorities straight."
Anto Raukas, a member of Estonia's Academy of Sciences, argued that privacy provisions, including encrypting gene records so researchers couldn't identify whom a given file belongs to, were inadequate.
"If experts want to steal a luxury car or break into your apartment, they'll find a way," he said. "They'll find a way to break these codes, too."
Backers say state funds won't be sucked away from traditional health care.
Just half the funds needed would come from the government, while the rest would come from business sources, including firms which would buy rights to access and later profit from Estonia's gene research.
But so far, most drug companies abroad seem unaware of Estonia's fledgling gene-bank program, said Todd Morrill, of the U.S.-based Venture Merchant Group.
"But when I explain it to biotech executives I meet there, I can tell you they are very intrigued," he said. "The response isn't, 'Ho hum. 'It's 'Wow!"
A Lithuanian aerobatics pilot who dramatically flew under a series of 10 river bridges before 200,000 cheering fans has been fined for illegally advertising cigarettes during the stunt.
Officials said on September 18 that Jurgis Kairys, 48, must pay 1,250 dollars for a silver and white West cigarette advertisement on his Russian SU-26 as he flew upside down under the bridges earlier this month.
Parliament recently banned tobacco ads in order to bring Lithuania's advertising law into line with the European Union's, which the Baltic state says it badly wants to join. Health advocates also said the ads encourage teenagers to smoke.
Kairys, a national celebrity in Lithuania for his dramatic air shows, said West helped pay the expenses of the flight, including fuel costs. But he said he made no money from the performance.
Formula One driver Mika Hakkinen was among the spectators during the Sept. 3 flight in Kaunas, 100 kilometers west of the capital, Vilnius. He wore clothes covered with advertisements for West, one of his major sponsors.
If you'd like to sound off about any of the news items addressed in the Weekly Crierfor possible publication herewrite to: "News Editor" at [email protected] . Comments should be no longer than 300 words, and should include a full name and email address.
Highlights for September 11-September 18, 2000
Putin-brand vodka hit liquor stores in Lithuania on September 15, raising eyebrows but also inspiring admiration for what many said was a clever marketing ploy to profit from Russian President Vladimir Putin's name.
Putin Vodka, produced by Lithuania's large Alita distillery, features a label in white, blue and red, the colors of Russia's national flag. "Putin" is written in large white letters across the bottle.
Because of its name, Putin Vodka has received widespread coverage in the local press, prompting envy from other companies that normally have to spend lavishly on advertising to publicize their new product lines.
Alita spokesmen have insisted that the brand wasn't meant to refer to the Russian president. They said it derived from putinas, or snowball tree in English, a red-berried tree found in Lithuania.
But most observers said they didn't believe the denials, saying the association with the Russian president couldn't have been accidental. The more the company denied the link, marketing experts pointed out, the more publicity Alita received.
The bottles of Putin almost certainly aren't meant to pay homage to the Russian president. Most Lithuanians have expressed deep suspicion about Putin's past working for the Soviet secret police, saying he can't be trusted.
The new vodka is currently sold only in Lithuania, though the distillery said it could later decide to export it, even to Russia.
There's no word on how the Russian president, who is said to be a teetotaler, feels about the namesake vodka.
Prosecutors said at the end of a special investigators' conference on September 15 that they made progress in the high-profile case against alleged Nazi Konrads Kalejs. But they didn't reveal precisely what progress they'd made and refused to say whether war crimes charges would be filed against him soon.
Nazi investigators from Latvia, the United States, Britain, Canada, Israeli, Germany and Australia met for two days to compare notes and to test the strength of existing evidence again the 86-year-old. They also discussed the investigation of another alleged Nazi, 88-year-old Karlis Ozols, said to be the weaker of the two cases.
Both Latvian-born men were officers in the Arajs Kommando, a Nazi death squad responsible for killing some 30,000 Latvian Jews during the 1941-44 Nazi occupation. Kalejs and Ozols now live in Australia and have adamantly denied the accusations.
Jewish groups have urged Latvia to charge Kalejs as soon as possible, within a matter of weeks, arguing that his advanced age means he could die at any time and thereby escape justice.
Kalejs is thought to be in relatively good physical and mental condition, while Ozols, a former chess champion in Australia, is thought to be in poor health.
Latvian prosecutors have said they are doing everything they can to conclude the investigation, but argue that the cases are particularly complicated. Few if any direct witnesses, they say, remain alive.
A parliamentary candidate dramatically showed the lengths to which politicians will go to win votes by swimming across a reservoir with her hands and feet tightly bound, local media reported on September 11.
Birute Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene, 47, propelled herself the 500 meters across the lake by flopping her legs like a seal and periodically lifting her head to gulp for air.
Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene competed as a swimmer in the 1972 Munich Olympic games and was also a Lithuanian national swimming champion.
The water-filled quarry where she performed the stunt is in her voting district in Kaunas, Lithuania's second largest city.
Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene belongs to the rightwing Young Lithuania party, which had received little media attention. But her unusual swim received widespread coverage in national newspapers and on television.
The party isn't expected to cross the 5 percent threshold required to enter parliament in the proportional voting system. But
Uzkuraityte-Statkeviciene could win an individual mandate if she draws the most votes in her district.
In the October 8 national election, Lithuania's Conservatives are expected to lose badly, with a September 15 poll by the Vilmorus agency indicating meager 7 percent support for the ruling partywhich has been in power since 1996.
The center-left New Union, headed by popular Soviet-era prosecutor Arturas Paulauskas, topped the latest poll with 23 percent backing. Just behind the New Union was the left-wing Social Democratic coalition, led by former President and one-time Communist Party chief Algirdas Brazauskas, which was supported by 17 percent of the respondents.
The centrist Center Union drew around 7 percent and the center-right Liberal Union 5 percent support in the poll. The New Union, Center Union and Liberal Union have declared they would join forces to form a government if they win a combined majority in the 141-seat Seimas legislature. They have ruled out any alliance with the Social Democrats.
Estonia ranked the least corrupt nation in the former Communist bloc, according to an annual corruption index released on September 13 by the Transparency International. Estonia ranked 27th out of 90 countries surveyed, while Lithuania and Latvia were 43rd and 57th.
The respected anti-corruption watch-dog talked to business people, analysts and members of the general public in the nations surveyed to come up with their list. In its points system, a score of 10 is considered "highly clean" and 0 is considered "highly corrupt."
Estonia received 5.7 points, Lithuania 4.1 and Latvia 3.4.
Finland, Estonia's neighbor to the north, topped the list as the least corrupt country in the world with a perfect 10 score. Nigeria appeared at the bottom of the barrel with 1.2 points.
The focus was on perceptions of how corrupt countries are, not on actual incidents of corruption. Spokesmen for the company have said that any score under 6.0 should be cause for concern a country. The complete Transparency International list follows:
1. Finland 10.0
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What was the name of NASA's last Space Shuttle that landed at the Kennedy Space Centre last week? | Complete Coverage: Final Flight Of Nasa's Space...
Atlantis' Crew Leaves the Shuttle
July 21, 2011 07:14am ET
After gliding to a smooth landing at 5:57 a.m. EDT, the shuttle astronauts worked through a checklist with Mission Control to safe the vehicle on the ground.
Atlantis' four astronauts, commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, have all exited the vehicle now as ground teams continue their work at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility.
The astronauts are now being greeted by NASA officials, including administrator Charles Bolden, shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach and Lori Garver, the agency's deputy administrator. The four crewmembers will have the opportunity to walk around their vehicle and soak in the moment with other members of the shuttle program.
--Denise Chow
TOUCHDOWN! Atlantis Lands for the Final Time
July 21, 2011 05:57am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The space shuttle Atlantis glided down to Earth and slowed to a stop here on the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
The orbiter arrived less than an hour before dawn, heralding the end of the 30-year space shuttle program. Four astronauts returned to Earth aboard the spaceship, which flew the 135th shuttle mission, called STS-135.
--Clara Moskowitz
Shuttle Atlantis in Home Stretch
July 21, 2011 05:36am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The space shuttle Atlantis is just 25 minutes away from touching down here at the Kennedy Space Center in the last shuttle landing ever.
The orbiter is plunging its way through Earth's atmosphere, and is approaching the point of maximum heat on re-entry. Atlantis is currently approaching the coast of Central America.
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis Begins Descent Back to Earth
July 21, 2011 04:53am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The space shuttle Atlantis has performed a de-orbit burn to come out of Earth orbit and begin the descent back to the ground, where it will touch down here at Kennedy Space Center.
The shuttle is a little more than an hour away from its final landing, slated for 5:56 a.m. EDT (0956 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis "Go" for De-Orbit Burn
July 21, 2011 04:18am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mission Control gave the space shuttle Atlantis a "go" to conduct a de-orbit burn of its engines at 4:49 a.m. ET (0849 GMT) to begin the descent down to Earth.
--Clara Moskowitz
Weather 'Go' For Final Shuttle Landing
July 21, 2011 04:00am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The weather here at Kennedy Space Center is "go" for landing today, capcom Charlie Hobaugh told Atlantis' commander Chris Ferguson.
The shuttle is about an hour away from making a "de-orbit burn" of its engines to initiate re-entry.
--Clara Moskowitz
Astronauts Awake for Landing Day
July 20, 2011 09:39pm ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The four astronauts aboard shuttle Atlantis' final mission awoke to begin their landing day today at 9:29 p.m. EDT (0129 GMT Thursday). The wakeup song today was Kate Smith's rendition of Irving Berlin's "God Bless America."
"What a classic patriotic song," Ferguson said. "So appropriate for what will likely be the shuttle's final day in orbit. Thank you to America for supporting this program, and we'll see you in a few short hours hopefully."
The shuttle is slated to land Tuesday (July 21) at 5:56 a.m. EDT (0956 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Shuttle Crew Goes to Sleep for Last Night in Space
July 20, 2011 01:48pm ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.-- The space shuttle Atlantis astronauts have gone to bed for their last sleep in orbit before landing tomorrow at Kennedy Space Center here.
Commander Chris Ferguson took time out to mention a significant anniversary.
"Forty-two years ago today Neil Armstrong walked on the moon." Ferguson said. "I consider myself fortunate that I was there to actually remember the event. I think there was probably a lot of folks in that room who didn’t have that privilege or honor."
The spaceflyers are scheduled to land Thursday (July 21) at 5:56 a.m. EDT (0956 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis Deploys Final Satellite in Space Shuttle History
July 20, 2011 04:25am ET
HOUSTON — The space shuttle Atlantis released the 180th and last shuttle payload ever in the form of a tiny satellite called PicoSat.
The mini spacecraft is covered with solar panels to test new solar cell technology. After the satellite was released into orbit mission specialist Rex Walheim read a poem in its honor.
"One more satellite takes its place in the sky
The last of many that the shuttle let fly
Magellan, Galileo, Hubble, and more
Have sailed beyond her payload bay doors
Atlantis Astronauts Awake For Last Full Day in Space
July 19, 2011 10:19pm ET
HOUSTON—The STS-135 crew was awoken this morning by the musical piece "Fanfare For The Common Man" by Aaron Copland, played along with a video message from employees at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.
"Good morning, Atlantis! Kennedy salutes you. See you back at wheel stop," the Kennedy crowd cheered.
"Good morning, Houston, and to the great folks at the Kennedy Space Center who'vecared for these vehicles for the last 30 years, a special good morning to you," Atlantis commander Chris Ferguson replied.
The astronauts will spend their day deploying a mini satellite and preparing for a predawn landing Thursday.
--Clara Moskowitz
Shuttle Crew Completes 12th Day on Orbit
July 19, 2011 12:30pm ET
HOUSTON—The shuttle Atlantis astronauts have gone to sleep after a busy day that included the last space shuttle undocking from the International Space Station.
The crew is now focused on preparing for re-entry and landing Thursday morning. They are set to wake Tuesday at 9:59 p.m. EDT to begin their final full day in space.
--Clara Moskowitz
Space Station Rotates While Atlantis Watches
July 19, 2011 03:09am ET
HOUSTON — Astronauts onboard the International Space Station are rotating the vehicle 90 degrees while the shuttle Atlantis watches from a distance of 600 feet away. The maneuver, which will allow astronauts on both craft to capture photos of each other, will take about 26 minutes.
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis Undocks From ISS One Last Time
July 19, 2011 02:28am ET
HOUSTON — The space shuttle Atlantis has undocked from the International Space Station, capping off 37 docked missions of the shuttle to the orbiting outpost.
The first docking of Atlantis to the ISS came in May of 2000. The space shuttles have cumulatively spent about 40 weeks docked at the station.
"The International Space Station now enters the era of utilization," Atlantis commander Chris Ferguson said. "Like a proud parent, we anticipate great things to follow. From this unique vantage point, we can see a great thing has been accomplished. Farewell ISS, make us proud."
Atlantis is slated to land back on Earth early Thursday (July 21).
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis Crew Awakes for Undocking Day
July 18, 2011 10:16pm ET
HOUSTON—The four astronauts onboard shuttle Atlantis woke Monday evening just after 10 p.m. EDT (0200 GMT Tuesday) to begin their 12th day in space, during which they will undock for the last time from the International Space Station.
The crew woke to the song "Don't Panic" by Coldplay, played especially for pilot Doug Hurley.
"Good morning Houston, I'd like to thank my wife Karen and my son Jack for the great song — they know I really like it," Hurley said. "We are getting ready for undock today. We get to do one last lap of Atlantis around ISS and start our trip home."
Hurley is married to fellow astronaut Karen Nyberg, who joined NASA in the same astronaut class as he did in 2000.
--Clara Moskowitz
Shuttle Astronauts Go to Sleep
July 18, 2011 02:25pm ET
HOUSTON — The four astronauts onboard space shuttle Atlantis have finished their 11th day in space and begun their sleep shift.
The spaceflyers are onboard their orbiter, still attached to the International Space Station, after closing the hatches between the two vehicles earlier today. Atlantis will undock from the outpost Tuesday at 2:28 a.m. EDT (0628 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Shuttle Astronauts Go to Sleep
July 18, 2011 01:59pm ET
HOUSTON — The four astronauts onboard space shuttle Atlantis have finished their 11th day in space and begun their sleep shift.
The spaceflyers are onboard their orbiter, still attached to the International Space Station, after closing the hatches between the two vehicles earlier today. Atlantis will undock from the outpost Tuesday at 2:28 a.m. EDT (0628 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Hatches Closed Between Atlantis and Station
July 18, 2011 09:09am ET
HOUSTON — Astronauts officially closed the hatches between the International Space Station and the last visiting space shuttle today at 10:28 a.m. EDT (1428 GMT).
The shuttle astronauts said a final farewell to their six space station counterparts after spending 7 days, 21 hours and 41 minutes at the orbiting outpost.
Atlantis is due to undock Tuesday morning at 2:28 a.m. EDT (0628 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Raffaello Storage Module Stowed in Atlantis
July 18, 2011 07:48am ET
HOUSTON — Astronauts have successfully transferred the large Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module from the outside of the space station into the shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Raffaello is filled to the brim with trash and broken hardware to be returned to Earth with the shuttle.
Shuttle astronauts are gearing up to depart the space station. They plan to close the hatches between the two vehicles today at 9:19 a.m. EDT (1319 GMT).
--Clara Moskowitz
Astronauts Wake For Last Day at Space Station
July 17, 2011 11:15pm ET
HOUSTON—The crew of space shuttle Atlantis was awoken at 10:29 p.m. EDT (0229 GMT) to the song "Days Go By" by country star Keith Urban, played along with a recorded video message from workers here at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
"Good morning, Atlantis, from all of us at the Johnson Space Center. Have a great day!" the crowd shouted while holding up handmade signs for each crew member.
"Well, good morning, Houston," replied Atlantis' mission specialist Rex Walheim. "The days do go by, so we better start living and we are. We are enjoying every minute up here. Thanks so much for the greeting from the Johnson Space Center, our home — home of some of the hardest working, most talented people who have made some incredible things happen in spaceflight. We thank you for the greeting. We're looking forward to another great day in space."
The astronauts will finish packing up their orbiter today and say goodbye to the space station crew before closing the hatches between the shuttle and the orbiting outpost. Atlantis is due to depart the International Space Station early Tuesday (July 19).
--Clara Moskowitz
Shuttle Astronauts Pack for Trip Home
July 17, 2011 04:35pm ET
HOUSTON — The four space shuttle Atlantis astronauts are almost finished packing their orbiter for the trip back to Earth on Thursday (July 21). While the Raffaello cargo module is fully packed, the shuttle's middeck is about 84 percent packed with trash and broken equipment to be returned to Earth.
The packing job is turning out to take quite a while, and ran into some of the crew's time off today.
"The crew had another very busy day in space today," flight director Chris Edelen told reporters during a briefing. "The crew used a lot of their spare time. Unfortunately, they had to work through some of their off-duty time."
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis Astronauts Answer Student Questions
July 17, 2011 08:09am ET
HOUSTON — Astronauts Doug Hurley and Rex Walheim took time out today from their STS-135 mission to answer a series of recorded questions from students about what life is like in space.
In response to the question, "Do you listen to music in space?" from one student, Walheim said he had done so this morning on his iPod. "I was just having a little trouble sleeping in," he said. "I got to listen to my favorite songs before we woke up this morning."
Astronauts Begin 10th Day in Space
July 17, 2011 12:01am ET
HOUSTON — The four space shuttle Atlantis astronauts woke for their 10th day in Earth orbit to the song "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang, played with a special message from employees at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
The astronauts plan to finish unpacking Atlantis' haul of fresh supplies to the International Space Station and repack the orbiter with trash and other items to return to Earth. The crew will also enjoy some well-deserved time off on Sunday before beginning preparations for undocking from the space station early Tuesday (July 19).
Singer Beyonce Knowles Wakes Up Shuttle Astronauts
July 16, 2011 01:13am ET
HOUSTON – Atlantis' four astronauts woke up this morning at 11:29 p.m. EDT (0329 GMT) to the song "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyonce Knowles. The hit recording artist also recorded a special message for the crew.
"Good morning, Atlantis. This is Beyonce," she said. "Sandy, Chris, Doug and Rex, you inspire all of us to dare to live our dreams, to know that we're smart enough and strong enough to achieve them. This song is especially for my girl, Sandy, and all the women who've taken us to space with them and the girls who are our future explorers."
"Good morning, Houston," STS-135 mission specialist Sandy Magnus replied. "A big thanks to Beyonce for taking the time out of her schedule to record us a greeting, and we're ready for another day here on Atlantis and hopefully we as a team at NASA can keep our inspirational work up for the young people of America."
Today, the astronauts will continue to transfer and store hardware and other supplies that were brought up to the space station in Atlantis' mid-deck and inside the Raffaello module. Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all times subject to change):
2:34 a.m. EDT – MPLM transfers resume
1:29 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
2:59 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
3:30 p.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Receive Wakeup Message from Paul McCartney
July 15, 2011 08:02am ET
HOUSTON – The space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts were woken up this morning at 12:59 a.m. EDT (0459 GMT) to Sir Paul McCartney's song, "Good Day Sunshine." The British crooner and former Beatle also pre-recorded a special message for the shuttle crew as they begin their eighth day in orbit.
"Good morning, guys," McCartney said. "Wake up! And good luck on this, your last mission. Well done."
"Good morning, Houston, and thank you for that message," STS-135 mission specialist Rex Walheim responded. "People around the world love Paul McCartney's music, and you can be sure that people above the Earth love his music too."
The Beatles' music has a long history of waking up astronauts in space, including classics like "Hard Day's Night" and "Here Comes the Sun," which were played during the STS-30, STS-116 and STS-127 missions.
Atlantis' crew was given an extra 30 minutes to sleep this morning after being woken up yesterday and having to spend about 40 minutes dealing with an issue that cropped up with one of the shuttle's onboard computers. Commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Doug Hurley will spend some time this morning trying to troubleshoot the glitch.
Today, the astronauts will speak to reporters in a series of live interviews, and then together with their station counterparts in a joint crew news conference. The station will also receive a special call from President Barack Obama today.
Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all times subject to change):
2:39 a.m. EDT – MPLM transfers resume
6:44 a.m. EDT – Live interviews with CBS Radio / KYW-TV, Philadelphia, PA / Associated Press
8:04 a.m. EDT – Live interviews with WPVI-TV, Philadelphia, PA / KYW Radio, Philadelphia, PA / Reuters
9:24 a.m. EDT – Joint crew news conference
10:45 a.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
12:29 p.m. EDT – VIP call from President Barack Obama to Atlantis & ISS
2:59 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
3:29 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Troubleshoot Glitchy Space Shuttle Computer
July 14, 2011 07:14pm ET
HOUSTON – The space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts were woken up roughly an hour and a half into their sleep period by an alert tone that signaled the failure of one of the shuttle's onboard computers.
The alarm came at 6:07 p.m. EDT (2207 GMT) Thursday (July 14), indicating that one of the shuttle's General Purpose Computers (GPC) had suffered a glitch.
The space shuttle carries five GPCs, with one always designated as a backup and the four others making up the orbiter's primary computer systems, according to NASA officials.
The computer that failed runs Atlantis' systems management, and to address the glitch, shuttle commander Chris Ferguson transferred the computer's functions to one of the others available. After testing and analysis by ground teams here in Mission Control, it was confirmed that the critical program was successfully transferred to another workstation.
"You all have done an absolutely fabulous job," mission controllers radioed to the shuttle crew. "We have polled the room, everyone is ready for you to go back to sleep."
To compensate for the extra work, the astronauts will get to sleep in an extra 30 minutes, with their wakeup call now coming at around 1:00 a.m. EDT (0500 GMT) Friday.
--Denise Chow
Shuttle, Station Astronauts Get Time to Relax
July 14, 2011 10:19am ET
HOUSTON – After spending the morning moving more cargo from Atlantis' mid-deck and the Raffaello module onto the International Space Station, the 10 spaceflyers aboard the orbiting outpost will now enjoy some well-deserved time off.
The shuttle and station crews will spend the rest of their day relaxing, resting up and enjoying the views of Earth out the station's windows. In live interviews with reporters yesterday, STS-135 mission specialist Sandy Magnus said the shuttle astronauts plan to soak in the spectacular sights from the outpost's Cupola observatory.
The astronauts will be off duty for the remainder of the day, and are scheduled to begin their sleep period at 4:29 p.m. EDT (2029 GMT).
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Receive Another Surprise Wakeup Call
July 14, 2011 02:01am ET
HOUSTON – The shuttle Atlantis' astronauts were treated to another surprise wakeup call this morning at 1:29 a.m. EDT (0529 GMT). The spaceflyers were treated R.E.M.'s "Man on the Moon," including a special message from lead vocalist Michael Stipe.
"Good morning, Atlantis. This is Michael Stipe from R.E.M.," he said. "We wish you much success on your mission and thank all the women and men at NASA who have worked on shuttle for three decades. From Earth, a very good morning to you."
"Good morning, Houston, and all we can say up here is, wow," shuttle commander Chris Ferguson responded. "We would like to thank Mr. Michael Stipe for sending up that wonderful message and that great song. I know a lot of us up here have been listening to R.E.M. for a long, long time. It's some of the greatest music, and also reminds us of the moon landing next week anniversary, and we echo his sentiments to thank all the great people who've worked on this wonderful space shuttle. We're ready for another day in space."
Today, the astronauts will continue unpacking the shuttle Atlantis' mid-deck and the Raffaello module before enjoying some time off to relax. Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all times subject to change):
4:04 a.m. EDT – Raffaello module (MPLM) transfers resume
6:59 a.m. EDT – Live interviews with Fox News Radio/KTVI-TV St. Louis, MO / KSDK-TV St. Louis, MO
9:19 a.m. EDT – Live interviews with WBBM-TV Chicago, IL / KTVU-TV Oakland, CA / WTXF-TV Philadelphia, PA
9:44 a.m. EDT – Atlantis / ISS crew off duty period
3:59 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
4:29 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
5:00 p.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Continue Unpacking and Household Chores
July 13, 2011 11:39am ET
HOUSTON – The astronauts onboard the International Space Station are powering through a busy day in orbit.
Members of the station and shuttle crews are unpacking the enormous amount of cargo that was stored in the Raffaello module that was brought up in the shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. This work will continue for the remainder of the mission. Meanwhile, station residents Ron Garan and Mike Fossum are keeping busy with some household chores, namely maintenance on one of the station's toilets.
--Denise Chow
NASA Clears Atlantis' Heat Shield for Re-Entry
July 13, 2011 10:31am ET
HOUSTON – After days of close analysis, STS-135 mission managers met yesterday (July 12) and cleared Atlantis' heat shield for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere at the end of its mission.
NASA officials pored through a wealth of data and images from two separate inspections of the sensitive tiles on Atlantis' wing-leading edges, nosecap and underbelly. Ground teams concluded that the orbiter's heat shield remains in good shape and did not incur any damage during launch, ascent or its time so far in orbit.
Atlantis is now scheduled to make a predawn landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:56 a.m. EDT (0956 GMT) on July 21.
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Astronauts Receive Special Wakeup Call
July 13, 2011 06:59am ET
HOUSTON – Atlantis' four astronauts were woken up this morning at 2:29 a.m. EDT (0629 GMT) with the song "Rocket Man" by Elton John, followed by a special message to the crew from the famed performer himself.
"Good morning, Atlantis! This is Elton John," the artist said in a pre-recorded message. "We wish you much success on your mission and a huge thank you to all the men and women at NASA who worked on the shuttle for the last three decades."
"Elton John, music legend – wow, that is absolutely fantastic," Atlantis' commander Chris Ferguson responded. "Thank you so much for taking the time and joining us this morning. It's great to be here, it's great to be in space."
John's popular hit, "Rocket Man," has serenaded astronauts as wakeup music four times in the shuttle program's 30-year history, according to NASA officials.
Today, the shuttle astronauts will be busy with a full day of unpacking aboard the International Space Station. Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all times subject to change):
4:29 a.m. EDT – Atlantis/ISS transfers resume
12:54 p.m. EDT – Live interviews with WBNG-TV, Binghamton, NY / WICZ-TV, Binghamton, NY / KGO-TV, San Francisco, CA
1:14 p.m. EDT – Crew downlink of "Face in Space" tribute
4:59 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
5:00 p.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
5:29 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Enter Airlock to End Spacewalk
July 12, 2011 03:55pm ET
HOUSTON – Ron Garan and Mike Fossum have re-entered the station's Quest airlock and closed the hatch behind them. The airlock is now being re-pressurized, signifying the official end of today's spacewalk. Today's outing, which was the 160th spacewalk in support of space station assembly and maintenance, lasted a total of six hours and 31 minutes.
"You guys did an outstanding job today," said STS-135 mission specialist Rex Walheim, who walked Fossum and Garan through the steps of today's spacewalk from the shuttle Atlantis' flight deck.
Astronauts Moving Onto Final Tasks of Spacewalk
July 12, 2011 02:30pm ET
HOUSTON – Spacewalker Mike Fossum fixed a protruding cable on a grapple fixture on the outside of the Russian Zarya module. Meanwhile, Ron Garan finished up the installation of the MISSE materials science experiment and snapped photographs of the finished product.
Next, the spacewalkers will place a protective cover over a docking unit on the port side of the station's Tranquility node. Depending on how quickly they move through this task, the spacewalkers will either head back to the station's Quest airlock to end the spacewalk, or try to accomplish some "get-ahead tasks" if there is extra time.
Astronauts Moving Onto Final Tasks of Spacewalk
July 12, 2011 02:30pm ET
HOUSTON – Spacewalker Mike Fossum fixed a protruding cable on a grapple fixture on the outside of the Russian Zarya module. Meanwhile, Ron Garan finished up the installation of the MISSE materials science experiment and snapped photographs of the finished product.
Next, the spacewalkers will place a protective cover over a docking unit on the port side of the station's Tranquility node. Depending on how quickly they move through this task, the spacewalkers will either head back to the station's Quest airlock to end the spacewalk, or try to accomplish some "get-ahead tasks" if there is extra time.
Spacewalkers Prepare Science Experiment
July 12, 2011 01:51pm ET
HOUSTON – Nearly four hours into today's spacewalk, the astronauts will now deploy a materials science experiment on the space station's starboard truss. The experiment will be housed on a platform close to where the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a highly sophisticated particle physics detector, was recently installed during the shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission.
The experiment, known as MISSE, will be left out for several months and will test how different materials react to the harsh environment of space. The experiment panels will be retrieved and returned to Earth next year on a later mission. The results of the experiment have implications for future satellite and spacecraft designs, as well as materials science applications here on Earth.
Spacewalkers Install of Satellite Refueling Experiment
July 12, 2011 01:14pm ET
HOUSTON – Spacewalkers Mike Fossum and Ron Garan have successfully completed the second major task of the day: the installation of the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment.
Fossum, riding on the end of the space station's robotic arm, carried the experiment from Atlantis' payload bay to a platform near the station's Dextre robot. The Robotic Refueling Mission will be used to test technologies that could one day be used for a robotic gas station for satellites in orbit.
Astronauts Prepare Satellite Refueling Experiment
July 12, 2011 12:01pm ET
HOUSTON – After installing the faulty pump module inside Atlantis' payload bay, spacewalker Ron Garan removed himself from the end of the space station's robotic arm to help Mike Fossum release the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment from the shuttle's cargo carrier.
"It was fun to ride you around the space station," shuttle pilot Doug Hurley, who is at the controls of the station's robotic arm, radioed from inside the station's Cupola work station.
The spacewalkers will switch positions, with Fossum getting on the end of the arm to carry the Robotic Refueling Mission to a platform on the exterior of the station by the Dextre robot. The experiment will be used to test technologies that could one day be used as a robotic gas station for satellites in orbit.
Spacewalkers Install Pump Module Inside Shuttle Cargo Bay
July 12, 2011 11:37am ET
HOUSTON – Astronauts Ron Garan and Mike Fossum have successfully installed a broken pump module into the shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. The spacewalkers bolted the refrigerator-size component into the back end of the orbiter's cargo carrier.
The pump module will be brought back to Earth for analysis at the end of Atlantis' mission. The component failed last summer, bringing down half of the station's cooling system as a result. Three emergency spacewalks were required to swap out the faulty component with a spare that was already onboard the station.
Spacewalker Retrieve Faulty Pump Module
July 12, 2011 10:50am ET
HOUSTON – Spacewalker Mike Fossum released the bolts that were holding down the failed pump module as Ron Garan held the large component steady while standing on the end of the space station's robotic arm.
Garan is now grasping the 800-pound pump module as shuttle pilot Doug Hurley carefully steers him around the other spare parts that are stored at this work site. As Hurley backs Garan and the pump module away from the storage platform, Fossum is assisting the delicate robotic maneuver by acting as an extra set of eyes.
Once the pump module is fully removed from its storage location, Garan will carefully rotate the component 180 degrees, which will place it in the proper orientation to be installed inside the shuttle Atlantis' payload bay.
Spacewalker Retrieves Failed Cooling Pump Module
July 12, 2011 10:41am ET
HOUSTON – Spacewalker Ron Garan rode on the end of the space station's robotic arm to retrieve a broken cooling pump module from its temporary storage location along the station's Quest airlock. Shuttle pilot Doug Hurley maneuvered the robotic arm from inside the station's Cupola work station.
Garan is now working on unfastening the bolts that are holding down the refrigerator-size pump module. Once that is complete, he will grab hold of the pump and ride the robotic arm over to the space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay.
Spacewalkers Set Up Work Stations, Prepare for First Major Task
July 12, 2011 09:48am ET
HOUSTON – After floating outside the station's hatch, spacewalkers Mike Fossum and Ron Garan got straight to work setting up for the day's first major task: retrieving a failed cooling pump module and moving it into the space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay.
"You ready to rock and roll?" Fossum asked his spacewalking partner prior to climbing out of the station's Quest airlock.
"Ready to rock and roll," Garan said.
Once on the exterior of the station, Fossum helped Garan adjust the door of his spacesuit's safety jetpack, which was not properly closed. Fossum, who is today's lead spacewalker, will now set up tools at a work site near the pump module, and Garan will begin installing a foot restraint on the end of the space station's robotic arm.
--Denise Chow
Station Astronauts Begin Today's Spacewalk
July 12, 2011 09:26am ET
HOUSTON – Space station astronauts Mike Fossum and Ron Garan switched their spacesuits onto internal battery power at 9:22 a.m. EDT (1322 GMT), marking the beginning of today's spacewalk.
The astronauts got started slightly behind schedule to finish all the final preparations for the outing. Today's spacewalk is expected to last about 6 1/2 hours.
The hatch of the station's Quest airlock was opened at 9:21 a.m. EDT (1321 GMT).
--Denise Chow
Spacewalkers Suited Up
July 12, 2011 08:14am ET
HOUSTON – Space station astronauts Mike Fossum and Ron Garan have donned their bulky white spacesuits in preparation for today's spacewalk.
Shortly after waking up this morning, the two astronauts donned oxygen masks prior to being helped into their suits as part of a procedure known as the In-Suit Light Exercise (ISLE) method. Once Fossum and Garan are inside their spacesuits, they will continue to breathe in pure oxygen while doing some light calisthenics, such as lifting their arms and legs and bending their knees.
The light exercise raises the spacewalkers' metabolisms and helps them purge nitrogen from their bloodstream, which reduces their chances of getting decompression sickness, or what is known commonly as "the bends," once they exit into the vacuum of space.
The ISLE protocol is a new procedure that replaces the traditional overnight campout in the station's Quest airlock to help spacewalkers' bodies adjust. The procedure was first tested by astronauts on one of four spacewalks during Endeavour's STS-134 mission.
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Astronauts Wake Up on Spacewalk Day
July 12, 2011 06:54am ET
HOUSTON – Atlantis' four astronauts were woken up this morning at 2:59 a.m. EDT (0659 GMT) by the song "More" by Matthew West, which was selected for mission specialist Rex Walheim.
Walheim thanked his wife and two sons for the wakeup song saying, "I hope you're having a great day and I miss them and look forward to seeing them."
The astronauts are gearing up for a busy day supporting the 6 1/2-hour spacewalk that will be performed by station residents Ron Garan and Mike Fossum.
Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all times subject to change):
4:14 a.m. EDT – Spacewalk ISLE method preparations resume
5:24 a.m. EDT – Raffaello cargo module transfers begin
6:34 a.m. EDT – Spacewalk ISLE prebreathe begins
8:44 a.m. EDT – Spacewalk begins (Fossum and Garan)
9:44 a.m. EDT – Failed pump module retrieval
10:14 a.m. EDT – Failed pump module transfer to Atlantis' payload bay
11:14 a.m. EDT – Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) removal from Atlantis' payload bay
11:34 a.m. EDT – RRM transfer to temporary platform near Dextre robot
12:24 p.m. EDT – MISSE experiment installation
1:09 p.m. EDT – Troubleshooting of grapple fixture on Russian Zarya module
1:44 p.m. EDT – Docking unit cover installation on Tranquility node
3:14 p.m. EDT – Spacewalk ends
4:30 p.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
5:59 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
6:29 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
--Denise Chow
NASA Extends Atlantis' Mission One Extra Day
July 11, 2011 07:23pm ET
HOUSTON – NASA decided to extend the space shuttle Atlantis' final mission by one extra day to give the four-astronaut crew more time to unpack all the cargo they brought with them to the International Space Station.
Mission managers opted to add a bonus day to NASA's last ever shuttle flight after confirming that there are enough consumable resources onboard Atlantis that run the fuel cells that power the orbiter's systems.
The addition of an extra day means that Atlantis will now aim to land at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. at 5:56 a.m. EDT (0956 GMT) on July 21.
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Astronauts Enter Cargo Module
July 11, 2011 12:25pm ET
HOUSTON – After speeding through this morning's work, the space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts were able to enter the newly installed Raffaello cargo module ahead of schedule.
Shuttle commander Chris Ferguson and mission specialist Sandy Magnus opened up the door to the Raffaello module and floated inside shortly after noon EDT (1700 GMT).
The astronauts wore masks and protective eyewear to shield against any dust or debris from the ground that may be floating around inside the pod. This is standard protocol whenever a new module is opened up on the space station, according to NASA officials.
Once inside the Raffaello for a few minutes, Ferguson and Magnus were able to remove the protective wear. The astronauts will now begin the laborious task of unpacking the 9,400 pounds (4,300 kilograms) of cargo inside the module. This work will continue for the rest of the week.
The remainder of the day will be spent making final preparations for tomorrow's spacewalk, which will be conducted by station astronauts Ron Garan and Mike Fossum.
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Preparing to Enter Newly Installed Cargo Pod
July 11, 2011 11:52am ET
HOUSTON – Members of both the shuttle and station crews are working together to complete the installation of the Raffaello cargo pod that was attached to the space station's Harmony node this morning.
The astronauts are performing leak checks between the compartments and pressurizing the module in preparation to enter the pod at around 1:39 p.m. EDT (1739 GMT). The crewmembers are working through the day's tasks at an efficient pace, getting as much as an hour ahead of the timeline at one point, said space station flight director Jerry Jason.
Once the astronauts are able to enter the Raffaello module, they will begin unpacking some of the cargo inside, a task that will be ongoing throughout the week ahead.
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Install Cargo Pod Onto Space Station
July 11, 2011 09:28am ET
HOUSTON – Atlantis' STS-135 astronauts successfully removed a giant cargo pod, known as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module or Raffaello module, from the shuttle's payload bay and installed it onto the exterior of the International Space Station.
Using the space station's robotic arm, the bus-size pod was installed onto the Earth-facing port of the Harmony node in the station's U.S. segment. Extensive leak checks will now be performed before shuttle commander Chris Ferguson and mission specialist Sandy Magnus float into the Raffaello module at around 1:39 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT).
The astronauts will spend the next week unpacking the 9,500 pounds (4,300 kilograms) of food, supplies and spare parts before refilling it with trash and other items to be brought back to Earth at the end of Atlantis' mission.
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Astronauts Wake up for Busy Day on Orbit
July 11, 2011 05:57am ET
HOUSTON – The space shuttle Atlantis' crew was awakened today at 3:02 a.m. EDT (0702 GMT) to the song "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba, which was played for mission specialist Sandy Magnus. [Watch the Last Shuttle Mission LIVE]
"That was great," Magnus radioed to mission control. "It was a nice song for a nice, busy day. Good morning, everybody!"
Today the astronauts will move the Rafaello Multi-Purpose-Logistics Module (MPLM), a giant cargo pod, out of Atlantis' payload bay. The module will be temporarily attached to the Earth-facing port of the station's Harmony node, where it will remain for the remainder of Atlantis' visit at the station.
Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all time subject to change):
5:09 a.m. EDT – Space station robotic arm grapples MPLM
5:39 a.m. EDT – Space station robotic arm unberths MPLM from Atlantis
6:19 a.m. EDT – Atlantis / ISS transfers begin
6:59 a.m. EDT – Space station robotic arm installs MPLM onto Harmony
9:30 a.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
11:24 a.m. EDT – MPLM activation begins
1:39 p.m. EDT – MPLM ingress
2:59 p.m. EDT – Spacewalk procedure review
4:00 p.m. EDT – Mission Management Team briefing
6:29 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
6:59 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
--Denise Chow
NASA Assessing Space Junk Threat to Shuttle, Station
July 10, 2011 06:14pm ET
HOUSTON – NASA is examining a piece of potentially threatening space junk to determine if it will fly dangerously close to the International Space Station and the now-docked shuttle Atlantis.
Mission managers were notified of the orbital debris, which came from a spent Russian satellite, this morning, and are continuing to observe the object to determine whether they need to take any action to avoid a collision.
Leroy Cain, chair of Atlantis' mission management team, told reporters in a news briefing today that flight controllers will likely have a better understanding of the object and any necessary actions later this evening or tomorrow morning.
Hatches Open Between Atlantis and Space Station
July 10, 2011 01:11pm ET
HOUSTON – After extensive leak checks were performed by both the shuttle and station crews, the hatches between Atlantis and the International Space Station were opened ahead of schedule at 12:47 p.m. EDT (1647 GMT). Watch the Last Shuttle Mission LIVE
The arrival of shuttle commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim brings the station's population to 10 people for the duration of Atlantis' visit.
The shuttle astronauts join Russian cosmonauts Andrey Borisenko, Alexander Samokutyaev and Sergei Volkov, NASA astronauts Ron Garan and Mike Fossum, and Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa.
Ferguson was first to float through the hatch, followed by Hurley, Walheim and then Magnus. The astronauts were greeted with big hugs and words of welcome by the station residents.
The shuttle astronauts were given a safety briefing led by space station commander Andrey Borisenko. They will now take some time to tour the complex before beginning some initial cargo transfers and preparations for tomorrow's busy day of work.
--Denise Chow
DOCKING! Atlantis Arrives at the International Space Station
July 10, 2011 11:09am ET
HOUSTON – The space shuttle Atlantis successfully docked at the International Space Station at 11:07 a.m. EDT (1507 GMT), as both spacecraft sailed over the Pacific Ocean, east of New Zealand. Watch it LIVE on NASA TV .
The shuttle's approach and docking operations went off without a hitch, and Atlantis' commander Chris Ferguson skillfully parked the vehicle at the orbiting outpost's Harmony module.
Crewmembers aboard the shuttle and the space station will now spend approximately two hours checking the seals between the two spacecraft to ensure there are no leaks. Once that is complete, the hatches between Atlantis and the station will be opened at around 1:19 p.m. EDT (1719 GMT).
--Denise Chow
Atlantis is "Go" for Space Station Docking
July 10, 2011 10:38am ET
HOUSTON – The space shuttle Atlantis and its four astronauts were given the green light by flight directors in mission control to proceed with operations to dock to the International Space Station. Watch it LIVE on NASA TV .
"The teams have been polled, you are go for docking," spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) Steve Robinson radioed to Atlantis from mission control.
Commander Chris Ferguson will now manually back the shuttle to its final destination, where it will park at the Harmony module in the station's U.S. segment. Atlantis is expected to link up with the space station at 11:07 a.m. EDT (1507 GMT).
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Performs Backflip On Approach to Space Station
July 10, 2011 10:07am ET
HOUSTON – Before the astronauts park Atlantis at the International Space Station, shuttle commander Chris Ferguson maneuvered the vehicle through a slow backflip, called the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver.
This nine-minute rotational flip, which began at 10:05 a.m. EDT, gives astronauts onboard the station the opportunity to capture detailed images of the orbiter's underbelly to further inspect Atlantis for any signs of damage from launch and ascent. Watch it LIVE on NASA TV .
During the backflip, station residents Sergei Volkov, Mike Fossum and Satoshi Furukawa are positioned at windows in the Russian Zvezda service module to snap the photos, which will be downlinked immediately to ground teams in mission control for analysis.
Once Atlantis completes the backflip, commander Ferguson will manually fly the shuttle from its position 600 feet below the space station to the docking port on the station's Harmony module.
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Atlantis Closing in on Space Station
July 10, 2011 09:52am ET
HOUSTON – The space shuttle Atlantis and its four astronauts are nearing the International Space Station as they prepare to arrive at the massive orbiting complex. Atlantis is scheduled to park at the space station at 11:07 a.m. EDT.
"We have you in sight," space station astronaut Ron Garan radioed to Atlantis' crew.
"Excellent, we'll be there soon," said mission specialist Sandra Magnus.
"We're waiting," Garan responded.
As the orbiter approaches the station, it will pause at a distance of about 600 feet below the outpost to perform a slow backflip to allow astronauts onboard the ISS to take close-up photographs of the shuttle's underbelly. Watch it LIVE on NASA TV .
This maneuver, called the Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver (RPM) is one of several inspections that occurs to check the orbiter for any damage.
--Denise Chow
Atlantis' Engines Fire on Final Approach to Space Station
July 10, 2011 08:33am ET
HOUSTON – To help place Atlantis on its final path to the International Space Station, the astronauts onboard burned the orbital maneuvering system engines in what is known as the Terminal Initiation (TI) burn.
The TI burn occurred at 8:29 a.m. EDT, and lasted for about 12 seconds. This maneuver will place Atlantis on its final approach to the space station. Atlantis is scheduled to dock at the outpost for the final time at 11:07 a.m. EDT. Watch it LIVE on NASA TV .
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Astronauts Wake Up on Docking Day
July 10, 2011 06:22am ET
Atlantis' four astronauts woke up today at 3:29 a.m. EDT (0729 GMT) to the song "Mr. Blue Sky" by the Electric Light Orchestra. The song was chosen and played for Atlantis' commander, Chris Ferguson.
The astronauts will now begin final preparations for their arrival at the International Space Station. Atlantis is expected to dock at the station at 11:07 a.m. EDT (1507 GMT). Here's a look at today's schedule in space (all times subject to change):
5:34 a.m. EDT – Rendezvous operations begin
8:29 a.m. EDT – Terminal Initiation (TI) burn
10:06 a.m. EDT – Rendezvous pitch maneuver (RPM) / space station crew video documentation begins
11:07 a.m. EDT – Docking with ISS
1:19 p.m. EDT – Hatch opening and welcome ceremony
1:30 p.m. EDT – Mission Status Briefing
4:00 p.m. EDT – Mission Management Team briefing
6:29 p.m. EDT – ISS crew sleep begins
6:59 p.m. EDT – Atlantis crew sleep begins
--Denise Chow
Shuttle Astronauts Complete Orbiter Inspections
July 9, 2011 05:59pm ET
HOUSTON – The shuttle Atlantis' four astronauts successfully wrapped up a thorough inspection of the orbiter's heat shield during their first full day in space.
Commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim scanned Atlantis' wings and nose using a sensor-tipped inspection pole. The data from the inspection is now being relayed down to ground teams here at Johnson Space Center. Engineers will examine the images and look for any damage the vehicle may have incurred during launch and ascent.
"We don't have any anomalies – no significant issues," said Leroy Cain, chair of the shuttle's mission management team. "The vehicle is extremely clean. We're very happy to be at this point and looking forward to docking tomorrow."
The four STS-135 astronauts will round our their day with preparations for tomorrow's docking with the International Space Station.
The orbiter is scheduled to link up to the orbiting outpost at 11:07 a.m. EDT (1507 GMT) on Sunday (July 10). The astronauts are expected to begin their sleep period tonight at 7:29 p.m. EDT (2329 GMT).
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Begin Shuttle Heat Shield Inspection
July 9, 2011 08:30am ET
The four astronauts flying on Atlantis have begun their major activity for the day, a six-hour scan of their orbiter's heat shield to look for dings or damaged incurred during launch.
The inspection is a normal precaution taken on shuttle missions now to ensure the sensitive tiles on the orbiter's underbelly and wings are intact and safe for re-entry to Earth.
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis' Astronauts End First Day in Space
July 8, 2011 08:00pm ET
Shuttle commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim have wrapped up their first day in space.
The four STS-135 astronauts began their sleep period at 7:56 p.m. EDT tonight. The crewmembers are scheduled to wake up at 3:56 a.m. EDT to begin a jam-packed day of inspections. The spaceflyers will conduct a thorough check of Atlantis' heat shield to determine if the orbiter suffered any damage during its launch.
The astronauts will also continue with preparations to rendezvous and dock to the International Space Station. Atlantis is scheduled to link up with the space station at 11:06 a.m. EDT on Sunday (July 10).
--Denise Chow
Astronauts Settle Into Space for Last Shuttle Flight
July 8, 2011 12:15pm ET
Atlantis' four astronauts are now settling into life in orbit, after discarding the vehicle's twin solid rocket boosters and large external fuel tank.
The crewmates will wind down in preparation for a busy day tomorrow that includes a meticulous scan of the shuttle's heat shield.
--Denise Chow
Atlantis Astronauts Discard Shuttle Fuel Tank
July 8, 2011 11:37am ET
The STS-135 astronauts aboard the space shuttle Atlantis have discarded the 15-story external tank that fed the orbiter’s nearly nine-minute launch into space.
With the tank jettisoned, Atlantis is now in orbit. A flash camera will photograph the tank’s departure to record any foam insulation loss. Analysts at Mission Control in Houston’s Johnson Space Center will search for any signs of foam loss during launch, and its potential as a debris hazard to Atlantis’ heat shield.
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis' Engines Shut Down as Planned
July 8, 2011 11:37am ET
The five engines boosting Atlantis and its external tank towards orbit have shut down as planned about eight and a half minutes into flight. Watch the action LIVE on NASA TV .
The milestone is known as Main Engine Cut Off (MECO). The spacecraft is flying toward its intended orbit, with the next major task aimed at discarding the shuttle’s external tank.
--Clara Moskowitz
Solid Rocket Boosters Separate
July 8, 2011 11:29am ET
The twin solid rocket boosters assisting Atlantis’s launch into space have separated as planned from the shuttle’s external tank. The reusable boosters separated about two minutes and five seconds after liftoff and fell back toward the Atlantic Ocean, where they will land under parachutes and be retrieved by recovery ships. They are equipped with cameras to record the performance of Atlantis’s external tank and any foam loss seen during today’s ascent.
--Clara Moskowitz
LIFTOFF! Shuttle Atlantis Launches on Final Mission
July 8, 2011 11:26am ET
The space shuttle Atlantis lifted off one last time on the final launch of the 30-year space shuttle program.
The shuttle beat dismal weather forecasts to launch on time at 11:26 a.m. EDT (1526 GMT).
"Good luck to you and your crew on the final flight of this true American icon. Good luck, god speed and have a little fun up there," shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach told the crew just before launch.
"Thanks to you and your team Mike," commander Chris Ferguson replied. "We're completing a chapter of a journey that will never end. The crew of Atlantis is ready to launch."
Shuttle Atlantis 'Go for Launch'
July 8, 2011 11:19am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Atlantis has been cleared for launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center on the 135th and final space shuttle mission. Clouds and rain showers cleared just in time to permit a launch attempt.
The countdown has just picked up following the planned T-9 minute hold as final launch preparations are rushed to completion.
Atlantis' preferred launch time is targeted for 11:26 AM EDT (1526 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window. At the time of launch, the International Space Station will be orbiting 235 miles above the South Pacific Ocean.
The mission management team has been polled and all have reported 'Go for launch.' The four veteran STS-135 astronauts, led by mission commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Doug Hurley, are strapped into their seats, running through their pre-launch checklists and are closely monitoring spacecraft systems for their ascent to orbit.
No technical or vehicle issues are being worked at this time, with very little chatter on the internal communication loops.
Over the next nine minutes, the Orbiter's access arm will be retracted, the hydraulic power system (APU) started, the liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks pressurized, Atlantis's internal flight computers will take control of the countdown and a booster steering test will be conducted. The three space shuttle main engines will ignite at T-minus 6.6 seconds and the twin solid rockets boosters will light at T-minus zero resulting in liftoff.
All spacecraft systems are reported 'Go'. 9 minutes to launch.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA is broadcasting the STS-135 mission live on NASA TV. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.
Weather Outlook Improves for Atlantis Launch
July 8, 2011 11:03am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Breaks in the clouds ceiling over Florida's Kennedy Space Center has the launch team "cautiously optimistic" according to NASA commentator George Diller. At the moment, weather conditions are currently marginal for the launch of Atlantis on the final space shuttle mission at 11:26 AM EDT (1526 GMT) and weather officers are closely monitoring a small rain shower to the northeast of the launch site.
As the countdown enters its final 25 minutes, all is in readiness – weather permitting - for Atlantis' final launch from pad 39-A. The shuttle's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the four STS-135 astronauts are strapped into their seats, reviewing their pre-launch checklists and closely monitoring their spacecraft systems in preparation for their ascent to orbit.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA will broadcast Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.
Atlantis Ready for Launch, Weather Permitting
July 8, 2011 10:42am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle's hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the four STS-135 astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are under way for Atlantis' final liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center … if cloudy skies and rain showers clear in time,
Atlantis' preferred launch time is scheduled for 11:26:46 AM EDT (1526:46 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.
Weather conditions along Florida's Space Coast are not promising for launch - primary concerns continue to be showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds.
The space center's VIP viewing site is also filled with many luminaries, including Florida Governor Rick Scott, 14 members of Congress, and Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other notables include musical great Jimmy Buffet and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
The astronauts are running through their pre-launch checklists and are closely monitoring their spacecraft systems in preparation for their ascent to orbit. The close-out crew is breaking down the 'White Room' access platform surrounding the Orbiter's hatch and will soon depart the launch pad.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA will broadcast Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.
Launch Countdown Holding at T-9 Minutes
July 8, 2011 10:36am ET
The countdown toward launch of space shuttle Atlantis has entered a planned hold at T-9 minutes.
No issues are being worked at this time, and NASA is still eyeing the iffy weather, which is currently favorable for launch, but could sour at any minute.
--Clara Moskowitz
Atlantis' Hatch Closed for Launch
July 8, 2011 09:25am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shuttle Atlantis' hatch has been closed and latched for flight, the four astronauts are strapped into their seats and final preparations are progressing smoothly for today's launch attempt from pad 39-A at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. Weather conditions remain gloomy although fleeting patches of blue sky have appeared west of the launch site.
Atlantis' late morning launch is scheduled for 11:26:46 AM EDT (1526:46 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window. A final adjustment may be made at the T-9 minute hold to more precisely align with the orbit of the International Space Station.
The veteran STS-135 crew - led by commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Doug Hurley – just completed the final series of air-to-ground communications checks to ensure that the astronauts can talk to flight controllers and each other during the spacecraft's ascent to orbit.
The launch team is not working any technical issues at this time; however, the official weather forecast remains a pessimistic 30% chance of acceptable conditions for launch – primary concerns are showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA is broadcasting Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.
Atlantis Astronauts Strapped-in for Launch
July 8, 2011 08:42am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The four STS-135 astronauts are now securely strapped into their seats onboard shuttle Atlantis and beginning final preparations for today's launch attempt from Kennedy Space Center's Pad 39-A. Weather conditions remain a major concern with just a 30% probability of acceptable conditions forecast at launch time.
Atlantis' late-morning launch is scheduled for 11:26:46 AM. EDT (1526:46 GMT) – the midpoint of a 10-minute launch window.
The final space shuttle crew are all spaceflight veterans - commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley and mission specialists Rex Walheim and Sandra Magnus. The astronauts are now engaged in a series of communications checks between the spacecraft, the launch team and Mission Control in Houston.
At this time, shuttle Atlantis is fully fueled for launch and the vehicle is in "stable replenish" mode, with propellants being topped-off until launch time. No technical issues are currently being worked.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA is broadcasting Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. Click here for SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed or follow the NASA TV link at the upper left on this page.
Atlantis Commander Enters Spacecraft
July 8, 2011 08:10am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA mission commander Chris Ferguson has climbed onboard shuttle Atlantis for its late morning launch attempt, scheduled for 11:26:46 a.m. EDT (1526:46 GMT). STS-135 will be Ferguson's third spaceflight.
No technical issues are currently being worked; however, weather conditions are not promising, although patches of blue sky are visible to the west of the launch pad. The official weather forecast is pegged at a pessimistic 30 percent probability of acceptable conditions for launch; weather conditions at both Trans-Oceanic Abort Landing (TAL) sites in Spain are both observed and forecast 'Green' or 'Go'.
At this time, shuttle Atlantis is fully fueled for launch and the vehicle is in "stable replenish" mode, with propellants being topped-off until launch time. This morning, technicians loaded Atlantis's 15-story external fuel tank with the super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that will feed its three main engines during the 8.5-minute ascent into space. Fueling operations ended at 4:48 AM EDT with about 535,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant loaded into the fuel tank.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA will broadcast Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com’s NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.
Atlantis Astronauts Depart for Launch Pad
July 8, 2011 07:57am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The crew of space shuttle Atlantis, clad in their bright orange launch-and-entry pressure suits, has departed the Operations & Checkout (O&C) Building at the Kennedy Space Center. The four astronauts, riding in their silver 'Astro Van', are now en route to seaside pad 39A where the shuttle is poised for its final launch, framed against a gray sky with a few streaks of blue.
After a 25-minute ride to the launch pad, the final space shuttle crew, all spaceflight veterans, will enter Atlantis one by one, beginning with mission commander Chris Ferguson, to prepare for this morning's launch attempt.
Atlantis' launch is scheduled for 11:26:46 AM EDT (1526:46 GMT). The launch team is not working any technical issues and the countdown so far has been smooth and uneventful; however, weather conditions are not favorable.
The official weather forecast remains a pessimistic 30% chance of acceptable conditions for launch. Primary concerns are showers and thunderstorms within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility, flight through precipitation, and cumulus clouds.
-- Roger Guillemette
NASA will broadcast Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station live on NASA TV during launch and the flight. You are invited to follow the mission using SPACE.com's NASA TV feed, which is available by clicking here or using the button at the upper left on this page.
Atlantis Astronauts Suiting Up for Launch
July 8, 2011 07:13am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The four-astronaut crew of the space shuttle Atlantis' final mission has begun suiting up for launch. Watch it live on NASA TV.
The weather forecast has not changed, and there's still just a 30 percent chance that today's liftoff will take place. A final decision to launch or scrub should be made by around 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 GMT), NASA officials say.
— Mike Wall (@michaeldwall)
Shuttle Atlantis Launch Coverage Begins on NASA TV
July 8, 2011 06:38am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has begun carrying live coverage of the lead-up to the launch of space shuttle Atlantis. Coverage began at 6:30 a.m. EDT (1030 GMT); launch is slated for 11:26 a.m. EDT (1526 GMT). Watch it live on NASA TV.
However, there's only a 30 percent chance that today's blastoff — the last ever for NASA's shuttle program — will take place. Bad weather is lingering over the launch pad and could scuttle today's attempt.
— Mike Wall (@michaeldwall)
Fueling of Shuttle's External Tank Complete
July 8, 2011 05:49am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has finished fueling the shuttle Atlantis' massive external tank, pumping in about 535,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellant.
The operation began on schedule today at 2:01 a.m. EDT (0601 GMT) and finished about three minutes early, at 4:58 a.m. EDT. The odds of today's launch attempt being scrubbed by bad weather remain at 70 percent.
The chances of good weather for a launch attempt on Saturday have been upgraded from 40 percent to 60 percent, officials said.
— Mike Wall (@michaeldwall)
NASA Begins Fueling Shuttle Atlantis for Final Launch
July 8, 2011 02:10am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has started loading liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant into the shuttle Atlantis' massive external tank. The process should take about three hours.
The space agency is going ahead with preparations for Atlantis' scheduled 11:26 a.m. EDT launch today despite an iffy weather outlook. Current forecasts peg the chance of a weather-related scrub at 70 percent.
— Mike Wall (@michaeldwall)
Weather Outlook Worsens for Friday Launch
July 6, 2011 09:01am ET
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The chances of Atlantis launching on Friday are getting a bit dimmer as the weather outlook worsens. Rain and thunderstorms are predicted to move into the area later this week, and the latest forecasts peg the chances of the shuttle blasting off Friday at just 30 percent. Those chances improve to 40 percent on Saturday and 60 percent on Sunday.
--Mike Wall (@michaeldwall)
Launch Week Begins for Last Shuttle Flight
July 5, 2011 09:57am ET
It's launch week for NASA's shuttle Atlantis, and the shuttle's four-astronaut crew is gearing up.
NASA officials will hold a countdown status briefing at 10 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT) today to discuss preparations for the Friday launch of the space shuttle Atlantis. The weather will be discussed; current forecasts call for a chance of rain on launch day. The countdown officially begins at 1:30 p.m EDT (1730 GMT).
Earlier today, STS-135 commander Chris Ferguson and pilot Doug Hurley practiced landings today in the Shuttle Training Aircraft, starting at about 5:00 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT). Then, beginning around 7:15 a.m. (1115 GMT), Ferguson, Hurley and mission specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim checked their launch and entry suits and reviewed their flight data files.
--Mike Wall (@michaeldwall)
NASA Clears Shuttle Atlantis for July 8 Launch
June 28, 2011 05:42pm ET
NASA's last space shuttle launch in history is set to blast off from Florida on July 8.
Senior agency officials made the decision today (June 28) after an extensive review of the space shuttle Atlantis, which will fly the upcoming mission to the International Space Station, as well as the shuttle's four-astronaut crew and ground teams.
Atlantis is slated to liftoff from its seaside Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 8 at 11:26 a.m. EDT (1526 GMT).
Atlantis' Astronauts Practice Launch Day Activities
June 23, 2011 11:00am ET
The astronauts who will fly Atlantis on the final flight of NASA's space shuttle program will spend today completing a dress rehearsal of launch day activities at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Rex Walheim and Sandra Magnus will run through the final countdown and practice procedures in preparation for their liftoff.
Atlantis is currently scheduled to launch on July 8.
Atlantis' Astronauts Eager for Launch
June 22, 2011 12:30pm ET
The four STS-135 astronauts spoke to reporters today, standing by their space shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Rex Walheim and Sandra Magnus spoke about their excitement for the upcoming mission and how they plan to savor every moment of the agency's final space shuttle flight.
Final Shuttle Crew Arrives in Florida for Launch Dress Rehearsal
June 20, 2011 06:00pm ET
The four astronauts who will fly Atlantis on the last flight of NASA's space shuttle program arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida today for a series of media events, emergency training and a final launch day dress rehearsal.
Commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley, and mission specialists Rex Walheim and Sandra Magnus touched down at the Florida spaceport at 5:30 p.m. EDT (2130 GMT) in a pair of the agency's T-38 supersonic jets.
Over the next three days, the astronauts will participate in a variety of training exercises, including a complete runthrough of launch day activities leading up to the shuttle's liftoff. The three-day event is known in NASA parlance as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.
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Despite not being the capital, which is the largest city by population in Kansas? | What does the final shuttle flight mean for space exploration? | Science | The Guardian
Final space shuttle mission
What does the final shuttle flight mean for space exploration?
After more than 130 missions over 30 years and at a cost of £120bn, the space shuttle programme ends on 8 July with the final launch of Atlantis. Two veterans of the flights talk about the thrill of takeoff, the view from above and the next step for mankind in space
Discovery takes off from the Kennedy Space Centre in 1988. Photograph: Roger Ressmeyer
Wednesday 6 July 2011 15.01 EDT
First published on Wednesday 6 July 2011 15.01 EDT
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The ritual of hurling people into space is ingrained in the fabric of Florida's space coast , a 40-mile strip of eastern shoreline that runs from Titusville through Cape Canaveral to Palm Bay in the south.
In 1961, crowds gathered here to see Alan Shepard blast off aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket and become the first US citizen in space. The Apollo programme to land men on the moon came swiftly after. From here, astronauts flew to the moon, trundled around in buggies, struck a few golf balls and collected lumps of moon rock before heading home.
But this area, which lives in the shadow of the space programme, is facing the end of an era. For the past 30 years, Kennedy Space Centre has been home to the space shuttle, Nasa's great hope for making space travel cheap and commonplace. Tomorrow, one million spectators are expected to gather at vantage points along the coast to witness the launch of Atlantis, the 135th shuttle mission, and the last flight of the fleet. When Atlantis returns in 12 days time it will be dismantled and dispatched to a museum .
The space shuttle fell famously short of expectations. Estimates put the cost of each launch at an exorbitant $1.5bn. Preparation for a mission took months if not years. And flights hardly became routine. Rather than journeying into space once a week – as designers had hoped – Nasa managed only a handful of launches a year.
And then there is the human cost. In 1986, the shuttle Challenger was destroyed on takeoff when a rocket booster exploded, killing its crew of seven. Nasa took great efforts to fix the problem and looked hard at the management failures that led to the accident. Then, in 2003, another shuttle was lost high up in the atmosphere, this time when super-hot plasma tore into the wing of Columbia after it sustained damage from foam falling off the main fuel tank during takeoff. Another seven lives lost. Michael Griffin, the former chief administrator at the US space agency, who bemoaned Nasa's ambitions in space as doing no more than endlessly circling the Earth, called the shuttle "inherently flawed".
The end of the shuttle era brings fresh focus on the shortcomings and mismanagement of the Nasa programme, but amid the criticism, it is worth recalling the achievements too. The shuttle launched and repaired – several times – the Hubble space telescope, which continues to capture spectacular images of the cosmos. The shuttle carried the Chandra x-ray observatory into orbit. And, of course, it was the workhorse behind the $100bn International Space Station , a 500-tonne orbiting outpost as roomy as a five-bedroom house. Thanks to the shuttle, astronauts know how to build spacecraft in space, knowledge that will underpin any future attempt to fly humans to other planets.
For those who flew on the shuttle, it was the experience of a lifetime. No other rocket has carried astronauts into space and flown them back down through the red hot glow of the heated atmosphere to touch down like a glider on a runway. Here, two veterans describe the experience. Scott Altman flew four missions, including two to repair the Hubble telescope. Piers Sellers, from Crowborough, Sussex, flew three shuttle missions, and clocked up nearly five million miles aboard Atlantis last year.
Preparing for takeoff
Scott Altman You wake up around five hours prior to going out to the vehicle. It reminds me of Christmas morning, the level of excitement as you get up and have that last meal, get into your orange launch-and-entry suits in the white room and then get on the bus that takes you out to the pad. There's a background level of anticipation, looking forward to the event. You get out to the pad about three hours prior to the launch. The commander gets in first and is strapped in. The vehicle is on the pad pointed upwards, so everything has been tilted 90 degrees and it is like getting into a different vehicle than the one you trained in. It takes a little effort to get all strapped in, but finally I'm in and the rest of the crew comes in after me. Everything starts to look like the simulators we've spent thousands of hours in. The rhythm feels like the simulators. You forget this is actually launch day and not just another simulation. But as the clock keeps ticking, you go through your checklist, you get down to the point when everything's sealed up and you start thinking this is a little different. Your heart is beating a little quicker.
Piers Sellers A few minutes before launch, the whole shuttle vibrates as it cranks its engines to one side and the other, and backwards. There's a real feeling that the machine is awakening. The seconds go by and everyone is watching. At exactly 10 seconds before launch, all the navigation instruments go from a rest position to active, you can see that navigation is tracking, that it knows where it wants to take the shuttle. A few seconds after that, the main engines light. You can't really feel or hear much at that point. You see the power come up on the indicators in the cockpit, you see the thrust go up from zero to 100% on three engines and then you feel the whole stack sway forwards towards your feet, and that is because the thrust of the engines is so great that it bends the shuttle and stack on its hold-down bolts, and pushes it to one side. They call that the twang. The twang goes all the way, about 4ft, and then the whole stack bounces back. And at exactly the right moment, zero, the solid rocket boosters light and the hold-down bolts explode and off you go. It feels as if someone lit a bomb underneath your back. You just go flying up into the air, like a gigantic hand pushing you up into the sky. You see the launch tower fall by down one side and you are headed upwards into the sky. There's a tremendous feeling of power, there's a lot of vibration, noise, people yelling over the radio, and you get the feeling there's this 2,500-tonne ship going straight up. You are banging around in your seat, while everything is moving around, swaying around in the cockpit, trying to look at the instruments, trying to concentrate, but tremendously excited.
SA The vehicle is shaking incredibly. You can get to switches – you have to take your time and focus on what you're doing and make sure you get to the right switch. As the commander I can see out of my forward window. Mostly you are facing up, so it's nothing but blue sky. On my third mission, though, there was a thin cloud deck and I looked up out of that window and I saw it coming and all of the sudden it was like "whoooosh!" right through it.
Astronaut Mark Lee floats outside Discovery, 149 miles above the Earth, 1994. Photograph: Nasa
PS After about 45 seconds, you get the call that the main engines are going to throttle down so that the shuttle can ease through the transonic region , and you watch the thrust fall down on the instruments and then you are aware that you are going supersonic about one minute after you launch, but you are going supersonic straight up, not along, straight up, which is kind of incredible. At some point you see the sky go from blue very quickly to black as you punch out of the atmosphere. You keep hammering along like this at first stage for the first two minutes. There's a lot of vibration, a lot of rattling and rolling in the cockpit, until you get to about two minutes and then the solid rocket boosters fall off, each side of the shuttle, and things smooth right out. You have to make an effort to pull the air into your lungs. Expulsion is not a problem at all, your chest just collapses again.
SA At main engine cut-off, all three shuttle engines shut off and "bang!", just like that you're floating. The transition is instantaneous and you feel your body going forwards as if it's a compressed spring and anything that's not tied down goes floating by. You can't see the ground too easily until a point when the whole stack rolls upright and you go from inverted over the Earth to upright, and as you sweep through that roll, you can look out of the window and see the Earth opening up underneath you. I'll never forget that sight on my very first flight when we rolled in the direction and I was looking out of that window. I saw the curvature of the Earth, and the ocean there, the thin blue line at the horizon that is the atmosphere, and it was just an incredible sight. And then it was: "OK, come back in on the dials, let's get back to work."
Floating in orbit
PS We have a plan to get us through the first day in orbit. You get out of your suit, hang it up, then convert the shuttle from being a rocket into being a spacecraft. You're putting out computers, moving bags around, stuff like that, and that takes longer than you'd think, about four or five hours. The next day you catch up with the Space Station and the day after that you dock. And that's exciting. The Space Station goes from being a very distant star when you can first see it to a brighter and brighter light, and then eventually this gigantic silver structure that's hanging there in the black sky above you. You sneak up below it and at the appropriate moment, the shuttle does a pitch around manoeuvre, where in effect it does a loop 600ft below the station, so the guys on the station can photograph the shuttle and see if there's been any damage and send all that digital data back to the ground. You do that and then you come up level with the station and slowly ease yourself in towards it, a bit like a very delicate parking job.
PS The extraordinary thing, particularly when you're spacewalking, is that sometimes it looks like you'd expect it to look, which is you're flying over a huge rotating ball with a black sky and it's breathtakingly beautiful. That's how you'd expect it to be, only better. But sometimes your perceptions can play some tricks on you. Often you feel that the world is like a big wall on one side of you and you are flying horizontally around it. At other times it's like a big ball above you and you're going underneath it. So your orientation changes a little bit but it sinks in that the world is a sphere, and you're going around it, sometimes under it, sideways, or over it. When you look at the world it's incredibly bright. The seas, the oceans, they look like blue neon. It's so bright, it hurts your eyes. You can see everything on the continents, you can see the rivers, the mountains, forests, cities, all sorts of things. You can even see big fields if you look carefully.
SA I joined Nasa just before the 10-year anniversary of the Challenger accident. I really felt that Nasa had done its homework, that we'd learned the lessons from Challenger and that basically it was a management failure: the signs were there but Nasa didn't heed them as well as they could have. Six of the seven astronauts on Columbia [which was destroyed on entry in 2003] were very close friends of mine. Three were my classmates, the other three were in the class right after me. Dave Brown had been my flight surgeon in the navy. It was a shock to me to realise that basically we did almost the same thing again, in that we missed the warning signs: foam falling off the vehicle was a threat and we hadn't learned from that mistake. A long time ago, during the Apollo 1 fire, Frank Borman (a former Apollo commander) said what we had was a failure of imagination, to imagine what could have gone wrong and try to stop it from happening. I think the same thing happened with Columbia.
Returning to Earth
PS To leave, you undock and fly around the Space Station and that's all very slow and balletic and pretty, but not very dramatic. You then spend a day coasting around the Earth, packing things up and getting ready to come home. On entry day you get up early and it's a sprint. You have to pack everything away, secure everything and get in your pressure suit. The whole business really starts at the de-orbit burn. You turn the shuttle so the tail is pointing into the wind, if you like, let rip with the engines for a long burn to kick the shuttle out of orbit, then flip the shuttle over so its nose is pointing the right way for hitting the atmosphere. Very quickly after that you start descending into the upper layers of the atmosphere. You don't see much to start with, but after a while you get this beautiful cherry-red glow all round the shuttle and you can see it snapping over the tail. It kind of pulses, but over the forward cockpit windows it's just a beautiful cherry red that you can see through. In daylight you can see through this red haze and see the world. We actually saw a sunrise come up through the red glow of the entry.
SA From the moment you do your final de-orbit burn, when you're about 12,000 miles from your landing point, one thing you know for certain is that in about an hour the shuttle is going to hit the surface of the Earth. The challenge to you, as commander and pilot, is to make sure where you hit the Earth has a runway underneath it. You really don't have any sense of gravity yet, but as you go through the entry a little bit, you'll go to hang a card on a Velcro spot or something and let go of it and notice it slowly floats to the floor, and you're like, "Wow, look at that!" And you do it again: "Hey, gravity, we haven't seen that in two weeks!" It's amazing. Your perspective has changed. You don't expect things to fall any more and when they start doing so, it's almost like a new experience. You're coming through the atmosphere and if it's night where you are, you look out of the overhead window and you start seeing this little green glow, which is the atmosphere heating up by the friction of the shuttle smashing through it. As you go further and lower, you start to notice it going a little bit darker, into the yellows. On my second entry, I was looking out at that and I started to see it get a little bit darker, so I floated up in my seat a little bit and looked towards the nose and I could see it transitioning from yellow to kind of pink and I floated up a little higher and it was starting to go red, and it was like – "I don't know if I want to look any more" – so I floated back down in my seat because it just looked too hot, too brutal out there.
PS The shuttle does a couple of big S-turns to slow down over the Pacific ocean. In our case, we came zipping across Panama and Cuba and up towards Florida very fast, in just a few minutes. You pop out of the sky at Mach five [3,840mph], and everyone below you hears a double bang as you go transonic. Then you do this great sort of spiral dive over Florida and come down shooting towards the runway, nose pointed almost at the dirt. At the last minute, the commander pulls the nose up and squeaks it on to the runway. You feel the main wheels go down, then the nose wheel, they deploy the chute to slow you down, and then you gradually roll to a stop. At that point there are a lot of smiles. People are happy. Hopefully the mission went well, nobody got hurt, all the tasks got accomplished, and you did it all without disgracing yourself or your friends.
I've flown on two shuttles and they both felt a little bit different. They are real ships with their individual characters and their own nicks and bumps. You look at the shuttle, it's not as if it's this pristine, shining, gleaming piece of metallic technology – it looks like a ship, it's got dents and burns and inside multiple crews have whacked the paintwork and you can see scratches and things. They are ships that have been operated and lived in and done these incredible voyages all with their individual characters. I am personally very fond of the shuttle. When they wind up in museums I'll go and see them and I'll be happy to see them like old friends.
The future of space
PS You will hear that the shuttle cost a lot of money, and it's very complicated and has some embedded risks in its design and all of that is completely true. But if you take the long view, you have to look at what was achieved with the shuttle. You got a beautiful space station, an international space station, a complete 500-tonne orbiting laboratory run by 16 countries that I think is going to deliver some real home runs over the next 10 to 15 years. You got Hubble, not only launched but repaired and serviced four times, Chandra, and a whole lot of other instruments of science. But I think the most important thing that came out of it was we took the business of working and assembling things in space to a high level of artistry. If we go somewhere else, such as Mars, we are going to have to assemble our spaceships in orbit. We know how to do that now. Having put the Space Station together, we know how to do work in orbit, to assemble big structures and complicated pieces of engineering. We've taken a big leap forward in our technology and our operations.
SA Nasa is re-focusing, re-grouping. I think the whole country needs to decide what they want out of a space programme and where we should go. I do think that, in the future, the big things we do in space are going to take the cooperation of the whole world. So the International Space Station is a great partnership to start that effort moving forward to put people on Mars and explore the outer planets and to start extending humanity from our foothold here on Earth into the stars. I am hopeful that the spirit of cooperation will be good not just for efforts in space but for humanity in general, as we learn how to work together. I think we have made a transition into a somewhat unusual place for Nasa, that we're not exactly sure what the next vehicle is, what the next step is. But I think in the end human spaceflight is something that's important to people in general and to humanity as a whole, for looking out and pushing ourselves to ask the next questions and figure out what's out there.
Nasa employees weep at Kennedy Space Centre as half a century of American dominance in space comes to a close
Published: 21 Jul 2011
Nasa employees turn out in darkness to welcome the space shuttle home after 126 million miles travelled
Published: 21 Jul 2011
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What is the name of the Brazilian goalkeeper signed by Liverpool from Roma this summer? | Liverpool keeper Alexander Doni joins Botafogo on free transfer - BBC Sport
BBC Sport
Liverpool keeper Alexander Doni joins Botafogo on free transfer
31 Jan 2013
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Liverpool goalkeeper Alexander Doni is returning to his native Brazil to join Botafogo on a free transfer - but it is not the famous Rio club of that name.
Instead, the 33-year-old, who signed for the Reds for about £1.3m in 2011 from AS Roma, is joining Botafogo of Ribeirao Preto, currently bidding to reach the national fourth division.
Doni, signed by Kenny Dalglish, made only four appearances for the Reds.
The keeper has won 10 Brazil caps and was in the 2010 World Cup squad.
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| Doni (footballer) |
What is the name of the man who committed the horrific murders seen in Norway last week? | Liverpool keeper Alexander Doni joins Botafogo on free transfer - BBC Sport
BBC Sport
Liverpool keeper Alexander Doni joins Botafogo on free transfer
31 Jan 2013
Read more about sharing.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alexander Doni is returning to his native Brazil to join Botafogo on a free transfer - but it is not the famous Rio club of that name.
Instead, the 33-year-old, who signed for the Reds for about £1.3m in 2011 from AS Roma, is joining Botafogo of Ribeirao Preto, currently bidding to reach the national fourth division.
Doni, signed by Kenny Dalglish, made only four appearances for the Reds.
The keeper has won 10 Brazil caps and was in the 2010 World Cup squad.
Share this page
| i don't know |
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