The King's Speech won the top awards at last night's Academy Awards!
Best Picture, Best Director - Tom Hooper , Best Original Screenplay - David Seidler and Best Actor - Colin Firth
Colin Firth Oscar 2011 Acceptance Spech:
Tom Hooper -Best Director 83rd Academy Awards [Oscar Awards 2011]
Actor Colin Firth, star of The King's Speech and A Single Man, discusses his childhood, films and career in this Life in Pictures interview via BAFTA
http://bcove.me/v2fuhu9z
Congratulations to all the winners last night but especially to Colin Firth and Tom Hooper and David Seidler. Well done!!
It's a shame the Academy Awards show isn't broadcast on terrestrial tv here. I did see a bit of the show via streaming on the internet but it didn't work very well. I learned most of what was happening on the show via Twitter. It was actually quite entertaining to read some of the funny tweets about the show!
What did you think of the show? Were you pleased with the results?
Related posts:
The King's Speech - movie review
BAFTA: The King's Speech won seven awards!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Prince William and Kate Middleton, return 'home' to St Andrews, Scotland
Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton have put in another official Royal appearance, on Friday at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
On Thursday, the royal couple launched the new RNLI's lifeboat 'Hereford Endeavour' in Anglesey, Wales at Lifeboat Station : Trearddur Bay
The visit to St Andrews was a return 'home' because Prince William and Kate Middleton met and fell in love at St Andrews University. They returned to the University of St Andrews to launch its 600th Anniversary on 25 February 2011.
ITN exclusive footage of Kate Middleton chatting with the public at St Andrews University:
On Thursday, the royal couple launched the new RNLI's lifeboat 'Hereford Endeavour' in Anglesey, Wales at Lifeboat Station : Trearddur Bay
The visit to St Andrews was a return 'home' because Prince William and Kate Middleton met and fell in love at St Andrews University. They returned to the University of St Andrews to launch its 600th Anniversary on 25 February 2011.
ITN exclusive footage of Kate Middleton chatting with the public at St Andrews University:
Friday, February 25, 2011
Royal Mail launches stamps celebrating UK stage musicals
From BBC News (yesterday):
Royal Mail has launched a new set of stamps celebrating seven decades of UK stage musicals.
Watch a video from RoyalMailStamps:
Royal Mail Musicals stamps set to rock you!
Royal Mail celebrates over seven decades of popular UK stage musicals on a new set of stamps issued today.
To launch the stamps, Royal Mail caught up with Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen, plus stars from Billy Elliot, We Will Rock You and Billy Elliot.
Royal Mail has launched a new set of stamps celebrating seven decades of UK stage musicals.
Watch a video from RoyalMailStamps:
Royal Mail Musicals stamps set to rock you!
Royal Mail celebrates over seven decades of popular UK stage musicals on a new set of stamps issued today.
To launch the stamps, Royal Mail caught up with Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen, plus stars from Billy Elliot, We Will Rock You and Billy Elliot.
West Wing Week: Feb 18 - Feb 24
West Wing Week: "Don't Bump My Atoms"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama held events in Oregon and Ohio focused on winning the future through investments in innovation and small business, and convened his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness at the White House.
via The White House Blog
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama held events in Oregon and Ohio focused on winning the future through investments in innovation and small business, and convened his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness at the White House.
via The White House Blog
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Study that claims exercise & therapy help ME/CFS
I've just read the news articles that were published yesterday about the latest claims regarding treatment for people suffering with ME/CFS:
Study finds therapy and exercise best for ME
The biggest-ever study of treatments for ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, has found that more people recover if they are helped to try to do more than they think they can – rather than adapting to a life of limited activity.
(link via The Guardian)
The results of this "study" makes me very angry. I have a son with ME/CFS. He gets much worse with exercise, not better!
Articles like this only serve to make it easier for the general public to dismiss this very real medical condition by providing the false notion that anyone with ME/CFS can simply "think" themselves better and that a bit of exercise and fresh air will help. It's simply not true.
It's worth reading the comments that follow the article in The Guardian and the comments in all the other newspapers it was published in. Please note the numerous (and many very angry) comments from people who suffer with ME/CFS or know someone who does!
Please read this:
ME Association press statement about the results of the PACE study
and if you don't know what ME/CFS is, please read this:
Information about Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) via NHS Choices:
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes long-term tiredness (fatigue) that affects everyday life. It does not go away with sleep or rest.
If you suffer from ME/CFS, or know someone who does, please leave a comment. I'd be very interested to know your thoughts about this latest study.
Study finds therapy and exercise best for ME
The biggest-ever study of treatments for ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, has found that more people recover if they are helped to try to do more than they think they can – rather than adapting to a life of limited activity.
(link via The Guardian)
The results of this "study" makes me very angry. I have a son with ME/CFS. He gets much worse with exercise, not better!
Articles like this only serve to make it easier for the general public to dismiss this very real medical condition by providing the false notion that anyone with ME/CFS can simply "think" themselves better and that a bit of exercise and fresh air will help. It's simply not true.
It's worth reading the comments that follow the article in The Guardian and the comments in all the other newspapers it was published in. Please note the numerous (and many very angry) comments from people who suffer with ME/CFS or know someone who does!
Please read this:
ME Association press statement about the results of the PACE study
and if you don't know what ME/CFS is, please read this:
Information about Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) via NHS Choices:
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes long-term tiredness (fatigue) that affects everyday life. It does not go away with sleep or rest.
If you suffer from ME/CFS, or know someone who does, please leave a comment. I'd be very interested to know your thoughts about this latest study.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Follow Friday: Feb 18, 2011
These are my recomendations for Follow Friday on Twitter today:
#FF @Jainamel Melody tweets about music (fan of Duran Duran and spacehotel), animals, bowling, and lots of friendly chat. Lovely lady! :)
#FF @SongBirdSOS about birds/animals/nature/environment Fab site too: http://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/index.html
#FF @NakedScientists Fun & fascinating info about science! Science Radio and Naked Science Podcasts http://www.thenakedscientists.com/
#FF @Placepot Lots of fab tweets and retweets from Wayne about "Birding, bees/keeping, nature & rescuing cats. Photography. Wellbeing."
#FF @I_W_M The Imperial War Museum "Telling the story of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict, from 1914 to the present day."
#FF @krupali for her lovely life-affirming and heartwarming tweets. She will make you smile - and inspire you to do more (read her bio!).
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
#FF @Jainamel Melody tweets about music (fan of Duran Duran and spacehotel), animals, bowling, and lots of friendly chat. Lovely lady! :)
#FF @SongBirdSOS about birds/animals/nature/environment Fab site too: http://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/index.html
#FF @NakedScientists Fun & fascinating info about science! Science Radio and Naked Science Podcasts http://www.thenakedscientists.com/
#FF @Placepot Lots of fab tweets and retweets from Wayne about "Birding, bees/keeping, nature & rescuing cats. Photography. Wellbeing."
#FF @I_W_M The Imperial War Museum "Telling the story of those who have lived, fought and died in conflict, from 1914 to the present day."
#FF @krupali for her lovely life-affirming and heartwarming tweets. She will make you smile - and inspire you to do more (read her bio!).
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
West Wing Week: Feb 11 - Feb 17
West Wing Week: "Goodbye, Gibbs"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama released his federal budget, discussing the need to take responsibility for our deficits while investing in education, to prepare our children to be competitive in the global economy and win the future. He also responded to the situation in Egypt, chatted with some Boy Scouts, and honored some of our greatest Americans.
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama released his federal budget, discussing the need to take responsibility for our deficits while investing in education, to prepare our children to be competitive in the global economy and win the future. He also responded to the situation in Egypt, chatted with some Boy Scouts, and honored some of our greatest Americans.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Archers: The Duchess of Cornwall visits Ambridge
So did you listen to The Archers today?
It was a special episode with Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall making a cameo appearance on-air.
If you've never listened to The Archers, it's never too late to start!
The Archers is a very popular long-running British soap opera broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Recently, the show celebrated their 60th anniversary with a special episode that was supposed to shock everyone in Ambridge (the fictional English village) to the core. Well, it probably did shock the characters but, in my opinion, the episode had been so over-hyped that I thought it was a bit of a damp squib.
Anyway, The Archers is an entertaining radio show and I enjoy listening to it fairly regularly. I'm not a true addict though because I don't listen to every single episode.
Here's a fun introduction to The Archers by Stephen Fry:
About The Archers in three minutes
It was a special episode with Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall making a cameo appearance on-air.
If you've never listened to The Archers, it's never too late to start!
The Archers is a very popular long-running British soap opera broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Recently, the show celebrated their 60th anniversary with a special episode that was supposed to shock everyone in Ambridge (the fictional English village) to the core. Well, it probably did shock the characters but, in my opinion, the episode had been so over-hyped that I thought it was a bit of a damp squib.
Anyway, The Archers is an entertaining radio show and I enjoy listening to it fairly regularly. I'm not a true addict though because I don't listen to every single episode.
Here's a fun introduction to The Archers by Stephen Fry:
About The Archers in three minutes
Brit Awards 2011
The BRIT Awards 2011
Did you watch The Brit Awards on ITV last night? What did you think of the show? Were you happy with the winners? I was very pleased that Mumford & Sons won British Album of the Year. They are a fab group!
Tinie Tempah, the UK rap star, won two Brit awards: for best British breakthrough act and best single for his hit 'Pass Out'.
Justin Bieber was named best international breakthrough act.
The full list of winners of the 2010 Brit Awards:
British Male Solo Artist - Plan B
British Female Solo Artist - Laura Marling
British Breakthrough Act - Tinie Tempah
British Group - Take That
British Single - Tinie Tempah
British Album of the Year - Mumford and Sons
International Male Solo Artist - Cee Lo Green
International Female Solo Artist - Rihanna
International Breakthrough Act - Justin Bieber
International Group - Arcade Fire
International Album - Arcade Fire
Critics’ Choice - Jessie J
British Producer - Markus Dravs
It was the first time the ceremony was held at the O2 Arena.
Mumford and Sons (an English folk rock band) who won 'British Album of the Year' for their album 'Sigh No More', sang "Timshel" at the awards show:
I thought the highlight of the show was when Adele sang ‘Someone Like You’
BRIT Awards 2011
Did you watch The Brit Awards on ITV last night? What did you think of the show? Were you happy with the winners? I was very pleased that Mumford & Sons won British Album of the Year. They are a fab group!
Tinie Tempah, the UK rap star, won two Brit awards: for best British breakthrough act and best single for his hit 'Pass Out'.
Justin Bieber was named best international breakthrough act.
The full list of winners of the 2010 Brit Awards:
British Male Solo Artist - Plan B
British Female Solo Artist - Laura Marling
British Breakthrough Act - Tinie Tempah
British Group - Take That
British Single - Tinie Tempah
British Album of the Year - Mumford and Sons
International Male Solo Artist - Cee Lo Green
International Female Solo Artist - Rihanna
International Breakthrough Act - Justin Bieber
International Group - Arcade Fire
International Album - Arcade Fire
Critics’ Choice - Jessie J
British Producer - Markus Dravs
It was the first time the ceremony was held at the O2 Arena.
Mumford and Sons (an English folk rock band) who won 'British Album of the Year' for their album 'Sigh No More', sang "Timshel" at the awards show:
I thought the highlight of the show was when Adele sang ‘Someone Like You’
BRIT Awards 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
National Nest Box Week 14-21 February
National Nest Box Week 14-21 February
National Nest Box Week starts today. This is when the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) encourages everyone to put up nest boxes in their local area.
National Nest Box Week - all the information you need with links for ideas on how you can take part.
The British Trust for Ornithology publishes a free Information Pack with advice on making and buying nest boxes, siting them, how many to use, reducing the risk from predators, cleaning and maintenance. For your free copy fill in your details on the form or call the BTO on 0800 072 0130.
National Nest Box Week starts today. This is when the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) encourages everyone to put up nest boxes in their local area.
National Nest Box Week - all the information you need with links for ideas on how you can take part.
The British Trust for Ornithology publishes a free Information Pack with advice on making and buying nest boxes, siting them, how many to use, reducing the risk from predators, cleaning and maintenance. For your free copy fill in your details on the form or call the BTO on 0800 072 0130.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
BAFTA: The King's Speech won seven awards!
2011 Orange British Academy Film Awards BAFTA
I'm so pleased that The King's Speech won seven awards, including best film and best British film - and Colin Firth won best leading actor!
Colin Firth's charming acceptance speech:
The King's Speech won Baftas for:
Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Leading Actor - Colin Firth, Supporting Actress - Helena Bonham Carter, Supporting Actor - Geoffrey Rush, Original Music, and Original Screenplay - David Seidler
I was a bit surprised that Tom Hooper didn't win Best Director for The King's Speech. That award went to David Fincher for The Social Network.
Other highlights of the awards ceremony included Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in 2011 - The Harry Potter Films. Stephen Fry presented the award after making a lovely and very witty speech.
The show ended with a touching tribute to the actor Sir Christopher Lee, honouring him with the Academy Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award, which is the highest honour the Academy can bestow.
Orange British Academy Film Awards 2011
I thought the BAFTA show was very entertaining and enjoyed watching it. Did you watch it? What did you think of the winners? Were you pleased or disappointed with any of the results?
I haven't seen many of the nominated films but I do know that The King's Speech is superb and I think it deserved to win in the categories that it did. If you haven't seen it yet, do go. I promise you won't be disappointed!
I'm so pleased that The King's Speech won seven awards, including best film and best British film - and Colin Firth won best leading actor!
Colin Firth's charming acceptance speech:
The King's Speech won Baftas for:
Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Leading Actor - Colin Firth, Supporting Actress - Helena Bonham Carter, Supporting Actor - Geoffrey Rush, Original Music, and Original Screenplay - David Seidler
I was a bit surprised that Tom Hooper didn't win Best Director for The King's Speech. That award went to David Fincher for The Social Network.
Other highlights of the awards ceremony included Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in 2011 - The Harry Potter Films. Stephen Fry presented the award after making a lovely and very witty speech.
The show ended with a touching tribute to the actor Sir Christopher Lee, honouring him with the Academy Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award, which is the highest honour the Academy can bestow.
Orange British Academy Film Awards 2011
I thought the BAFTA show was very entertaining and enjoyed watching it. Did you watch it? What did you think of the winners? Were you pleased or disappointed with any of the results?
I haven't seen many of the nominated films but I do know that The King's Speech is superb and I think it deserved to win in the categories that it did. If you haven't seen it yet, do go. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Plans to sell England's public forests are under review
Ministers halt some forest sales after public outcry
The government has put on hold plans to sell off some English forests - but the main scheme could still go ahead.
[link via BBC News]
This is good news however the delay is regarding only the planned sale of 15% of state-owned forests in England. There is still widespread concern about the remaining 85% of the public forests.
Consultation: Future of the public forest estate prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission.
Forestry Commission - The future of the Public Forest Estate in England
If you are concerned, you can sign the petition via
Save England's Forests
The government has put on hold plans to sell off some English forests - but the main scheme could still go ahead.
[link via BBC News]
This is good news however the delay is regarding only the planned sale of 15% of state-owned forests in England. There is still widespread concern about the remaining 85% of the public forests.
Consultation: Future of the public forest estate prepared by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission.
Forestry Commission - The future of the Public Forest Estate in England
If you are concerned, you can sign the petition via
Save England's Forests
A New Egypt! Power to the people!
Like most everyone else around the world, I was glued to watching and reading the news reports from Egypt yesterday. It was an incredible moment when the announcement came that Hosni Mubarak had resigned from the presidency. We were watching history in the making.
After 18 incredible days of a peaceful rebellion, the determination and bravery of the protesters in Tahir Square in Cairo had finally paid off. It's an amazing example of "people power" and they did it without resorting to violence. Huge kudos to the Egyptian people.
It's true that the military will be taking control at first. Al Arabiya (the Arabic- language television news channel) reported - via Twitter - that the Egypt army will suspend parliament, sack the cabinet, and head of constitutional court will lead with military council. Also, the latest news reported today is that Egypt is committed to all national and international agreements.
The whole world will be watching Egypt as a new government is formed and there is a transition to democracy.
Wael Ghonim, the Head of Marketing of Google Middle East and North Africa, delivered this important message to Egyptians via his Twitter account yesterday:
The world is changing. The power of the people has brought down a dictator by organizing a successful and peaceful revolution.
Congratulations Egypt!
After 18 incredible days of a peaceful rebellion, the determination and bravery of the protesters in Tahir Square in Cairo had finally paid off. It's an amazing example of "people power" and they did it without resorting to violence. Huge kudos to the Egyptian people.
It's true that the military will be taking control at first. Al Arabiya (the Arabic- language television news channel) reported - via Twitter - that the Egypt army will suspend parliament, sack the cabinet, and head of constitutional court will lead with military council. Also, the latest news reported today is that Egypt is committed to all national and international agreements.
The whole world will be watching Egypt as a new government is formed and there is a transition to democracy.
Wael Ghonim, the Head of Marketing of Google Middle East and North Africa, delivered this important message to Egyptians via his Twitter account yesterday:
A call to all well-educated Egyptians around the world. Come back ASAP to build our nation.
The world is changing. The power of the people has brought down a dictator by organizing a successful and peaceful revolution.
Congratulations Egypt!
Friday, February 11, 2011
West Wing Week: Feb 4 - Feb 10
West Wing Week: "The New Electrification"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama focused on the second part of his State of the Union goals of out-innovating, out-building, and out-competing the rest of the world, putting forward plans to build up the nation's infrastructure, investing in things like high speed rail, and expanding broadband access so all of America's families will be equipped to win the future. The Prime Minister of Canada also dropped by.
via The White House Blog
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama focused on the second part of his State of the Union goals of out-innovating, out-building, and out-competing the rest of the world, putting forward plans to build up the nation's infrastructure, investing in things like high speed rail, and expanding broadband access so all of America's families will be equipped to win the future. The Prime Minister of Canada also dropped by.
via The White House Blog
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Killing: Compelling Danish crime thriller on BBC4
Have you been watching The Killing on BBC4 on Saturday nights? If not, you have been missing a cracking new series! Last night, episodes 5 and 6 were aired.
There are twenty episodes in total (spanning the course of a 20-day murder investigation) but the BBC is showing two episodes every Saturday. And the good news is that it's not too late to start watching the series, thanks to the BBC iPlayer (if you are in the UK). The series also helps viewers catch-up by showing clips from previous episodes at the beginning of each episode.
The Killing is an intense Danish crime thriller about Inspector Sarah Lund with the Copenhagen Police department. On the day Sarah is working her last shift before a planned move to Sweden with her boyfriend, Bengt, she is forced to lead a high-profile investigation, along with detective Jan Meyer (Søren Malling), into the murder of 19-year old Nanna Birk Larsen.
The series makes for very compelling viewing. Each episode is another day in the investigation and there are plenty of twists and turns in the plot as well as numerous suspects. It's a very powerful drama. Yes, the theme of murder is dark and depressing, however the storyline advances little by little just as in a real investigation and it hooks the viewer into wanting to know more. The characters are all very believable so it's easy to get wrapped up in the story.
All the actors in this brilliant series are superb. Sofie Grabol is outstanding as Detective Sarah Lund. She's amazing to watch as she portrays the detective with an obsession for her work. It's almost possible to see her mind working as she examines each detail in the case. She's a fantastic actress!
The acting by Ann Eleonora Jørgensen as Pernille Birk Larsen, the mother of the murdered teenager, is simply astounding. The raw emotion she shows in every scene is mesmerizing. I forget she's acting because every nuance of her performance is so realistic. Bjarne Henriksen as her husband, Theis, is also excellent. Together, they create a very believable married couple who are coping with the grief of losing a daughter.
The political intrigue is yet another fascinating element to this story. Lars Mikkelsen as Troels Hartmann who is campaigning to be the mayor of Copenhagen, is very watchable indeed.
I love the way all the different threads of the story weave together, and the way it makes the viewer think about the clues and ponder about each possible suspect. And there are so many suspects!
The Killing was originally released in Denmark as "Forbrydelsen" ("The Crime") and was aired in Denmark in 2007. A second series was aired in Denmark in 2009, and a third series is being made which is due to be aired in Denmark in 2012. I'm hoping the BBC will decide to broadcast the second and third series too! [Edited to add: The BBC has confirmed that it has bought the second series and will show it later this year!]
An American remake is being produced but I really don't know why it's necessary. This drama has everything and the original is perfect as it is.
Highly recommended.
The Killing BBC 4, Saturday, 9:00 - 10:55pm
In Danish with English subtitles
(repeated on Wednesdays at 11pm)
The Killing 2007 - English Trailer Season One
Full cast list (via IMDb)
27 March, 2011
Edited to add:I have started another post about this brilliant series now that it has ended. We can discuss the show there and analyze the plot.Please post your thoughts about the ending to the series on this post:
The Killing: Did you watch the whole series? Discuss here
There are twenty episodes in total (spanning the course of a 20-day murder investigation) but the BBC is showing two episodes every Saturday. And the good news is that it's not too late to start watching the series, thanks to the BBC iPlayer (if you are in the UK). The series also helps viewers catch-up by showing clips from previous episodes at the beginning of each episode.
The Killing is an intense Danish crime thriller about Inspector Sarah Lund with the Copenhagen Police department. On the day Sarah is working her last shift before a planned move to Sweden with her boyfriend, Bengt, she is forced to lead a high-profile investigation, along with detective Jan Meyer (Søren Malling), into the murder of 19-year old Nanna Birk Larsen.
The series makes for very compelling viewing. Each episode is another day in the investigation and there are plenty of twists and turns in the plot as well as numerous suspects. It's a very powerful drama. Yes, the theme of murder is dark and depressing, however the storyline advances little by little just as in a real investigation and it hooks the viewer into wanting to know more. The characters are all very believable so it's easy to get wrapped up in the story.
All the actors in this brilliant series are superb. Sofie Grabol is outstanding as Detective Sarah Lund. She's amazing to watch as she portrays the detective with an obsession for her work. It's almost possible to see her mind working as she examines each detail in the case. She's a fantastic actress!
The acting by Ann Eleonora Jørgensen as Pernille Birk Larsen, the mother of the murdered teenager, is simply astounding. The raw emotion she shows in every scene is mesmerizing. I forget she's acting because every nuance of her performance is so realistic. Bjarne Henriksen as her husband, Theis, is also excellent. Together, they create a very believable married couple who are coping with the grief of losing a daughter.
The political intrigue is yet another fascinating element to this story. Lars Mikkelsen as Troels Hartmann who is campaigning to be the mayor of Copenhagen, is very watchable indeed.
I love the way all the different threads of the story weave together, and the way it makes the viewer think about the clues and ponder about each possible suspect. And there are so many suspects!
The Killing was originally released in Denmark as "Forbrydelsen" ("The Crime") and was aired in Denmark in 2007. A second series was aired in Denmark in 2009, and a third series is being made which is due to be aired in Denmark in 2012. I'm hoping the BBC will decide to broadcast the second and third series too! [Edited to add: The BBC has confirmed that it has bought the second series and will show it later this year!]
An American remake is being produced but I really don't know why it's necessary. This drama has everything and the original is perfect as it is.
Highly recommended.
The Killing BBC 4, Saturday, 9:00 - 10:55pm
In Danish with English subtitles
(repeated on Wednesdays at 11pm)
The Killing 2007 - English Trailer Season One
Full cast list (via IMDb)
27 March, 2011
Edited to add:I have started another post about this brilliant series now that it has ended. We can discuss the show there and analyze the plot.Please post your thoughts about the ending to the series on this post:
The Killing: Did you watch the whole series? Discuss here
Friday, February 4, 2011
Follow Friday: Feb 4, 2011
These are my recomendations for Follow Friday on Twitter today:
#FF @DonkeyPR about rescued donkeys at the largest Donkey Sanctuary in the world. Also fun to watch #Donkeycam http://bit.ly/b43ZtL Lovely!
#FF @jenniferehle Homeschooling mum of two, vegan and famous actress (recent role in The King's Speech). Thoughtful tweets.
#FF @greenroofsuk "biodiversity professional, green roof campaigner/designer,public speaker, ecosystems services & green roof trainer" Fab!
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
#FF @DonkeyPR about rescued donkeys at the largest Donkey Sanctuary in the world. Also fun to watch #Donkeycam http://bit.ly/b43ZtL Lovely!
#FF @jenniferehle Homeschooling mum of two, vegan and famous actress (recent role in The King's Speech). Thoughtful tweets.
#FF @greenroofsuk "biodiversity professional, green roof campaigner/designer,public speaker, ecosystems services & green roof trainer" Fab!
Follow Friday is an easy way for you to recommend other people to follow on Twitter. You simply tweet the names of Twitter users you like (preferably include a reason) and tag it with the hashtag: #followfriday or #FF.
West Wing Week: Jan. 28 - Feb. 3
West Wing Week: "Enter the Hub"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama focused on the innovation part of his plan for winning the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building the rest of the world, with events at Penn State and around Washington, D.C.
via The White House Blog
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama focused on the innovation part of his plan for winning the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building the rest of the world, with events at Penn State and around Washington, D.C.
via The White House Blog
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Manning: US/UK dual nationality (British citizenship inequality)
This article in the Guardian was brought to my attention yesterday via twitter:
Bradley Manning is UK citizen and needs protection, government told
Amnesty International asks government to intervene on behalf of soldier suspected of having passed US secrets to WikiLeaks
The article explains:
Manning is a UK citizen by descent from his Welsh mother.Susan Bradley was born in Oklahoma in 1987.
Further explanation about the nationality issue from the article:
Born in the US, he is a US citizen. But under the British Nationality Act of 1981, anyone born outside the UK after 1 January 1983 who has a mother who is a UK citizen by birth is British by descent.
"Nationality is like an elastic band: it stretches to one generation born outside the UK to a British parent," said Alison Harvey, head of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association in London.
Now, I realize the issue about how Manning is being treated in a maximum security military prison is a valid concern, and I can see why this news about his nationality has become a talking point, but for me personally, it has fueled my anger about British citizenship inequality.
I was born in the USA to a British mother but I can't claim automatic British citizenship by descent because I was born before 1983.
British citizenship for those of us born before 1983 to British mothers requires registration (application which can be denied) and attending a citizenship ceremony. Frankly, I find the application to be insulting. It requires two references to confirm "good character" for goodness sake!
It’s disgraceful that we must submit a form intended for immigrants and pay £80 for a citizenship ceremony. The registration form and ceremony are for those without a British parent. This path to citizenship is an insult and unjustified discrimination!
I have a right to automatic British citizenship which I'm entitled to via my British mum.
Bradley Manning is UK citizen and needs protection, government told
Amnesty International asks government to intervene on behalf of soldier suspected of having passed US secrets to WikiLeaks
The article explains:
Manning is a UK citizen by descent from his Welsh mother.Susan Bradley was born in Oklahoma in 1987.
Further explanation about the nationality issue from the article:
Born in the US, he is a US citizen. But under the British Nationality Act of 1981, anyone born outside the UK after 1 January 1983 who has a mother who is a UK citizen by birth is British by descent.
"Nationality is like an elastic band: it stretches to one generation born outside the UK to a British parent," said Alison Harvey, head of the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association in London.
Now, I realize the issue about how Manning is being treated in a maximum security military prison is a valid concern, and I can see why this news about his nationality has become a talking point, but for me personally, it has fueled my anger about British citizenship inequality.
I was born in the USA to a British mother but I can't claim automatic British citizenship by descent because I was born before 1983.
British citizenship for those of us born before 1983 to British mothers requires registration (application which can be denied) and attending a citizenship ceremony. Frankly, I find the application to be insulting. It requires two references to confirm "good character" for goodness sake!
It’s disgraceful that we must submit a form intended for immigrants and pay £80 for a citizenship ceremony. The registration form and ceremony are for those without a British parent. This path to citizenship is an insult and unjustified discrimination!
I have a right to automatic British citizenship which I'm entitled to via my British mum.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Google, Twitter launch "speak-to-tweet" service for Egypt
This is so cool:
Google Teams Up With Twitter And SayNow To Bring Tweeting-By-Phone To Egypt
As they’ve just announced on the Google Blog, the search giant has teamed up with the incoming SayNow team and Twitter to create a simple speak-to-tweet service for people currently engulfed in the turmoil in Egypt.
(link via TechCrunch)
No Internet connection is required. People can listen to the messages by dialing the same phone numbers or going to http://twitter.com/speak2tweet
(via GoogleBlog)
The last operating ISP was just shut down in Egypt so this service is vital for the protesting Egyptians to still stay connected.
Kudos to both Google and Twitter!!
Google Teams Up With Twitter And SayNow To Bring Tweeting-By-Phone To Egypt
As they’ve just announced on the Google Blog, the search giant has teamed up with the incoming SayNow team and Twitter to create a simple speak-to-tweet service for people currently engulfed in the turmoil in Egypt.
(link via TechCrunch)
No Internet connection is required. People can listen to the messages by dialing the same phone numbers or going to http://twitter.com/speak2tweet
(via GoogleBlog)
The last operating ISP was just shut down in Egypt so this service is vital for the protesting Egyptians to still stay connected.
Kudos to both Google and Twitter!!
Online crime maps for all streets in England and Wales
Crime Maps Will Make Police More Accountable
Detailed crime maps for England and Wales are being published by the Home Office - the first time anywhere in the world such information has been released.
(link via Sky News)
Type in your postcode at http://www.police.uk and find out what crime or antisocial behaviour has happened on your street.
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