The King's Speech

Having heard how well "The King's Speech" did at the Oscars last night I can't help but wonder if I'm missing something. Settling down to watch this film I was full of anticipation following the glowing reviews I'd read, but much to my disappointment I found it to be monotonous and painfully slow paced. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that a movie needs to be filled with sex, drugs and explosions to be entertaining but it just never seemed to get anywhere. Shamefully I only managed to watch the first hour before my thoughts drifted and I found myself pondering that all important question of what to have for dinner.

Still, the fact that the film makers chose to remain accurate to history rather than add in various ludicrous escapades which often make their way in to period dramas in the hope of "livening things up" must be applauded. It was a brave decision taken by the producers and one which provided the film with integrity. It's just a shame that the film couldn't have been compacted to improve the pace.

x

Vodafoney?

One of the UK's largest mobile phone networks was left in disarray today following an attack on its servers by vandals. Thousands of Vodafone customers were left unable to make or receive calls or text messages leaving many, including myself, feeling disgruntled and somewhat stranded to say the least. Although Vodafone can not be blamed directly for the break-in, I can't help but wonder why this prominent company has such lax security considering how, in this modern age, mobile communication is essential for many.

I was also deeply disappointed with the way in which the whole saga was handled once the network was down. Instead of attempting to filter information through to customers via email, many were left wondering what was going on. It wasn't long before social networking sites were flooded with complaints about the company's distinct lack of communication with one user labelling Vodafone "pathetic". Not great for an organization which prides itself on giving "power" to the customer?!

x

Hats off to the Chilean Miners

It was a bitter sweet moment which saw Elizabeth Segovia give birth to her long awaited baby girl on Tuesday. Although, predominantly joyous, the day must have been tinged with sadness for Ms

Segovia, as her husband, Ariel Ticona, was unable to attend the birth. But not without good reason, for he is one of 33 Chilean miners trapped within the bowels of the earth, and has not been able to see his pregnant partner for the past 40 days.

However, in a bid to involve Ticona as much as possible in the day, a video recording of the birth was created especially for him.

Fittingly, Segovia has decided to name the baby Esperanza, meaning hope in Spanish, after a request by Ticona, a move that was clearly supported by the other miners who could be heard chanting the baby's new name on a video link.

On a personal note, I would just like to say, how astonished I am by the strength of character, patience and high morale these men have been able to maintain throughout their traumatic ordeal. For them to tolerate each other and survive in such small quarters shows a high degree of true professionalism and determination.

These men embarked upon their dangerous job, knowing that they would receive pittance in return for their efforts. Now they have had to suffer such inhospitable conditions, that many people are shocked they are still alive and that their spirits remain so high. I, for one, would like to take my proverbial hat off to these remarkable men and wish Elizabeth, Ariel and Esperanza well!

x

Stig-mania *Sigh*

Gosh, how much more of this "Stig-mania" can we all take? It seems that not a day goes by without this "tame racing driver" making an appearance in the Nationals.

After years of secrecy and mystery it has finally been revealed that the Stig is, in fact, a fairly ordinary Bristollian called Ben Collins. Although, I must admit, I felt sightly disappointed that this intricate charade had come to such an abrupt end (not even the Top Gear presenters were aware of his true identity), does it really warrant such a media maelstrom? And I can't help but wonder who will foot the bill for the huge legal costs incurred by the BBC, in their desperation to stop Collins "spilling the beans" on his life as the Stig.

One thing is for sure though; all this fuss has generated a gargantuan amount of publicity for Top Gear. I doubt that, as claimed, the show will suffer a drop in ratings, considering that this saga has got most of the UK talking. On the contrary, the show will probably grow in popularity and entice more viewers than ever.

However, now Collins' has been unmasked, only time will tell if he can be as successful without the PR machine, that is the BBC, behind him.

x

Victoria Beckham - The Hypocrite?

Good on Victoria Beckham! She has announced that any model under a size 6 will be banned from modelling her clothes during New York fashion week. Victoria claims she wants her models to appear "realistic" in a bid to prevent young girl's being negatively influenced about body image.

However, one can't help but notice that this is all slightly, well, hypocritical considering Mrs Beckham's own rather slender frame. Surely, she can't be barely more than a size 6 herself? Which makes me wonder, is this just an easy way to generate PR for her otherwise fairly bland dynasty?

x

A day for reflection...

On a more sombre note, it is exactly 9 years to the day that America fell victim to a national tragedy. I am, of course, talking about 9/11. Over the many years that have passed since this atrocity, there has been much comment, much debate, conjecture and conspiracy.

Out of respect for the victims, I for one do not want to theorise over what might or might not have occurred on that fateful day. Instead, I just have a simple message: RIP to all the victims and strength to all those affected. May no other country ever have to suffer such a terrible affliction, may no more innocent people have to grieve.

x

The Wayne and Coleen Show...

Is it just me or is anyone else sick and tired of this trashy duo? Don’t get me wrong, I feel sorry for the girl, but for the life of me I cannot see what possessed Coleen to date this mini-shrek in the first place. She is a stunning woman and has clearly been successful on her own, so why does she feel the need to stand by him, especially now she is making her own independent way in the world?

Ultimately it is their fame, and his ludicrous pay cheques which have probably led to their downfall, but having their faces in the papers everyday probably isn’t helping the situation. As annoying as they are, like all people going through a crisis it would probably be easier for them if they weren’t under the constant glare and scrutiny of the media spotlight. And let’s face it, wouldn’t it be nice for us "Jo public" to have a nice rest from the ghastly Wayne and Coleen show!

x