What Entertains You in the Digital Age?

Willi's Guide to Glitz and Glamour 2.3

With a multitude of platforms to sample the latest entertainment offerings on, how do you get your kicks? Do you go to work listening to your music player or perhaps you watch the news on the move? On your lunch break, there's always the internet to browse through a range of programming and then the gadget savvy can come home and relax with a choice of hundreds of television channels. Whether it's 'Crimewatch', an old episode of 'Fawlty Towers' or a live football match, we're spoilt for choice.

This has now become the atypical 'day in the life' for the majority of us who consume different types of media. In the past, we may have sat at breakfast, leafing through the newspaper delivered every morning or flicked through a magazine. As our lives have become increasingly rushed, we're more likely to order a traveling latte while scrolling through online content on an iphone.

Amazingly, despite technological innovations, it's still possible to become bored with what's on offer. The website bored.com plies its trade online to help us fill the spare moments of the day. Of course, there are always advances to try and keep us entertained. New video games, new phones, new computers and new gadgets. According to the results of the 2008 Digital Entertainment Survey, '73% of people own digital cameras, while 62% own mobile phones that have access to the Internet; while near the bottom, only 27% have cable television and 9% use a Blackberry or PDA.' (in the UK) These figures may have changed in the last couple of years but the trends will probably remain the same.

We're a world who demand entertaining. Indeed, most sports are no longer treated as such by those 'consuming the product'. Rather, a new breed of fan demands to be entertained, seeking immediate gratification. In this digital age, some form of entertainment is never further than the click of a button. Compatability is key and the majority of platforms are interlinked to the extent that you can hook up a PC to a TV, browse the internet from a phone and take photos from a phone or digital camera, ready to be uploaded to a PC and then a digital frame. The digital age has brought incredible breakthroughs to both entertain and enrich our lives. For the innovators, boredom simply isn't an option.

The Falklands Oil Rush, Gordon the Bully and Ready, Teddy, Go!

Willi's News Review 2.3

Britain and Argentina continue to trade barbs as old arguments concerning the sovereignty of the Falklands Islands resurface. Recently, Argentina has demanded that all British ships docking in the south American country obtain permits. This follows oil exploration by Britain's Desire Petroleum around the South Atlantic Islands.

Although the Falklands are recognised as being a part of the Crown, Argentina has long disputed their sovereignty resulting in a short but bloody war in 1982 with Britain subsequently emerging victorious. Feisty Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has recently claimed at a summit in Mexico that she has the support of a number of Latin-American countries. No prizes for guessing that the Socialist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has already added his weight to Fernandezs' protestations.

Despite a round of patriotic chest-beating, both sides are aware of what's on offer should Desire's exploration prove successful. Britain has claimed the islands since holding them since 1833 and most of the islands inhabitants are of British descent. Argentina still asserts its rights to the Islas Malvinas, not that any of that will matter too much if the reported 400 million barrels of oil are found. Of course, the exploration could prove fruitless, in which case this tiny windswept corner of Blighty will soon be forgotten again. Find oil? Well, that'll be a whole new can of the proverbial worms.

The Conservatives may be losing some of their electoral lead to the Labour Party though they must have been rubbing their hands with glee when revelations about Prime Minister Gordon Brown hit the headlines this past weekend. Christine Pratt, head of the National Bullying Helpline alleged that Downing Street staff had contacted her organisation to express their dismay at the PM's leadership 'style' with some labelling him a 'bully'. Always there to deflect attention from the latest Labour PR disaster, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson defended the Prime Minister, whilst admitting that the leader of the country could be 'impatient, get angry and won't take no for an answer from his staff.'

The initial furoe centred on claims in a recently published book, "The End of the Party" by Observer journalist Andrew Rawnsley. Rawnsley's claims have been dismissed by No. 10. These allegations portray the PM as exuding the traits of an angry child rather than a reasonable and level-headed public figure. These include throwing a secretary out of her seat for not typing fast enough and punching the passenger seat of a car causing its occupier to emerge shocked and shaken. Four patrons, including Ann Widdecombe have resigned from the National Bullying Helpline fearing confidentiality was being breached by Mrs. Pratt's public outburst. Pratt and her husband have since hired PR guru Max Clifford, as they seek to substantiate their claims.

And finally...

If you've ever dreamed of sending your stuffed animal on a relaxing holiday and have someone escort them around the sights (obviously they'd have to be escorted! Ed), then wake up to the future.

Yes, a newly formed Czech travel agent, The Toy Traveling Agency will happily whisk your beloved teddy around the sights of Prague. Along the way, they'll take photographs of said animal as they take in the delights of Prague Castle or Charles Bridge. Following a successful appeal to businessmen on a Czech reality TV show, the idea has flourished, initially inspired by the film, "Amelie from Montmatre".

If you're already gasping with amazement, it gets better. For a handsome fee of between 90 to 150 Euros, your stuffed toy can enjoy the lap of luxury. The company's founders already claim that there is a huge interest in North America and Japan and these toy owners can ensure their teddy receives five-star treatment. The most expensive package offers a massage taking place on a special rug with a view of Charles Bridge. Your bear will be massaged by Mr. Hlavka, the genius behind the initial concept. There's only one thing you could add to a story like this...ready, teddy, go!

The Good and the Ugly; Wycombe Keep Fans Dreaming

Willi's Wycombe 2.1

Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.

Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.

From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.

Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.

Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.

Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.


WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.

Are Columnists Free to Offend? Has Everyone Gone Lady Gaga?

Willi's Guide to Glitz and Glamour 2.2

This week, I'll be looking at the debate surrounding the rejection of a complaint made to the Press Complaints Commission following Jan Moir's article on the death of Stephen Gately. Also, following her success at the 30th Brit awards, a number of the broadsheet literati began their own appreciation society devoted to New York diva, Lady Gaga.

Should columnists be given free reign to publish any opinion, no matter how inflammatory it may prove to be? Following Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir's article, in which she described the former Boyzone singer's death as 'strange, lonely and troubling', there was a public outcry by detractors who felt it contained homophobic undertones. Certainly the line where Moir dismisses the notion of a 'happy-ever after in civil partnerships' is close to the bone. Whatever the complaints, and there were 25,000 of them, the largest number in PCC history, the Commission argued that 'the price of freedom of expression is that commentators and columnists say things with which other people may not agree, may find offensive or may consider to be inappropriate. Robust opinion sparks vigorous debate: it can anger and upset.'

The campaign against Moir and her article was largely instigated by social networking groups using Facebook and Twitter, many whom the newspaper claim had not even read the article. There will be always be those who think that the Mail's staunchly right-wing commentaries are fair game for criticism. But as the Commission asserts, we should all be free to express those opinions. We cannot rule out that some people probably agreed with Moir. The likes of Jan Moir, Richard Littlejohn and John Gaunt, to name just a few, have strong opinions that can provoke intense emotional reactions. Likewise, with those on the left who may advocate the woman's right to choose, assisted suicide and be strongly in favour of greater immigration, opinions are always going to be divisive. At her worst, Jan Moir made sweeping generalisations and poorly constructed links to account for Gately's untimely death, such as stating that healthy men in their thirties simply don't just die. Despite these inaccuracies, opinion that does not incite hatred should be uncensorced, both in print and online.

Lady Gaga enjoyed a successful evening at this years Brit awards, collecting prizes for International Breakthrough, International Female Solo Artist and International Album. Commentators have made comparisons with Madonna and the 23-year-old is fast becoming a recognised style icon owing to her eclectic wardrobe. Comedian Peter Kay's jibe about Gaga being 'New York's answer to Su Pollard' may have been lost on the majority of the teeny-bop audience however it made me chuckle. I suppose we shouldn't complain. Gaga may be something of an annoying self-publicist, a self-styled visionary who may believe she boldly goes where no pop diva has gone before her, but at least she offers something new. Well, original in a post-modern sense anyway. It's a refreshing take on the old and the 23-year-old American appears to have some 'spunk' about her. In comparison, the microphone throwing antics of Oasis bad boy Liam Gallagher just looked a little sad. Though maybe everything we British try to do (Brits and BAFTAs) pales in comparison to the lavishness associated with our friends across the pond. (Grammys and Oscars). That appears to be the general consensus.

The Battle for Afghanistan, Bonuses are Back and Watch Out for Your Mate

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Willi's Guide to Glitz and Glamour 2.1

In this post-modern world, everything is essentially regurgitated, interchangeable and unoriginal. That doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. Though for example, when examining the Hollywood comedy club, you do notice there are a group of stars who often appear in each others films. You know the ones. Here's a list of just a few to refresh the memory: Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Paul Rudd, Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, the fat curly haired guy who appears in a lot of Seth Rogen films etc. The films they're in, though sometimes similar, do to an extent, have an originally funny voice and feel to them. That's certainly how I felt when watching "Anchorman" and "The 40 Year Old Virgin" around 5-6 years ago. Perhaps after one too many generic Ferrell, Rogen or Stiller flicks, the formula has gone stale. But the fact remains, the rotating faces of these films continue to attract and entertain big audiences.

In Britain, television's comedy elite offer up their smorgasbord of hilarity by appearing on a variety of panel-based game shows. The likes of David Mitchell, Bill Bailey, Russell Howard, Sean Lock, Jimmy Carr and...David Walliams who annoyingly simpers to the camera and plays at being camp to get a cheap laugh at every opportunity. With this type of show, there seems to be a danger that the comedians' own cult of personality threatens to cloud public opinion of their ability to tickle the nations funny bone. As viewers, we might enjoy their witticisms and observations on everyday life however there's a fine line between being considered amusing and grating on the audience.


The meandering point is, even though we may enjoy the comedy offerings we're currently served, from both Britian and the U.S, have they alll become a bit too samey? Where is the next great comic sitcom coming from? To me, modern examples such as 'Gavin and Stacey' don't cut it and whilst we can all buy the Christmas DVDs of a gaggle of comedians and see them work their magic on stage, what other platforms will we see them perform on besides pontificating on reality TV star and model Jordan spilling out of a nightclub or mocking the latest MP to get caught with his pants down? Admittedly stand-up comedian Jack Dee's creation, 'Lead Balloon', has displayed some creativity. The self-reflexive sitcom focuses on Dee's character and the travails of his life as a comedy writer and performer. Likewise with Hollywood comedy, what's next? America has sketch show 'Saturday Night Live' to spawn budding comic geniuses but what happens once that initial flush of the new fades away? Is Seth Rogen doomed to always be the effortlessly cool, pot-smoking, responsibility avoiding anti-hero? We've seen that in "40 Year Old Virgin"," Knocked Up", "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" and "Pineapple Express". Let's look to something authentic and original in this new comedy decade and hope for a re-birth of ideas to reinvigorate the laugh factory.

Willi's News Review 2.1

The story that has dominated the headlines this week shows no signs of going away as the media continue to pick over the carcas of John Terry's England career. The revelations surrounding Terry's private life have seen the England captaincy taken away from him by manager Fabio Capello and awarded to defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand. For those few who are unaware of the finer details of the controversy and ensuing media frenzy, it was revealed last week that married father Terry had an affair with French model, Vanessa Perroncel. Miss Perroncel also happened to be the ex-fiancee of former team-mate Wayne Bridge and it has also been claimed that Terry arranged for his mistress to have a back-door abortion.

Apparently Terry believes he can return as captain 'once the dust settles' and was also quoted as saying that he didn't think that the armband would be taken away from him when he entered the room with the England manager. Perhaps this is testament to the ingrained arrogance of a man who seemingly has little regard for the consequences of his actions, unless he is caught. Or maybe he, along with a few other commentators, believe that his transgressions off the pitch and moral lapses should have little influence on his position in the England team. If the latter is the case, Terry is certainly one thing-deluded.

The hype and vitriol directed towards Terry has been in overdrive and naive in its condemnation of the football fraternity and its material, sexually charged atmosphere. Though despite some of the overally pious critiques, there do remain valuable points behind some of the arguments to relieve Terry of his position of responsibility. The majority of the England squad have no doubt performed some kind of sexual macchination or other transgression so they probably won't be too bothered by the news of an affair. As a team, the national side are only together for a fraction of the year so keeping matters professional and minds focused on the game shouldn't be too much of an issue. The fact that Terry crossed a line in wronging a team-mate and friend will be the main cause of tension. Until Terry and Bridge reconcile in person, preferably with the squad in attendance to mediate or at least witness any potential act of forgiveness, there will surely be an underlying sense of unfinished business, a dark cloud of ill-feeling puncturing a thin veil of team spirit. Let's hope such a meeting occurs as soon as possible to offer footballing closure. In the meantime, let everyone else worry about the universal wrongs and truths of the lives of professional footballers and peform their own psychological evaluations in the vain hope of achieving moral equillibrium.

John Terry hasn't been the only newsworthy item this week. One lucky lady found half a dozen eggs, each with two yolks. Didn't you hear? Yes, this groundbreaking piece of news was found on page three of the Daily Mail just the other day. Fiona Exon, an art galley owner from Cumbria was astounded to find the batch of eggs when preparing breakfast. Although one can snigger at this seemingly trivial anecdote, the odds of such a find are an incredible one in a trillion. This golden nugget was verified by Kevin Coles, a spokeman for the British Egg Information Service. Yes, such an organisation does exist. One of their press releases even espouses the useful part eggs can play in helping to cure a hangover. Such an invaluable source of information deserves the exposure afforded by this cracking yarn.

Away from eggs, there was fishy business involving the 10 American missionaries from a church in Idaho who have now been charged with criminal conspiracy and kidnapping. The group were attempting to traffic 33 children, including some who weren't orphans but were left homeless following the recent earthquake, back to the United States. Allegedly some of the children's parents had offered their children to the group in the hope that they would receive a better quality of life and an education. The group could now face 15 years each multiplied by the amount of children kidnapped. They remain unrepetent with group leader Laura Silsby expecting them to be released with 'God's will' ensuring them a swift return home.

So what to make of this? It's a hugely sensitive issue in the first instance, even more so since the United States is the main driver of the relief effort. Should the group's intentions reflect on the whole of their country? Anti-US Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has already labelled America's leadership of the aid effort a form of covert colonisation. The Baptist group's intentions aren't intrinsically linked to the US mission in Haiti to provide relief and shouldn't be viewed in the same context. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already distanced the US government from the case, admitting that it is now in the hands of what still exists of the Haitian judicial system. This would appear a wise move with criticism not only coming from Socialist dictators directly opposed to the US but also from figures like Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. Although Mr. Frattini stated that he wasn't speaking in his official capacity, he did say that the 'U.S. military wasn't adept at co-ordinating a civilian humanitarian emergency.' The missionaries will now anxiously await their trial with bail unlikely to be granted.