Off topic

Dragon’s Den is one of TV’s most exciting opportunities for wannabe businessmen and women and they don’t get more successful than Levi Roots.  Remember him?

Back in 2007, Levi Roots, aka, Keith Valentine Graham, pitched his idea to the Dragons and won a whopping £50,000 funding for his now famous Reggae Reggae Sauce.

Roll on a few years and the company is now worth a cool £30 million.  Nice!

Levi is also putting his name to pizza with the help of the pizza delivery experts at Domino’s.

So are you ready to spice up your life and chill out with a Levi style pizza?

If you are, you better check out Domino’s because they’ve combined the famous sauce with the taste of the Caribbean: it’s full of roast chicken, tomatoes, green peppers, pineapple and 100% mozzarella cheese to boot.  If you’re vegetarian you need not fear, as a veggie version is available too with the addition of sweetcorn.  You can even order the veggie version as one of Domino’s ovenbaked subs,

The official launch of the pizza isn’t untill Monday 11th April, but if you want to be ahead of the times like us, why don’t you try it before then.  How?  All you need to do is check out the UK Facebook page here and click ‘like.’  This will take you straight to the website where you can order your yummy pizza at a super duper price of £9.99.

Here’s a picture of ours. 

Yum.

Like Levi says, it will “really bring out the reggae reggae in you.”

If pizza’s weren’t already in your Friday plans you better make sure the reggae Reggae one is now.

Ruth Rendell has criticised the graphic portrayal of violence on television. She has said, in an interview with The Daily Telegraph that she believes that some scenes are too explicit.

Do you agree?

“The crime on television at the moment is over-violent,” she said. “I don’t think it’s necessary. I don’t like it, and many people, not necessarily of my age, don’t like it.”

She continued: “The more you pander to what is, presumably, the taste of young people, the more you corrupt. I don’t think they want it, really – they are told they want it.”

“Why do we have to have violence, torture, brutality in crime dramas every time we turn on television? Any new crime drama is going to have, sooner or later, a lot of torture and nasty things that make people flinch. Lots of young people I know shrink and flinch from that kind of thing on television, so I think showing it is a mistake.

“It corrupts people because if they see it they get used to it, and, sadly, they expect it.”

Is she right though?

The fact is, more than ever, young people realise the power of the ‘off button’ or the ability to switch channel. Granted, they haven’t worked out the same rule applies to unpopular opinions online, but still.

The simple fact is, violence on-screen is a moot point because thanks to a world of options opening up online, you can watch whatever level of violence you like or, indeed, easily avoid it by watching the myriad on non-violent TV shows that are currently airing.

There is indeed a market for brutal television. Dexter would lack the visceral punch without some of the more grisly scenes… but by the same token, it wouldn’t be very popular if it was just a gorefest.

The main thrill of the show is the psychological riddles that a peppered throughout. By the same token, there are shows that simply try too hard by littering scenes with ultra-violence… and these tend to be ignored by everyone except those that want to complain about the level of gore on television.

What do you think?

In this week’s episode of the Atherton Project, brothers Dan & Gee try their hand at a local mid-week time trial road race, with their neighbour. It’s all part of their preparations for the next leg of the World Cup Series in Canada. Gee finds himself having to do some unexpected, and unwelcome, extra fitness training after a losing a bet to Dan. Upon arrival in Canada, Dan faces the reality that a triumphant return to downhill racing, may not yet be as easy as he hoped, whilst Gee struggles to break out of his podium rut….

Kickers have made friends with some rule-breakers, music makers and micky takers in their time and as you know this year they have carried on their antics and teamed up with the guys from Modern Toss and created ‘Random Bandits’ – a twisted take on the world that will make you feel good.
 
The films in the series have had you laughing out loud crying for more, but all good things must come to an end and the Random Bandits series has been as good as it gets.
So this new episode will sadly be the last (for the time being at least).
 
The good news is you’ll have the last laugh, as they’ve saved some of the funniest, rudest, twisted moments for this final episode, including a great Festival tip and some very strange antics with a saucepan!

It’s the perfect finale for all you Random Bandits and Modern Toss fans so head over to www.myspace.com/KickersUK hit that play button and prepare to be entertained.

I don’t know about you but I am certainly finding that there is not much worth watching on TV now.  In particular there is a shortage of drama programmes.  Besides the odd American import such as The Mentalist, CSI or Heroes the telly doesn’t have much to offer these days.

Certainly in the primetime slot of 8pm home grown drama seems to be limited to the soaps – be they nightly versions such as Eastenders and Hollyoaks or weekly versions such as Casualty and Waterloo Rd.  Otherwise the terrestrial broadcasters are offering reality TV (like 10 Years Younger) or informative programmes (like The Gadget Show). Both of which are much cheaper to make than quality dramatic productions.

True, many of the better drama shows don’t start till after the watershed. But even the dramatic offerings after 9pm are meagre at best.  There are a few things on the BBC such as the new All the Small Things, but not much else.  At the moment the only British-made drama programme I make a point of trying to watch is ITV’s Lewis, which is primarily due to the locations and acting.  

As the recession bites and budgets are cut, will broadcasters increasing fill our TV screen with cheap TV instead of well written and produced dramatic productions using talented actors?  I certainly hope that this isn’t the future for British TV.  But if the dire predictions for the future of ITV and Channel 4 (following the loss of advertising revenue) are to be believed, it looks like quality TV may be in for a tough time.  Even the BBC seems to be a bit short on ideas and enticing programmes at the moment.

I hope this dearth of engaging programmes it just a blip as the broadcasters settle into the spring schedule but fear that it may be the sign of things to come.

KICKERS PRESENTS RANDOM BANDITS WITH DIGITAL PUSH

Kickers, the classic footwear brand is launching Random Bandits, a series of short animated comedy sketches backed by an online campaign created by digital agency Holler.

In a deal with TV comedy show Modern Toss, Kickers has produced a series of three short animated comedy sketches featuring a mix of brand new and classic Modern Toss characters, oversized boots and flies mulling over some very bizarre celeb rituals.

The brand, synonymous with popular British culture, is using digital media to reaffirm itself with its target audience of 19-35 year olds.

Written and illustrated in typical satirical Modern Toss fashion, with guest voice-overs supplied by star of ‘The Office’ and Hollywood swashbuckler Mackenzie Crook, ‘Random Bandits’ will be full of funny sketches and skits that see characters from the films sending-up everything from entertainment, popular culture and even social networks. The campaign will go live on April 6th and run for three months.

The films are set to feature Shoe Horn, a footwear obsessed shopper, Dave Beeline, a rowdy driver who pointblank refuses to accept the existence of any places not recognised by his sat nav, and Flytalk the celebrity-gossiping insects.

To drive word of mouth they will premier exclusively on MySpace at www.myspace.com/KickersUK before being syndicated online. MySpace will be the official hub for all things Random Bandits and the profile will house all content and news about the films as well as information on Kickers products.

Social network spaces across Bebo, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook will also form part of the campaign.

Holler will also be working with a host of third party sites such as NME to run UGC promotions that will give listeners and readers the chance to have their music featured as the sound track to the films in the series.

Further partnerships with Aloud.Com and Nuts will also spread news of the films and drive views.

Exclusive Kickers Modern Toss limited edition Kickers shoes and branded IPods are also be created for promotions.

James Kirkham, managing partner, Holler said: “This campaign taps into Kickers high levels of credibility with both adults and aspiring teens. By creating excitement and offering genuinely meaningful content it should strike a cord”.

From its inception in the 1970s, Kickers now spans men’s, women’s and Kids shoes. The product has evolved to incorporate a heritage collection, infused with the identity of classic Kickers, as well as a fashion-forward collaboration.

With its 40th anniversary rapidly approaching, Kickers has been awarded Superbrand status by the Superbrand’s Council, and voted 2008 Footwear Brand of the Year by Maxim.

Ok, so this article is on the way. It’s coming soon…

I decided to write about a program I watched a couple of Months Back, It was on the Topic of Strict and Lenient Teachers.

I based it upon Facts and evidence from Willy Russel’s Our Day Out

Monday 21st September marked the opening of a large court hearing held over the ordeal concerning the teaching capabilities of Mrs Kay and the attitude, and professionalism of Mr Briggs. After a gruelling two day trial the verdict was eventually reached by the jury and judge. I personally thought that the sentence and the verdict were slightly controversial. Whilst in attendance of this trial to enable me to produce an accurate report on it, I felt that Mrs Kay was merely trying to be understanding towards the troubled children in which she tutored.

There were a number of reasons for Mrs Kay’s suspension and expulsion from the staff at her school which cannot be named for legal reasons. Mrs Kay’s prosecutors felt that Mrs Kay acted more like a friend to the children rather than a respected stature of authority. The side for the prosecution of Mr Briggs believed that his teaching methods were far too strict for the modern day teachings and needs of Mrs Kay’s progress class.

For the benefit of the important people (you the readers) I am going to describe each of the teacher’s relationships with the pupils and the points made by both sides.

Mrs Kay’s relationship with the children is one filled with laughs and jokes which make for fun and efficient learning for the children of her progress class, her friendly nature mean the children are able to trust her and discuss matters with her they wouldn’t discuss with Mr Briggs. This relationship with the children is vital for a teacher; it enables the pupils to feel trustworthy towards the teacher meaning they feel happier at school, safer at school and more eager to learn. Mrs Kay also has an effective relationship with her colleagues; this flaunts her friendly mannerisms and genuinely helping personality. There are numerous quotes made by Mrs Kay which support the theory of her kind nature (Brightly) “Good morning Mr Briggs” This evidence shows Mrs Kay is always polite and civilised to both Staff and pupils alike. Also some other quotes from the text show the children’s sense of trust towards Mrs Kay. (Shouting to a kid) “Maurice! Come away from that road will you?” (The Kid does so). Evidence such as this suggests although Mrs Kay’s caring nature is in place, it isn’t at the cost of authority over the children. Also although Mrs Kay may arouse as the sort of naïve person who is oblivious to the real world, she also is quite street-wise. We know this because “Because I wasn’t born yesterday, Brain Reilly, and if I don’t ask you for a note you’ll just hide behind the corner for ten minutes and say he said you could go”. This clearly shows the good relationship she has with the children means she knows the kind of things they do and the kind of children they are.

On the other hand, Mr Briggs relationship with the children is significantly different. All teachers have individual methods which they exercise in the classroom, although Mr Briggs’ methods would strike terror into the heart of even the most physiologically tough person. All of the children in the classes he teach are terrified of Mr Briggs’, sometimes this can be useful for dealing with severe cases of bad child behaviour and the only way of dealing with it is by excessive shouting and screaming. However for the majority of cases including the cases of the “Progress class” this isn’t at all necessary. Mr Briggs is often aggressive and nasty to the children and is unnecessarily strict with them, and considering that these children are often mentally damaged and very vulnerable to obscene comments often made by Mr Briggs. This creates tension between the pupils and the teacher which means that vital link and trust between them isn’t there. This means that the children find it difficult to ask for aid in there learning in fear of being shouted at for no good reason. There are numerous quotes from the text to support my theorem on Briggs’ abrupt behaviour towards both staff and pupils. (Begrudgingly) “Morning.” The fragment of dialogue which precedes this is Mrs Kay simply being polite and warm hearted by greeting Mr Briggs when she sees him. There is no need for his begrudging tone. Also when Mr Briggs barks at two children on the coach so sit down (barks) “SIT DOWN!” this is unnecessary and this situation could have been solved much easier by simply and politely asking the children to re-take their seats.

After these points were brought to the attention of the Judge and the Jury, questions were then asked to Carol, 13 who is currently a member of Mrs Kay’s Progress class. There were questions such as; “Do you think Mrs Kay is too lenient on the children in your class?” Carol then replied “No, I think that the children see her as a friend, as well as a teacher. Everyone in the class enjoys the lessons she teaches and feels like they can trust her.” The side for the prosecution of Mrs Kay then stood forth and continued to question Carol. “So Mrs Kay was more of a friend than a teacher” carol retaliated with “That’s not what I said” This seemed to be the Cherry on the cake for the Jury they then came to their conclusion and sentenced Mrs Kay to Expulsion from the board of teachers and her teaching qualifications revoked. I am sure that Mrs Kay feels that a miscarriage of justice has occurred and I most certainly do. I think that Mrs Kay was just looking for the best interest for the children. Mr Briggs clearly did not care in the slightest about the children. Mrs Kay will be a great loss to children, the school and the teaching scene.

Fancy winning £500 for yourself and £1,000 for a local project? then this is for you!

Anyone can enter this competition. You don’t have to be an established artist and there’s no age limit. You can enter as a group or individually. Check it out on itsyourcommunity.co.uk/art . Not only does the winning artist get their artwork displayed in one of the brand new O2 stores, they could also win £500 and a week’s work experience at an award winning London advertising agency.

Hi everyone,

Today we upgraded the site so if you notice any problems or anything weird, please let us know!

Thanks,
Rachel