Sunday, July 02, 2006
GAME OVER, ENDEMOL
An outbreak of unpleasantness on reality show Big Brother:
Ashley and John have been unceremoniously escorted from the Big Brother house after what can be described as feral - if not illegal - behaviour.
The producers of the show say only that the pair have been evicted over a “serious incident” but early morning viewers have been more graphic.
The producers - already under fire over Big Brother: Adults Only - are in damage control, shutting down the official Big Brother forums.
Damage control continues:
Producers Endemol Southern Star refused to say what the incident was ...
But details of the incident are already widely known; hit the “graphic” link above. Opposition leader Kim Beazley:
“If my advice is worth anything to the folk who run Channel 10, and how they choose to conduct themselves is their business, I’d say ‘make this Big Brother the last’,” he said.
Queensland Labor premier Peter Beattie doesn’t agree:
Queensland taxpayers will continue investing in the production of Big Brother, despite the program’s latest controversy ...
State Premier Peter Beattie says the financial incentive has helped secure lighting and camera jobs on the Gold Coast.
“We do not have enough television production in this country,” he said.
“And frankly I’m sick of the sort of American crap we get on our television every night and I don’t mind seeing a little bit of Australian rubbish - it can’t be any worse than the sort of American rubbish we see.”
Good call, Pete. Let’s remove West Wing from the ABC! Internet forums are running hot, while Big Brother now has viewers from outside the target demographic:
Footage of an incident which led to the removal of two contestants in the reality television show Big Brother will be reviewed by Queensland police, the Federal Government said today.
UPDATE. No charges: “A Queensland police spokesman says there is insufficient evidence at this stage for any criminal investigation.”
UPDATE II. A description of events.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
FRED TRUEMAN
The great Yorkshire and England fast bowler Fred Trueman has died at 75. He’d been diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year.
Trueman—the first player to claim 300 Test wickets—and scholarly fast-bowling partner Frank Tyson crushed Australia in the Ashes series of 1954/5. He was one of cricket’s most beloved figures.
CORRECTION. As Tim Curtin points out: “It was Statham not Trueman who partnered Tyson on the 54/55 tour.” Which is just as well, because the result would have been even worse than a 3-1 defeat. Trueman was a member of the 58/9 touring team.
IT’S ALL GLOBAL
Al Gore’s Center for the Doing of Science warns of the approaching global wettening crisis.
(Via the Mudville Gazette and reader Bruce H.)
BE THE FIRST IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
No longer amused by lawn jockeys? Tired of tyre swans? Well, why not decorate your yard with a cardboard Cindy:
(Note: may attract live moonbats)
CLICHE UTTERED
John Pilger on writing:
For years, I used to pore over my copy removing clichés. That made me the writer I am today.
RIDE THE ALLAH COASTER
Roll up, folks, to the First National Muslim Fun Day:
Britain’s biggest fun park has sparked a race row — with a MUSLIMS-ONLY day.
Up to 28,000 are expected at Alton Towers on September 17 when there will be no music, booze or gambling.
Instead there will be prayer areas, Muslim stalls and all food served will be HALAL.
Things could get interesting at Alton Towers if other scheduled visitors turn up early:
The Alton Towers and Thorpe Park theme parks are the latest venues trying to attract the lucrative “pink pound”.
Both will close their doors to the general public for a day in September to welcome gay men and women over 18.