Midsomer Murders producer Brian True-May’s comments about the whiteness of the show’s village are wildly insulting to all viewers What do incest, blackmail and homosexuality have in common? They’re all ideal Sunday evening television storylines according to the suspended Midsomer Murders producer Brian True-May . Race, however is not. True-May gave an interview to this week’s Radio Times in which he argued that his quaint little show would be ruined if it was forced to shoehorn in ethnic minorities characters. “We just don’t have ethnic minorities involved. Because it wouldn’t be the English village with them. It just wouldn’t work,” he said. It is of course true that the majority of Britain’s ethnic minority population live in urban areas – according to the last census 45% of the non-white population live in London with most (but by no means all) of the rest in major cities like Birmingham, Leeds and Leicester. When the results of the new census come back it’s fairly safe to assume they will show that the nation’s non-white population continues to live mainly in urban areas, while the countryside remains a largely (though by no means exclusively) white environment. So True-May’s factual point that there are few non-whites in the countryside is fair. Where his argument takes a sinister turn is his claim that Midsomer is “the last bastion of Englishness and I want to keep it that way”. Leaving aside that no one seems to be able to define what “Englishness” actually is (presumably it doesn’t include Welshness, Scottishness, or Cornish pasties ), True-May’s comments highlight his own creative shortcomings and are also wildly insulting to his audience. He is effectively telling black viewers (and actors) Midsomer is not for them, while simultaneously assuming the show’s viewers are as small minded as he is. “I’m trying to make something that appeals to a certain audience, which seems to succeed. And I don’t want to change it,” said True-May. His argument seems to be: “Ridiculously improbable murders: Fine. Believable non-white characters? They’d never stand for it, and neither would I.” It’s a fact that people like to see themselves represented on screen, and in this respect middle aged white men are no different to the rest of us – after all, David Cameron famously claimed it was his favourite television programme – but is he really saying that black characters have no place on screen in anything other than gritty urban drama? If the viewer can suspend their belief enough to believe that the sleepy village of Midsomer is a hotbed of adultery and murder, surely they’d be able to believe in well-rounded non-white characters? Has True-May really never seen a black person in wellies? And even if he hasn’t, does he really think his viewers would switch off in droves if he were to up the melanin a little? Please don’t insult our intelligence with cries of “it’s not authentic”. Neither are your plot lines but that doesn’t stop you. The idea that TV is so overrun with black characters that Midsomer Murders is representing a much neglected white viewer is ridiculous. What True-May seems to be saying is that non-white characters just wouldn’t “fit in”. That some white people think this is not news to black people. In another TV debacle only a couple of weeks ago the locals of the Yorkshire village of Grassington told black Londoners Phillip and Simone the same thing as part of Channel 4′s Love Thy Neighbour series. The only difference being that Phillip and Simone are real people. When will TV types realise that a non-white character gives you more creative leeway, not less. Race adds an extra dimension to a character. Black characters don’t have to be sitting at the table discussing the Brixton riots every episode, you can still do all the usual incest, blackmail, adulterous stuff but you have whole other world of storylines too. Black characters enhance drama, rather than restrict it. One of the most moving pieces of radio I’ve ever heard was when the Archers’ Usha Gutapa realised who was responsible for racist attacks on her. That storyline was more than 15 years ago – if Ambridge can manage, surely so can Midsomer. If I was inclined to give True-May the benefit of the doubt, I’d say it’s clear he believes he’s simply giving his viewers what they want, which begs the question, does he think Midsomer fans are racist? Television Television industry Race issues Race & religion ITV Hannah Pool guardian.co.uk
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Shrien Dewani granted bail extension on condition he is sent to Bristol psychiatric hospital A British businessman accused of plotting his wife’s murder while they honeymooned in South Africa is to be admitted to the Priory psychiatric hospital. Shrien Dewani, 31, has been on bail at his family home in Bristol, but South African authorities, who want to extradite him, fear he could try to harm himself after allegedly taking an overdose of pills last month. Lawyers for both sides agreed that Dewani, who is said to have severe post-traumatic stress syndrome, should be admitted to the Priory in Bristol . He remains subject to £250,000 bail and strict conditions, including a curfew. Ben Watson, representing the South African authorities, told Belmarsh magistrates court in south-east London he would not oppose bail for Dewani if he were admitted to the Priory. Watson claimed last month’s incident – in which Dewani took 46 tablets including diazepam – could “probably be categorised as a deliberate overdose, given the medical material the court now has”. Julian Knowles QC, for Dewani, referred to a psychiatric report by Professor Nigel Eastman in which the expert suggested it was “unlikely [Dewani] intended to kill himself on this occasion”. “He [Eastman] accepts that, whatever happened or didn’t happen, there is plainly some risk of self-harm here. His conclusion is that Mr Dewani will be better treated and get better quicker at the Priory.” Knowles said Dewani consented to the bail conditions but said he found it difficult to report to the police because he was “taunted” by the media. Wearing jogging bottoms and a zip-up navy blue jumper, Dewani, who strongly denies involvement in his wife’s murder, looked dishevelled and unshaven for the court appearance. He spoke only to confirm he had understood what had happened. District Judge Howard Riddle ruled that from Wednesday morning Dewani must remain at the Priory. Riddle said: “I am going to bail you with the variation that I hope you understand. You must understand these conditions because if you don’t comply with them, you will lose your bail.” Dewani’s wife, Anni, 28, was shot after a taxi the couple were travelling in was apparently hijacked in the Gugulethu township on the outskirts of Cape Town in November. She was found dead in the back of an abandoned taxi next day with a bullet wound to her neck. Taxi driver Zola Tongo initially said his vehicle was seized by armed men and he and Dewani were ejected before Mrs Dewani was driven away and killed. After a plea bargain was agreed, Tongo, 31, claimed Dewani offered him money to arrange the killing. He was given a reduced sentence of 18 years in jail. The Priory in Bristol opened in 1994. It has residential facilities for 38 people “requiring inpatient care for more severe psychiatric illness such as depression, psychotic illness or eating disorders”. Dewani murder case South Africa Crime Steven Morris guardian.co.uk
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Biz Stone to become ‘strategic adviser for social impact’ but will keep his job at Twitter Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, is to join the Huffington Post as the new media firm adds big names to its roster following its $315m (£196m) takeover by AOL. Stone, who will keep his job at Twitter, will act as “strategic adviser for social impact” and will work across the Huffington Post Media Group and the rest of AOL’s assets. The company said Stone would be working to develop a platform to help people share their work in their local community. He will also create a video series about people and companies at the “forefront of philanthropy and corporate responsibility”. The news comes days after AOL announced it will cut 900 jobs, 20% of its workforce, as it struggles to compete for advertising with Google and Facebook and continues to lose paying subscribers. The sackings include 200 US jobs in content production. Last month AOL announced a 26% drop in revenues as its dial-up internet access business continues to decline and ad sales failed to make up the difference. Advertising revenue fell 29% in the last reported quarter compared to a 30% rise at Google. Chief executive Tim Armstrong said 2011 would be “the year we stop working on the turnaround and start working on the comeback”. Armstrong has said his strategy is to concentrate on content and in February he made his boldest move to date buying the Huffington Post . Its founder Arianna Huffington now heads all of AOL’s editorial operations and has already moved to recruit bigger names. Eleven new recruits were announced this week including former New York Times and Los Angeles Times editor John Montorio, who will be culture and entertainment editor, and Howard Fineman, a former analyst for NBC and MSNBC, who will become editorial director of the group. Stone said: “The definition of success is changing as we begin to understand the value of helping others. Arianna and Tim share my vision for aligning corporate resources toward meaningful change.” He said his goal in teaming up with AOL was to “rally companies to think about new ways of doing business, share best practices, and strive for positive impact at all levels – from global to local.” Huffington said: “Since one of our key goals is to explore and spotlight innovative ways that our company – as well as others – can do good, I’m thrilled that Biz Stone will be our strategic partner in this important endeavour.” Biz Stone Huffington Post Digital media Twitter Internet Blogging AOL United States Arianna Huffington Dominic Rushe guardian.co.uk
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Social enterprises and local volunteers are helping Britain’s lidos fight off closure Rowena Hoseason was dismayed when she discovered Cornwall county council planned to axe its subsidy for Bude sea pool. “When the council withdrew funding for the sea pool, people here were horrified,” she says. The open-air pool built into the rocks at Summerleaze beach in Bude, Cornwall, is one of around 30 tidal pools remaining in the UK – but at 90m long, its size makes it particularly special. “It has been an important part of the community for 80 years,” Hoseason explains. Since the 1930s the pool has provided local people and tourists with a safer outdoor swimming location than the untamed Atlantic. The total cost of running the pool each year is £47,000, but last year Cornwall council announced plans to withdraw its funding in an emergency budget. Hoseason, who runs a publishing company in Bude with her husband, says she chose to move there from London 10 years ago specifically because of the pool. Between April and October she swims two or three times a week. “It’s gorgeous,” she says. Until a few years ago, 80-year-old Pat Walker swam there every day. “It’s a part of Bude,” she says. “It’s beautiful.” Bude sea pool’s situation echoes what has happened at many of Britain’s outdoor pools and lidos in recent years, when they have often seemed easy pickings for councils looking to cut costs. Historic lidos such as Saltdean near Brighton and Broomhill in Ipswich have not been able to rely on authority money for some time, and concerns have recently been raised about the future of the pools at Aldershot in Hampshire, Brynamman in Carmarthenshire and Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire. But rather than lose their pool, some supporters have formed trusts or social enterprises to take over their management. These organisations apply for grants and donations, but are also well-placed to exploit local knowledge to find innovative, site-specific funding solutions. As a result of vociferous campaigning , Bude has won a temporary reprieve. Cornwall county council agreed in February to fund the pool for a further year to enable the local community to take control. In Penzance, the Friends of the Jubilee Pool supporters group was instrumental in persuading the council to save and renovate the pool in the 1980s. But fears for its future have not yet been banished. Cornwall council wants to reduce the pool’s funding – by £40,000 in 2011 – and hand control to a community group by 2014. Supporters of Sandford Parks lido in Cheltenham formed a charitable trust that took over the pool in 1996. The pool’s grounds are used to put on films and plays alongside triathlons and other events. Part of the site is leased to a private gym, and the management works with volunteering charities and the Community Payback scheme to carry out maintenance. These community-run lidos, then, might be a working model for the government’s “big society”: by devolving control, authorities save on operating costs, while users have a say in how the facility is run. And the community as a whole is strengthened through the process of collaboration. Last week a working group met to plan a community takeover of Bude sea pool and six people put themselves forward as committee members. Hoseason, who will chair the group, says: “The first task is to decide which model of organisation is best. Then we can bring in the next layer of people. It would be more practical if the council carried on running it, but I suspect its long-term future will be much more secure if it’s in the hands of the locals.” Supporters are determined not to charge for entry, but have discussed options such as increasing charges at the nearby car park, putting donation boxes near the pool or in local shops, running an ice-cream kiosk and cloakroom service, and possibly leasing the site for a cafe. Fundraising concerts and beach parties have been suggested, and councils have also pledged financial support. “There is an acknowledgement that Bude does pull people down to this area,” says Hoseason. In Penzance, Martin Nixon, chair of
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Type: Video Games Title: Xbox 360 Wireless Controller – White See all customer reviews Product Description: designed for Xbox 360 game console * 2.4GHz wireless technology with 30-foot range * up to four controllers can be used with one console * built-in headset port for Xbox LIVE® * Xbox 360 Guide button lets you easily access your games and other media, and turn the console on or off * Features: 2.4GHz wireless technology with 30-foot range built-in headset port for Xbox LIVE® See the details
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Snookie at Wrestlemania 27, Drew Carey In HOF, Morrison & Ziggler devalued WWE Raw Review 3/14/11 JR Returns- Snookie & Trish Stratus WWE Touts “Snooki ‘Mania,” Update On Brian Christopher & More (READ DESCRIPTION) Ring Posts: Drew Carey to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame – WWE … WWE announced today that comedian Drew Carey – the current host of the long-running game show – will be inducted into the celebrity wing of the HOF during the ceremony on April 2. I know a lot of fans hate the whole celebrity wing deal, … Drew Carey , Snooki part of WrestleMania 27 Weekend – MiamiHerald … Drew Carey , Snooki part of WrestleMania 27 Weekend MiamiHerald.com. The bombastic Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi will wrestle live on pay-per-view at WrestleMania XXVII on Sunday, April 3 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. … Drew Carey to Enter WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame – Celebs News It does sound strange, but Drew Carey is going to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month. Carey will join other non-wrestler celebs who shar… Slight Change To The Hall Of Fame, Drew Carey – WrestleSite.com WWE.com has added Drew Carey to its Hall of Fame inductees section. Drew Carey ´s Improv-a-Ganza premieres April 11 – Spoilers and review Ryan Stiles, Brad Sherwood, Greg Poops, Colin Mochrie and Wayne Brady getting back together with Drew Carey on an improv show. I have been waiting for this. gjdoyle112 says: Drew Carey in HOF? Snooki at WM XXVII? At least WWE ain't havin 1 minute world title matches.
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Up to 181,000 migrants are living in Britain on visas that have expired over the last two years, the National Audit Office says There are as many as 181,000 migrants living in Britain on visas that have expired over the last two years, according to Whitehall’s spending watchdog. A National Audit Office (NAO) report published today says the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) fails to carry out its own checks on whether overstayers have left the country and instead relies on employers to police their own staff. The NAO says that the new points-based immigration system has been a welcome simplification of the previous labyrinthine work visas system, but it cannot yet ensure proper controls over migration or meet Britain’s needs for skilled labour. The report says that while 80% of those who applied through “tier one”, the most highly skilled route, are working in appropriate jobs, most of the skilled migrants who came through “tier two” are not currently working in jobs in national shortage occupations. UKBA still lacks the ability to identify easily individuals whose visas have expired and does not do enough to check that migrants leave Britain if they have no right to remain, the report adds. One UKBA region has contacted applicants whose visas have not been renewed and encouraged about 2,000 to leave since 2009, but “while UKBA has some contact details for an estimated 181,000 failed applicants overall, it cannot be sure how many have left the UK,” the report says. The Whitehall auditors say that the points-based system is not yet delivering value for money. The report says that the development of the computer system at the heart of the programme has had a chequered history. An initial forecast of potential savings was downgraded from £224m to £65m. The supplier, Fujitsu, initially underestimated the complexity of the project, while UKBA paid the company £4m in 2007 to develop applications that were not used. The NAO says that further improvements are still needed. Margaret Hodge, chair of the Commons public accounts committee, said that part of the problem was that UKBA relied on employers to police their own employees. Damian Green, the immigration minister, said the report highlighted why the government was introducing radical reforms. “We are committed to reintroducing exit checks by 2015. Counting people in and out of the country will give us better control over those that overstay,” he said. Immigration and asylum Damian Green Alan Travis guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Up to 181,000 migrants are living in Britain on visas that have expired over the last two years, the National Audit Office says There are as many as 181,000 migrants living in Britain on visas that have expired over the last two years, according to Whitehall’s spending watchdog. A National Audit Office (NAO) report published today says the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) fails to carry out its own checks on whether overstayers have left the country and instead relies on employers to police their own staff. The NAO says that the new points-based immigration system has been a welcome simplification of the previous labyrinthine work visas system, but it cannot yet ensure proper controls over migration or meet Britain’s needs for skilled labour. The report says that while 80% of those who applied through “tier one”, the most highly skilled route, are working in appropriate jobs, most of the skilled migrants who came through “tier two” are not currently working in jobs in national shortage occupations. UKBA still lacks the ability to identify easily individuals whose visas have expired and does not do enough to check that migrants leave Britain if they have no right to remain, the report adds. One UKBA region has contacted applicants whose visas have not been renewed and encouraged about 2,000 to leave since 2009, but “while UKBA has some contact details for an estimated 181,000 failed applicants overall, it cannot be sure how many have left the UK,” the report says. The Whitehall auditors say that the points-based system is not yet delivering value for money. The report says that the development of the computer system at the heart of the programme has had a chequered history. An initial forecast of potential savings was downgraded from £224m to £65m. The supplier, Fujitsu, initially underestimated the complexity of the project, while UKBA paid the company £4m in 2007 to develop applications that were not used. The NAO says that further improvements are still needed. Margaret Hodge, chair of the Commons public accounts committee, said that part of the problem was that UKBA relied on employers to police their own employees. Damian Green, the immigration minister, said the report highlighted why the government was introducing radical reforms. “We are committed to reintroducing exit checks by 2015. Counting people in and out of the country will give us better control over those that overstay,” he said. Immigration and asylum Damian Green Alan Travis guardian.co.uk
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Bill introduces ‘public interest’ defence, aims to end ‘libel tourism’ and signals end to use of juries in most libel trials The government on Tuesday unveiled sweeping changes to the libel laws aimed at protecting freedom of speech and bringing an end to so-called “libel tourism” from abroad. Ken Clarke, the justice secretary, published a draft bill that includes a new “public interest” defence which can be used by defendants in defamation cases and a requirement that claims can demonstrate substantial harm before they can sue. The bill will also signal an end to the use of juries in libel trials apart from in exceptional circumstances, and aims to end libel tourism by making it tougher to bring overseas claims which have little connection to the UK in the English courts. Clarke, unveiling the draft bill on Tuesday alongside minister of state for justice Lord McNally, said the bill would “ensure that anyone who makes a statement of fact or expresses an honest opinion can do so with confidence”. “The right to speak freely and debate issues without fear of censure is a vital cornerstone of a democratic society,” he added. “In recent years, though, the increased threat of costly libel actions has begun to have a chilling effect on scientific and academic debate and investigative journalism.” The bill includes a new statutory defence of truth which will replace the current common law defence of justification. It also includes a statutory defence of honest opinion replacing the current common law defence of fair and honest comment. In a bid to stamp out libel tourism, a court will not accept jurisdiction unless satisfied that England and Wales is “clearly” the most appropriate place to bring the action against someone who does not live in the UK or an EU member state. The bill will also remove the presumption in favour of jury trial as part of a series of measures to cut costs and speed up court cases. The government has also begun a consultation on issues not covered by the draft bill, including responsibility for publication on the internet. It will ask whether the law should be changed to give greater protection to secondary publishers such as internet service providers and discussion forms. More details soon… •
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Bill introduces ‘public interest’ defence, aims to end ‘libel tourism’ and signals end to use of juries in most libel trials The government on Tuesday unveiled sweeping changes to the libel laws aimed at protecting freedom of speech and bringing an end to so-called “libel tourism” from abroad. Ken Clarke, the justice secretary, published a draft bill that includes a new “public interest” defence which can be used by defendants in defamation cases and a requirement that claims can demonstrate substantial harm before they can sue. The bill will also signal an end to the use of juries in libel trials apart from in exceptional circumstances, and aims to end libel tourism by making it tougher to bring overseas claims which have little connection to the UK in the English courts. Clarke, unveiling the draft bill on Tuesday alongside minister of state for justice Lord McNally, said the bill would “ensure that anyone who makes a statement of fact or expresses an honest opinion can do so with confidence”. “The right to speak freely and debate issues without fear of censure is a vital cornerstone of a democratic society,” he added. “In recent years, though, the increased threat of costly libel actions has begun to have a chilling effect on scientific and academic debate and investigative journalism.” The bill includes a new statutory defence of truth which will replace the current common law defence of justification. It also includes a statutory defence of honest opinion replacing the current common law defence of fair and honest comment. In a bid to stamp out libel tourism, a court will not accept jurisdiction unless satisfied that England and Wales is “clearly” the most appropriate place to bring the action against someone who does not live in the UK or an EU member state. The bill will also remove the presumption in favour of jury trial as part of a series of measures to cut costs and speed up court cases. The government has also begun a consultation on issues not covered by the draft bill, including responsibility for publication on the internet. It will ask whether the law should be changed to give greater protection to secondary publishers such as internet service providers and discussion forms. More details soon… •
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