January 1, 2010

Happy New Year, no Happy New Decade – but what decade are we in? –
A decade with no name – The Twenty-tens? The Deccies? The Tennies? The Onesies?
All logos 2500x600 small text v2 cropped

– The world’s financial markets are in the middle of the worse recession since the Twenties.

– Barack Obama is President of the US and Gordon Brown is Prime Minister of the UK.
US_President_Barack_Obama_taking_his_Oath_of_OfficeBarack Obama

– Pamela Anderson suffers a “wardrobe malfunction” in Hollywood and David Tennant hands over Doctor Who’s screwdriver to Matt Smith. Stephen Fry (temporarily) quits Twitter.
Pamela-AndersonPamela Anderson

– Scientists at Kings College, London reveal that the G-spot doesn’t actually exist.
Pleasuring_herself

It’s not a great start to the decade but, as D:Ream sang 6 years earlier, things can only get better… can’t they? Read on…

Video of the Day –

Robbie Maddison New Years Eve jump 2009 in Las Vegas

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February 6, 2010

Top News Stories –

UN to discuss Air Traffic Control for outer space –
An international air traffic control for outer space should be set up to prevent damage to satellites and spacecraft orbiting the Earth, according to proposal to be discussed at the United Nations next week. There are thought to be more than 19,000 pieces of debris larger than 4 inches across racing around the Earth at high speeds, while there are more than 500,000 bigger than a postage stamp. The number of particles smaller than this are thought to exceed tens of millions. Despite their relatively small size, most are travelling faster than 15,600mph and at these speeds a fleck of paint could do as much damage as a .22-calibre rifle bullet. [Daily Telegraph]

Treo the dog awarded animal VC –
A heroic military dog is to be honoured with the animal version of the Victoria Cross. Treo, an eight-year-old black Labrador, saved countless lives in Afghanistan last year by locating hidden roadside bombs. The search dog twice saved soldiers and civilians from catastrophe while out on patrol in Helmand province by sniffing out explosives which had been wired together in a daisy chain and hidden in the path. The medal was created by leading veterinary charity the PDSA and is recognised as the highest award an animal can receive for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. (See List of the Day for human honours) [Daily Telegraph]

Cat owners ‘more educated than dog owners’ –
Cats have long been thought to be cleverer than dogs – and now it seems the same is true of their owners. People with cats are more likely to have university degrees than those with dogs, according to a scientific survey of pet ownership. The study also revealed that the combined cat and dog population of Britain is more than 20.8 million – 50 per cent higher than previously thought. Researchers at the University of Bristol say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to the famously cunning and selfish pets. Rather, more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.[Daily Telegraph]

Video of the Day –

flight patterns from Charlie McCarthy on Vimeo.

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July 5th 2014

Petra Kvitova wins Wimbledon Ladies title –
Czech Petra Kvitova beats Canadian Eugenie Bouchard to win the Wimbledon Ladies singles title in just 55 minutes 6-3 6-0.
Petra_Kvitova>Petra Kvitova
Eugenie_BouchardEugenie Bouchard

Sexy tennis dress sold for £15,000 –
Items featured in the 1970s Tennis Girl poster that sold over 2 million copies have been auctioned for £15,000. The tennis racquet from the photo, the dress, a 1979 poster and a 1980s limited edition canvas print had a guide price of just £2,000. The picture of Fiona Butler lifting her tennis dress to reveal her bare bottom was taken by her then boyfriend Martin Elliot at Birmingham University in 1976 and sold by Athena.

The tennis racquet from the photo, the dress, a 1979 poster and a 1980s limited edition canvas print

The original Tennis Girl image. Copyright is owned by Martin Elliott


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December 13, 2014

Ben Haenow wins X Factor 2014 –
Ben Haenow has been named this year’s UK X Factor winner after going head-to-head with Fleur East in the 2014 final at Wembley Arena. The singer from Croydon, south London, was chosen by a public vote with over 10 million votes cast. Mel B the former Spice Girl and one of the four judges, missed the final due to illness. Tulisa Contostavlos stood in as her replacement.
Melanie_BMel B

FIFA dismiss complaints over report –
A complaint by US lawyer Michael Garcia who spent two years investigating World Cup corruption claims for Fifa has been dismissed by football’s governing body. Garcia’s findings were released as a 42-page summary by FIFA-appointed independent judge Hans-Joachim Eckert. Garcia said his summary was “incomplete and erroneous”. There have been calls to release the full report in the wake of Garcia’s complaint, but FIFA president Sepp Blater has said it cannot do so for legal reasons.
2014_FIFA_Announcement_(Joseph_Blatter)_Sepp Blatter at the 2014 FIFA Tournament Announcement in 2007

Indecent proposal –
A Dutchman’s attempt at a romantic wedding proposal using a mobile crane has resulted in the crane falling over and smashing into a neighbour’s roof. The man had rented a crane in the central town of Ijsselstein to descend in front of his girlfriend’s bedroom window, play her a song and ask her to marry him. Despite the disaster, in which no-one was hurt, his girlfriend accepted his offer.

Video of the Day –

Our Streets –

OUR STREETS from Jared Rosenthal on Vimeo.

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January 26, 2015

Top News Stories –

Greek parties form anti-austerity coalition –
The winner of yesterday’s election in Greece, the far-left Syriza party won 149 seats, just two short of an absolute majority. It has formed an anti-austerity coalition right-wing party, the Greek Independents led by Panos Kammenos.
Discours de Panos Kammenos (cropped)Panos Kammenos, leader of the Greek Independents

Greek F-16 crashes at Spanish airbase –
A Greek F-16 jet “lost power” during take-off at the Los Llanos airbase in Albacete in central Spain and crashed into a number of parked planes and ground crew. Ten people have died including the two pilots of the plane.

Demis Roussos dies –
Demis Roussos, a Greek singer who sold more than 60 million albums worldwide most during the 1970s and 1980s has died aged 68 in Athens. He was best known for solo hits including Forever and Ever, Goodbye and Quand je t’aime as well as writing the soundtrack to the film Abigail’s party.
Demis Roussos in Baku 2

Video of the Day –

Light Goes On from Darren Pearson on Vimeo.

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January 31, 2015

Top News Stories –

Whitney Houston’s daughter accident –
Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of late American singer Whitney Houston is found unconscious in a bath in a house in Roswell, Georgia. She was taken to a hospital in Roswell where she was said to be breathing. Her mother was found dead in a bath on February 11th 2012 of accidental drowning due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease.
Flickr Whitney Houston performing on GMA 2009 5
Bobbi Kristina Brown and Whitney Houston in 2009

Cumberbatch and Fry sign petition to pardon gays –
Benedict Cumberbatch and Stephen Fry sign an open letter requesting the government to pardon 49,000 men who were prosecuted for being gay. Family members of the World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing who was convicted of gross indecency in 1952 (and later committed suicide in 1954) also signed the petition. Cumberbatch played Turing in the film “The Imitation Game”.
Benedict Cumberbatch at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2014
Benedict Cumberbatch

Balloon flight record broken –
Balloon pilots American Troy Bradley and Russian Leonid Tiukhtyaev complete their crossing of the Pacific in a helium filled balloon with a sea landing off Mexico after 6 days flying from Japan. They claim to have beaten the world distance and duration records by flying for more than 137 hours and travelling more than 5,209 miles (8,383km).

Serena Williams wins 19th grand slam title –
Serena Williams beats fellow American Maria Sharapova to win the Australian Open tennis title. Williams’ 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) victory gives here a 19th grand slam crown out of 23 finals – the best percentage performance in either the men’s or women’s game.
Serena Williams Australian Open 2015 (cropped)
Serena Williams

Video of the Day –

The Imitation Game trailer

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May 23, 2015

Top News Stories –

Sweden wins Eurovision Song Contest –
Unabashed commercial dance music triumphed over kitsch and politics, as Sweden swept to its sixth victory in Eurovision, making it the most successful country in Eurovision history behind Ireland. Måns Zelmerlöw, a leather trousered hunk, with his pop anthem Heroes, beat off stiff competition from Russian (bolstered by some neighbourly votes from Eastern European nations) and Italy. Sweden won 365 points, while Russia, in second, got 303. [Daily Telegraph] Unfortunately after Eurovision went off air it was revealed that two countries had been disqualified. Montengro and Macedonia’s voting results have been disqualified after it was discovered the two countries used votes from the televoting to account for 100% of the country’s votes, rather than 50% with 50% coming from a jury, as is required. [Daily Mirror] See Video of the Day and List of the Day
Måns_Zelmerlöw Måns_Zelmerlöw from Sweden

Ireland becomes first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote –
Ireland has voted by a huge majority to legalise same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in the world to do so by popular vote in a move hailed as a social revolution and welcomed around the world. Some 62% of the Irish Republic’s electorate voted in favour of gay marriage. The result means that a republic once dominated by the Catholic church ignored the instructions of its cardinals and bishops. The huge Yes vote marks another milestone in Ireland’s journey towards a more liberal, secular society. Out of an electorate of more than 3 million, 1,201,607 backed gay marriage, while 734,300 voters said No. The result prompted a massive street party around the gay district of central Dublin close to the national count centre. [The Guardian]

Spanish La Liga ends with Barcelona on top but Cristiano Ronaldo with 61 goals –
Cristiano Ronaldo finished with a season’s best goals tally of 61 as his first-half hat-trick helped Real Madrid end their season by hammering Getafe 7-1. The Portuguese forward’s haul is one more than the 60 he scored in 2011-12. Barcelona had already won the title and said adios to their captain Xavi Hernández who has won eight La Liga titles with the side after joing the club aged 11 in 1991. See List of the Day 2
XaviXavi Hernández

Banned number plates revealed: VA61ANA banned but PEN15 allowed –
The DVLA has revealed its entire catalogue of forbidden car number plates – including some amusing selections as well as surprising omissions. It seems motorists can drive a PEN15, but not a VA61ANA, and while BL03 JOB is forbidden ORG45M is fine. The list of personalised plates the DVLA believes to be in poor taste runs to 46 pages and includes religious or homophobic words. [Daily Telegraph]
Banned number platesBanned number plates – how they might look

Video of the Day –

Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes (Sweden) – LIVE at Eurovision 2015 Grand Final

List of the day 1 –

Eurovision Song Contest 2015 results

  1. Sweden – 365 points
  2. Russia – 303 points
  3. Italy – 292 points
  4. Belgium – 217 points
  5. Australia – 196 points
  6. Latvia – 186 points
  7. Estonia – 106 points
  8. Norway – 102 points
  9. Israel – 97 points
  10. Serbia – 53 points
  11. Georgia – 51 points
  12. Azerbaijan – 49 points
  13. Montenegro – 44 points
  14. Slovenia – 39 points
  15. Romania – 35 points
  16. Armenia – 34 points
  17. Albania – 34 points
  18. Lithuania – 30 points
  19. Greece – 23 points
  20. Hungary – 19 points
  21. Spain – 15 points
  22. Cyprus – 11 points
  23. Poland – 10 points
  24. United Kingdom – 5 points
  25. France – 4 points
  26. Germany – 0 points
  27. Austria – 0 points

 

List of the day 2 –

2014-2015 Spanish La Liga final table

#
Team
GP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Barcelona
38
30
4
4
110
21
89
94
2
Real Madrid
38
30
2
6
118
38
80
92
3
Atlético Madrid
38
23
9
6
67
29
38
78
4
Valencia
38
22
11
5
70
32
38
77
5
Sevilla
38
23
7
8
71
45
26
76
6
Villarreal
38
16
12
10
48
37
11
60
7
Athletic
38
15
10
13
42
41
1
55
8
Celta Vigo
38
13
12
13
47
44
3
51
9
Málaga
38
14
8
16
42
48
-6
50
10
Espanyol
38
13
10
15
47
51
-4
49
11
Rayo
38
15
4
19
46
68
-22
49
12
Real Sociedad
38
11
13
14
44
51
-7
46
13
Elche
38
11
8
19
35
62
-27
41
14
Levante
38
9
10
19
34
67
-33
37
15
Getafe CF
38
10
7
21
33
64
-31
37
16
Deportivo
38
7
14
17
35
60
-25
35
17
Granada
38
7
14
17
29
64
-35
35
18
Eibar
38
9
8
21
34
55
-21
35
19
Almería
38
8
8
22
35
64
-29
32
20
Córdoba
38
3
11
24
22
68
-46
20

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June 11, 2015

Top News Stories –

Sir Christopher Lee death announced –
In one of his final interviews, Sir Christopher Lee declared his intention never to retire. “When I die, I want to die with my boots on,” he said.
The actor remained true to his word. He was preparing for his latest film role – a drama called The 11th, co-starring Uma Thurman – when he died on Sunday morning [June 7, 2015] at London’s Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Sir Christopher was one of the greats of the 20th century, but his career hit new heights in the last 15 years of his life. He will be best remembered by those of a certain age for playing Count Dracula in his Hammer Horror days, but to younger film fans he was a star of two of the biggest franchises ever made: Saruman in Lord of the Rings and Count Dooku in Star Wars. [Daily Telegraph] He appeared in over 200 films (See List of the Day)
Sir-Christopher-Lee-in-2013Sir Christopher Lee (1922-2015)

Female scientists post ‘distractingly sexy’ photos –
Female scientists have been sharing “distractingly sexy” photos of themselves after a feminist website encouraged them to respond to comments by a Nobel laureate. Nobel Prize winner Tim Hunt was roundly criticised when he detailed his thoughts about the “trouble with girls” at a conference of science journalists. “Three things happen when they are in the lab,” he said, “you fall in love with them, they fall in love with you, and when you criticise them they cry.” He said his comments were meant to be “light-hearted, ironic comment”, but whatever the intention, it went over like a heavy metallic dirigible in a field with some widely acknowledged gender issues. Hunt has now resigned from his position at University College London. On Thursday the hashtag #DistractinglySexy began taking off, with more than 10,000 tweets in a matter of hours. [BBC Trending] See Top Twitter Trends (UK)

Video of the Day –

Saruman the White – from Lord of the Rings [from Youtube]

List of the Day –

Sir Christopher Lee film appearances (including voiceovers) [List from Wikipedia]

 

# Year Film Role Notes
1 1948 Corridor of Mirrors Charles
2 1948 One Night with You Pirelli’s Assistant
3 1948 Hamlet Spear Carrier Uncredited
4 1948 Penny and the Pownall Case Jonathan Blair
5 1948 A Song for Tomorrow Auguste
6 1948 My Brother’s Keeper Second Constable Deleted scenes
7 1948 Saraband for Dead Lovers Bit Part Uncredited
8 1948 Scott of the Antarctic Bernard Day
9 1949 Trottie True Bongo
10 1950 They Were Not Divided Chris Lewis
11 1950 Prelude to Fame Newsman
12 1951 Valley of Eagles Det. Holt
13 1951 Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. Spanish Captain
14 1951 Quo Vadis Chariot Driver Uncredited[1]
15 1952 The Crimson Pirate Joseph (attache)
16 1952 Top Secret Russian Agent Uncredited
17 1952 Paul Temple Returns Sir Felix Raybourne
18 1952 Babes in Bagdad Slave Dealer
19 1952 Moulin Rouge Georges Seurat
20 1953 Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot Voice Uncredited
21 1953 Innocents in Paris Lieutenant Whitlock Uncredited
22 1954 Destination Milan Svenson
23 1955 Man in Demand
24 1955 Crossroads Harry Cooper
25 1955 Final Column
26 1955 That Lady Captain
27 1955 Police Dog Johnny, a constable
28 1955 The Dark Avenger French Patrol Captain at Tavern Uncredited
29 1955 The Cockleshell Heroes Submarine Commander
30 1955 Storm Over the Nile Karaga Pasha
31 1956 Alias John Preston John Preston
32 1956 Private’s Progress Gen. von Linbeck’s aide Uncredited
33 1956 Port Afrique Franz Vermes
34 1956 Beyond Mombasa Gil Rossi
35 1956 The Battle of the River Plate Manolo
36 1957 Ill Met by Moonlight German Officer at Dentists
37 1957 Fortune Is a Woman Charles Highbury
38 1957 The Traitor Dr. Neumann
39 1957 The Curse of Frankenstein The Creature
40 1957 Manuela Voice Uncredited
41 1957 Bitter Victory Sgt. Barney
42 1957 The Truth About Women François
43 1958 A Tale of Two Cities Marquis St. Evremonde
44 1958 Dracula Count Dracula Alternative title: Horror of Dracula
45 1958 Battle of the V-1 Labor Camp Captain, Men’s Section
46 1958 Corridors of Blood Resurrection Joe
47 1959 The Hound of the Baskervilles Sir Henry Baskerville
48 1959 The Man Who Could Cheat Death Dr. Pierre Gerard
49 1959 The Treasure of San Teresa Jaeger
50 1959 The Mummy Kharis, the Mummy
51 1959 Uncle Was a Vampire Baron Roderico da Frankurten
52 1960 Too Hot to Handle Novak
53 1960 Beat Girl Kenny
54 1960 The City of the Dead Prof. Alan Driscoll Alternative title: Horror Hotel
55 1960 The Two Faces of Dr. Jekyll Paul Allen
56 1960 The Hands of Orlac Nero the magician
57 1961 The Terror of the Tongs Chung King
58 1961 Taste of Fear Doctor Pierre Gerrard
59 1961 The Devil’s Daffodil Ling Chu
60 1961 Ercole al centro della terra King Lico (Licos) Alternative title: Hercules in the Haunted World
61 1962 Stranglehold
62 1962 The Puzzle of the Red Orchid Captain Allerman
63 1962 The Pirates of Blood River Captain LaRoche
64 1962 The Devil’s Agent Baron von Staub
65 1962 Sherlock Holmes and the Deadly Necklace Sherlock Holmes
66 1963 Katarsis Mephistoles
67 1963 La vergine di Norimberga Erich Aka Castle of Terror and Virgin of Nuremberg
68 1963 La frusta e il corpo Kurt Menliff Aka The Whip and the Body and Night Is the Phantom
69 1964 Il castello dei morti vivi Count Drago Alternative title: Castle of the Living Dead
70 1964 La cripta e l’incubo Count Ludwig Karnstein Aka Crypt of the Vampire and Crypt of Horror
71 1964 The Devil-Ship Pirates Captain Robeles
72 1964 The Gorgon Prof. Karl Meister
73 1965 Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors Franklyn Marsh
74 1965 She Billali
75 1965 The Skull Sir Matthew Phillips
76 1965 Ten Little Indians Voice of “Mr. Owen” Uncredited
77 1965 The Face of Fu Manchu Dr. Fu Manchu / Lee Tao
78 1966 Theatre of Death Philippe Darvas
79 1966 Dracula: Prince of Darkness Count Dracula
80 1966 Rasputin, the Mad Monk Grigori Rasputin
81 1966 Circus of Fear Gregor Alternative title: Psycho Circus
82 1966 The Brides of Fu Manchu Fu Manchu
83 1967 The Vengeance of Fu Manchu Dr. Fu Manchu
84 1967 Night of the Big Heat Godfrey Hanson
85 1967 Five Golden Dragons Dragon #4
86 1967 The Blood Demon Count Frederic Regula, Graf von Andomai Aka The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism and Castle of the Walking Dead
87 1968 Curse of the Crimson Altar Morley
88 1968 The Devil Rides Out Duc de Richleau
89 1968 Eve Colonel Stuart Alternative title: The Face of Eve
90 1968 The Blood of Fu Manchu Fu Manchu
91 1968 Dracula Has Risen from the Grave Count Dracula
92 1969 The Castle of Fu Manchu Fu Manchu
93 1969 The Oblong Box Dr. J. Neuhart
94 1969 The Magic Christian Ship’s vampire
95 1970 Scream and Scream Again Fremont
96 1970 Umbracle The Man
97 1970 The Bloody Judge (es) Lord George Jeffreys Alternative title: Night of the Blood Monster
98 1970 Count Dracula Count Dracula
99 1970 Taste the Blood of Dracula Count Dracula
100 1970 One More Time Count Dracula
101 1970 Julius Caesar Artemidorus
102 1970 Eugenie Dolmance Aka Eugenie – The Story of Her Journey into Perversion
103 1970 The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes Mycroft Holmes
104 1970 Scars of Dracula Count Dracula
105 1971 The House That Dripped Blood John Reid Segment: “Sweets to the Sweet”
105 1971 Cuadecuc, vampir Count Dracula/Himself
106 1971 I, Monster Dr. Charles Marlowe/Edward Blake
107 1971 Hannie Caulder Bailey
108 1972 Death Line Stratton-Villiers, MI5 Alternative title: Raw Meat
109 1972 Nothing But the Night Col. Charles Bingham
110 1972 Dracula A.D. 1972 Count Dracula
111 1973 Dark Places Dr. Mandeville
112 1973 The Creeping Flesh James Hildern
113 1973 The Satanic Rites of Dracula Count Dracula
114 1973 Horror Express Sir Alexander Saxton
115 1973 The Three Musketeers Rochefort
116 1973 The Wicker Man Lord Summerisle
117 1974 The Four Musketeers Rochefort
118 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun Francisco Scaramanga
119 1975 Diagnosis: Murder Dr. Stephen Hayward
120 1975 Le boucher, la star et l’orpheline Van Krig/Himself
121 1976 The Keeper The Keeper
122 1976 Killer Force Major Chilton Alternative title: The Diamond Mercenaries
123 1976 To the Devil, A Daughter Father Michael Rayner
124 1976 Dracula père et fils Prince of Darkness Alternative title: Dracula and Son
125 1976 Albino Bill Aka Whispering Death and Death in the Sun
126 1977 Airport ’77 Martin Wallace
127 1977 Meatcleaver Massacre On-screen narrator Aka Evil Force and Revenge of the Dead
128 1977 End of the World Father Pergado / Zindar
129 1977 Starship Invasions Captain Rameses
130 1978 Return from Witch Mountain Dr. Victor Gannon
131 1978 Caravans Sardar Khan
132 1978 Circle of Iron Zetan Alternative title: The Silent Flute
133 1979 The Passage Gypsy
134 1979 Arabian Adventure Alquazar
135 1979 Nutcracker Fantasy Uncle Drosselmeyer / Street Singer / Watchmaker Voice
136 1979 Jaguar Lives! Adam Caine
137 1979 Bear Island Lechinski
138 1979 1941 Capt. Wolfgang von Kleinschmidt
139 1979 Captain America II: Death Too Soon Miguel
140 1980 Serial Luckman Skull
141 1981 The Salamander Prince Baldasar, the Director of Counterintelligence
142 1981 Desperate Moves Dr. Carl Boxer
143 1981 An Eye for an Eye Morgan Canfield
144 1982 Safari 3000 Count Borgia
145 1982 The Last Unicorn King Haggard Voice; also in German language version
146 1983 New Magic Mr. Kellar
147 1983 The Return of Captain Invincible Mr. Midnight
148 1983 House of the Long Shadows Corrigan
149 1984 The Rosebud Beach Hotel Mr. Clifford King
150 1985 Mask of Murder Chief Supt. Jonathan Rich
151 1985 Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf Stefan Crosscoe
152 1986 The Girl Peter Storm
153 1987 Jocks President White
154 1987 Mio min Mio Kato
155 1988 Dark Mission Luis Morel
156 1989 Murder Story Willard Hope
157 1989 La chute des aigles Walter Strauss
158 1989 The Return of the Musketeers Rochefort
159 1990 The Rainbow Thief Uncle Rudolf
160 1990 L’avaro Cardinale Spinosi
161 1990 Honeymoon Academy Lazos
162 1990 Panga
163 1990 Gremlins 2: The New Batch Doctor Catheter
164 1991 Curse III: Blood Sacrifice Doctor Pearson
165 1992 Jackpot Cedric
166 1992 Kabuto King Philip
167 1994 Police Academy: Mission to Moscow Cmndt. Alexandrei Nikolaivich Rakov
168 1994 Funny Man Callum Chance
169 1994 Flesh and Blood Narrator/Self Last collaboration with Peter Cushing
170 1995 A Feast at Midnight V. E. Longfellow, a.k.a. Raptor
171 1996 Welcome to the Discworld Death
172 1996 The Stupids Evil Sender
173 1998 Tale of the Mummy Sir Richard Turkel
174 1998 Jinnah Mohammed Ali Jinnah Lee considers this to be his favourite role/most significant[2]
175 1999 Sleepy Hollow Burgomaster
176 2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Saruman
177 2002 Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus
178 2002 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Saruman
179 2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Saruman Extended Edition only
180 2004 Crimson Rivers II: Angels of the Apocalypse Heinrich von Garten
181 2005 The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby The Lord Provost
182 2005 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus
183 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Dr. Wilbur Wonka
184 2005 Corpse Bride Pastor Galswells Voice
185 2007 The Golden Compass First High Councillor
186 2008 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus Voice
187 2009 Boogie Woogie Alfred Rhinegold
188 2009 Triage Joaquín Morales
189 2009 Glorious 39 Walter
190 2010 Alice in Wonderland Jabberwocky Voice
191 2010 Burke & Hare Joseph
192 2010 The Heavy Mr. Mason
193 2011 Season of the Witch Cardinal D’Ambroise
194 2011 The Resident August
195 2011 The Wicker Tree Old Gentleman
196 2011 Grave Tales Himself Original version only
197 2011 Hugo Monsieur Labisse
198 2012 The Hunting of the Snark Narrator Voice
199 2012 Dark Shadows Silas Clarney
200 2012 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Saruman
201 2013 Night Train to Lisbon Father Bartolomeu
202 2013 Necessary Evil Narrator Voice
203 2013 The Girl from Nagasaki Old Officer Pinkerton
204 2014 The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Saruman
205 2014 Extraordinary Tales Voice
206 2015 Angels in Notting Hill The Boss, Mr. President

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August 2, 2015

Top News Stories –

Cilla Black, singer and TV star, dies in Spain aged 72 –
Singer and TV star Cilla Black, who enjoyed a 50-year showbusiness career, has died aged 72, her agent has said. The 1960s singing star became a popular TV celebrity on such shows as Blind Date and Surprise Surprise. Spanish police said a woman named Priscilla White – Black’s real name – had died in Estepona on the Costa del Sol, where the star had a home. The death appeared to be due to natural causes, but this had not yet been confirmed by tests, police said. [BBC]
Cilla_Black_in_1970Cilla Black in 1970

Hitchiking robot ‘killed’ in Philadelphia –
A hitchhiking robot that captured the hearts of fans worldwide has met its demise in the US.
The Canadian researchers who created hitchBOT as a social experiment say someone in Philadelphia damaged the robot beyond repair on Saturday, ending its brief American tour. The robot was trying to travel cross-country after successfully hitchhiking across Canada last year and parts of Europe. It set out from Marblehead, Massachusetts, two weeks ago in July with the goal of reaching San Francisco, but never made it off the East Coast. The creators were sent an image of the vandalised robot but cannot track its location because the battery is dead. [Daily Telegraph]
Hitchbot_archiehitchBOT displayed at an exhibition

Video of the Day –

Zoolander 2 – Official Teaser

List of the Day –

Cilla Black TV credits

Year Programme Role
1968–76 Cilla Presenter
1977 Cilla’s World of Comedy Actor
1984–01 Surprise Surprise Presenter
1985–03 Blind Date Presenter
1998–01 The Moment of Truth Presenter
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2007 Room 101 Guest
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The One & Only Cilla Black Special Guest

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October 18, 2015

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Spain to teach bullfighting in schools –
Spain’s education ministry has drawn up plans to create courses in bullfighting as an optional subject in state schools. For the first time, bullfighting, as well as other subjects related to the spectacle, will be available for students aged 16 and older who move into vocational training after finishing their compulsory education. The move appears to represent a final attempt to defend the activity by Spain’s conservative government before elections in December. Students who complete the course will receive a professional training certificate in “Tauromachy – bullfighting – and Auxiliary Livestock Activities” after they have learned the skills of bullfighting, the regulations applied to the event and the rules on breeding Spain’s fighting bulls. The full-time, two-year courses will be offered at a number of high schools around the country. [Daily Telegraph]

Big Ben’s clock ‘needs £40m of work’ to keep bongs sounding –
The taxpayer faces a bill of up to £40 million to keep the famous “bongs” of Big Ben sounding, according to a report. Parliament’s Great Clock is said to be so dilapidated that it could grind to a halt unless drastic repairs are carried out. A report presented to the cross-party Commons Finance Committee has set out a £29.2 million plan for fixing the issues. It would see the mechanism shut down for four months – believed to be the longest stoppage in its 156-year history. The document, seen by the Mail on Sunday and Sunday Times, said: “The clock currently has chronic problems with the bearings behind the hands and the pendulum. “Either could become acute at any time, causing the clock to stop – or worse.” [Daily Telegraph]
Cleaning_Big_BenCleaning Big Ben in 2007

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The new Yahoo mail app.

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November 11, 2015

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Rare pink diamond sells for £19 million –
A large diamond of a rare pink hue fetched 28.725 million Swiss francs (£19 million) setting a new record on Tuesday, the star lot of Christie’s semi-annual jewellery sale in Geneva. A Chinese client based in Hong Kong bought the cushion-shaped pink diamond weighing 16.08 carats and graded vivid fancy pink, which is set in a platinum and gold ring surrounded by a double row of pave-set white diamonds. Its pre-sale estimate was $23 million to $28 million. The seller was not identified and the buyer, who has named the pink diamond “The Sweet Josephine,” wished to remain anonymous, Christie’s said. The diamond’s origin was not disclosed. In almost 250 years of auction history, only three pure vivid pink diamonds of over 10 carats have appeared for sale, according to Christie’s. [Daily Telegraph]

Call of Duty: Black Ops III ‘is the biggest entertainment launch of 2015’ –
Activision is claiming the biggest entertainment launch of the year with Call of Duty: Black Ops III. Not just in gaming. According to the game maker, it’s bigger than any film, music or book launch in 2015. Since its release on 6 November the new Call of Duty instalment has been beating records left, right and centre. During its opening weekend the game brought in over $550m (£362m) in worldwide sales. This beats 2015’s blockbuster hits such as Jurassic World and Furious 7 and chart topper Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk. [BBC Newsbeat]

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‘Finding Dory’ Trailer

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December 21, 2015

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Fifa: Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini get eight-year bans –
Fifa president Sepp Blatter and Uefa boss Michel Platini have been suspended for eight years from all football-related activities following an ethics investigation. They were found guilty of breaches surrounding a £1.3m ($2m) “disloyal payment” made to Platini in 2011. The Fifa ethics committee found Blatter and Platini had demonstrated an “abusive execution” of their positions. “I will fight for me and for Fifa,” Blatter, 79, said at a news conference. Platini said the decision was a “masquerade” intended to “dirty” his name. Both men continue to deny wrongdoing and intend to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). Swiss Blatter and 60-year-old Frenchman Platini have also been fined £33,700 ($50,000) and £54,000 ($80,000) respectively. [BBC] In September Swiss police opened a separate investigation into criminal mismanagement or misappropriation over a TV rights deal.
Sepp_Blatter_Apr_2015Sepp Blatter

Martin Shkreli fired from drug firm KaloBios following arrest –
Martin Shkreli has been fired as chief executive from the drug company KaloBios Pharmaceuticals. It comes just days after his arrest by the FBI for securities fraud. In a short statement, the company said he had also stepped down voluntarily from the board. Mr Shkreli, who came to prominence after his company raised the price of a lifesaving HIV drug by 5,000%, has pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges. He has already resigned as head of the company which made the drug, Turing Pharmaceuticals. The FBI has accused Mr Shkreli of using assets from his former company, Retrophin, to illegally pay off debts at MSMB, the hedge fund he managed. He was released on $5m (£3.53m) bail. [BBC]
Martin_ShkreliMartin Shkreli

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Fire-breathing Backflip with Steve-O – The Slow Mo Guys

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May 28, 2016

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Real Madrid lift Champions League on penalties –
Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for the 11th time after beating Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in Milan. Sergio Ramos’ controversial finish put Zinedine Zidane’s side ahead before Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty. However, substitute Yannick Carrasco sent the Champions League final into extra-time with a close-range finish. Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning penalty after Juanfran had missed. Zidane, a Champions League winner with Real as a player in 2002, replaced Rafael Benitez as manager at the Bernabeu in January, with Real still reeling from a bruising 4-0 hammering by Barcelona earlier in the season and facing the prospect of a second successive campaign without major silverware. The 43-year-old finishes it as the seventh different manager to deliver a European Cup to Real. [BBC]
Zidane_ZizuZinadine Zidane

Video of the Day –

First and last Appearance of Quentin Tarantino films. from Room 237 on Vimeo.

List of the Day –

Winners of the Champions League since 2000 [from Wikipedia]

2000–01  Germany Bayern Munich 1–1*[G] Valencia  Spain San Siro, Milan 71,500
2001–02  Spain Real Madrid 2–1 Bayer Leverkusen  Germany Hampden Park, Glasgow 50,499
2002–03  Italy Milan 0–0*[H] Juventus  Italy Old Trafford, Manchester 62,315
2003–04  Portugal Porto 3–0 AS Monaco  France Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen 53,053
2004–05  England Liverpool 3–3*[I] Milan  Italy Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul 69,000
2005–06  Spain Barcelona 2–1 Arsenal  England Stade de France, Saint-Denis 79,610
2006–07  Italy Milan 2–1 Liverpool  England Olympic Stadium, Athens 63,000
2007–08  England Manchester United 1–1*[J] Chelsea  England Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow 67,310
2008–09  Spain Barcelona 2–0 Manchester United  England Stadio Olimpico, Rome 62,467
2009–10  Italy Internazionale 2–0 Bayern Munich  Germany Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid 73,490
2010–11  Spain Barcelona 3–1 Manchester United  England Wembley Stadium, London 87,695
2011–12  England Chelsea 1–1*[K] Bayern Munich  Germany Allianz Arena, Munich 62,500
2012–13  Germany Bayern Munich 2–1 Borussia Dortmund  Germany Wembley Stadium, London 86,298
2013–14  Spain Real Madrid 4–1dagger Atlético Madrid  Spain Estádio da Luz, Lisbon 60,976
2014–15  Spain Barcelona 3–1 Juventus  Italy Olympiastadion, Berlin 70,442
2015–16  Spain Real Madrid 1–1*[L] Atlético Madrid  Spain San Siro, Milan 71,942
Key
dagger Match was won during extra time
* Match was won on a penalty shoot-out

G. Score was 1–1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Bayern Munich won the penalty-shootout 5–4.

H. Score was 0–0 after 90 minutes and extra time. Milan won the penalty-shootout 3–2.

I. Score was 3–3 after 90 minutes and extra time. Liverpool won the penalty-shootout 3–2.

J. Score was 1–1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Manchester United won the penalty-shootout 6–5.

K. Score was 1–1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Chelsea won the penalty-shootout 4–3.

L. Score was 1–1 after 90 minutes and extra time. Real Madrid won the penalty-shootout 5–3.

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June 23, 2016

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BRITAIN VOTES FOR ‘BREXIT’ IN HISTORIC REFERENDUM –
Britain has voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, defying its prime minister and confounding most analysts’ expectations. The result raises questions over the future of Prime Minister David Cameron, and over the future of Scotland within the United Kingdom. The results expose a British electorate deeply divided by age, class and geographical location. Most large urban centers elected to stay part of the European Union, particularly in London, where many local authorities delivered vast majorities for the pro-EU campaign. Polls completed before the vote suggested the young were significantly more likely to back EU membership than the old, and that poorer, less-educated voters were likelier to be Brexiters. Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. Wales surprised many observers by voting in favor of a “Leave” vote, with just over 850,000 Welsh voters choosing to leave the bloc, and a little more than 770,000 voting to Remain. [Newsweek] See List of the Day

Solar plane lands in Spain after three-day Atlantic crossing –
An airplane powered solely by the sun landed safely in Seville in Spain early on Thursday after an almost three-day flight across the Atlantic from New York in one of the longest legs of the first ever fuel-less flight around the world. The single-seat Solar Impulse 2 touched down shortly after 7.30 a.m. local time in Seville after leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport at about 2.30 a.m. EDT on June 20.
The flight of just over 71 hours was the 15th leg of the round-the-world journey by the plane piloted in turns by Swiss aviators Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg. [Reuters] See Video of the Day

Video of the Day –

Solar Impulse Airplane – Leg 15 – Flight New York to Seville

List of the Day –

How the home nations voted in the EU Referendum [BBC]

England

Leave 53.4%
15,188,406 VOTES
Remain 46.6%
13,266,996 VOTES
Counting complete
Turnout: 73.0%

Northern Ireland

Leave 44.2%
349,442 VOTES
Remain 55.8%
440,437 VOTES
Counting complete
Turnout: 62.9%

Scotland

Leave 38.0%
1,018,322 VOTES
Remain 62.0%
1,661,191 VOTES
Counting complete
Turnout: 67.2%

Wales

Leave 52.5%
854,572 VOTES
Remain 47.5%
772,347 VOTES
Counting complete
Turnout: 71.7%

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  • Solar Impulse 2, a plane powered only by the sun, lands safely in Seville, Spain, shortly after 7.30 a.m. local time after a flight of just over 71 hours. The 15th leg of the round-the-world journey had been expected to take up to 90 hours. (Reuters) (Reuters²)
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July 9, 2016

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Matador Victor Barrio killed by bull in Spain –
A matador has died after being gored by a bull in Spain – the first bullfighter to die in the ring in Spain this century. Victor Barrio, 29, a professional bullfighter, was killed when the bull’s horn pierced his chest. The fight, in the eastern town of Teruel, was being broadcast live on TV. Also on Saturday, a 28-year-old man died after being gored by a bull during a bull run through the village of Pedreguer, near Valencia. The last matador to die in a bullfight in Spain was Jose Cubero, or Yiyo, in 1985. Television footage shows the bull throwing Barrio into the air before goring him on the right-hand side of his chest and violently throwing him. [BBC]

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BreakingPoint from Martin Lapp on Vimeo.

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