Michael Jackson - new waxwork at Madam Tussauds...

The 13th waxwork of Michael Jackson has just gone on show at Madam Tussauds. It was apparently started around four months ago and was intended to go on show to coincide with the start of his massive "This is it" concert tour here in London.

It isn't an up-to-date waxwork, i.e. it doesn't depict Michael as he was at 50, but nevertheless it is beautiful.

Here are some pics (click for larger):




Go here to visit the Madam Tussauds website.

Torchwood and the Watershed...

This article caught my eye because it addresses something I've been anticipating ever since the new season of Torchwood started. As many, many of us expected, there have been a number, a small number apparently, of complaints to Ofcom and probably the Beeb about the 'gay' content in Torchwood.

What really upsets me is the fact that these complaints are apparently coming from parents who don't want their children subjected to anything homosexual. Yet a lot of these same parents are only too happy to allow their eight and nine year olds to play the immensely bloodthirsty Grand Theft Auto games on their playstations. Games which are only intended for over 18s because of the violent content.

It just completely amazes me that they are happy for their kids to witness people being stabbed, beaten up or blowing great holes in each other, but not willing to have them witness two people, albeit both of the same sex, kissing and showing love and respect for each other...

Okay onto the article. I don't agree with the writer's statement that Torchwood was a children's programme that RTD and the Beeb tried to convert into an adult show. I have always understood that the target audience for Torchwood was older kids and adults, the grown up version of Doctor Who if you like, it was never intended for small kids. If a show is shown after 21:00 it is therefore not intended for anyone younger than 15 years old. I'm pretty sure I'm right in saying that the only time it's been shown earlier than that, it's been edited to be suitable for younger kids.

As for the rest of the article, especially about parents being in control of their own children, I couldn't agree more.

Take a read...

What is a watershed?

Ofcom (and probably the BBC) have been receiving a small number of complaints about the smash Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.

Why did people complain? Not because it’s got John Barrowman in it, not because it’s being condensed from 13 to 5 episodes, in the same week. They didn’t complain about the fact that the programme depicted someone being drowned/buried alive in concrete.

People are complaining about the gay bits. Apparently most complaints to Ofcom are from parents annoyed that their children are being subjected to homosexual content.

Lets look at the facts, and decide whether the BBC, or the parents, are being immoral.

* Captain Jack is gay. He kissed The Doctor in his earlier Doctor Who appearances.
* Torchwood is being shown on BBC ONE, after the 9pm Watershed.
* The 9pm watershed is effectively a 15 rating.
* Parents are complaining that Children are watching 15 rated content.
* Torchwood first came about as an attempt at a Children’s programme, but is now shown later.

I’ve got nothing against parents, personally. I just wish they would get themselves some common sense, and stop being quite so ‘holier than thou’ when it comes to protecting their precious children.

Parents also need to learn that the Watershed runs from 21:00 to 05:30 each day. This means that if you don’t want to corrupt your children, you need to control what your children watch after 9 o’clock at night.

Is it bad of the BBC to adapt Torchwood to be slightly more adult in its Sci-Fi approach? There aren’t any other Sci-Fi programmes made by the BBC which are targetted towards adults, but maybe it would have been better to dream up a new programme than change a children’s hit to an adult hit.

No matter what is broadcast, on which channel, Parents need to bear in mind that, whilst they may object to phrases such as:

“are you taking it up the bum?”

Your child can find that sentence, and a whole lot more, with graphic images to explain what the words meant, here on the Internet.

Torchwood is like Star Trek. It’s inclusive of all. Okay, Star Trek wasn’t quite inclusive of gay people, but Star Trek was in the 1960’s. Russell T Davies is creating Doctor Who and its offspring into an inclusive programme which doesn’t focus on gender, colour or sexual preference. If you can’t handle that, you’ve got an off switch. Let those of us who can handle real life get on with things. Read the Daily Mail instead.

Original Source

Shaheen Jafargholi...

Things have really changed for Shaheen since appearing on Britain's Got Talent. He sang at Michael Jackson's Memorial service on Tuesday. He was invited by the Jackson family because Michael loved his voice so much and had invited him to appear with him at the o2 when Michael's London concerts began.

Since then everyone and I mean everyone has wanted to interview him. Here are a couple he's done.

Here he is on Larry King.



Here's the link to the video of an interview with Channel Five.

Read it here:

Britain’s Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi talks to Five News about performing at yesterday’s memorial concert for Michael Jackson.

The Welsh schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi proved an instant hit. The 12 year old from Swansea was one of the few artists to win a standing ovation from the audience. The largely American crowd at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles roared with approval as he belted out the Jackson Five hit Who's Lovin You?

Choreographer Kenny Ortega revealed the King of Pop had personally requested his appearance in his O2 concerts after watching the youngster on Britain's Got Talent.

Ortega said: "Shaheen was invited by Michael to join him in his London shows so I just wanted to introduce him to everybody and to say thank you."

After delighting the crowd with his performance, Shaheen, wearing a black suit with a white T-shirt and yellow flower, said: "I love Michael Jackson.

"I just want to thank him for blessing me and everyone on this earth with his amazing music."

Shaheen has sung in the West End production of the Jackson stage musical Thriller Live!.

Rob Phillips, the youngster's headteacher at Dylan Thomas Community School, Swansea, said: "We are all immensely proud of Shaheen."

"We were proud when he took part in Britain's Got Talent, when he reached the final, but this has exceeded any expectations any of us could possibly have had."

He added: "You can't get any bigger than this."

Mr Phillips said he was told about Shaheen's invitation to perform in LA last Thursday, but was sworn to secrecy.

"We were approached because in order for youngsters to perform anywhere during school time, they have to have their teacher's permission to release them," he said.

Torchwood, Children of Earth Day 3 - SOME SEMI-SPOILERS

Okay, so it was all about what things look like, how they appear to others and how we see things tonight.

Jack worrying that his track suit bottoms was "not a good look".

Getting various members of the Cardiff public to 'look the other way' while their laptops, cars and mobiles etcetera were stolen.

Ianto making sure that Jack got his 'image' back with the RAF Great Coat and presumably the rest of the uniform with a stolen credit card.

Gwen convincing poor, treacherous Lois to be their 'eyes' with the all seeing contact lenses (good to... um, see them back again).

In fact, everyone has tried out the lenses apparently to see how 'things' look! ;)

Seeing, but not really seeing, the aliens... thank God! Hope we don't get any closer looks at those dribbling appendages and the bucket loads of green snot!

Finally, of course, we have things not being how they look. Jack appears to have been complicit in a horrendous act, but he wouldn't do something like that willingly or knowingly... would he?

Another great episode co-written by James Moran and Russell T. Davies. I have one small criticism though, it still seems very biased towards Gwen so we don't see anywhere near enough Jack and/or Ianto! I'm not talking 'relationships' or anything here, simply airtime.

Tomorrow it's John Fay's turn again at writing Day 4. As usual Euros Lyn directs and Peter Bennett produces.


ETA: Bleedin' Bloody Blimey, 5.9 MILLION... AGAIN, well 5.87 (27.1%) actually, but still... making it the most watched programme between 21:00 and 22:00!! This really is turning out to be the "Event" that RTD and the Beeb were looking for! The next two days are critical, we all know that Friday night, especially, is NOT a good night for a show - any show - it practically begs to be ignored on the week's traditional "going out" night. We'll see.

Who wants to meet John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Gareth David-Lloyd?

If that's you, then you need to be camped outside the HMV store in London's Oxford Street before 09:00 on Friday 17th, July where there will be 250, yes ONLY 250, free wristbands which will allow you entry into the 'Children of Earth' DVD and Blu-Ray signing! It's strictly one person, one wristband so there'll be no point in parking your other half outside the store in a tent overnight to get the whole family wristbands. It won't work! :) By the way, don't forget to take enough money with you for the DVD! As is usual with these signing events, they'll be expecting you to buy it at their store on the day!

I really can't imagine at what time people will start queuing!

Anyway, if you miss out on a wristband, the next best thing would be to dash over to Paddington and for around 35 quid take the two and half hour journey to Cardiff Queen Street, arriving in time for a bit of lunch before heading off to HMV for the signing there between 17:00 and 18:00. Apparently there is no need for wristbands in Cardiff. :)

This from Torchwood Magazine:

John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Gareth David-Lloyd celebrate the DVD and Blu-ray release of the action-packed Torchwood Children of Earth with two signing sessions on Friday 17th July:


* The first at HMV’s flagship store on Oxford Street in London’s West End between 12.30 – 2pm**

* The second at HMV Cardiff, 53-57 Queens Street, Cardiff between 5 -6pm


Our heroes will make a typically Torchwood arrival to their native city. Keep a watchful eye on the skies as the Torchwood team will jet in to Cardiff by helicopter landing on top of the Torchwood hub itself in the Oval Basin.

Torchwood Children of Earth is released on region 2 DVD and Blu-ray on 13th July.

**Fans can pick up free wristbands at HMV which allow entry to the signing. 250 wristbands will be available only from HMV London from 9.00am on Friday 17th July onwards. One wristband per customer maximum, in person only, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only.

Den of Geek interview with James Moran on writing Torchwood...

James Moran is an impressive writer of Severance and episodes of Doctor Who, Torchwood, Primeval, Spooks, and Crusoe. With Russell T. Davies, he co-wrote tonight's episode of Torchwood.

Here he tells us a little something next to nothing about the new Torchwood season as well as completely refusing to give up even a crumb of information about upcoming seasons of Doctor Who or the likelihood of more Torchwood! The man is totally frustrating! ::stamps foot::

However, he is a brilliant writer and a totally funny and charming man. Read what he has to say. :D

James Moran on writing Torchwood: Children Of Earth

The third season of Torchwood: Children Of Earth, finally begins, and we’ve tracked down one of its writers, James Moran, for a chat about it…

Published on Jul 6, 2009

Writer James Moran's list of credits has continued to swell over the last year or two. After penning the hit horror comedy Severance, he has since written for Doctor Who, Torchwood, Spooks: Code Nine and Primeval, for instance. And he's also penned one of the five episodes that form the third season of Torchwood: Children Of Earth, which starts on BBC One tonight.

What's more, he also took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us, about just what we've got in store...

When did it first become clear that Torchwood was moving to a new format for its third season? And when did you get involved?

I was approached for the third season when the plan was to do a normal 13-episode run on BBC2 again. They asked all the writers to come and do some storyline brainstorming, to get some cool arc stuff going, so I was looking forward to that. Then suddenly it went quiet for a while, I suspected the worst, but they were actually in talks about possibly doing the five part season. Once they agreed on it, they came back to me, and said they'd like me to still be part of it - but now as one of only three writers, which was a huge thrill, but also a lot of responsibility.

Presumably it changes the writing brief you are given quite a lot if you have to fit your episode into such a tight run?

Because it was one big story, the three writers got together with Russell, Julie, and the producer, director, and script editor, and spent two days brainstorming the entire storyline. Russell had the original idea, and so we all spent those two days figuring it all out, from beginning to end. We threw all sorts of crazy ideas in, they never held us back or talked budgets at that point, we mainly worried about nailing down the plot and characters.

Once that was done, we knew roughly what happened in each episode, where each one started and ended. So we then went and did our episode outlines, and then went to script, going through the normal drafts and notes process - but we'd also read each other's work and talk it all through, having several more meetings. It was really good fun, very creative. And then once we'd done a few drafts, that's when we started trying to slim down the budget, trim any smaller speaking roles that weren't essential, etcetera - all little TV things that get the costs down.

Also, how did it affect the overall process? You've talked in the past about the rewriting process on Doctor Who, but did your script have to go through many revisions to fit into the chronology of the series particularly?

We'd worked out all the episodes and the story, so we always knew where each episode started and stopped, so that there wouldn't be any overlap. It wouldn't have been possible otherwise, because me and John [Fay] were writing episodes two and three before Russell had done episode one. Knowing where we all were meant that we didn't need to worry about contradicting each other.

Once I'd done about five drafts of episode three, it went over to Russell, who took over from there. And then we had a read through of episodes one, two and three, one after another, which was amazing - and that's when we noticed any little inconsistencies that needed fixing. Now I explain it all, it sounds horribly complicated and difficult! But it went pretty smoothly. Although it took us ages to figure out the ending, and how to make it make sense.

What can you tell us about your episode?

Very little without spoiling the plot of episodes one and two! It's one big story split into five episodes, so I can't really say. Although watch out for the chopping board action, I'm very pleased with that.

What are your thoughts on the move to five episodes? Obviously John Barrowman has made some strong comments on it, that he feels Torchwood is being 'punished', and Russell T Davies has defended the move. What are your views?

When we were told the news, everyone was really excited about it, it felt like a huge deal, and a reward - promotion to BBC1, and a huge, week-long event. That's the word they used, "event" TV - so it was never like that, really. It always felt like a big step up. Obviously more episodes is always good, but this enabled us to tell a huge story that we'd never have been able to do otherwise. I'm glad it happened, there's stuff in there that would never have made it into a normal episode.

Where do you think this third season leaves Torchwood, given that the end of season two left it, arguably, in a darker place anyway?

Again, if I say too much, trained BBC snipers will tranquillise me and throw me to the Weevils, so I can't really say. But to keep it vague, I think it leaves things nicely ready and set up for a fourth season, if that happens. And if they decide to give the licence fee to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and the BBC gets packed up and sent into space, then it could also work as an ending to the show. Although none of that means anything, so please don't start sending me angry messages based on something you think I've said or something you think will happen. I didn't say anything, none of this exists, and I was never here.

Have you seen the finished version of Children Of Earth? If so, what did you think?

I have seen all five episodes, they sent me the DVDs. It's amazing stuff, I loved it. Obviously I'm going to say that, but I really do mean it, it's epic stuff. It's proper Torchwood, but feels new and different at the same time. It takes things to a whole new level, but gives you all the Torchwood shenanigans you'd expect - fun, warmth, action, banter, and hot man on man action.

Can you tell us if you're involved in the next season of Doctor Who at all? Or in any future Torchwood work?

No idea yet. Haven't heard anything about Who, and it's too early to tell with Torchwood, we won't know anything until the ratings come in. So please watch!

Can you tell us anything of your future projects?

I've got a few TV series in the works, am hoping they'll get picked up so that I can be in charge of my own show - that's the next step. Early days still, but I'm hopeful. I also have a couple of possible movie projects - one original job, one rewrite job, and I'm just finishing two spec scripts that will hopefully go out soon. Again, it's all up in the air, but that's because I'm trying lots of new things. And only two of the many projects are episodes of other people's shows. I still love doing those, but I'm taking on less work this year - partly because I got completely exhausted last year, partly so I can work on my own things and hopefully set something up.

So fingers crossed, maybe there'll be an original series by me on TV in a year or so... Otherwise I'm afraid I'll have to kill everyone who is reading this. Don't question it, it's part of my creative process. I'm an artist, man.

James Moran, thank you very much! And you can keep up with him over at his blog, right here.

Original Source: Den of Geek

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service

Among many moving moments at the Memorial Service, I suppose the most emotional was his daughter's words right at the end. Unrehearsed and apparently right out of the blue, she just got up and told us all how much she missed her father and how very much she loved him. Unfortunately, there are many of us who know how she feels after losing a father.

I can't put a video of that on here, so this is a video of Queen Latifah reading a beautiful poem about Michael written by one of my favourite writers, Maya Angelou...



We Had Him

by Doctor Maya Angelou

Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.

Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace. Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.

In the instant we learn that Michael is gone, we know nothing. No clocks can tell our time and no oceans can rush our tides with the abrupt absence of our treasure.

Though we are many, each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone.

Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us and we did have him.

He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance.

Despite the anguish of life, he was sheathed in mother love and family love, and survived and did more than that.

He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.

We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.

He raked his hat aslant over his brow and took a pose on his toes for all of us.

And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.

We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing. He gave us all he had been given.

Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower, in Ghana's Black Star Square.

In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England

We are missing Michael Jackson.

But we do know we had him, and we are the world.

Torchwood, Children of Earth Day 2 - SOME SPOILERS

Another great episode! This time written by John Fay and directed again by Euros Lyn.

Things to mention. There was a lot of male flesh on show in this episode! Mounds and mounds of it in fact!

We start off with an underpants wearing Rhys, trying hard to get dressed whilst Gwen is breathing down his neck trying to get him to hurry up!

Next we have a full... um, well, just a full body of Ianto's brother-in-law lying in bed. The troops who are looking for Ianto just rip the sheet from his body and there he is! To the statement "We're looking for Ianto Jones." He shouts an indignant "Well, you won't find him in my bed. I'm married!" *snort*

Somewhere in the middle of this we get NAKED JACK! I mean really, really naked Jack! Full-frontal naked Jack in fact! Long distance camera work unfortunately, also a clever little bit of interference to obscure... um, things, a little. So for me viewing via my 32 inch TV there was nothing really to write home about. However, for those lucky people out there with tellys 42" or even 50" maybe you were a bit more impressed! ;)

A couple of quick glimpses of an almost naked undertaker, tied-up in a coffin follow and then we get another NAKED JACK!

Yep, you heard, naked Jack, again, this time rising from the rubble, not full-frontal though, but a full back view. Cute little bot on show for seconds, if not minutes!

I swear John Barrowman is as proud of his arse as Gale Harold is of his!

Anyway, this was very much a Ianto and Gwen episode as Jack just kept getting killed and saved.

Still exciting, I'm still wanting more.


ETA: Great news from Chris Chibnall, writer/producer of Torchwood, Dr. Who etc., the figures for Day 2 were 5.6 million (24% share), beating both Eastenders and Emmerdale. That means it more or less held onto it's premier viewing figures! Now that's impressive.

Tonight's episode should be great too, with James Moran and RTD sharing the writing credits and again with producer Peter Bennett and director Euros Lyn.


Okay, so here's a little 'behind the scenes' vid with the lovely Gareth David-Lloyd!

Michael Jackson's ghost...

I completely missed this yesterday, but wondered what anyone thought about it.

This is a video shot at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch a week after his death, which some say shows Michael Jackson's ghost!



So, what do you think? Is it Michael's ghost walking about the empty corridors of his house and if it wasn't, what was it?

Here's the article from yesterday's Telegraph.

Torchwood, Children of Earth Day 1 - SOME SPOILERS

OMG. Absolutely fabulous! RTD has done it again, this was beautifully written.

It's different, but brilliant. Thank God they moved it to BBC1 if this is the result!

I loved every moment of it. Those of you who haven't seen it, you're in for a real treat.

I loved Gwen saying hello to a photo of Owen and Tosh when she walked into Torchwood.

LOVED Ianto's family! His sister obviously loves him and wheedled out of him that he likes Jack, not men, just Jack. Hm, not sure about that RTD. Anyway, after his little chat with his sister, his brother-in-law came in and gave him a huge hug and said: "Aye, aye, gay boy! She says you're taking it up the arse." I almost died! :D

We met Jack's daughter. Hm, she has a lot of resentment for her dad in her and is being very protective of her son.

Interesting that the Director of all five episodes, Euros Lyn, has also been mentioned in connection with the Doctor Who film we keep hearing rumours about.

Okay, so a great opening episode, and I must say that perhaps it is a good thing this is on every night this week. :)

Tomorrow's episode - Day 2 - is written by John Fay and directed again by Euros Lyn.


ETA: From James Moran's twitter - he's one of the brilliant writers - 5.9 million of us watched this last night! Fantastic figures. If they can keep this up all week, then there will definitely be a Season 4! Great stuff!

Is everyone holding their breath for Torchwood tonight?

So Season 3 of Torchwood - Children of Earth - debuts tonight at 21:00 on BBC1 and BBC HD and runs on five consecutive nights, culminating in the finale on Friday 10th July.

If for any reason you miss the 21:00 shows, they will be repeated late on BBC3 and BBC HD every night. You can find the times of the repeated shows here.

Despite all the rumours - which I'm not going to repeat here - I am very much looking forward to this Season, even though it is unbelievably short! On paper it sounds very, very creepy and I hope that the format of showing the five shows over five consecutive nights works for it.

I just wish Captain John Hart (James Marsters) was going to make an appearance! ;)

***
Those rumours about a Dr. Who film which have been circulating for a while are set to be either confirmed or shot down sooner than we thought. The proposals for a film starring David Tennant, before he hands over the role to Matt Smith, are apparently going to be announced at the forthcoming Comic-Con event in San Diego.

As I mentioned before, David is apparently attending with Russell T Davies on 26th July.

David has also previously revealed that he has signed up for an unidentified "sci-fi project" and Russell has in the past hinted that an announcement of a "special project" would come soon. He recently told Doctor Who magazine: "News as and when, but I can promise it's worth waiting for."

I've written about these rumours before on here, when the BBC said that a script for a feature-length version of Dr. Who was "in development". It wasn't made clear whether RTD or his replacement Steven Moffat would write the script or whether David would appear in it.

At that time the BBC's entertainment correspondent Lizo Mzimba said there were no guarantees a film would be made and that, if the project went into full production, "a release would be a long time away."

So we wait to hear from the Comic-Con.

Anyway we still get to see him as Dr. Who, as David will definitely be appearing in the three one-off Doctor Who specials later this year before leaving the show.

It will break my heart when he does!

Great Wimbledon Photo...

Bjorn Borg - 5 times Champion, Pete Sampras - 7 times Champion, Roger Federer - 6 times Champion and Rod Laver - 4 times Champion standing holding the trophy in front of the Wimbledon honours board!

Fantastic!

The most thrilling Wimbledon Men's Final EVER...

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!

Roger Federer won the Men's Wimbledon Championship against Andy Roddick in the most exciting final I ever remember seeing!

The result was 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 and finally 16-14! It was the longest final ever, lasting four hours and 18 minutes. However, that doesn't show how close this final was. It really could have gone either way and in fact around the middle of the match I was really beginning to think that Andy would be the winner. I don't know how, but Roger dug a bit deeper and finally managed to break Andy's serve in that final game to win! Unbelievable!

After the match Roger had this to say:

"It was a crazy match with an unbelievable end, and my head is still spinning, but it’s an unbelievable moment in my career."

Andy was so sweet in defeat, with tears in his eyes he said of Roger:

"He’s a true champion, he deserves an ending like this."

He then looked up to Pete Sampras in the Royal Box and said:

"I tried, sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off."

So Roger comes away with his SIXTH Wimbledon Championship, his FIFTEENTH Grand Slam and £850,000 which is approximately US$1,388,985!


Andy, although desperately disappointed at the end of the match, doesn't go away empty handed. It's certainly impressive to have three-time runner-up on your results sheet and of course he also gets the tidy sum of £425,000 which is US$694,110. Not bad for two weeks' work! :)

Anyway, if you get a chance to see it, do so, even if it's only that fifth set. It is really very, very exciting.

Wimbledon Men's Final...

What an incredible day to be at Wimbledon!

Roger Federer versus Andy Roddick. Roger hoping to win his FIFTEENTH Grand Slam!

In the crowd watching we have past great champions Martina Navratilova, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. The fabulous Ilie Nastase is here. The lovely John McEnroe and Boris Becker are here as usual. One of my favourite actors, Russell Crowe, is here.

Pete Sampras has done a wonderful thing by coming here after an absence of seven years. He will either witness his US compatriot, Andy, win his first Wimbledon or Roger winning his sixth Wimbledon and thereby beating Pete's own record of 14 Grand Slam titles.

It's a beautiful warm day, with a lovely breeze. The strawberries are luscious and the cream... um, creamy. Now if only Gale Harold loved tennis enough to be here...


ETA: The gorgeous Michael Ballack is here too!

ETA2: Wow, 9 games all in the final set...

ETA3: Um, 12 games all in the final set...

ETA4: Final Result - (highlight if you want to know)Roger Federer wins 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14. His Sixth Wimbledon Championship win and his Fifteenth Grand Slam title! Poor Andy Roddick runner-up for the third time.

London Gay Pride...

Later today the London Gay Pride Parade will leave Baker Street at 13:00. It will go down Oxford Street and Regent Street before ending up in Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square.

There will be around 40 floats together with marching groups, dancing groups, bands and thousands of other participants. With up to 500,000 people expected, Gay Pride 2009 is going to be huge. :)

From about 15:00 following the Pride Parade there will be entertainment, speakers, community stalls and music in Trafalgar Square on the Main Stage with some top quality acts. The line up has not yet been confirmed but it should be fabulous and every bit as good as last year, which had Sir Ian McKellan starting the proceedings.

If you need any more information, go to the official site Pride London.

Have a great Pride everyone.

Happy Fourth of July everyone and how to celebrate here in London...

Okay, so for the past four or five years on various blogs and journals, I've been celebrating American Independence Day with my US friends by posting the fabulous picture on the left!

Until this year, the picture was only black and white. However, in the interim some kind and artistic soul has gone to the trouble of colouring his pants in appropriately.

He does look very fetching now, doesn't he?

Interestingly, while hunting down that picture on my laptop, I came across some caps I made ages ago of some Queer as Folk episodes. One of them stood out for me - in more ways than one - and I seriously considered changing my Independence Day celebration picture to this one. I spent ages just staring at each of them in turn trying to decide which one I liked the most and would use - the sacrifices I make for the sake of this blog! Well I just couldn't decide. I like both of them, although for vastly different reasons, so I decided to post them both to help celebrate the Fourth of July with you all!

May all of the Americans out there have a wonderful celebration with family and friends.

Happy Independence Day everyone!

Oh, and judging by the expression she's wearing, it's obvious that Debbie had never seen a pair of American flag pants before... bu... but what do you mean she's not looking at the pants? ;)


Btw, if you're an ex-pat and feeling homesick or just someone who loves all things American, here's a list of places to go later today with special Independence Day themes:

Big Easy
This year special dishes are going to be added to the menu on Independence Day alongside regular dishes. For the weekend of 4th July 2009, diners can order a picnic special for £14.95 per person that includes American Southern fried chicken with coleslaw, watermelon and a Margarita. A Sunday brunch special is available on Sunday 5th July from noon until 4pm, featuring chicken wings, barbecue ribs, coleslaw, beans and apple pie for £14.95 per person. Competitive sorts and those with large appetites could take part in the 19th annual Independence Day rib eating contest - can you beat the record of nine racks?

Chicago Rib Shack
It's an American Independence Day Special at the Chicago Rib Shack, with a whole weekend of all-American live entertainment and menu offers. There will be a two for one offer on breakfasts throughout the weekend, and on Saturday you can slip into some fancy dress and spend the evening listening to music and filling up on ribs, burgers and delicious cheesecakes sure to have you singing the star spangled banner with much gusto.

Eagle Bar and Diner
Expect delicious cocktails and authentic US cuisine at Eagle Bar and Diner, the sleek modern take on the American themed diner in the West End. Londoners can celebrate US Independence in retro style in cool surroundings, complete with a menu of sumptuous dishes from the States. The Independence Day menu is available from 1st - 4th July.

Bodeans
This year, Bodeans is serving up surf and turf from 1st - 5th July. Guests can make it a gourmet Independence Day in London with a whole three quarter pound lobster, a 5oz rump steak, fries and a side salad. The surf and turf dish costs £17.76 per head, in honour of the original date of US independence (4th July 1776).

Black and Blue
For 4th July 2009 Black and Blue are offering an authentic American steakhouse experience using quality British produce for Independence Day by inviting diners to try vintage dry aged steak, cooked to perfection for two. You can also order a burger and chips.

Independence Day at Waxy O'Connors
This year, central London's big Irish pub, Waxy O'Connors, are hosting an American celebration on 4th July. As Independence Day in London is all about feasting on American-themed menus, you can sample theirs whilst listening to live music. Now that's the American way.

All Star Lanes
Aspiring chilli chefs can head to the All Star Lanes on Brick Lane for an all American style cook off, with the winning chilli getting a place on the lunch menu. A New York comedian will be keeping the competition light hearted on Thursday 2nd July 2009 and on the 4th there'll be a fancy dress contest with a $100 prize.

Picnic in Portman Square
Spend Independence Day 2009 at an old-fashioned American picnic. Entertainment includes live music and face painting for the kids along with ice cream and other favourite foods of the USA. Hosted by Democrats Abroad UK, the picnic takes place from 1pm to 5pm on 4th July 2009. It's open to all but tickets are £5 and must be bought by a US citizen or permanent resident.

American Beer Festival at The White Horse
American beer, live music and more at The White Horse for the 4th of July weekend.

Royal Air Force Museum
Head to the Royal Air Force Museum for all kinds of American Independence Day fun with displays celebrating American RAF personnel, as well as arts and crafts activities for kids from Saturday 4th July - Sunday 5th July.

Enjoy yourselves everyone.

List courtesy of viewlondon

The two Andys and the two Williams...

So, when I said earlier in the week that The Queen clearing her diary for Sunday's Men's Wimbledon final had put the mockers on Andy Murray reaching the final, I was only joking!

Unfortunately, it really did put the mockers on him and after a fabulous match against Andy Roddick - someone I've always liked and could never understand why he didn't win more grand slams - Andy Murray went out in four sets.

It really was a great match and could quite easily have gone either way, but Andy Roddick just kept plugging away and was definitely the best player on the day. What I would have given to have been there!

Talking of which, what I wouldn't give to be at Wimbledon for the Ladies' Final later today! It really was a fabulous match that Serena had in the semi-final, especially when compared to the other semi with sister Venus absolutely slaughtering Safina. For the sake of Ladies' tennis everywhere let's hope that today's final is a wonderfully exciting three-setter and let the best sister win!

Almost forgot...

Happy Birthday to the wonderful and still gorgeous Trevor Eve!

He's been playing the moody and intense Peter Boyd in Waking the Dead since the two-part pilot aired in 2000! It took off and was so successful, largely because of Trevor, that they've recently finished filming its eighth season. Hopefully there'll be more to come.



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Also, to all the Canadians out there, may I wish you all a wonderful Canada Day.

You lucky people, you live in such a beautiful country. If there is one place I would love to live it's Canada, especially Toronto! I had such a wonderful time when I was there a few years back.

Wonderful place, wonderful people!

The ubiquitous John Barrowman...

...talking about Torchwood, the upcoming 'Children of Earth' and his love for Captain Jack on Wales Online.



So, he would love to play Captain Jack for the rest of his career.

He said: "If I were asked just to play Jack in Torchwood for the next 20 years I'd be happy and content."

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, any time I see Captain Jack on camera or on screen I absolutely love him."

"I think he's great, I think he's a great character, a great hero and it's not me being egotistical in saying that. I say it because I enjoy playing him, I think he's brilliant and also he's changed my life.

We all know he loves sci-fi and always tries to attend the conventions and loves to talk to fans of the show.

"I think it's because we deal with real things - although we deal with them in a science fiction way - we deal with real emotion, we deal with real humour, we deal with real people, we deal with real relationships, you know, and it's right in front of you."

"Everybody can see themselves in somebody in Torchwood I think and that partially makes it the success that it is."


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By the way, I don't know about you, but I wasn't particularly overwhelmed by the play on BBC Radio 4 today. It was okay, but I just don't think the thrill is there for me unless I can feast my eyes on Captain Jack and Ianto going at it! ;)

Another play tomorrow, same time, same place, so we'll have to see how that one goes.

Torchwood - Asylum - Today on BBC Radio 4

Don't forget the first of the three afternoon Torchwood radio plays will be broadcast at 14.15 (British Summer Time) today, Wednesday, 1st July.

You can listen from anywhere in the World by clicking the 'Listen Live' feed here.