Take Hart
Sad news to hear that Tony Hart has died. His shows are part of my childhood TV memories.
And randomly I preached a message called "Take Heart" this morning and made refrence to him and his shows (not forgetting Morph).

The mad world of news media
I was wondering today why the BBC news on both TV and radio led with a story about badger culling? I know I could be accused of being a city focused "townie", but how is that even a news story? And why is a higher priority than other stuff that is still happening in the world? War, famine, crime, even stories of people doing good stuff?
Seems bonkers to me - and I'm not naive about these things (I did media studies at uni...)

Meanwhile happy July 4th to anyone who stops by from the USA (Although as a Brit should I really be cheering for that?)

Back on the Small Screen
Just spotted Phil "Sinner or Winner" back on the small screen.

He was interviewed on what's turning out to be quite an interesting BBC2 show "Am I normal?" looking at faith and psychological issues.

A welcome return
Glad to see Neighbours return to the TV today. Feels like back to routine at last.
Except this is the year it moves to Channel 5...

Selling Out
It's good to see one of my hero's back on TV.
But I fear he sold out to make some money.
I mean Paddington advertising Marmite? (video on YouTube here).
Somethings not right! The official site gives a good explanation.
But according to the Times, Michael Bond, Paddington's creator wasn't too pleased.

I know a diet solely of marmalade sandwiches might get a little dull, but there's really no excuse for Marmite!

Swearing
Interesting documentary on Channel 4 on teenage swearing (link here).
It followed one school's attempts to address the issue.
It raised the interesting question of where the influence comes from: media, home, peers or some combination.
Be interesting to know how Christian youth clubs deal with this, especially "open" type clubs - both with young people swearing and the choice of music on the playlist etc.
Is swearing a big deal or is it a generational thing - some things more offensive to older people but not too much of an issue for the young people themselves? Or are some words just plain wrong anyway?
Keeping a lid of the words we use is not always easy!
"Those who are never at fault in what they say are perfect, able to keep their whole body in check." (James 3:2)

Equality

At the risk of this turning into a TV blog, Channel 5 ran an interesting show this evening.

"Big Ideas the Changed the World" was about the idea of equality. The show was written and presented by Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson started by stating that his ideas about equality were firmly rooted in the teaching of Jesus. He then went on to chart a history of Black Americans, and finished by briefly looking at other areas and issues around equality.
It was a timely programme, with all the stuff about the 200 anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade laws, and the day before the 39th Anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King.
One quote:
"Those in power always find some one to justify a have/have not system"

Louis and the preachers
Louis Theroux is a legend as a documentary maker, and last night he tackled some full on strange American "Christians". You can catch some clips here, interview here.
The Phelps run Westboro Baptist church, and their message seems to focus on "fags" and God's hatred. They protest at funerals, street corners and wherever they can to proclaim God's judgement.It made me wish the progamme was an April fools joke, but it was all too real.
Wikipedia here and here has masses of stuff.
Anyway Louis did a good job niggling away at them and I think you could see some doubts bubbling for some of the members when he questioned them.
Just a shame we can't stop them using the name Baptist (or Christian)!

Scooby in mourning?
Scooby might not be so chirpy today after the death of the second half of the legendary animators Hanna Barbera (BBC here). They were creators of the TV of my childhood - not just the dog-father Scooby, but also such delights as Hong Kong Fuey, Yogi, etc.
The only rivals on my childhood TV were the British classics made by Film Fair.