I’ve said before that I don’t really understand all the nonsense about Janet Jackson and what happened when she performed with Justin Timberlake. It seems to me that there are so many other things that the American people should be spending time worrying about. I am hoping that something similar happens at The Brits. We are in need of another Jarvis/Michael Jackson incident to spice up proceedings.

Having said that, BBC News reports that Oscar president Frank Pierson is up in arms about a five-second delay on the broadcast of the awards ceremony. To accuse it of a form of censorship seems to be a little unnecessary. I am sure it used to be pretty common for all live broadcasts to have some kind of in-built delay. What’s the big deal? Michael Moore’s acceptance would not have been censored by a five second delay; no it was censored by the audience at the time.

I think everybody needs a sense of perspective.

As an aside, I am thankful that I know several Americans living in London who show that not all – nay most – Americans are perfectly rational people. It’s a shame our media does not present them as such. Am I exaggerating all this?

On this day…

2004: Complaining About TV?
2004: Day At Home

I’ve had a day off work which I have totally wasted but I shall not let that worry me right now. What should worry me is my inability to cope with four glasses of wine last night which resulted in the time-wasting (the day off had long been arranged).

While wasting my day, I have been reading about gay campaigning, all of which has been quite interesting. Tin Man pointed to the Faces of Family site – which, I think, could be a great project if you can get anybody who does not think our relationships constitute family to look at it. The message boards over at OutEverywhere have an interesting (but very long) thread discussing the Brazilian resolution to the United Nations which would have sexual diversity included as an integral part of Universal Human Rights. The discussion considered if it is right (or not) to support and sign the petition. I signed it and, I believe, you should think about signing it too. I guess it’s clear which side of the discussion I came down on.

On this day…

2004: Complaining About TV?
2004: Five Second Censorship

It was noted in January that Britain’s biggest grocer, Tesco, takes around one pound from every eight spent by UK shoppers. Well, today, they’re trying to take even more of mine as their new store on Lower Regent Street opened (including a barber shop quartet singing to welcome customers this lunchtime). The shelves were nicely stocked and where they were not, people were replenishing them. All the tills were staffed and they seemed to be doing quite a nice trade indeed. Will the friendly service last? I wonder how it will change my lunch habits? I am used to using a local sandwich shop where lunch is made to order and doesn’t come pre-packed. I would like to think I will continue to visit but the lure of the big store and the ability to purchase something to eat tonight could be quite strong.

I have to say that I am very impressed with the look of the store from the street; it really fits in well with the buildings around it. Certainly some thought has gone into that.

On this day…

2004: I Had No Idea That So Many People I The World Were So Gullible
2004: Better Than Buses In A Flower Market

I have noted the passion of the Macintosh owner before. There’s story on Wired News that suggests some people’s obsession with the beautiful machine goes a little too far [via plasticbag.org].

On this day…

2004: Every Little Helps You Spend
2004: Better Than Buses In A Flower Market

I know you don’t care at all but I was incorrect (here and here). The new Phixx single is not out until March 8th according to the newly designed Phixx official web site (which, to be honest, needs some work to work with Mozilla). See, I am launching a campaign for the acceptance of pop as a musical form with people over 16. You must chant ‘pop is good, pop is cool’ every morning and before you go to bed.

While on the subject, Caroline Cooper of carolinephotos.com has some great pictures of the Phixx boys including our favourite Man of the Moment, Andrew.

If you also look at Caroline’s site you will see some photographs of Liberty X taken in November 2003. They are labeled ‘Coronet’ which means they must have been taken at the one-off exclusive gig for World AIDS Day at The Coronet, London SE1 on Sunday 30th November 2003. Which means Caroline must have been one of the people wielding a big lens on that day. How do I know? I was there!

UPDATE: 9 Feb 2004 – I see the Phixx web site now works in Mozilla. Great.

On this day…

2004: Gym Buddy

It’s been on the news for most of the day and Tom mentions he contributed to the advertisement (which I haven’t seen) in The Telegraph from Greg Dyke supporters within the BBC. I’m impressed that such support exists but it’s not surprising. Everything you read about Greg was that he cared about the programmes and the producers more than the politics of broadcasting. Perhaps that was his downfall; a little more care with the original complaints and he might still be leading. Maybe, at last, journalists will forget about that blasted rat (see my entry for 8 May 2003).

I note that Andrew Gilligan has also resigned; I do not know what else he could have done. He is, however, widely regarded as a good journalist and – I hope – it’s not long before he is reporting somewhere. His resignation statement is an interesting reminder of where all this started.

Many have commented that it’s going to be an interesting time for the BBC as it searches for both a new Chairman and Director General. I strongly believe that the next chairman will be one of the final to chair a board of BBC governors. In a multi-media mix it has long seemed odd that the BBC should be held to a different interpretation of standards than the rest of the broadcast media. It is about time self governace was ended – although we have yet to see what Ofcom will actually do.

I do, however, hope that some of the great work that comes from BBC Online is maintained. In a fight for it’s broadcast reputation I fear that the online presence may too easily be diluted for the guns are out for that part of the BBC.

On this day…

2004: Maybe Somebody Was Listening
2004: Forgotten Credits
2004: Where In The World
2004: Desert Drag
2003: January Snow? A Surprise to Transport Chiefs

Hutton has spoken and the BBC came in for criticism. I have a great affection for the BBC, I worked for them for a while, but in the light of some of the facts that emerged it seems that some of the procedures to ensure accurate journalism seem to be flawed. The government, on the other hand, seems to have got off lightly. But I do wonder if the resignations of both Gavyn Davies and Greg Dyke will some how backfire on Number Ten.

I also wonder if, had the tables been reversed, politicians would have resigned in quite such dignified manners?

I am a great believer that leaders, in business and government, should take responsibility for the decisions of the people they employ. That is not to say that they should resign for every mistake made (I am also a believer in that human beings make mistakes and mistakes are allowed). I think Gavyn Davies and Greg Dyke were great for the BBC. But it is right that they do the honourable thing. It speaks so much more about them as people than anything that has come from Parliament since Robin Cook resigned.

the resignations of the BBC’s Director General and Chairman illustrate the differences of mentality that exist at the BBC and in the government. Though sad, it is refreshing to see those with responsibility acting honourably and resigning. By contrast our cabinet ministers usually have to be pushed from power when found wanting – clinging desperately and shamelessly to their posts and privileges. Greg Dyke and Gavin Davies have acted with a maturity and correctness unmatched by the government. [What now for the BBC?]

I hope the people that take over will have as much integrity.

On this day…

2008: Boston Legal Series 4 Starts Thursday (but you wouldn’t know it)
2006: Free Hair Extensions
2004: Favourite Photography

It is worth noting that after this incident with the Odeon’s online purchasing system, they have not only responded to my comments saying that the error has been fixed but they have also looked into the cookie issue. It was great to get their correspondence and great to see an organisation respond to consumer feedback. Full marks to them and I shall return to the Odeon once again. Now, if only they would support Mozilla …

On this day…

2006: Logo For Our Times
2003: Pop