The Razzies 2005

The anti-Oscars honoured Catwoman as the worst film and its star, Halle Berry as worst actress. Berry turned up in person to accept the award and send up her Oscar acceptance speech of a few years ago. George W Bush won best actor for his 'performance' in the documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. More here

The Oscars 2005: Winners

Best film
Million Dollar Baby
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
Ray
Sideways

Best director
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Martin Scorsese - The Aviator
Alexander Payne - Sideways
Taylor Hackford - Ray
Mike Leigh - Vera Drake

Best actor
Jamie Foxx - Ray
Clint Eastwood - Million Dollar Baby
Don Cheadle - Hotel Rwanda
Johnny Depp - Finding Neverland
Leonardo DiCaprio - The Aviator

Best actress
Hilary Swank - Million Dollar Baby
Imelda Staunton - Vera Drake
Kate Winslet - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Annette Bening - Being Julia
Catalina Sandino Moreno - Maria Full of Grace

Best supporting actress
Cate Blanchett - The Aviator
Virginia Madsen - Sideways
Laura Linney - Kinsey
Sophie Okonedo - Hotel Rwanda
Natalie Portman - Closer

Best supporting actor
Morgan Freeman - Million Dollar Baby
Alan Alda - The Aviator
Clive Owen - Closer
Jamie Foxx - Collateral
Thomas Haden Church - Sideways

Best foreign language film
The Sea Inside - Spain
As it is in Heaven - Sweden
The Chorus - France
Downfall - Germany
Yesterday - South Africa

Best original screenplay
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The Aviator
Hotel Rwanda
The Incredibles
Vera Drake

Best adapted screenplay
Sideways
Before Sunset
Finding Neverland
Million Dollar Baby
The Motorcycle Diaries

Celebrity Fame Adacemy

Thirteen celebrities competed to take twelve places in the Fame Academy Mansion. I don't like the regular versions of Fame Academy, only the celeb version, but vocal coaches David and Carrie Grant are back along with choreographer Kevin and 'personal Tutor' Jeremy. Judges this time will be 'headmaster' Richard Parks, opera diva Lesley Garrett and rent-a-judge Craig Revel-Horwood (off Strictly Come Dancing). There are supposed to be occasional guest judges too.

Kim Medcalf went first, she is better known as Sam Mitchell on EastEnders and kicked off with You can't Hurry Love. Apparently she is favourite to win, and was quite good, although Craig described her voice as 'whiney'.

Nick Knowles from DIY SOS was up next with You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling, he started off out of tune but ended up doing OK, even though he looked incredibly uncomfortable and like he would rather be anywhere else. It made a change to see him in a suit rather than overalls.

Edith Bowman, the Radio 1 DJ, gave my favourite performance with Hanging on the Telephone, whilst impressionist John Culshaw off of Dead Ringers, massacred Feel, the Robbie Williams track.

Gina Yashere a comedian shouted Beyonce's Crazy in Love but did such an entertaining dance routine and performance it meant she got away with it, and performance wise was very good, and would have trouble topping it. Comedian/actor Adrian Edmonson did a version of Tainted Love which was OK, his performance generally pleased the judges.

Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq went next singing Genie in a Bottle, it wasn't particularly good and the judges were less then overwhelmed. Apparently she only signed up at the last hour and had had less time with the coaches, so that and the fact she wears sexy clothes got her through.

Chris Colquhoun from Casualty was up next and did an good version of Hey Ya! although one of the judges mentioned his falsetto needed some work. Writer and comedian Jenny Eclair went next, and butchered If they Could see me now, though tried to put in a comedy performance.

Reggie Yates from Top of the Pops did Mr Bombastic which was OK, the judges were not to impressed but the crowd seemed to like him. He was followed by Dawn Steele from Monarch of the Glen which I don't watch so I didn't know who she was. Her version of Leave Right Now was quite good, but not in the class of Will Young!

Comedian Al Murray went next, he did an OK version of Stuck in the Middle With You, but the judges didn't like it. Last up was Coronation Street's Debra Stephenson, another actress I didn't know, she sang Young Hearts Run Free and although went down well generally, she was criticised for her 'little girl' voice.

In the later Results Show the bottom three were revealed to be Jon, Jenny and Al, and it was not a surprise for the first two (I think Ade Edmonson and Konnie Huq could have been contenders). The judges voted to save Jenny, so Jon and Al had to face the vote by their fellow students, who voted Jon to stay by six voted to three.

Thus Al (perhaps unfairly) was first to go. The next episode is on Wednesday night.

Audioscrobbler Update

Apparently my top weekly artist chart is joint affair with Kylie, Wet Wet Wet, Queen, Erasure and Elton John with three tracks played each as of 12.00 today.

However my top artist now is Wet Wet Wet with five plays, Queen and Kylie have 4 plays. I am guessing the latter tracks missed out making it onto my weekly artist list as they were played today, and the others were probably yesterday.

Eastenders is 20: Part Four

The final leg - R-Z:

Raymond, Terry and family. Terry was originally a drunk who cleaned up his act. His marriage to Irene Hills was interpreted by the news that he was not divorced from his first wife Louise. This was soon rectified. After Irene left him, he became a father figure to Janine Butcher. He greatly mourned the loss of daughter Tiffany after she was knocked down by Frank Butcher. Tiffany had lived with Tony Hills until he got off with her brother Simon. She then got pregnant by and later married Grant Mitchell and had daughter Courtney. She had hoped to leave him for Beppe Di Marco before she died. Simon and Tony are now traveling Europe. Terry's first wife and his children's mother Louise, had an affair with Tiffany's husband Grant.

Rickman, Dennis - the illegitimate son of Den Watts and the unseen Paula Rickman, Dennis was tracked down by half-sister Vicki Fowler. Controversially he got together with adopted sister Sharon, but they were split up by Den. He lived with Zoe Slater for a while. He was going to leave her for Sharon, until he discovered Zoe was pregnant. When he discovered that this was a lie and that She was sleeping with his father to try and conceive to keep him, he left. Previous conquests have included Kate Morton, Kat Slater, Sam Mitchell and nanny Joanne Ryan.

Roberts, Carmel - Social worker to had a relationship with toy boy Kelvin Carpenter, and later married wife beater Matthew Jackson. Helped care for niece and nephew Aisha and Junior

Roberts, Binnie - lesbian partner of Della Alexander.

Roper, Willy - framed Arthur Fowler for theft of Allotment funds.

Rose, Michael, Susan And Matthew - Michael was market inspector who had a relationship with Lisa Shaw, we then met wife Susan who had MS, they moved to start a new life in Leeds. Matthew had a few relationships before getting serious with Teresa Di Marco who stood buy him when he was framed for the manslaughter of Saskia Duncan that was originally committed by his boss Steve Owen. He later made a revenge attack on Steve and got £10,000 out of it before leaving the Square.

Royle, Eddie - one time Vic landlord who had flirtations with Kathy Beale and Sharon Watts. Was beaten up by Sharon's' boyfriend Grant Mitchell, and was later stabbed to death by Nick Cotton but he was never suspected by the police.

Russell, Colin - first gay in the Square, lived with Barry Clark, and left the Square after becoming ill with MS.

Ryan, Joanne - hired by Peggy Mitchell to care fro grand-daughter Louise, Joanne had a fling with Dennis Rickman, before developing a crush on Phil Mitchell which meant she was sacked. She got her revenge by renting his flat out.

Salter, Mandy - homeless girl that got Aidan Brosman involved in drugs.

Shaw, Lisa - had an affair with married Michael Rose when they worked together on the market. She tried it on with Gianni Di Marco but then fell for Phil Mitchell whom she shot after a miscarriage. They later reconciled but she left him whilst pregnant to bring up baby Louise as Mark Fowler's, whom she married. After Phil went to prison, his wife Kate (nee Morton) gave her the baby back and she left the Square.

Skinner, Ethel - widow who lived with her dog Willy and was best friends with Lou Beale and Dot Cotton. She moved to sheltered accommodation and then came back to the Square to stay with Dot at the Fowler's and asked Dot to help her die with dignity as she was in the last stages of cancer.

Slater, Charlie and four of his 'daughter' moved in with Mother-in-law Mo Harris - Eldest daughter Lynne married long term boyfriend Garry Hobbs, after an affair with Beppe Di Marco, she later had a miscarriage she left the square. Second daughter Kat was raped at 14 by her uncle Harry, and did not tell the family until later, the product of this was Zoe, who was brought up by Charlie and his late wife as their own. Kat went out with Dr Anthony Trueman and they remained on good terms after he went out with daughter Zoe. She was prevented from marrying Andy Hunter at the alter by her true love Alfie Moon. After Andy bribed her to sleep with him to sort out Alfie's financial troubles they went through a rocky patch and are currently separated. Little Mo Slater was married to Trevor Morgan who beat her up. She served a prison sentence for hitting him with an iron, after he died in a fire, she married Billy Mitchell. She was later raped by Graham Foster and became pregnant with baby Freddie, which put pressure on her relationship with Billy. Belinda Peacock is the youngest official sister and is married and lives away from the Square. Zoe had a fling with Jamie Mitchell and then became engaged to her mother's ex-boyfriend Anthony Trueman. She also went out with Ronny Ferreira but feel big time for Dennis Rickman. When Dennis announced he was leaving her for his adopted sister Sharon Watts, Zoe was tricked by Den Watts to tell him she was pregnant. Then unable to get Dennis to sleep with her, she was forced to sleep with Den to get pregnant. When Dennis found out he left and Zoe had an abortion. She was involved in Den's death. Cousin Stacey has been causing trouble and blackmailed Spencer Moon after getting him into bed. She has also been in all sorts of trouble in the square and tried it on with all sorts of men who have rejected her advances.

Smith, Mary and daughter Annie - Mary was resident punk who became a stripper and prostitute, guidance of boyfriend Rod Norman got her back on the straight and narrow and let her have Annie back (who had been taken away).

Smith, Gus and Juley - Gus always took the blame for what his mates had done. Fell for Sonia Jackson big time but she finished with him for Jamie Mitchell. Julius is usually involved in some funny deals but has had no real relationships in the Square.

Sullivan, Dan - Arrived in the Square as Carol Jackson's boyfriend, then realised he had previously had a fling (which he started up again) with her daughter Bianca Butcher. He was framed for the shooting of Phil Mitchell, when he was cleared he kidnapped Melanie Owen, suspecting her husband Steve of having been the real shooter. Left the Square with £200,000 ransom.

Tavernier, Celestine and Etta and children - Friction in the marriage as Etta was main breadwinner - they moved to Norfolk when she got a promotion taking youngest Lloyd (who had sickle-cell anemia) with them. They were followed by Hattie (nursing a miscarriage and broken relationship with Steve Elliot). Eldest Clyde stayed behind in a relationship with Michelle Fowler. They went on the run when he was wrongly accused of Eddie Royle's murder. When he discovered Michelle was unfaithful whilst he was in prison, he left to go to Trinidad with a cousin. Had a son, Kofi, from a previous relationship. Grandfather Jules was a bit of an old flirt.

Taylor, Kelly - prostitute who befriended a runaway Zoe Slater and stopped her going on the game, lived and worked with Zoe and had flings with Martin Fowler and Ronny Ferreira before getting together with Spencer Moon. left Walford to become a holiday rep in Ibiza.

Trueman, Audrey and sons Anthony and Paul - Audrey was separated from husband Patrick, doted on Doctor son Anthony, but was less fond of the older Paul. When she died, Patrick moved into the Square. Anthony's main romances, were with mother and daughter Kat and Zoe Slater, (not at the same time), he left to go traveling. Paul had a fling with Precious Hudson, wife of a gangster type. He then had a secret affair with Janine Butcher whilst she was engaged to his friend Barry Evans, and kept quiet when she pushed him off a cliff. Guilt led him into the arms of Natalie Evans but she ended it when she found out. Paul has a daughter Eleanor from a one-night stand, and has since been murdered by one of Andy Hunter's henchmen. Patrick has since married Yolande Duke and they are running the (not very busy) B & B.

Wallace, Lenny - drifter, cabby, bar man that lived in a squat with his mate Huw Edwards and had a fling with Bianca Jackson before she married.

Watts, Angie and Den and adopted daughter Sharon - Den had many affairs and wanted to divorce alcoholic Angie, she told him she was terminally ill and then later attempted suicide to prevent this. Den had an alluded to affair with Pat Beale/Butcher/Evans in their early days, also businesswoman Jan Hammond; Sharon's friend Michelle Fowler (produced daughter Vicki) amongst others. Also has a son Dennis Rickman by a woman called Paula from before the show. Angie died a few years ago, Den was supposedly murdered but hid out in Spain, until Vicki tracked him down and brought him home, he is now married to Chrissie (who was involved in his real and final murder) but cheated on her with Kate Mitchell and Zoe Slater (who he manipulated to get pregnant to keep boyfriend Dennis from running off with Sharon). The latter got pregnant and had an abortion. Sharon married Grant Mitchell and had a fling with his brother Phil. Later she had a boyfriend Tom Banks who died in a fire, and then had an on-off relationship with 'brother' Dennis Rickman. She is now in Florida.

Wicks, Simon and David - Sons of Pat Beale/Wicks.Butcher/Evans, although Simon 'Wicksy' may have been the son of Kenny Beale, the brother of Pat's first husband Pete. Simon had a fling with Sharon Watts and later with Cindy Beale, fathering her first child Steven. They ran away together but he dumped her to go and live in NZ and she returned to Ian who brought up his son until Steven found out the truth and asked to go to NZ himself. David was married to Lorraine and had a son Joe, he left them when Joe was young to come to the Square and take up with his brother's old lover Cindy Beale. He was also the father of Bianca Jackson. When things with Cindy got heavy he left, leaving behind Joe (again) who had moved down with his mother. Lorraine had an affair with the married Grant Mitchell before returning to Bolton with Joe. Joe was traumatised from his sister's death when he got engaged to Sarah Hills, but was attracted to Mary Flahety. The complications of this and his father led Joe to have a breakdown.

Wilkins, Debbie - worked in a bank and lived with Andy O'Brein until he was killed. Left the Square to get married.

Williams, Cindy Beale's maiden name. Her 4th child, also called Cindy (conceived with a chap called Nick Holland), lived with her mother Bev, and sister in Cornwall after Cindy died in childbirth. Cindy's first child belonged to Simon Wicks, but was brought up by husband Ian Beale who she later had two more children with. Also had an affair with David Wicks, Simon's brother.

Williams, Nathan and Jane - Nathan was the product of an affair Jane had with Roy Evans when he was married to his first wife (Barry's mother). Nathan resented half-brother Barry and always tried to set him up and managed to snog his wife Natalie. He also had an affair with Melanie Owen. His deceits toward Barry and his father were uncovered by Natalie and he was thrown out.

Wilmott-Brown, James - a posh sort for Albert Square, he opened rival pub The Dagmar and raped barmaid Kathy Beale.

Most of my research came from Walford Web, surely a labour of love the official BBC site.

Top Ten iTunes

1. Paul Weller - You Do Something To Me
2. Supergrass - Moving
3. Lightning Seeds - Marvellous
4. Justin Timberlake - Rock You Body
5. Survivor - Eyo of the Tiger
6. Sugababes - Killer
7. Skunk Anansie - Hedonism
8. Lightning Seeds - What If...
9. Supergrass - Pumping on Your Stereo
10. The Cranberries - Twenty One

This chart represents what iTunes tells me I have listened to most since I downloaded it and bought my iPod in June last year.

Sloganize

I like this, it is an advertising slogan generator - you put in your name and you get a famous saying.

It's the Bright One, it's the Right One, that's Essexgirl!

You've Got Questions. We've Got Essexgirl.

Maybe She's Born With It, Maybe It's Essexgirl

Audioscrobbler

I have discovered Audioscrobbler through another blog that I read. I love charts and lists (I think that is obvious) and here you get to peek at what other peple have listened too, which is a bit like peering through their living room curtains.

iPod Update

The media are reporting that Apple have updated the fabulous iPod again. A quick check on their website confirms this.

The 4gb iPod mini in now £139 (from £179) and the new 6gb version will be £169. It is now in three new colours - a bright pink, green and blue, as well as the original silver. I am guessing that they are keeping the colours seasonal to get people buying this season's colours, rather than the now out-dated pale blue/pink/green and gold. These new version now have up to 18 hours of battery life.

The iPod Photo now comes in 30gb which can hold up to 7,500 songs (this amount decreases depending on how many photos you store on it). The 60gb version will now sell for £309 reduced for £399 and potentially holds 15,000 songs. That is just greedy!

The thing with Apple is they know how to suck a person in...

The Apprentice: Episode Two

After the girl's team First Forte were resoundedly beaten last week, they started off a lot more organised in the hands of Project Manager Lindsay. The boys took a while to appoint their manager - Raj.

The task Sir Alan set for them was to create a new children's toy. The girls split into teams to research toy shops and the brainstorm, whilst the boys just brainstormed. The guys agreed quite quickly on a Top Trumps type game but electronic. The girls liked a plug toy and a robot toy that the brainstorming group had come up with. Manager Lindsay really liked a semaphore game she had come up with and after the plug toy was knocked on the head due to children playing near electricity, she ordered her team to test and prepare a presentation on the robot and the semaphore card game. Child focus groups preferred the robot and the team did as well, but Lindsay called that they went with the cards approx 20 minutes before the presentation.

The boys toy progressed quite smoothly although Matthew decided to read a book during some team meetings as he wasn't really interested which caused some friction, though I felt Raj dealt with him quite well, it is obvious that Matthew is not a team player.

After both teams got their prototypes and made their presentations, the toy buyers preferred the boy's electronic card trading game.

In the board room with Sir Alan, he questioned the originality of the boy's toy saying that there were similar toys on the market already. He then added that the girls' toy was boring and made the boys the winner. They got to spend the day at a country house clay pigeon shooting.

The girls returned to the boardroom and Lindsay decided to take Miriam and Adele to the front line with her. There was little contest in who should go, the major decisions, contrary to focus groups and team members were made by Lindsay and the team all worked toward the same goal, but were disheartened by the choice of toy. Lindsay was fired.

The official website is here.

Download Chart

This week's Top ten Downloads:

1 'Galvanize' - Chemical Brothers
2 'Dakota' - Stereophonics
3 'Over and Over' - Nelly feat. Tim McGraw
4 'Get Right' - Jennifer Lopez
5 'Like Toy Soldiers' - Eminem
6 'Locked Up' - Akon
7 'Take Me Out' - Franz Ferdinand
8 'What You Waiting For' - Gwen Stefani
9 'Wires' - Athlete
10 'Let Me Love You' - Mario

Eastender is 20: Part Three

I have decided I must be mad, but here is K-Q:

Kapoor, Sanjay and Gita ran a clothing stall on the market and lived with daughter Shamilla. Gita ran away and later had a baby Arjun, who Sanjay passed off as his own until Polly Becker sold their story to the tabloids and they were forced to leave the Square. Sanjay's mother Neelam also lived with them for a while.

Karim, Ashraf and Sufia ran the shop, and had children Shireen and Sohail. Ashraf had a string of infidelites and the family later moved to Bristol.

Kominski, Rachel - had a house in the square and worked on the market when she lost her job. Was friends with Mark and Michelle Fowler and Richard Cole.

Kowalski, Felix - Owned barber's shop, was reunited with family in Israel that he lost during the holocaust, took friend Blossom Jackson with him.

Larousi, Tariq - had chaste relationship with Kareena Ferreira and turned out to be the illegitimate son of her father Dan. Donated a kidney to save half brother Ronny.

Legg, Dr Harold - Long standing Doctor in the Square, did not have any real storylines of his own.

Ludlow, Donna - Illegitimate daughter of Kathy Hills/Beale/Mitchell after she was raped as a teenager.

Malik, Asif - bad boy friend of Martin Fowler, later became a good student and is supposedly at university.

McFarlane, Mick, Josie and Kim. Mick worked in the cafe and dated Nina Harris. After Josie returned to Jamaica he looked after Kim who was friends with Nicky Di Marco and Sonia Jackson.

Miller, Mickey - arrived in the Square doing dodgy deals for Spencer Moon and Mo Harris. Later joined by his family: Dad layabout Keith, mum over-protective, jealous Rosie and twin siblings Darren and Demi. Demi had baby Aleesha Beyonce at 14. Mickey is now dating Kareena Ferreira.

Mistry, Nita and son Anish - widowed Nita worked in the mini-mart and started a relationship with Robbie Jackson and they live together in India.

Mitchell, Brothers Grant and Phil, mum Peggy and sister Sam - Grant bought the Queen Vic pub and married Sharon Watts (who later slept with Phil). He had a one-nighter with her best friend Michelle Fowler and she left to go to America without telling him he was expecting his baby Mark jnr. Grant later married barmaid Tiffany Raymond after she became pregnant with his daughter Courtney. Whilst married he had an affair with her mother Louise and barmaid Lorraine Wicks. Nina Harris was another bar maid he had his wicked way with. Is currently in Brazil with Courtney. Phil married a Romanian refugee, called Nadia, to get her a visa before sleeping with his brother;s wife Sharon. He then married Kathy Hills/Beale (who later slept with Grant) with whom he has a son Ben. They now both live in South Africa. He had a relationship with Lisa Shaw, who went onto marry Mark Fowler whilst pregnant with Phil's daughter Louise. He then fell for manicurist Kate Morton who was an undercover cop, they eventually married but split after Phil got set up by Den Watts and went to prison. He escaped and is some place unknown. Peggy was a widow who was engaged to dodgy character George Palmer, and then married Frank Butcher who cheated on her with his ex-wife Pat Evans. She then fell for Harry Slater but that broke up when she found out about his past. She is currently with Grant in Brazil. Samantha has been married to Ricky Butcher and has recently become the widow of estranged husband Andy Hunter. Along the way have been flings with David Wicks, Beppe Di Marco and Steve Owen. Currently casually seeing Danny Moon. Left in charge of the family business she was conned out of their assets by family solicitor Marcus Christie (in cahoots with Den Watts) then dumped by Andy. Was involved in Den's death for the 20th anniversary episode. Also we see cousin Billy and his nephew Jamie who he used to beat up a bit. Billy has since became a nice guy and was used by Janine Butcher and then was happily married to Little Mo Slater, until she was raped and decided to keep the rapist's baby. Jamie had a flingette with Janine but the love of his life was Sonia Jackson even though he cheated on her with Zoe Slater. He reconciled with Sonia and they got engaged, but he was killed by a car driven by Martin Fowler.

Moon, Alfie and brother Spencer - Alfie blagged his way into bar manager of the Vic, brought in his brother and his Nana (Victoria). Alfie was divorced and managed to persuade Kat Slater to marry him whilst she was at the alter about to marry Andy Hunter. She cheated on him with Andy to get him out of some debt and their relationship deteriated and she went away. Since Alfie has been close to her sister Little Mo. Spencer got Vicki Fowler pregnant, after the abortion he got together with Kelly Taylor, and had a bad fling with Stacey Slater. Is now off traveling somewhere. Nana was engaged to Wilfred Atkins until it was discovered he was a con man after her money. Recently we have seen Alfie and Spencer's cousins Danny and Jake. They have been doing 'work' for Johnny Allen and Danny has taken up with Sam Hunter (nee Mitchell).

Morgan, Trevor - Violent husband of Little Mo Slater until she tried to kill him with an iron (for which she went to prison). He then took up with a woman called Donna and had a son Sean whilst still terrorising Mo. He died in a housefire with terminally ill Tom Banks allegedly trying to save him.

Morris, Rod - Nicky Di Marco's maths tutor who reciprocated her advances.

Morton, Kate - an undercover copper assigned to try and honeytrap Phil Mitchell into confessing about the disappearance of Lisa Shaw/Fowler. When he was found innocent she quit the police and they got together for real and married. She previously had an affair in Brighton with Dennis Rickman and after Phil was put into prison and they separated, she had a fling with Den Watts who was married to her friend and business partner Chrissie. She eventually returned to the force.

Norman, Rod - casual labourer who liked to help women in need such as Mary Smith and Donna Ludlow.

O'Brien, Andy - a male nurse who lived with his girlfriend Debbie Wilkins, and had a fling with Angie Watts before being killed whilst rescuing a child from an on-coming truck

Osman, Ali and Sue - owned the cafe originally. Ali ran a cab business with brother Mehmet, both were gamblers. Ali and Sue's son Hassan died fro a cot death, after the birth of their second son, also called Ali, Sue had a breakdown and was committed to a mental institution by Ali. The rest of the Osmans returned to Cyprus.

Owen, Steve - another wheeler dealer businessman. Killed ex-girlfriend Saskia Duncan in self-defence and managed to frame Matthew Rose. Later married Melanie Healy/Beale. Was involved in fueds with Dan Sullivan and Phil Mitchell, it was while he was trying to set up Phil, that Steve died in a car crash. He had a very odd relationship with mother, Barbara and we also saw sister Jackie come to his aid at the Saskia trial. She went on to work as a waitress and go out with Gianni Di Marco, but her PMT induced mood swings were too much for him.

Palmer, George and daughter Annie - not quiet legit business people, Peggy Mitchell/Butcher broke off her engagement to George after she discovered he was a bit of a villain. George was also a former lover of Rosa Di Marco and became convinced that Gianni was his son (he wasn't) which scuppered Gianni's relationship with his daughter Annie. Annie also enjoyed the attentions of Conor Flahety and Phil Mitchell. the family are now in New Zealand.

Peacock, Belinda - married name of youngest Slater sister, periodically separates from husband and is where the family often go and stay for a few months.

Perkins, Sasha - Former lap dancer who is now living with Adi Ferreira.

Peterson, Minty - dodgy landlord who turned out to be a mate of Phil Mitchell's, helps Sam out whilst Phil has been away.

Pierre, Frankie - Was in a band with Mick McFarlane, and had an affair with Alan Jackson and often persued various men.

Price, Natalie - had an affair with her best friend's husband (Ricky Butcher) then left the Square. Came back with a dating agency and married Barry Evans and had son Jack. Dissatisfied with married life she admitted to fancying Barry's half brother Nathan Williams but left the Square to be with Ricky Butcher. After that ended and Barry died, shared grief and a suspicion of Janine Butcher/Evans led Nat to get together with Barry's friend Paul Trueman, until she discovered his involvement in Barry's death.

Eastenders is 20: Part Two

E-J:

Ebert, Milton and daughter Rebecca, friend of Patrick Trueman, turned out to be the natural father of Patrick's son Paul.

Edwards, Huw - Welshman who worked in the cafe and did other odd jobs. Lived in a squat with best mate Lenny Wallace.

Elliot, Steve - Pizza chef who went to work for Ian Beale and later rivaled him. Engaged to Hattie Tavernier.

Ellis, Nellie - Aunt Nellie related to Arthur Fowler and friend to Dot Cotton and Ethel Skinner.

Evans, Roy and son Barry ran the car lot. Widower Roy later married Pat Butcher (previously Wicks and Beale). His old-flame Jane Williams came back into his life to reveal an unknown son, Nathan. He later died of a heart attack and a rift developed between Barry and his step-mother Pat. Barry, after being fleeced by Vanessa Carlton married Natalie Price and had a son Jack. Natalie left him for Ricky Butcher and he later married Ricky's sister Janine, who killed him for his money and got away with it. Janine Evans eventually was falsely convicted of killing Laura Beale.

Ferreira, Elvis mad dad Dan, sons Ash, Adi and Ronny and daughter Kareena. His ex-wife Pushpa sees the children secretly. Dan perused Shirley Benson, but she preferred his son Ash. Ash had a gambling addiction and was seduced by the attentions of a cunning Vicki Fowler. Adi is in a relationship with former lap dancer Sasha Perkins. Ronny went out with Kelly Taylor before moving onto Zoe Slater, her best friend. That ended when Kelly told Zoe she had seen him with another girl. Kareena had a chaste relationship with Ronny's friend Tariq Larousi who turned out to be Dan's illegitimate son. Tariq later donated a kidney to Ronny when he was stabbed. Kareena is now seeing Mickey Miller.

Flahety - It was discovered that Pauline Fowler had a sister born to Lou Beale before she was married called Maggie. The Fowlers and Beales set off to Ireland to meet the clan and Maggie's son Conor came back to the Square with his daughter Mary. Conor had an affair with Ruth Fowler and they left for Scotland. Mary had a fling with Joe Wicks.

Fonseca, Dr Fred - took over from Dr. Legg, he was gay but didn't want to tell his flatmate Mick McFarlane.

Foster, Graham - raped and impregnated Little Mo Mitchell (nee Slater). Was found guilty and sent to prison. Little Mo had a son Freddie.

Fowler - Arthur and Pauline (nee Beale) and their children Mark, Michelle and Martin. Arthur was sent to prison after stealing the Christmas Club money and later had a breakdown before dying. He had an affair with Mrs Hewitt, who he gardened for. After Arthur died, Pauline became friends with Jeff Healy and currently lives with gay friend Derek Harkinson. Mark had a phase living on the streets and contracted HIV, he first married Gill who died of AIDS. He later married Ruth Aitken who left him for his cousin Conor Flahety. Third wife Lisa Shaw and tried to take on her daughter Louise by Phil Mitchell before she left him for Phil. Michelle became pregnant by her best friend' dad Den Watts, and had baby Vicki. She later married George 'Lofty' Holloway. After they split, Michelle decide to move to Florida, but not before one night of passion with Grant Mitchell conceived Mark jnr. Martin had a few teenage flings which resulted in the conception of baby Chloe with Sonia Jackson. After Chloe's adoption Martin had a fling with Kelly Taylor. He accidentally killed Jamie Mitchell in a road accident, but since has married his fiance Sonia. Vicki returned from Florida to see her family and half sister Sharon Watts, a fling with Spencer Moon resulted in an aborted pregnancy. She also seduced Ash Ferreira and one of her lecturers Tommy Grant but her half-brother Dennis Rickman and father Den Watts saw to the end of that.

Grant, Tommy - lecturer and boyfriend of Vicki Fowler, he also tried it on with her step-mother Chrissie Watts.

Hammond, Jan - Lover of Den Watts when he was married to Angie.

Harkinson, Derek - gay friend of Pauline Fowler and lives with the family. A few past lovers have been alluded to, plus two children from a marriage.

Harris, Pat and Mo - sisters in law after Mo married Pats' brother, no love lost between them. Mo's daughter Viv married Charlie Slater and they provided her with many grand-daughters. Pat had a fling with Den Watts that is alluded to, she later married Pete Beale and had a thing for his brother also. Later married Brian Wicks and had sons Simon and David. Third husband was teenage first love Frank Butcher. Later married Roy Evans.

Harris, Nina - niece of Irene Raymond (nee Carter). Ex-prostitute shared a flat with Beppe Di Marco. Had flings with Grant Mitchell and Mick McFarlane.

Harvey, Troy - old schoolfriend of Tony Hills who stayed with his mum and her husband, Irene and Terry Raymond, and then had an affair with her.

Healy Jeff, Alex and Melanie - Vicar Alex disputed with the Square over a halfway house project, he had a fling with Kathy Mitchell. Dad Jeff was a union man who courted Pauline Fowler for a while. Melanie worked for Ian Beale and had a relationship with him, but left on their wedding day when he discovered that he had lied about daughter Lucy's terminal illness (or lack of). Had a fling with Phil Mitchell and later married Steve Owen and later had an affair with Nathan Williams. She was kidnapped by Dan Sullivan and later left to go to Portugal.

Hewitt, Christine - had an affair with Arthur Fowler who she had hired to do her garden.

Hills, Irene (nee Porter) was married to the brother of Kathy Beale and had two children Tony and Sarah. She later married Terry Raymond but that ended after an affair with lodger Troy Harvey. Tony was bi-sexual and cheated on Tiffany Raymond with her brother Simon. Later had a relationship with journalist colleague Polly Becker. Sarah was a bit of a God botherer who got involved in a lot of church and cult stuff, she had a one night stand with Robbie Jackson and later was engaged to Joe Wicks and Matthew Rose. Ted Hills, Kathy's brother was in the show for a while before going to South Africa.

Hobbs, Garry - mechanic at the arches who married Lynne Slater. They later separated when it was revealed that Garry had fathered Laura Beale's son Bobby. They were later reconciled but Lynne suffered a miscarriage and left the Square. Garry later discovered that Bobby was Ian's and not his.

Holloway, George AKA Lofty - Worked as a bar man and later offered to marry Michelle Fowler and take on her daughter Vicki, fathered by Den Watts.

Hudson, Angel and Precious - Local gangster type and his wife. Precious was Angel's alibi in a murder case and he left her in the care of Paul Trueman but they fell in love.

Hunter, Andy - local businessman and dodgy dealer. Persuaded Kat Slater to marry him but she dumped him at the alter for Alfie Moon. He got his revenge by black mailing her to sleep with him. Later married Samantha Mitchell.

Jackson, Alan and girlfriend Carol Branning later married, their household comprised their son Billy, her children Bianca (by David Wicks) who later married Ricky Butcher and had son Liam before having an affair with her mum's boyfriend Dan Sullivan; Robbie who was unlucky in live until he met Nita Mistry and moved to India with her and Sonia who later became engaged to Jamie Mitchell and then married Martin Fowler (by whom she previously had baby Chloe, who was subsequently adopted). Also in the household was Alan's mother Blossom. Alan also had an affair with Frankie Pierre.

Jackson, Matthew beat up his wife Carmel (nee Roberts).

Jeffery, Saeed and Naima ran the corner shop. Naima threw him out and divorced him after he started to visit strippers and make dirty phone calls. Later ran the shop with cousin Rezaul before returning to Pakistan to marry another cousin.

Celebrity Fame Academy

Comic Relief have announced the second edition of celebrity Fame Academy in order to raise funds for the under privileged in the UK and abroad. I have not heard of a lot of them who are taking part this year. Actor Will Mellor won last time, two years ago.

Although not a big fan of the main show I will no doubt get sucked into this.

Eastenders is 20:Part One

The nation's favourite soap celebrated 20 years this weekend with a storyline that saw Dirty Den bumped off for the second time. Because I have nothing better to do, I thought I would try and list alphabetically as many characters as I can. It is by no means a comprehensive list, as there are limited resources on the characters after about 4 or 5 years ago. But here goes A-D...

Aitken, Ruth - later to marry Mark Fowler.

Alexander, Della - Token lesbian. Mother Alice was also seen in the show.

Allen, Johnny - current chief gangster.

Andrews, Donna - Mother of baby Sean by Trevor Morgan, husband of Little Mo Slater.

Atkins, Wilfred - met Nana Moon on holiday, turned out to be a con man who disappeared on the day of their wedding.

Banks, Tom - terminally ill boyfriend of Sharon Watts who died saving Little Mo Morgan (now Mitchell) and baby Sean from a house fire. Mother Bridget also featured briefly, along with ex-wife Sadie and step-daughter Charlotte.

Barnes, Geoff had relationship with Michelle Fowler.

Bates, Nigel, late wife Debbie and step-daughter Clare - After Debbie was killed Nigel and Clare moved to Scotland.

Beale, Pete, Kathy and Ian - original characters. Pete was son of original matriarch Lou Beale and brother of Pauline Fowler and non-featured Kenny. Pete was first married to Pat Evans. Pete was killed in a car crash. Kathy Hills went on to marry Phil Mitchell and have a son Ben, she lives in South Africa. Pete and Kathy's son Ian married Cindy Williams and had children Steven (real father Simon Wicks), Peter and Lucy. He also married Melanie Healy and Laura Dunn, with whom he had another son, Bobby.

Becker, Polly - journalist and not so nice person who had a fling with bi-sexual Tony Hills.

Benson, Shirley - pointless character trying to make the Ferreira family more interesting. Left to visit son in New Zealand.

Bolton, Gary was natural father of Robbie Jackson, was featured briefly with other son Kevin.

Branning, Jim - father of Carol Jackson and April. He is grandfather to Bianca Butcher, Robbie and Billy Jackson and Sonia Fowler. Currently married to Dot Cotton.

Brosnan, Aiden - Apprentice footballer for Walford Town FC who stayed with the Fowlers.

Butcher, Frank - Arrived in the square with children Ricky, Diane and Janine. Also has daughter Clare who we don't see. Went onto marry Pat Harris (later Evans, formally Beale and Wicks), later married Peggy Mitchell. Grandchild Liam from Ricky's marriage to Bianca Jackson, plus Jacques, the illegitimate son of Diane. Ricky was also married to Samantha Mitchell, (now Hunter) and had an affair with Natalie Price and again when she was Natalie Evans.

Cairns, Sarah - Martin Fowler's stalker.

Carlton, Vanessa - wooed Barry Evans and conned him and his father out of a lot of money.

Carpenter, Tony, Hannah, Cassie and Kelvin - Kelvin was the last to leave when he headed to university.

Carter, maiden name of Irene - She was married to Kathy Beale's brother Ted Hills, and later to Terry Raymond, until her affair with lodger Troy Harvey. Her Aunt Maureen also featured briefly.

Cartwright, Lorna - Broke up Phil and Kathy Mitchell's marriage (that is Kathy Hills/Beale) after meeting Phil at AA meetings. Both fell off the wagon.

Chapman, Rose - married woman having an affair with Pete Beale and died in a car accident with him under suspicious circumstances.

Christie, Marcus - Lawyer to the Mitchell's, was persuaded by Den Watts to con Sam Hunter (nee Mitchell) out of the Queen Vic pub before doing a runner.

Clark, Barry - Market trader and lover of Colin Russell.

Clarke, Chris - boyfriend of Simon Raymond.

Clements, Tom - Old bloke who hung round the Vic and was friends with Dot Cotton (now Branning) and Ethel Skinner.

Cole, Richard - AKA Tricky Dicky. Market inspector that had a fling with a number of Walford Women.

Collins, Jane - had terminally ill husband who later died, now lives with Ian Beale.

Cotton, Charlie, Dot, Nick - Many years after Charlie's death, Dot married Jim Branning. Son Nick was always up to no good until pushed from a building by Mark Fowler and left wheelchair bound. Had a wife Zoe and a son Ashley who died after stealing Mark's motorbike, on which Nick had tampered with the brakes.

Cox, Reg - Was found murdered in his flat in the opening scene of the first episode.

Dalton, Jack - Gangster that was killed by Dennis Rickman.

Di Marco, Grandparents Bruno and Luisa, daughter in law Rosa, her sons Gianni and Beppe, daughters Nicky and Teresa and Beppe's son Joe. Also saw Beppe's ex-wife Sandra. Beppe had flings with Samantha Mitchell (now Hunter), Tiffany Mitchell and Lynne Slater. Gianni had flings with Jackie Owen and Annie Palmer. The latter ended after is was discovered that Gianni's father could have been Annie's dad George, who had an affair with Rosa whilst her late husband was in prison. Teresa had flings with Tony Hills and Matthew Rose, a potential fling with Lenny Wallace never really got off the ground. Teenager Nicky dated Martin Fowler and Jamie Mitchell, before pouncing on her tutor Rod Morris.

Duke, Yolande (now Trueman) was married to Victor who we saw briefly.

Duncan, Saskia - possessive ex-girlfriend of Steve Owen and was murdered by him. Matthew Rose went down for her murder.

Dunn, Laura - was nanny for Ian Beale and later married him. Had a son Bobby with him, but told Garry Hobbs it was his after Ian threw her out. Laura died after an accidental fall down the stairs, but Janine Evans (nee Butcher) went down for her murder.

The Apprentice: Episode One

I was pleased that this new show, which started last Wednesday, was as good as the American version. The formula was much the same, and very watchable. This is a quality reality TV programme.

The boys team - Impact - got off to a cracking start and, for the most part, gelled really well. The girls faffed around a lot more, they called their team First Forte.

Their first task, led by Timothy and Saira, was to buy as many flowers as they could for £500 at a flower market and sell them for as much as they could.

Both teams tried to get a pitch on a street market, the boys moved on as the girls seemed to be more organised, and started out selling door to door which they did quite well, particularly Paul, who was a confident seller, and very positive.

Meanwhile, the market had no through traffic and the girls moved on. Against her team leaders instructions, at about 1pm, Miranda sold loads of flowers at less than cost price.

The girls sold out first, and the boys could hardly give away their flowers at Baker Street tube station.

In the end the girls made just over £600 on their £500 investment, and the boys made over £800, so the girls were to face Sir Alan Sugar and his panel. He was furious with Miranda for selling at less than cost, especially so early. Inspite of the fact that Adele questioned Saira's leadership style, as well as Adenike, Saira took Adenike and Miranda into the board room with her. Sir Alan later said that Miranda talked herself out of trouble, whilst Adenike spent more time criticising Saira than pulling her weight, so thus was fired.

Saira was a strong leader and seller, her tone was patronising slightly, she called her peers 'sweetheart' for example. She could get on my nerves. Adele and Miranda have also revealed themselves to be very strong people.

In the men's side, Timothy was a consistent leader, and Paul was a hard worker. Matthew appears to be the weakest link and unlikely to take constructive comments from his colleagues.

I am looking forward to the rest of this series as it is very promising.

Vera Drake

I watched this film last night and really enjoyed it. It is not a fast paced drama but is more character led. The director (Mike Leigh) gives us time to get to know the family and their friends. A lot of the sayings remind me very much of my grandmother and her generation. The film is set in London in 1950, and Vera, as well as caring for her family, elderly mother and sick neighbours, has a number of cleaning jobs. On Fridays she helps 'girls who have got themselves into trouble'.

We get to meet some of these girls briefly and see Vera (Imelda Staunton) at work.

Off course, abortion was illegal at this time, and we see the impact on Vera and her family when this comes out.

The film deals with potentially controversial issue of abortion sensitively, and is very well acted and directed. My only criticism is that sometimes they milked out the more emotional scenes more than I thought necessary.

I would highly recommend this film if you like character-led dramas, if you are more of an action drama person then this film is not for you.

8/10

Download Chart 16/02/05

1 'Galvanize' - Chemical Brothers
2 'Over and Over' - Nelly feat. Tim McGraw
3 'Wires' - Athlete
4 'Dakota' - Stereophonics
5 'Get Right' - Jennifer Lopez
6 'Like Toy Soldiers' - Eminem
7 'Let Me Love You' - Mario
8 'What You Waiting For' - Gwen Stefani
9 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' - Green Day
10 'Take Me Out' - Franz Ferdinand

Nice to see Franz Ferdinand are back in the downloads chart after their success at the Brit awards.

Strictly Come Dancing Romance

Following on from Natasha Kaplinsky's well publicised fling with her Series One dance partner Brendan Cole, there have been reports of a Series Two romance.

This time it is sprinter Denise Lewis who had an affair with her partner Ian Waite. Denise reportedly secretly split from her boyfriend and father of her daughter a year ago. Since Ian she has been dating music manager Steve Finian.

The only link I can find on the web (at this time) is from such a poorly designed website I am not post it.

The Apprentice - Meets the contestants

The UK version of The Apprentice starts tomorrow, here are the contestants. I think I am not going to like some of these people.

New 80's Reality Show

Digital Spy have reported that ITV are planning a career revival show for stars of the 80s. The show is to be called Hit Me Baby One More Time and should kick off around April time.

It sounds like a rip off of Reborn in the USA where various acts toured the US to try and gain exposure, and were voted off each week by the audience. It was won by ex-Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley. I expect I will be sucked into it either way.

The Last Three Things I Bought

1. Dandelion powder by Benefit from a Sephora branch in the UK. £22.

2. Layered T-shirt from Marks & Spencers. £10.

3. Estee Lauder's Spotlight Skin Perfector from Debenhams. £23.

Ikea Game

I am so rubbish at this, and on my first go I got 1/10.

Ikea Game

Plagarised from here.

The Brits - The Winners

The Brits 2005: The winners

British male solo artist: The Streets
British female solo artist: Joss Stone
British album: Keane - Hopes and Fears
British group: Franz Ferdinand
British rock act: Franz Ferdinand
British urban act: Joss Stone
British Live Act: Muse
British Single - Will Young - Your Game
British breakthrough Act - Keane

Pop act: McFly

International breakthrough act: Scissor Sisters
International male solo artist: Eminem
International female solo artist: Gwen Stefani
International group: Scissor Sisters
International album: Scissor Sisters - Scissor Sisters

Brits 25 best song award: Robbie Williams - Angels

Outstanding contribution to music: Bob Geldof

Ikea opening chaos

I has been looking forward to the new Ikea opening in Edmonton, which is not far from where I work, although I was not prepared to turn up at midnight on the opening day in search of promotional bargains. I am glad I didn't as by all accounts it was chaos, as people were treated for heat exhaustion and one man was stabbed.

Are the British now so desperate for a bargain that all thought of their own safety and that of others goes out the window?

It is ironic that today is Debt Freedom Day. Supposedly the day that the average worker has earned enough money to pay off the average credit card and loan debt. I guess that is before they fill their cards up to the limit again.

Nintendo DS come to Europe.

11th March is the date that Nintendo's new dual screen hand held console will launch in Europe. I belive it is already getting a run for its money in Japan with Playstation's PSP.

The new system, with which you can also send messages to your friends, will be compatible with existing GBA games, plus new games and versions specifically designed for the DS.

As good as it sounds, I don't get the time to play my existing GBA SP as much as I would like.

Celebrity Valentine

According to a poll organised by Clinton Cards, pop singer Darius has been voted celebrity valentine of the year by us ladies. He beat Nigel Harmen (off EastEnders), Simon Cowell, Steve Brookstein (X-Factor) and Brian McFadden amongst others to the 'honour'. I am guessing people have forgotten and forgiven the Mr Cheese persona and ponytail that he used to sport during PopStars and the early days of Pop Idol. I really am quite surprised by the list, there are not that many fanciable men on it. I probably would give David Beckham house room if he promised not to talk, but that is it (OK, maybe Jeremy Edwards if I was desperate).

The men voted for Caprice as number one over Jodie Marsh, Kerry Katona and Kelly Brook. I despair for the male of the species and their lack of imagination sometimes, I really do.

Incidentally the award is for British female and Caprice is an American who resides here.

UK's Worst

The annual Naomi awards have been announced. The Naomi's honour the worst in British music and are voted for anonymously by industry execs.

The winners are:

Worst British Group - Blue
Worst British Male - Jamie Cullum
Worst British Female - Rachel Stevens
Worst British Single - I Believe My Heart by Duncan James and Keedie
Worst British Album - The Meaning of Love by Michelle McManus
Worst International Male - Brian McFadden
Worst International Female - Nadia
Worst International Group - Westlife
Worst International Album - The Long Road Back by Peter Andre
Worst International Breakthrough - DJ Casper
Worst British Breakthrough Act - McFly
Worst British Attempt at Rock - Busted
Worst Pop Act - Sam and Mark
Worst Live Act - Pete Doherty
Least Convincing `Urban' Act - Blazin' Squad
Outstandingly Bad Contribution to Music - Louis Walsh

Best Dressed Women

Kate Moss topped a poll as the best dressed woman according to Glamour magazine. Second place went to her 'copycat', the very similar Sienna Miller, ahead of Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham. Shame Kate is not so successful with her private life and her 'relationship' with junkie musician Pete Doherty, which is keeping the red-tops so entertained.

Glamour models Jordan and Jodie March topped the worst dressed list.

Well Done Ellen!

I was please to see on the news tonight that British woman, Ellen MacArthur, broke the world record for solo, non-stop, round the world sailing. This is a wonderful achievement, especially when you consider that she is only 28 years old.

Apprentice UK

The UK version of The Apprentice, with Alan Sugar taking the Donald Trump part, is to start airing on Wednesday Feb 16th. Expect regular blog updates.

Ratboy and I first saw the Apprentice during its second US series when we were over there last September. We then watched the first series on BBC2, so we are looking forward to seeing what they have planned for the UK contestants.

24 Fan Phone

By accident in the latest series of 24 being shown in America, a phone number appeared on the screen of a character's mobile. Die-hard fans of the show have been calling it and speaking to various cast members. The phone number actually belongs to a crew member, but the producers have been so pleased with the response they have been using it as feedback and intend to put in another number later in the series.

Ocean's Twelve

I was very much looking forward to the sequel of the slick and classy re-make of Ocean's Eleven.

The heist was not as clever as in the first film, and although the cast look like they are having lots of fun and gel well on screen, the jokes are not as good and neither is the script.

The oddest bit of all is when Tess Ocean (Julia Roberts) is called in to impersonate Julia Roberts to distract from the heist. Not to mention the cameo from Bruce Willis as himself....

The premise is that Benedict (Andy Garcia) the casino boss who was robbed in te first film has tracked down the crew and is demanding the return of his money plus interest. He has received a tip off from an anonymous man who turns out to be a rival thief, Night Fox, who is rather jealous of their success and does what he can to contaminate the mission of the group as they try and pull off a couple of jobs in order to pay off Benedict.

7/10

Jordan and the Eurovision Song Contest

Jordan (the glamour model, not the country) is planning to compete to be the UK's entry to this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Yes, you did read that correctly.

I am not sure what she will sing (although there are rumours that she has been mentored by Simon Cowell), but she will be competing alongside Pop Idol 2 finalist Andy Scott Lee and Popstars: The Rivals loser (with modest solo success) Javine. Plus previous representative Australian Gina G and a new band (well, to me) called Tricolore.

The contest to decide who will represent Britain will happen on March 5th, with the actual contest taking place on 21st may in the Ukraine.

Collateral

I watched this unusual action thriller last night. Collateral stars Tom Cruise as bad guy Vincent, who persuades innocent cabbie Max (Jamie Foxx) to ferry him around LA all night whilst he gets signatures for a real estate deal. However Vincent is not what he seems as Max finds out when a body falls out of a window onto his cab. Vincent then holds Max hostage and forces him to drive around LA whilst he continues his list of killings.

Jamie Foxx was the star of the film for me as the scared cabbie without the guts to live out his dreams, he got far more screen time than official leading man Cruise. There is a good reason why Foxx has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this role.

The film is slow to start and slightly different from your conventional action thriller, at least until the end. The film is heavy on dialogue between the two male leads, with Jada Pinkett Smith in a supporting role. It is a bit dark but generally very watchable.

7.5/10

Official Download Chart

The official download chart as of today, as per BBC Radio 1:

1 'Galvanize' - Chemical Brothers
2 'Wires' - Athlete
3 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' - Green Day
4 'What You Waiting For' - Gwen Stefani
5 'Get Right' - Jennifer Lopez
6 'Like Toy Soldiers' - Eminem
7 'Dakota' - Stereophonics
8 'Numb / Encore' - Jay-Z & Linkin' Park
9 'Over and Over' - Nelly
10 'The Blowers Daughter' - Damien Rice

In the mainstream Top 10, only the Chemical Brothers (5th) and Athlete (7th) feature from the above list. Number One is a re-release of Elvis Presley and 'It's Now or Never'.

Red Nose Day Announced

Celebs are launching the new Red Nose Day in aid of Comic Relief, which will culminate in a telethon on 11th March.