Is Online Television The Way Forward?

Since the launch of television in the 1930's, broadcasting has come a long way in the past eighty years. From the UK going from four channels (BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV and Channel 4) in the eighties, to now having over a hundred channels available via satellite, cable and with over seventy channels on standard digital television. But what does the future hold for television as we know it? Well with internet speeds going from a crappy 28k dial-up to over 50mb broadband, we're seeing more online streaming services surfacing such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which are beginning to dominate our television screens. Even Sky have jumped on the online bandwagon by launching Now TV, offering a handful of its entertainment channels such as Sky 1 and Fox, along with their movie and sports channels as a cheaper alternative to cable and satellite, which you receive by buying a rebranded Roku box for £9.99, or via their Now TV app available on Smart TV's, Pads and now mobile phones. With various alternatives to watch online TV and on-demand services being readily and cheaply available, could this spell the end for television as we know it?

Picture: BBC

Last year, the BBC announced that it was to close BBC Three and make it available online only due to cutting financial costs. This caused a bit of a stir amongst its loyal viewers, especially as this has grown to be a popular channel since its launch in 2003. However, since its announcement, they've been unable to secure the rights to shows such as Family Guy and American Dad, because of security issues with the BBC iPlayer, therefore the BBC had to move most of its popular programmes to their other channels BBC 1 and 2, losing some of its popular US imports like Family Guy to ITV. 

So what are the benefits of online broadcasting? Well, it can be a cheap alternative I suppose. There's no expensive broadcasting equipment required other than a decent streaming server and a reliable broadband connection. There's also alternative apps available which allow you to watch HD quality channels from the US and around the world without the need of satellite equipment being installed. Another benefit, especially to UK audiences is that on-demand television allows you to watch what you want, when you want, dismissing the watershed which is imposed on UK television stations so you can't watch anything other than PG rated material before 9pm. So unless you've got Sky or Now TV, who's movie channels are no longer required to operate under the watershed regulations because they use the pin protection software on its boxes. British television can be quite limited during the day with constant edited movies and crappy daytime programming, unlike our european neighbours who can watch programmes and movies like The Deer Hunter uncut in the afternoon on free television. Yeah, television should still be monitored so you don't get propaganda and sick images on our screens, but viewers should be given the freedom to make their own decisions on what they want to watch, like they do in most european countries. However in the UK, our government and OFCOM won't allow it, and we're still being told these are the programmes you're offered and that's it until 9pm, then you can watch what you want. Which coming from an adults perspective, takes the piss really as it shows these people don't trust you in being a responsible adult, especially if you've got kids. They're excuse is that the watershed is there to protect viewers from seeing inappropriate material. Hang on, we've got the internet, which at a click of a mouse, can give you hardcore pornography, more graphic than what is allowed on UK porn channels. There's also You Tube and Live Leak, which allow its viewers, again with a simple click can access thousands of graphic content videos. Yet in the UK, you're not trusted to either turn over the channel or turn off the television if something offends you or isn't appropriate to children. The main culprit is bad language in films and programmes. The UK was quite strict with this especially after the watershed, but in the last twenty years, broadcasters have become more relaxed, where we can watch a film or television programme uncut after 9pm which can contain strong language. More recently, milder language such as 'piss' and 'arse' is now heard in daytime television, mainly in US programmes, but words such as 'shit' and 'bastard' are still censored until after 7pm on some channels, despite OFCOM actually giving the broadcasters the choice to allow PG rated mild language to be broadcast before the 9pm watershed, but they still opt not to do so. 

Picture: Wired.com

So, from all that, online television could be an advantage in that it will give viewers more freedom to watch what they want, as the technology will be there to allow all broadcasters to use a pin protection system which Sky and Virgin Media are currently using. 

But before I go in to the advantages of online television, let's first look at the disadvantages. The first being the UK needs a stable broadband connection. At present, a good percentage of the country still can't receive broadband, and unless you're willing to pay a fortune to receive broadband via a satellite or if you're lucky enough to be in a 3G/4G signal area, you're still receiving the internet via dial up speeds. For some reason, Wii-Max hasn't taken off in the UK which would really help rural areas out and give customers high broadband speeds without the need to dig up your driveway for fibre optic cables to be installed, along with a £150 bill for the work. So for the BBC to say, that they're placing one of its channels online only, and the fact some folk are still unable to subscribe or receive on-demand television because of their poor internet connection is a further kick in the teeth for them. Plus, buffering is a major issue for some in busy broadband areas, because they're not receiving the speeds they pay for because of busy networks. So what is the use watching a channel, which keeps buffering every minute or so, because your internet is struggling. Another issue would be programming content as receiving online channels from other countries is easily done, because VPN can override geo-blocking which a lot of networks use to stop people from outside the UK or US receiving subscription or exclusive channels. So unless you can guarantee the copyright holders to a film or programme that your online channel can only be received by the country its intended for, then you've got no chance of bringing quality programming to your viewers unless you're making high quality material yourself. Finally, you can't record from online television unless you buy the expensive kit that will allow you to do so. But if you manage to pay for that, you're going back to the old VHS days, where you can only record and watch one channel. So until TiVo technology comes out for online television, or the channels place everything they show on a catch up basis, you're more likely to miss your favourite show. Finally, could online television lead to more people watching on-demand television over live television? Its possible as a good percentage of UK viewers are watching a lot of on-demand television these days. So unless broadcasters look at how on-demand television can keep them going financially, live TV could become a thing of the past as I've said previously in this thread, people would rather watch what they want, when they want. 

Picture: VHS Recorder from 1982

What about the advantages then? Well I mentioned earlier that it could open the door on television schedules being improved, especially in the UK where the watershed dominates what we can watch during the day, unless you've got the Sky Movie Channels, Amazon Prime or Netflix. It could also be used to reduce piracy by opening the geo-blockade and allow US channels and their on-demand counterparts to be made available in other countries allowing for programmes such as Game of Thrones to be shown at the same time everywhere, which could possibly reduce downloads by those who are having to wait a long time to see these programmes. Okay, this could have financial implications on the production companies or networks who rely on their rights being snapped up by foreign broadcasters, but would it really be a massive dent in their finances? Well, let's say if the US version of HBO was made available to the UK, via subscription, then they would see an increase in subscribers. Also, broadcasters such as Sky Atlantic, who like to model themselves on being the UK version of HBO, would still be able to purchase the rights to programmes like Game of Thrones, as people would use them as a second chance to catch their favourite HBO programmes. This would be the same for other channels who have purchased the rights to broadcast US imports on UK television, its actually a win-win situation. Reduce piracy, gain more subscribers! It could also help shows that are lacking in viewers and could avoid them in being cancelled after one or two seasons. If a programme doesn't do well in America, then its canned. The US networks don't care about whether or not its doing great anywhere else, but again, if their channel is freely available elsewhere, this could boost the survival of a programme as it would gain more viewers. As for scheduling, this isn't a problem. Yes there's a five to seven hour time difference between the UK and US, but if recording facilities were available for online television, then this wouldn't be a problem, unless your a die-hard fan then you'll stay up and watch the damn thing.

One more advantage would be that it could open the door to provider competition. At present in the UK, you've got Sky dominating the market, with Virgin a second best for subscription channels, with Netflix closing in on them, but other than that, its Freeview or Freesat for those not wanting subscription television. However, on Freeview HD, online television has begun to surface, with several choices from the likes of VuTV offering subscription channels such as Comedy Central and Cartoon Network via broadband if you're box or Smart TV is compatible. So what's not stopping new providers bringing out their own online boxes, offering a range of channels from around the world? Unless Sky fully jump on the online bandwagon, this could be a game changer for television viewers, being offered alternative channels without the need of a satellite dish or a cable box being installed.

Summing up then, if broadcasters actually took time out at looking into the possibilities of online television and the doors that it could open, not just for them, but to advertisers, sponsors and increase their subscription revenues. Online television in my opinion is certainly the way forward.

Peace On Earth... When The End is Nigh!

With Christmas soon upon us, the one wish many ask for every year is peace on Earth. Something you and I know will never happen in our live time, in fact, probably never - well until the end of days perhaps.

Its sad thing really for someone to actually say that. But, with the ways of the world and how many monsters roam our lands, could we honestly believe that one day the world will actually be at peace? No, not really, but I'm not saying you still can't cling on to that fine thread of hope. You can wish it all your life, but in reality it will never happen. In fact, you've probably got more chance of winning the lottery than the world becoming a peaceful place.

Now, I'm not a religious person, however, if I was to believe that Heaven and Hell existed, then I would firmly say that we're living in Hell right now. Yes, we've been put here for our sins in a former life.
How can I say such a thing? Well, lets put things in to perspective. The Earth is filled with death, famine, greed, pretty much all of the twelve commandments have been broken since Moses appeared on the mountain side and said "Hey, look at these! I'll place them up here so when you're arsed, you can take a look at them okay".
The world is more of a savage place to live than ever before. You can't travel to some places without wondering - am I going to see tomorrow without some mentalist trying to kill me?
Religion plays a huge part in the violence that reigns across the world. Ooh, and don't you dare sit there and say it doesn't! There many religions out there that are guilty of crimes. What really pisses me off is that some religions are very wealthy. Yet, while people like the Pope sit in their chamber, surrounded by gold and expensive items, they're praying for the end of famine. What a bunch of hypocrites! You're surrounded by wealth, yet your telling your followers to dig deep in their pockets and help while you gloat. Why don't you help if your so proud of the Almighty's work? Hell, if its true to what the bible says, then famine is the doing of God, as punishment to mankind for what Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden. So, why do we pray and worship a being that is torturing humanity and going against his own commandments. Hmm?
I actually feel sorry for those who devote their lives to religion, as its those that are getting their hearts broken by extremists and others who abuse their position and beliefs.
Its claimed that the western world is the most hated place on the planet. But why? Because we have different religions, beliefs or are of free mind? Well that can prove my point about religion being the cause of hatred in the world, or is it because of our moronic governments? Who don't know what the word 'trust' is any more and can't help but spy on each other, including their so-called 'allies'. If that's the case, then you really don't know the western world at all. Yeah, perhaps you've seen propaganda videos on social media sites, but anyone can make those up and claim its real. But you get the dumb-arses that do believe its real. In reality, the western world is a very generous and caring place. The UK alone donate money (even though we're on our arses financially) to pay for aid to areas that have been devastated by war, earthquakes or extreme weather conditions. We help people in the Third World more than their own government do, and the west is classed as the bad ones. Go figure!
The Muslim and Islamic communities is full of hatred. Not for the western world, but for the extremists who have tainted their beloved religion, killing in the name of God and not preaching the correct beliefs of the Quran. Yet, these extremists have got the western world paranoid about Muslims and Islam. The press have actually had a part to play in all this too. So who the hell can you really trust other than ourselves?

One of the most asked questions by humanity is 'Are we alone?'.
Common sense should really kick in there as we are proof there's life on other planets. But how come we've not encountered other lifeforms from out of space? Well just think about what I've said above. If you were an alien, who is capable of travelling through space, who is more advanced and intelligent than the human race. Would you show your face if you saw how inhuman the planet is? Erm... no! And could you blame them? With the internet being used to show how cruel and barbaric humans can be. Would you risk your life to say 'hello'? So, until we stop killing each other and live as one, in peace as its preached by all religions. I can positively say we will not see any alien lifeforms make an appearance on Earth at all. I think they'll observe us all from a safe distance until we change our ways.

Maggie Thatcher Dies

Milk Thief

Well, who would have thought Maggie Thatcher would be causing more problems after her death?
The people of the United Kingdom have cheered, mourned and even got the record 'Ding-Dong The Witch is Dead' into the UK Top Ten charts. 

I grew up in the 1980's, when Mrs Thatcher was beginning to make a right old noise and showing true Conservative power by pretty much shitting on the poor to make the rich more wealthy. Hmm, similar kind of story with our current Conservative government today.
She crippled the working class by hiking VAT from 8% to 17.5%, stopped free milk for school children, caused a massive rise in unemployment, tried to reduce what powers trade union's had resulting in several strikes including the massive miners' strike, which saw the closure of several mines and the loss of thousands of jobs across the country. But the best was yet to come with the introduction of the Poll Tax which would see rioting in London before eventually being forced out of power by her own party and leadership handed to John Major (erm.. sounds familar *cough* Tony Blair and Gordon Brown).

As soon as her death was announced on the BBC News at One on the 8th of April. The country was soon divided by the news. Many celebrated and held street parties, while other's mainly supporters of Thatcher mourned and vented their disgust at people's comments and celebrations. But what's really annoyed many of the UK citizen's is that Thatcher is to have a ceremonal funeral with full military honours costing the tax payer £8 million. Money which the current Conservative government claimed we didn't have resulting in job cuts and tax increases. Then, oh no, Maggie dies and we now have £8 million to spend on a person more than half the country hated, and had every reason to do so. But this just proves my point regarding the government, they take from poor to give to the rich. Maggie Thatcher in my opinion doesn't deserve such a send off unlike many previous Prime Minister's that did. She was just an old lady with health problems who didn't give a shit about the people of this country, she was someone who did a job and was sacked by her own government and I bet if this country was still under a Labour government, she would not have got the funeral the television networks will ram down our throats on Wednesday. But not many of us will be watching that crap as they'll be thousands of tax payers lining up outside the tax offices across the UK demanding a refund.

May God have mercy on her soul!

How The Mighty Fall

As the UK Prime Minister says the country is out of the recession. Within a week of photographic giants Jessops going into administration and closing its shops after 90 years. Big music giant HMV today have also called in the administrators.
HMV has retail stores worldwide and has been seen as the main retailer for music and video - until now that is.

So what the hell happened? Is the recession to blame along with the Government for not doing enough to save businesses from failing? Or is technology bringing down retail giants to their knees?

Personally, I think both have had a part to play. The Government hiked VAT up from 17.5% to 20% raising prices and increasing the cost to run a business. This rise in VAT was frowned upon by many, but the Government stood their ground and raised it to 20%.
Recently, the Government announced plans to raise VAT further to 25%, which could mean more well-known businesses could end up knocking on the administrators door, putting more people out of work. It would also mean less money in the customer's pocket as fuel would become more expensive amongst other household bills.
However, this has yet to be given the green light as the announcement has angered many MP's and members of the E.U. have actually spoke up telling the Government to lower VAT and not raise it to help move the economy. But as per usual, this plea has fallen onto deaf ears and the Government continue on to put us back into the recession.

In saying all that with the growth of technology, faster broadband and cheaper online retailers - is there really any shock value to the news of HMV going under? Not really, no.
I personally found HMV to be expensive on a lot of its goods. For example, last year I bought the Alien Blu-ray box set for £18 in Tesco. It was also the same price in other high street and online retailers who sold it for around the same price. However in HMV, you could buy the same box set for £40. That's a big difference, but in their defence, HMV have had decent sales on such as 5 Blu-Ray discs for £30 and the more recent blue-cross sale knocking 25% of its displayed price.
Unfortunately, these sales haven't helped the company from going under because the online market is under cutting their competition with ease.

What high street retailers should be doing is taking on these cheap online retailers head on and match their prices. At present, customers would be willing to wait three days for a item which they bought a hell of lot cheaper than what they could in a high street store. If a high street retailer matched or under cut its online competition they could see a rise in profits as people would most probably opt to make their purchases in store rather than waiting those three days.

However, with faster broadband speeds now available in the UK, a lot of people are preferring to download their music, games and films rather than buy a hard copy. Why? Space saving is one reason with no CD or DVD cases cluttering up room space. As for other reasons, well, shopping from home is the big thing now. People would rather buy online in the comfort of their own homes, plus you can shop with non UK online retailers being able to buy a product not available in the UK.

Overall then, are we really surprised to see well-known high street retailers disappear? I think not.

London 2012 Is Here!

Copyright - Chroniclelive

Hey all! 
It's been a while since I've done any blogging, but I've had a busy past couple of weeks. 


Anyhow, the 2012 Olympics in London are well under way and as expected not without controversy.


On Friday, billions watched the fantastic three and a half hour opening ceremony which was created and directed by Danny (Trainspotting) Boyle.
The man couldn't have shown the world how much Britain has changed as a country as well as what this country has given to the world, such as the Internet and its music any better than he did that night.


However, a certain Conservative Member of Parliament Aidan Burley, thought the ceremony was "The most leftie opening ceremony I have ever seen - more than Beijing, the capital of a communist state! Welfare tribute next?".

Tory Tosspot MP Aidan Burley - Copyright: ITV Central

This comes from an MP who's party/government are destroying what thousands have worked hard to build - a decent country.

The opening ceremony celebrated the creation and the success of the National Health Service (NHS), something which the government are trying to cripple by its continuous cuts to its budget and lack of support to its staff.

Right now, the government are devising a plan to sack doctor's from their jobs and offer them a new contract with less pay. If they refuse to take the new contract they become unemployed. Brilliant idea to stop doctors and NHS staff from striking over their pay - NOT!

We also saw the history of the British Industrial revolution and how its grown over the years because of its hard working people. 
However, like most countries our industry and work force is shrinking fast thanks to the recession and yet again our government. 
After being told to make cuts to VAT, fuel duties and other crippling taxes to help this country and its industry get back on its feet. Our government have turned a blind eye and continued to help unemployment figures increase, businesses and well-known stores to go bankrupt and public sector services such as fire and police face severe budget cuts resulting in officers being laid off and their pensions being cut. 


So Mr Aidan Burley, before you criticise the working man's history just bloody well remember how this country was built. By the working class people who voted you in on a count of trust. The working class people who pay their taxes to fund your family holiday's and refurbishments to your little office. The working class people who are fast becoming unemployed because your government's greed. The working class people who stuck the silver spoon in your toff mouth and hope you bloody well choke on it you utter utter moron.

Other than that, the opening ceremony was pure gold and made everyone us more proud to be British.

How The Poor Will Fall!

So, almost month after the UK budget and the country is no further on in moving the economy because of the fat cat government who this year robbed from the poor to give to the rich.

Their most recent incentive to take more money of the general is to slap residents of the United Kingdom with a green tax - Yes, you read right there!
The Tories as the Toff's like to call themselves, managed to con the country years ago when they convinced the public to convert their cars from dirty environment damaging 4-star leaded petrol to a greener petrol called 'Unleaded'.

Now, the government say that unleaded petrol is damaging the environment therefore people should stop using their cars and use public transport instead. They've also hiked the price of car tax up for many, along with fuel prices which at the time of writing this blog stands at 1.44p a litre ($2.28 a litre, €1.75 a litre).
So how the hell are the average working class family supposed to keep a car running on a low wage or afford to use public transport? Public transport isn't an option for a lot of people, so its all good and proper the government telling us to use public transport especially when most of those lazy sods get driven around anyway!

The Cuntservatives and the arse kissing Lib Dems seriously need to stop putting their needs and the needs of the rich first and start helping the rest of the country before their isn't a country to run.

People can only take so much before they brake and it won't be long before we have more riots on our hands because the working class folk will be sick of not being to enjoy a family day out, have decent food on their table or have a well deserved holiday, because all their wage goes on nothing more than trying to keep a roof over their heads. Something which a good amount of the population are trying very hard to do.

Cut VAT, scrap fuel duty, do something you fat greedy bastards that we will all profit from and get this country out of the recession.

In the Press.

© Reuters

Well let's start with the sad news of singer and actress Whitney Houston.
A great musical talent who like Michael Jackson, has now left a great void in the music industry with her untimely death.

At the time of publishing, there is (as usual) rumours and speculation to how she died. But the truth behind her death won't be known for a while, so instead of pondering on what's happened, just remember how she lived.


Snow Joke!

Europe is freezing its ass off as temperatures plummet to -30C. 

Countries such as Rome, South of France and Spain who all should enjoying Spring like weather right now are being hit with snow storms causing huge problems. 

However, for once the UK has escaped the big freeze with the country having its first major snowfall this winter last week as temperatures dipped to around -18C. But this was short lived as temperatures have since risen back into double figures for some parts.

UK Petrol Price Update.

Well nothing much has really happened. 

The British government have done sweet fanny adams into getting prices down as they refuse to do anything help. 

In the UK, petrol is taxed twice (yes twice!) basically because our government is... well, greedy!

If the government removed one of these taxes, that would bring fuel costs right down in line with most of Europe and the U.S., but they won't. Why? Because it would leave a big hole in their pockets that's why. 

It makes me laugh when the government keep borrowing to help with the recession and the country's debt. However, we as people get advisers telling us that obtaining another loan to pay off a loan is wrong and will only get you into more debt. So what the hell are the government doing then?

Why don't the government just make sufficient cuts not just to public services, but to things that will make a difference and help get the economy moving again such as VAT.

They sit there in Parliament with their smug looks, thinking they're all doing us a favour when the truth is - you're making matters worse! 

If they cut taxes, petrol prices and more, they would see the economy begin to move as people will have the money to spend again.

But this is only a pipe dream as the British government seriously don't care about the UK people, just themselves and their pockets.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and All the best for 2012 everybody!

I can't believe another year has gone, but let's hope this year is a better and more peaceful one or is that asking too much?

So let's recap last year briefly shall we?
Okay, so Bin Laden was killed as was Colonel Gaddafi. London rioted over several things and started a new trend is retail shopping.
The British government, fuel and energy providers, local councils shafted us all by continuing raise bills, cut services and tell the public sector workers they'll be working for longer but receiving less pension.

Prince William got married to Kate, Prince Philip spent Christmas in hospital after under going heart surgery.
US pulled its troops out of Iraq, Kim Jong-Il died leaving his son in charge who recently told the world nothing is going to change.
Egypt and Libya joined other countries and removed their government from power after having enough of their crap. While finally Iran is accused of creating nuclear weapons by the West, but is preparing hold talks with everyone to clear the mess up.

As for Hollywood, there were plenty of remakes, sequels and new original movies kicking ass at the box office including Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Paul and The Inbetweeners Movie.

TV didn't escape is share of problems with Charlie Sheen being sacked from Two and a Half Men over his comments about the show's producer.
UK X-Factor had its fair share of controversy with accusations of vote rigging being thrown about after Amelia Lily's winning song hit the shelves before the winner was officially announced. However, Amelia came third and Little Mix won just to prove that there was no rigging of the votes what-so-ever - just tactics to prove the public wrong.
Ricky Gervais presented the Golden Globes for the second time which raised a few eyebrows and complaints over his comments. Its good to hear he's presenting it for a third time this year.

Then we lost a few great celebrities over the year such as Pete Postlethwaite, Liz Taylor, Susanna York and composer John Barry to name a few.

So let's hope this year is better and those who predict the end of the world will take place this year are wrong!

All the best people! :-)

Time For Action!

Well, the economy is getting worse. America has less money than Apple Inc., and the British arrogant morons government have decided to take more money out of our pockets (money I wish to add a lot of us have very little of) by asking workers to pay around £100 a month extra into their pensions and get less when they retire. Seems fair doesn't it?

They've also noticed that nobody is really spending and things are getting worse. No shit Sherlock!

Oil companies and energy suppliers have announced billions in profit. Well good for them they deserve it. Like hell they do!

Its greedy companies like these along with our greedy government who are pushing the economy back into a recession. Well, when I say back into one, did we really come out of one?

Now the government are scratching the knob on their heads to think of another money making plan they can put together which will plummet the country further into the recession and leave us with less money that we cannot afford to part with.

What they should be doing is actually listen to the public and company directors who are all struggling and ask them what should they be doing to help. Yeah, yeah, yeah as if that will ever happen. Its been decades since a government actually listened to the people and followed up their promises, but if they did take notice to what we had to say then slowly the country will walk clear of the recession and the economy will begin grow again. Companies would be saved, people will be solvent again instead of worrying whether or not they'll have a roof over their heads in six months time and food on the table.

It seriously annoys me when the likes of BP are boasting of the profits they're making and is it a wonder why when fuel prices are so high?

If you're making so much money and boasting about it, how about you drop the bloody price of fuel and I don't mean by a penny like the government did in March thinking they were doing us a favour. You can afford to do it, but you choose not to because of greed.

In March, the government claimed they couldn't get rid of fuel duty or VAT on fuel because it would take years to process all the paperwork. Utter rubbish! They don't want to get rid of it because it would leave a big gap in their pockets - Greed!

The only way we are going to get out of this recession and build the economy back up again is to get us to spending again. How? Lower VAT from 20% down to 12%, this will make food, appliances, etc cheaper to buy again. Cut the cost of fuel down to below a £1 a litre, this will make fuel more affordable to the average family household so they can afford to go out on day trips again without worrying about how many miles they do. It will also help companies to keep their fleet of vehicles on the road and improve services. Wait a minute! If people start to go out more, they might begin to spend more. Yes they will because they'll be able to afford to! Can you start to see a pattern forming here? Shame the government can't! Cap the cost of gas and electric supplies. The recent 19% rise is unacceptable, that is pure greed from the companies who are now boasting of high profits, yet they feel the need to up their prices? Stop companies offering payday loans or force them to lower the APR down to a reasonable rate such as 19% instead of 1200%.

Already I've presented just a handful of solutions, solutions that realistic and would help the economy greatly, but it will never happen as greed will always win. 

This country seriously needs to stand up for itself and show the government enough is enough.

The only people who are getting rich are those who are taking from the poor. The government are talking from their arse when they say there's nothing more it can do to help. There is a hell of a lot they can do, they choose not to because they will begin to lose out.

Something seriously needs to be done and soon, otherwise this country will get to the point of no return and the economy will take decades to recover, especially as there are so many selfish, greedy people out there.

Butterkist and King Cones

My blog has bugger all to do with the title I just couldn't think of anything to call it.
Anyhow, hope your all well. I thought I should write something as I've not done so since March, but it has been a busy couple of months for me.

In March, I was hired to help re-write a script for a play which was due to be performed in May. So for a month I worked closely with the show's director and we managed to pull off a miracle. The show 'What the Window Cleaner Saw!' toured the part's to the UK and was an overall success. So much so that the company behind it - Northeast Producers have extended the tour, which is nice.

While that was going on, I've busy working on the series 'Solid Venom' which is being produced by Danish production company 'Skumfidus Film'.

I finished writing the first season earlier this year, with the series in pre-production stage as casting and everything else is currently being organised.

I've been asked to direct the series, but I'm only prepared to direct one or two of the episodes, which they seem happy with.

Although I had nice surprise to be sent some examples of the graphic novel to Solid Venom which is currently in production. The artwork is superb and I'm excited to see something of mine in this form.
I don't know when it'll be finished or when its due to go on sale so I'll have to keep you informed with that one as soon as I know.

As for the film I was shooting last year - 'Christian', that is to be re-shot and I'm currently rewriting the script as its now going to continue on from the Solid Venom series.

Continuing on with the writing theme, I've also began writing a new comedy sci-fi series called 'Some Kind of Heroes'. I'm not allowed to give too much away at present until the scripts have been approved, but I'm quite excited about this one.

Anyhow time to chew the fat.

One subject that I know is on everyone's mind in the UK is the price of petrol.
I'm sorry but why is it so frigging expensive again? Mmm, wait... its because we've got a greedy Government!

Okay, yeah I know that the price of Crude Oil and the Dollar has something to do with it too, but its still not an excuse to have it so expensive in the UK compared with mainland Europe.

In France the cost of Unleaded is £1.10 a litre and Diesel is 94p a litre.

So why is it £1.34 for Unleaded and £1.40 for Diesel in the UK??? Why is Diesel so more expensive in the UK that mainland Europe? There is no excuses of it other than its filling the fat-arsed MP's pockets that's all.

This country is on its arse financially, yet our Government feel need to bail out every other country from their financial problems including the banks and its us, the taxpayer that get's the bill for it all. But do we get any financial help to help us pay for everyday things? No! Has our wages increased? No!

In my opinion, if the country wants to get out of this financial struggle, then lower the cost of everything to get people spending again. Without us spending, the financial problem isn't going to get better.
How is the rise in VAT and fuel bills amongst other things helping the economy? It isn't! Who are the ones benefiting from these rises? I'll give you a clue - it isn't us.

Our shitty useless Government need to take a step back and stop thinking about themselves and start thinking about those who put them in power, before we start to see rioting on the streets and our Government being overthrown because its citizens have had enough.

Seriously, sort it!

That's all I've got to say about that! ;-)

My Alternative Christmas Message

Source: cheapflights.co.uk

So this is Christmas, and what have we done?
Absolutely nothing to be honest. Why? Because people are worse off than ever before and who do we have to thank for that? The Government.

Now, I'm not just blaming the morons who are in power at the moment. Most of the blame does have to goto Labour for their hand into making the country poorer.

This year, people are worse off than ever before and next year is going to be worse.

How on earth can the government say we're out of the recession when signs are clearly stating we're far from it.

Next year will see a rise in VAT. Over the past two years it has gone from 15% to 20%, and this next rise is going to help the economy how exactly?
With utility bills expected to rise greatly, along with council taxes, petrol and food, how are the working class people going to cope?

Its all good and proper the government saying they'll be help for the poorer, but the reality is, is that people struggle to get that help in the first place.

When banks and building societies got into financial difficulties, they were bailed out but us, the tax payer, and the government clearly said that we would not have to pay for the bail out.
So what we doing now? Paying for the bail out hence one of the reasons behind the increases in tax.

In my opinion, those who were in trouble should have been forced to close.
It was wrong to bail out companies who got themselves into trouble in the first place.
But the other reason behind the bail out was simple. The government would have lost a large amount of money, which meant the average MP couldn't decorate his office or run around in his shiny new car.

The only place our money is going is into the fat pockets of our money grabbing government.


Source: oldschoolparents.blogspot.com


2011, will probably see more people out of work as they won't be able to afford to travel to work.

Wages have been frozen in the public sector along with other businesses and major employees. Yet the cost of living continues to rise.
In January 2011, unleaded petrol in the UK is set to rise from 121p a litre to a staggering 130p a litre.
For an average family it will cost them around £60 to fill their car.

So its all good and proper the government and local councils telling you to go green and use public transport instead, but hang on, weren't we all pushed into using unleaded petrol because it was cheaper and greener on the environment, hence why leaded petrol was stopped?

Now, its become expensive and we're now being told its harming the environment - make your mind up!
Plus, who the hell are they to tell us to stop using our cars and travel to work on public transport?
I would love to use public transport, but I was moved into the middle of nowhere where there isn't any public transport available, so leaving my car at home isn't an option and the same could be said for the majority of the country.

But as individuals slip into more debt as they're unable to keep up with payments as their household bills rise. More and more people will file for bankruptcy this year, more businesses will go bust and the public sector services such as police and fire will suffer from budget and jobs cuts.

What are the solutions to get this country going again?
In my opinion, I would cut taxes - make essentials such as food, utility bills and fuel cheap again.
This will put extra money in your pocket and get people spending again as they'll be able to afford to go out and treat themselves once in a while like we used to do in the good old days.

If petrol wasn't so expensive, families would be able to afford to go on trips again, instead of limiting where they go today because their counting the miles so a tank will last them longer.

Stop bailing out failing companies. If there in debt, that's their problem, not ours!
You don't see the government helping small family run businesses do you? No, as I said before, they'll only help those who they profit from to begin with.

End the war! Bring our troops home, back to their families and stop wasting tax payers money trying to find someone we know you don't want to find. C'mon! Its almost been ten years and you still can't find a terrorist leader despite all the technology and intelligence that's available to you?
That is a pure sign that the government is profiting from the war and the reason why Bin-Laden has never been captured. They know where he is, they just don't care.

So, this year Clegg, Cameron and Brown - yes BROWN and the UK government!
While you're tucking into to your expensive Christmas dinners with your family around the table. Admiring your silk shirts and other expensive gifts you can afford to buy for your families.
Hold a thought while you cut into that turkey, for the families who can't afford a proper meal not just for Christmas, but forever until the day comes when life becomes affordable again.
Hold a thought for those who's families have been driven apart because of the mounting pressure of debt and jobs losses they'll face over the coming year. For those who took their own lives because they were unable to cope, for those who are now homeless and are living on the streets with nowhere to go. For those who died in battle while your government profited from their sacrifice, for the children you let down such as Baby Peter who died in pain because of government bodies failed to do their jobs properly again and for the students who are unable to continue with their further education because its too expensive.
Finally, hold a thought for everyone who voted you all in, these are ones who you've let down once again.

Enjoy Christmas with your families boys, don't waste your time thinking about us. Hell we are the ones who have probably paid for it all.

Merry Christmas! 

Hope Your Happy Now!

(Picture: Atlantic Council)

Its been announced that spending is down yet again in the UK.
Seriously are we surprised? Erm... not really no.

Is it going to get better? Erm... not while the Government think of more ways to rob from the poor and give to the rich.

The only way this country will see any improvement in spending would be to make things affordable again and up the wage and ease taxes for the poorly paid.

Ahahahaha! Who the hell am I trying to kid? This is the Government where nobody gives a toss about anyone who voted them in. The only people they care about are themselves and their deep pockets.
To be honest, how many of you can honestly say you've got full satisfaction from your local council, councillor or MP? Very few of you because they just don't seriously care. We voted them in, give them a job and we get shat on from a great height.

This country doesn't need higher taxes, spending cuts, more job losses.
What would we benefit from when VAT is raised to 20% in January 2011? Nothing. I believe this will bring the country firmly down to its knees and for what? Hmm?

Petrol in the UK is expected to soar to £1.30 (US $2.02) a litre on Unleaded, £1.50 (US $2.33) on Diesel by the new year.
How is that going to help the economy?  On the average 1.6 litre motorcar, a tank of unleaded petrol can cost on average £60 to fill.
So how are the Government expecting people to continue using their cars if petrol can rise to £100 a tank?
People will stop using their cars, people will have to get a second job to meet payments on bills their primary job won't no longer cover, people might even leave their jobs because its too expensive for them to travel to work on a daily basis.
On top of that, the Government plan on taxing food items that aren't covered by VAT. So when food prices rise what's going to happen to people who can just afford a week's worth of shopping? What's going to happen when utility bills soar? The list can go on and on.

I'll give it a year before we start hearing of more businesses collapsing or taking their companies abroad, more redundancies and more bankruptcies.

More people are leaving the UK because its become to expensive to live in their own country.

The people who should be hit hardest on tax are the rich, not the poor, not the people who work long hours to earn enough so they can afford to pay a gas bill or a week's worth of food.

If the Government want people to start spending and give the economy the boost it needs, then they're going to have to make thing more affordable again so people will spend, spend, spend.

Drop down VAT to 9%, get rid of council tax. We coped without it in the past and we can cope without it again.
Half petrol prices, it can be done especially when the oil companies are boasting about the millions their making in so many months.
In all honestly, all this is falling on the deaf and dumb isn't it? Why? Because if they gave up all that extra money, how else will they afford their big polluting cars, flights around the world, holiday homes, their second homes, their office refurbishments, their unfaithful marriages and porn stash?

Its great living in a country where its elected Government care. God bless everyone of them!