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POPSHow British reality shows have killed the US sitcom Why? First, reality television (thanks, Britain!) is cheap, and, though it doesn't repeat well, it consistently occupies at least a third of any schedule. In fact, the buys this year reflect a decrease not only in narrative comedy, but in scripted programming in general. It's just no fun owning this kind of stuff when DVD sales are flattening out, repeats are not delivering, and international buyers are not keen. In addition, the networks have picked up quite a few spin-offs of existing dramas this year, thus cutting costs by doubling up on writing and production staff, and reducing the need for new ideas. On top of all that, the smart money is betting there will be a Writers Guild of America strike in October, which is not funny for the networks, and for which they are preparing by arming themselves with increasing amounts of "reality".
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POPSWhat is the hidden cost of your £2 latte? More from the piece: Black Gold - which cost £325,000 to make - has made waves at film festivals in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and all over America. It was shown to MPs at Westminster earlier this year. Next Saturday, the Francis brothers are to speak at a preview screening at the Guardian Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, and the film goes on general release the following week. Nick said: 'We want to make people think about what's at the bottom of the coffee cup, and that has set alarm bells ringing in the big companies. Questions are being asked about how they can talk a lot about corporate responsibility yet not pay coffee farmers a decent price. We've had shareholders and employees of those companies writing to us saying, "We didn't know this." One worker in Starbucks said he was never going to serve latte in the same way again.
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POPSClipmarks changed again My word! I'm not on Clipmarks for ONE DAY and it all changes! I've never seen a site like it. Good work lads (and lasses - are there any lasses?). It's looking great. :)
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POPSUnborn babies targeted in crackdown on criminality I really don't know what to think about this. Lots of problematic issues spring to mind: criminalising young people before they are even born; selective targeting of resources etc. On the other hand, previous prevention strategies have been effective in reducing criminality. I fail to understand how intervening at such a young age could have the planned effects ten years later when young people generally start to offend. I'd be interested in hearing more, although for now it's feeling all too Orwellian to me.
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POPSProzac Nation - but do we really need it? I'm inclined to believe that some GPs are too eager to prescribe anti-depressants when they should only be used in cases of serious and actual depression. Nonetheless, I have no doubt that Prozac has saved a great many lives throughout the years. For me, depression is like any other physiological condition and needs to be treated as such.
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