Watchification » scotland

Sighthill Stories

clara_mac — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:05:08 +0000

I posted a message on Twitter the other day (feel free to follow me, I’m @clara_mac) saying that anyone who worked in education not moved by this film should leave the profession, now. I stand by that, but Sighthill Stories is more than a film about a school. It’s about communities and change – but it’s never po-faced or worthy. That’s because the kids tell the stories. And these kids have stories to tell.

I must have watched this programme about four times now, partly because it’s brilliant and partly because it expires on Wednesday (grrr…). I know it’s short notice, but do yourselves a favour and download it, especially those readers not in Scotland, who will probably never have the chance to see it. I really hope that it does get shown again on network telly for everyone to enjoy, because every town will have stories like this – I’m just glad that Glasgow had the chance to tell theirs in such a wonderful way.

Newsnight Scotland 08/05/08

jemstone — Sat, 10 May 2008 15:15:19 +0000

For the most forensic coverage of the political story of the week then iPlayer (as does Sky) gives English/Welsh viewers nightly access to the excellent Newsnight Scotland. Presented by the under-rated Gordon Brewer (surely a down south promotion is due) this episode has lots of shots in Holyrood of a very glum Wendy Alexander and a very cheery First Minister as they debate the Labour party’s referendum position.

So thats what happens then when Paxman signs off at 11pm every night.

Carrie and David’s Popshop

Steve Bowbrick — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:32:52 +0000

I like this a lot. I think Carrie and David are telling us they take kids’ media seriously. They’ve made the scary transition from primetime to daytime to playtime and the result is clever and life-enhancing: a show encouraging little kids to sing and dance and make music. Of course, I could be wrong. The Fame Academy wash-out could have wrecked their careers, Carrie could have an eating disorder (she’s pretty skinny) and they could have secretly divorced when it all went pear-shaped. Children’s TV could be a final desperate bid for fame—smiles to mask the crippling sadness and all that. I doubt it, though. I think this is the real thing: non-patronising children’s TV with a sense of fun. Lovely.

Scottish Curling Championships: 2008

russell — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:54:22 +0000

It’s easy to forget what an abstract activity sport is. Why, exactly, are people doing this or that thing? Why are they kicking that? Jumping that? Walking that particular way? But we don’t notice the oddness because we see it all the time. And then something like curling comes along and we’re confronted with the strangeness again. So we gaze and question and wonder, and then, in the case of curling, we’re drawn in by the beauty, the physics, the geometry, the shouting and the human endeavour. I bet you watch it all. Just in case you’re not completely au fait with the rules there’s a great site here that’ll explains everything, with animated examples.