Okay, so only one of these films actually revolves around the fall of the Berlin Wall and the impact it had on East Berliners. The other two are still worthy of a view too as they either feature attempts to cross the border or what life was like for those living in the former German Democratic Republic.
This is one of my all time favourite films. It can be appreciated even if you're usually not into foreign language films. Sorry about the sound quality of the trailer, 'twas the best I could find...
This gives you an idea of what it must've been like to live in the former GDR, how the state monitored every aspect of people's lifes.
And finally, back to something more light hearted and in English (for those of you not keen on subtitles...)
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
This is supposedly the real life story of US game show creator, Chuck Barris. He was responsible for 'The Dating Game' ('Blind Date' in the UK). He was also, apparently, an agent for the CIA - chaperoning winning couples from the show to Berlin...
Oh, and I said, games too, didn't I? Well make that one game, Tony Hawk's Underground 2 which, if my memory serves me right, has Checkpoint Charlie in it and the odd piece of the wall.
Nokia are instigating a product recall, swapping out faulty chargers. Apparently some have casings that can come loose, posing a risk of electric shock.
According to The Times, there's a whopping 14 million that need to be replaced!
Rather than list all the ones affected - head over here instead.
Thieves stole over one hundred Motorola phones from a warehouse near Basingstoke, Hampshire back in September. Now local police are claiming these are being sold in the town itself. Okay, so not exactly the most interesting story ever but, as you'll be aware from the title, these are no ordinary phones. No siree, Bob! These things are worth a whopping £1,200 each!
I'm a local and have yet to see or hear of anyone with one of these or to have been approached by someone trying to flog one. But the police claim these are doing the rounds and have warned people they face up to 14 years in prison if they buy one. Yeah, right. Recently a local man stabbed his wife to death and is likely to serve just 3 years. Strange world we live in, isn't it?
Here's Trusted Review's take on the Aura - as it's known. There's no 3G, Wi-Fi or GPS and only 2 gig of built-in memory with no options for expansion. Seriously, what the fudge?!?
I'm not in the habit of buying stolen goods and this phone wouldn't tempt me anyway. I mean really, £1,200 for that?!? Yes, a circular screen looks rather cool but can you imagine finding apps to work with it? No Opera Mini for a start!
I've been swamped this week so I wasn't able to blog everything I wanted to blog about straightaway. Well not on VOX anyway. I was microblogging over on Twitter. So, if you follow me there (and you know you should) you'll have seen me posting live from the big bash for the BB1.
I was asked along to the launch party of Peugeot's new baby, the BB1. It was a rather glamourous affair held at The Hospital Club in London's Covent Garden on Wednesday night. Yours truly was by far the most dressed down - although I did have brand new shoes on! Attending the event were a varied bunch of celebrities including Christopher Biggins, the Cheeky Girls and Jodie Kidd (who, by the way, is unbelievably tall!)
Being completely out of touch with modern pop culture I had no idea who all the other famous people were - only that they had to be famous as the photographers were taking lots of pictures of them.
One person I did recognise was Soul II Soul's legendary Jazzie B, who was DJing. Two of my all time favourite tunes were Back to Life and Keep on Movin'. I can't even begin to say how awesome it was to meet him in person.
Just a quick rough 'n' ready summary for those that didn't see my earlier VOX post or my tweets...
The BB1 is an all electric concept vehicle that Peugeot have designed. Although it's very small it's big enough to fit four. It's very comfy - at least the front seats are (there's a video of me in the driving seat on its way - once I've finished editing it!) As for the rear seats, I didn't manage to sit in the back, my own motor skills (excuse the pun) aren't all that great after a few drinks! To be honest it looked like a tight squeeze but then again, it's not really meant to fit four adults in on daily basis.
Now, as many of you will know, I'm not a motorist. I can drive but for various reasons I don't have a car (no, I didn't lose my license!) On top of that I'm not a motoring enthusiast - so you won't ever catch me watching Top Gear. But I do love fun and quirky designs and, well, anything that challenge's convention. I'm saying this so that you know where I'm coming from. If you're after detailed analysis and comparisons between other electric vehicles you'll need to go elsewhere.
The great thing about such events as these is the chance to talk to top bods at the companies. This, IMHO, is more fun (for want of a better word) than talking to the celebs. Why? Because it's great being able to ask questions about the product, the design and how it came about. There's a real passion there, they're talking about their 'baby' after all. Speaking of which, that's apparently why Peugeot named this mini marvel of theirs the BB1. Cute, huh?
What really amazed me about the car, and I think I may have an 'exclusive' on this (I don't recall seeing it elsewhere!) is that it only takes six hours to fully charge from a normal household electrical supply. As it has a range of 75 miles, that's none too shabby (especially when you think how long those electric ride-on kid's cars take to charge!) Remember that the BB1, and similar cars, are meant as a city run-around vehicle - they're not designed for a long motorway commute. And, if you're still not convinced that 6 hours is not too long - it will charge even quicker from a suitably equipped garage supply.
Not everyone likes the looks of the BB1, which is a shame. Yes, at first sight it does look a little on the ugly side - but once you've seen it a few times and in person, it really does grow on you - and I'm not just saying that out of politeness.
I've been invited up to London tonight to see Peugeot's concept car, which I think may be a little more than just a concept, in some swish place called The Hospital.
Many of you will know I don't actually have a car and haven't driven in years - so it may seem odd that I'm excited to see this but anyway, I am. Now if only they can lend me a trial one or fit one into a goodie bag (it is pretty small, so maybe, just maybe...)
Anyway, here's a video of it, the 'BB1' in action (oh and it's 100% fully electric!)
As the title says, I'm bloody shattered yet full of energy at the same time. That's probably a good thing as this week's been (and will continue to be) a busy one.
It wouldn't be half as busy if it weren't for the fact that I live 50 miles outside London and then a couple of miles on top of that from my nearest train station. I'm not flush with money so I eschew the taxis (there's no buses when I get back from 'The Big Smoke') and use my plates of meat (as some cor blimey Cockneys would say) instead.
Oh well, it's about as much exercise as I'm getting at the moment so not all bad - plus there's something relaxing about walking home at night with barely another soul out and about (although that's not always the case, there have been some hairy moments!) And I'm always grateful when I can walk as there have been a few occasions recently where I could barely hobble around my flat.
So back to this week..
Last night was TalkTalk's HQ to hear their take on Digital Britain including the proposed 'broadband tax' and Government's plan to crackdown on file sharers. And, of course, their new broadband and phone packages (which I've not got my head around yet). Then I headed to the London Bloggers Meetup (which I was convinced would be next week) followed by a drink at the Buddha Bar (yes, A drink - it's waaay too pricey for us humble bloggers!) with three of the #LBM regulars.
I kind of lost track of time, only just making it to Waterloo before the last train (which is 1.05am FYI) - Sadly this was a stopping service for half the way - then a bus replacement was laid on for the other half. I don't think I got home until 3.30 or possibly 4am!
Anyway, I'm off out again in a bit. This time for something that should be very, very cool. More in the next post. But before I leave for London, I'm going to check to National Rail as I don't want any surprises tonight as I'm up very early Thursday 'cos I'm going to London (again!)
There's something a little surreal about this, is there not? A LEGO set that you build that's a construction site that's, well, building. So you're constructing something that's constructing...
...my head hurts - I think I may need to lie down.
Oh and if the video's too jumpy or you can't be arsed to watch it, here's a piccy...
It would appear that Virgin Atlantic now have an app of their own for Apple's iPhone. It's aimed at those who are a little on the queasy side when it comes to being airbourne.
"Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Flying Without Fear course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better," said the bearded one (Branson).
It was cobbled together with the help of Mental Workout who, as it turns out, aren't a charity who help the insane keep fit.
Go forth and fill your libraries with media.
Seriously, thanks to everyone for being so amazing and patient. You are the reason I love Vox.
First off, let me apologise for my video editing skillz. I'm using Windows Movie Maker (I know, I know!) and this was the best I could knock up in the short time I've had available today.
This cracked me up the other night. Long story short, this woman was clearly out of her depth doing this interview - I could say more but I don't want to appear mean.
Anyway, despite my rough edits - I've not taken anything out of context. I've just edited it down to the best bits.
The funny thing is she (inadvertently) does a remarkable job of demonstrating why Professor Nutt was right and why the Government was wrong.
Links from my Neighborhood
Hear my rantings. Go on, I dare you!
Watch my rantings. Go on, I dare you!
Watch my one video on YouTube. You know you want to!
I Jaiku, you can too! I'm a poet and didn't know it...
Check out my super awesome pictures. Did I say they were ...
