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BBC News | news-newsbeat-10000724 | 2009-08-04T14:18:39.000Z | 1 | Lightning strike in south London during the summer of 2008
The chances of being struck by lightning are around one in three million so it's not something that most people will ever need to worry about. But for bricklayer Brad Gifford from Northamptonshire it became a reality. He was out walking his dogs when he was caught in a thunderstorm. He spoke to Newsbeat reporter Sam Naz about his lucky escape.
________________________________________________________
So you don't remember a single thing about the actual moment itself?
So you don't remember a single thing about the actual moment itself?
You were out with a friend at the time. What has he told you about that moment?
You were out with a friend at the time. What has he told you about that moment?
How lucky do you feel?
How lucky do you feel?
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New Muse album 'inspired' by 1984 | Lightning strike hits bricklayer | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000724 |
Chris Smith | news-newsbeat-10000386 | 2009-07-15T15:56:43.000Z | 2 | Young people are the hardest hit by the recession. New figures show 1,000 people under 25 are losing their jobs every day. 2.3 million people are now out of work in the UK, the highest level for 14 years. One of the people in charge of sorting our economy is business secretary Lord Mandelson. He reckons getting green is one way forward.
Lord Mandelson says there are opportunities for under-25s
We've been talking to young job seekers in Hull and there are lots of concerns about unemployment but you're talking about a low carbon ecomony. Why is that?
We've been talking to young job seekers in Hull and there are lots of concerns about unemployment but you're talking about a low carbon ecomony. Why is that?
And this will create jobs will it?
And this will create jobs will it?
Some of the younger job seekers we've been talking to in Hull are concerned in the short-term, not the long-term. How can young job seekers who haven't got any experience find a good job?
Some of the younger job seekers we've been talking to in Hull are concerned in the short-term, not the long-term. How can young job seekers who haven't got any experience find a good job?
Lord Mandelson promotes green energy at a Surrey factory
A thousand under-25s are losing their jobs every day. How are you going to stop that?
A thousand under-25s are losing their jobs every day. How are you going to stop that?
Do you think young people will have confidence that you've got what it takes to give them those skills and experience and those jobs?
Do you think young people will have confidence that you've got what it takes to give them those skills and experience and those jobs?
Under-25s hit worst by recession
Young 'depressed' about money
More Brits taking UK holidays
Graduates 'more stressed than ever' | Recession 'not entirely bleak' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000386 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10001382 | 2009-09-03T11:05:15.000Z | 3 | Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told a group of young people that he would consider taking a pay cut because of the recession but wouldn't be drawn on how much he'd be willing to give up.
The PM also called for bankers' bonuses to be more tightly controlled and said they should only be rewarded if they were of long-term value to the company.
He said: "Today we're publishing proposals so that the bonuses of bankers are brought under better control.
"Some people get bonuses for not really doing anything that is of long-term value. It's got to be of long-term value.
"Some people are getting bonuses even if the bank isn't doing well and some people are getting bonuses that are such a high share of the company's turnover that it's a risk for other people who are using that bank."
21 young people questioned Gordon Brown as part of 1Xtra's U Takeover
On the subject of a taking a pay cut, the Prime Minister said he'd be willing to work for less money but that higher earners also needed to pay their share of tax.
"I'd be prepared to take a pay cut," he said. "But I think the issue on taxation is that those people that earn a lot more money should be asked to contribute more to help us get through this recession.
"That's why we've raised the top rate of tax for people who are on higher salaries and that is to help us pay for the job creation that we're doing at the moment."
Have Your Say: How did you rate Gordon Brown's performance? , external
Hosted by Tina Daheley, the PM was answering questions from 21 young people who are not in full-time education, employment or training.
1Xtra and BBC Blast's "U Takeover" project takes place on Saturday 26 September.
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Related internet links
Have Your Say: How did you rate Gordon Brown's performance? | Gordon Brown 'would take pay cut' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001382 |
Debbie Randle | news-newsbeat-10000963 | 2009-08-12T07:00:54.000Z | 4 | A teenager is still in a coma after he was attacked during a night out in Majorca. 16-year-old Alex Hughes from Cardiff was hit over the head with a bottle as he left a nightclub 10 days ago. He was on holiday with a couple of his friends. They've all stayed on the island, visiting him every day in the hope he'll wake up. Reporter Debbie Randle went to the resort of Port d'Andratx to meet them.
Majorca is a popular holiday destination for British tourists
They describe it as the worst 10 days of their lives.
Sitting outside a bar, in the sunshine, looking out to sea is probably what some of them were looking forward to. But now they don't even notice it.
They're stuck in limbo, waiting patiently for their friend to wake up from his coma and come to join them so they can all start to enjoy their holiday.
Josh is feeling the worst of it. He's Alex's friend and the pair were sharing an apartment.
He was also there the night Alex was attacked.
He describes what happened. He said: "The first nights were the best of my life. Then that happened to Al... it just changed it all."
On that night Alex, Josh and their other friend Harry had been at the same bar we're all sitting at now.
They'd met a few girls and decided to go with them to the nightclub up the road.
Josh said: "It was really crowded in there and as we were accidentally bumping into these kids they were like pushing us off and shoving us."
When it all started to get a bit nasty, they all decided to leave.
But once they got outside, Josh says the teenagers from the club confronted them.
"Four of them came running up to us, two went over to Alex and two went over to me.
"As Al turned around to one of them, the other one hit him over the head with a bottle."
To start with it looked like Alex was OK. But as the local lads started to follow them they panicked and tried to jump over a fence into the car park of their apartments.
Josh says it was then clear there was something wrong.
He said: "He was lying over the fence, just like hanging off it.
"So I walked over and brought him off the fence and as I put him on the floor he was like, 'I'm losing blood, I'm concussed, I think I'm dying'. Then he went to sleep."
Alex hasn't woken up since. He'd suffered a brain haemorrhage and was rushed to hospital.
He's been in a coma. His condition is decribed as critical but stable.
They may all still be in Majorca, but since that night their holiday has been over.
Alex's parents have flown over and been at his bedside. Josh has been visiting Alex up to twice a day, speaking to him and trying to get him to wake up.
Three Spanish teenagers have been questioned over the attack and are now in their parents' custody at home while a judge decides what to do next.
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Stone Roses debut was 'rite of passage' | Friends speak over Majorca attack | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000963 |
Dave Howard | news-newsbeat-10001372 | 2009-09-02T14:53:16.000Z | 6 | Gordon Brown announced the employment plans at Birmingham City FC
The Prime Minister says more effort is being made to help people find jobs. 16 to 24-year-olds are the main focus, with a million people unemployed. 150 companies are now signed up to provide thousands of jobs and training schemes. Gordon Brown's been answering your questions about the plans.
_________________________________________________________
Ashley in Milton Keynes has texted in to Radio 1 on 81199. He's spent nine months job hunting and still has friends having no luck finding work. What message can you give to people like that?
Ashley in Milton Keynes has texted in to Radio 1 on 81199. He's spent nine months job hunting and still has friends having no luck finding work. What message can you give to people like that?
Andrew in Ashford, Mark in Northampton. They've both texted Newsbeat to say there are a lot of Polish workers, eastern European workers in our company and the country as a whole.
Andrew in Ashford, Mark in Northampton. They've both texted Newsbeat to say there are a lot of Polish workers, eastern European workers in our company and the country as a whole.
And Matthew in South Shields was one of many texters who wanted to know how you help people who are a bit older than this 18 and 24 age group. His wife is 27, recently made redundant.
And Matthew in South Shields was one of many texters who wanted to know how you help people who are a bit older than this 18 and 24 age group. His wife is 27, recently made redundant.
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Related internet links
Have Your Say: Will the new unemployment campaign help you? | PM promises help for over-25s | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001372 |
Jim Reed | news-newsbeat-10001340 | 2009-09-01T06:56:07.000Z | 5 | Politicians will look at how effective the campaign is in a year's time
Britain's biggest drink companies have launched a £100m advertising campaign to try to make under-25s pace themselves on a night out.
Posters will start to appear on billboards and phone boxes telling readers to eat before drinking and alternate pints of beer with the odd pint of water.
The campaign has been designed by Drinkaware, a charity funded by the alcohol industry and paid for by 35 firms that make or sell alcoholic drinks.
"Changing the drinking culture won't happen overnight," said the charity's boss Chris Sorek.
"Simple tips like eating before going out drinking, pacing yourself with soft drinks, looking after your mates and planning your journey home can help people stay safe."
Newsbeat showed some of the new posters to groups of young drinkers in Doncaster.
"To be honest with you I think people are just going to do what they want to do and that's that," said Victoria from Retford.
Have Your Say: What would you do to combat binge drinking? , external
"I think it's a nice idea and they have the right intentions but I'm not sure people will listen.
"You get to the point where you know you should stop but you go beyond that and just want to keep on drinking."
As part of the new campaign, the slogan 'Why let good times go bad?' will appear on 17 million cans, bottles and supermarket shelves.
Bars will also be encouraged to offer free pints of water to drinkers on a night out.
The posters encourage people to eat before going out drinking
"Some are bound to take no notice, but others will read them," said 22-year-old Matt.
"If you drink more water you are not going to feel it so much in the morning."
Politicians, doctors and other health workers have been worried for years about the amount of alcohol young adults, and especially under-25s, are drinking.
According to research from Drinkaware, 50,000 16 to 24-year-olds are admitted to hospital in England and Wales each year with drinking related injuries or illnesses.
The firms that make and sell alcohol are now under heavy pressure to do their part to reduce levels of "binge drinking" in the under-25 age group.
Politicians have said they will support the new advertising campaign for a year and then carry out an independent review of its effectiveness.
If the adverts don't work, then it is possible the government will push through stricter rules to reduce the amount of alcohol people are drinking.
These could include a ban on cheap booze offers in both bars and supermarkets and tougher restrictions on advertising alcoholic drinks.
Some of the measures are already being put in place in Scotland.
New rules from 1 September ban 2-for-1 drink deals and force bars to make free water available on tap.
Supermarkets will have to display all alcohol products in one area - in other words no beer alongside curry or barbecue products.
Police will also carry out stricter checks to stop bars and clubs selling alcohol to anyone under 18.
Even tougher rules could be brought in later this year that allow local licencing boards in Scotland to set a minimum price for alcohol.
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Related internet links | Ads target young binge drinkers | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001340 |
Jim Reed | news-newsbeat-10001180 | 2009-08-25T09:19:52.000Z | 7 | Student Hester Stewart died after taking GBL on a night out in Brighton
The Home Secretary has told Newsbeat he regrets taking so long to ban the drug GBL, linked to a series of young deaths over the last couple of years.
The government has confirmed it now plans to make the substance illegal by the end of the year along with a herbal mix known as Spice and the chemical BZP often sold as an ecstasy substitute.
"In hindsight I wish we could have done it more quickly," said Alan Johnson.
"We certainly have accelerated [the process] over the last few months which is why we are announcing it today even though we need parliamentary approval."
GBL is a colourless liquid usually mixed with a drink. In small doses it is meant to give a euphoric high but in larger amounts or combined with alcohol it has been connected to a series of accidental deaths.
Newsbeat spoke to the friends of 21-year-old medical student Hester Stewart who died in April after taking GBL on a night out in her home town of Brighton.
"It is not something you can ever expect, really," said her school friend Ross. "I was meant to be seeing her the next day and it was a massive shock. It just freezes you to the spot and you don't know how to react."
Tests after Hester's death showed she was one and a half times over the legal drink drive limit, roughly equivalent to three glasses of wine or beer.
In higher doses, or mixed with alcohol, GBL acts a powerful sedative which can shut down parts of the body.
Hester's best friend Liz said: "In other countries where it is already banned there are posters everywhere saying the GBL plus alcohol equals death. It needs to be labelled properly and young people need to know the dangers."
The government is now planning a new information campaign to tie in with university freshers' week to warn about the dangers of drugs like GBL.
"There is a perception that many of the so called legal highs are harmless. However, in some cases people can be ingesting dangerous industrial fluids or smoking chemicals," said Alan Johnson.
"We have a duty to educate young people about the dangers."
As well as GBL, the new ban will also cover the herbal mixture Spice and the substance BZP, a stimulant often used as a substitute for ecstasy or speed.
Tests on pills seized at Glastonbury this year showed most of the tablets sold as ecstasy contained BZP instead of MDMA.
Critics of the government's approach say that banning BZP and GBL will just encourage users to buy potentially more harmful drugs from dealers.
"The whole point about illegality is that it doesn't get rid of drug use," said Steve Rolls, the research director at the charity Transform.
"The back street chemists will just cook up something else. The problem is the legislation cannot keep up with the entrepreneurs."
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Related internet links | 'Regret' over ban on legal highs | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001180 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat-10001348 | 2009-09-01T14:45:00.000Z | 8 | Tony Moore says he'll find it hard to cope with another fuel price rise
Another tax rise at the pumps means the average price of one litre of petrol and diesel across the UK is around 107 pence.
This latest 2p increase is the third in nine months and motoring groups aren't happy.
But the government says it needs the extra money to help try to kick start the economy through increased public investment.
For Tony Moore though, a building site manager from Leicestershire, it's not good news.
He said: "I look after a few sites in the Hertfordshire area so I spend quite a bit of my time driving, probably about 3 to 3½ hours per day."
He says this new tax rise on fuel will hit him hard. "I'm self-employed so these price rises on petrol and diesel I have to pay myself.
"I reckon I'm going to be paying out around an extra £20-25 every month. I've got a young daughter so it's going to restrict what I can do with her.
"Increasingly we're looking for things to do that doesn't cost us any money."
And Tony's not impressed with the government's claim of needing the extra money to try to kick-start the economy.
"I think it's ridiculous really because it's increasing the price of the one thing everyone really needs the most.
"We're already taxed more on fuel than most other countries. It's already far too expensive and this increase won't help anyone."
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'One in five' young drivers uninsured | 'Fuel price rise will hit me hard' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001348 |
Helen Perry | news-newsbeat-10001262 | 2009-08-28T12:04:36.000Z | 9 | The new head of the army General Sir David Richards takes charge on Friday, promising to focus on the military effort in Afghanistan.
However, serving members of the army appear to put better kit and accomodation at the top of their wish list.
Many have contacted Newsbeat to highlight the issues they would like General Sir David Richards to prioritise.
Corporal Carr said he would like to see improvements to "living conditions for soldiers on camp" adding that the "food is a disgrace".
Craftsman Phoenix of REME thinks "operational equipment should be top of the list, then our accommodation should be updated."
The standard of kit issued to the military appears to be a major issue with his colleagues as well.
Andy in Leicester said: "I'm in the Paras and he should be thinking about getting us better equipment like the Americans."
A soldier who wishes only to be known as Tony added: "I am in the Army and I think his top priority should be to get more man power and kit needed to prevent more casualties.
"We are constantly borrowing kit from the Americans - not good when we are meant to be the best armed forces in the country, is it?"
Lee in Plymouth wants General Richards to address soldiers pay "after sorting out the right equipment he should push for higher wages as our lives are at risk".
Melissa in Catterick would like any extra funds to be directed towards soldiers injured in action.
She said: "They should use the money for bigger payouts for the wounded. People with their life on the line for our country. The fallen and wounded should get more."
However, General Richards, the Chief of the General Staff, has previously stated that he "will not" be presenting the government with a shopping list for military equipment on his first day in office.
He takes over from his sometimes outspoken predecessor General Sir Richard Dannatt, who often clashed with ministers over the issue of kit shortages.
Accepting his new duties, General Richards said: "The army's most valuable assets are its people. It is essential that we continue to look after our soldiers and their families, especially those injured or affected adversely through conflict."
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Related internet links | Soldiers present shopping list | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001262 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10000324 | 2009-07-14T06:30:09.000Z | 10 | Hundreds of thousands of students across the country are graduating from university this week and are finding out that it's not going to be easy to walk into a dream job. The number of vacancies is down, competition is tough and the Careers Advice service says graduates are much more stressed than in recent years. Catherine Burns reports from Leicester.
Thousands of graduates are getting stressed trying to find work
After three years of working, and a fair bit of playing, it all comes down to this. A cloak, a funny hat and your parents looking on proudly.
Hundreds of students are there for their graduation ceremony.
Nicola has just finished her French degree. Her big worry is that she might trip up on stage.
She's not the only one stressing about that, as the graduates file into the hall.
Inside, the buzz of chatter dies down and the brass band strikes up.
There's lots of pomp and ceremony, but even with all the celebration, the official speeches are realistic about what is going on in the outside world.
The university's Vice-Chancellor talks about how the recession means many students will struggle to find work.
Once the ceremony is over, it's back outside for some heavy duty posing. Groups get together and chuck their hats in the air for the cameras.
A student celebrates graduating from university
And it's time for a reality check for Nicola.
Right now, the only money she's earning comes from temp work at a call centre. And even that isn't coming through quickly.
She says: "It's just impossible. I'm applying for everything and I've only had one interview."
Leicester's one of the top 20 universities in the country but it's still tough for graduates.
A few weeks ago, the campus newspaper headline said: "2009: The worst year to graduate."
Joe agrees with that. He did financial economics but instead of getting a high-powered job in the banks, he's carrying on with bar work.
Others say they're going travelling and hoping things will be better when they get back.
It doesn't help that this year's lot of graduates are the first to have paid higher tuition fees all the way through uni.
And now, there are an average of 48 graduates competing for every single job.
Becky has one way to avoid all that. She's going to do a Masters.
She says: "It's not for my love of the course, I'll tell you that much.
"I'm worried about next year as well, because if it doesn't sort itself out, then I'll have spent another £3,500 on a qualification that's not going to get me anywhere."
Bernie Rizzi is from the Careers Advice service. She thinks it is tougher than ever for graduates.
"They are facing a situation where there are fewer jobs around and the prospects look bleak for them. But there are always opportunities out there."
She says it's important to make sure your CV is up to date, and try to get some experience doing volunteer work.
And most important of all, try not to let things get you down.
She says it might take longer to find work, but staying motivated will be a big help.
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Related internet links | Graduates 'more stressed than ever' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000324 |
Tamasin Ford | news-newsbeat-10000366 | 2009-07-15T10:13:36.000Z | 11 | More 18 to 24-year-olds than any other age group in the UK know someone who's lost their job in the recession. That's one of the findings of the BBC's Taking the Pulse survey and another indication the younger generation is feeling the brunt of the economic downturn. Newsbeat's Tamasin Ford reports from Hull.
As the class of 2009 graduates from schools, colleges and universities across the country, there are fears that the problem of youth unemployment is only going to get worse.
It is a national problem but in some cities, like Hull, it's a stark reality.
Famous for its docks and the Humber bridge, it's now known for having the highest percentage of under-25s claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) than any other city in the UK.
Twenty-two-year-old Simon Muller is one of them. He said: "I've been out of work for a year-and-a-half now. I'm still looking for any kind of work, whether it's factory or retail."
Have Your Say: How has the recession affected you? , external
'Frustrated and angry'
Simon's one of 12 young unemployed people taking part in a week-long scheme at the KC stadium, home of the city's football and rugby league sides.
Backed by the Prince's Trust and funded by the Premier League, the Football Federation and the Professional Footballers Association, it's about inspiring young people to get them back into the world of work.
Saeed Ali says having no job makes you feel like giving up
"It's just really hard as there isn't anything out there. I'm just really frustrated and angry," he said.
Simon's not alone. A thousand young people are losing their jobs every day, according to the latest unemployment figures.
2.3 million people are now out of work in the UK.
Saeed Ali, who's on the course too, hasn't had a job for eight months. His only source of income is also Jobseekers Allowance.
He said: "I'm just wasting my life. It's so hard because a) you don't have any money and b) you feel useless really.
"You can't do anything, there's nothing to look forward to and you basically just give up on life."
And as people like Saeed and Simon prepare for another evening of scouring through the scant jobs pages, it's graduation day at Hull University for 21-year-old Charlotte Parker from the Wirral.
"There just aren't any jobs around," she said.
"It does worry me because I think, 'Am I going to come back and just get a job I'm not interested in just so I can afford to live?'"
Charlotte's putting off getting a job for a couple of years to go travelling.
"I've worked so hard to get my degree and I'm going to work even harder to get my masters and then to have to settle for a job I don't really want to do, it's a bit of a scary thought.
"It's not something I'm looking forward too," she said.
Hull is not alone in its battle against youth unemployment.
Charlotte Parker is putting off getting a job so she can travel
Sunderland, Barnsley, Doncaster and Hastings all have high numbers of young people without work and on benefits too.
Other cities like Swindon, Milton Keynes and Northampton have seen a huge jump in the number of under-25s claiming JSA in the last year.
Dee Kundra, from the Prince's Trust, said: "Too many young people at the moment are facing a bleak future.
"The number of young people out of employment is costing the economy millions every week."
Under-25s now make up one in five of Britain's working population, but also make up two in five of the unemployed.
Dee added: "The Prince's Trust in the past 12 months has seen a 50% increase in the number of calls we're getting for help.
"So we can really tell the young people we help are being affected by this recession."
The number of young people out of work is at its highest level for 15 years.
The government is investing £1bn in the Future Jobs Fund to create 150,000 new jobs for long-term unemployed young people between 2009-2011.
Jim Knight, the employment minister, said: "We're willing to put our money where our mouth is and make sure there is a real intervention from the government now rather than going back to the old days where unemployment was a price worth paying."
However, with long term youth unemployment expected to almost treble between now and 2011 there's a worry this new proposal may just act as a sticking plaster for the potential 350,000 young people out of work in just over two years time.
"Of course I'm worried about youth unemployment but the notion that there aren't any new jobs around is false," he added.
"There are quite a few jobs coming through, we've just got to make sure the young people are well placed to get them."
And for some people, like 17-year-old Lewis Valentine from Bridlington, it's all about perseverance. He works as a glass collector in a club in Hull.
He said: "It's not hard to get a job at all. There's loads of jobs out there, you just need to know where to look.
"If you just go for a part-time job and then go back to college, you're going in the right direction aren't you? If you really want to do it, you'll do it."
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Have Your Say: How has the recession affected you? | Under-25s hit worst by recession | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000366 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat-10000568 | 2009-07-27T16:15:02.000Z | 12 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be released in November
Gamers say they are unhappy that one of the most hyped video games of the year will cost them £10 more than most other games on the market.
The company behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Activision, have set a price of £55 instead of the regular £45 for most other new releases.
The first Call of Duty: Modern Warfare game was the biggest seller of 2007 shifting more than seven million copies.
The latest version is released in November and will be one of the biggest sellers of the year.
Eighteen-year-old Gary from Islington in London doesn't care about the price and says he'll definitely be buying it.
"I know we'll still buy it because once we've got the game you can't stop playing it.
"£55 is a bit too much though, so a lot of people will take longer to buy it. But, me personally, I'll buy it because there's no better game than Call of Duty. I know that for a fact."
But not all gamers are so happy with the higher price. Gaming blogs and websites are getting lots of negative comments about the £55 Call of Duty will cost to buy.
Chris, who's 25 and from Bromley in Kent, says he's going to wait for a secondhand copy.
"Why should that be much more than the rest of them? I think £45 itself is tops," he said.
"Considering that CDs and DVDs have all come down in price over the years as technology's progressing, it's funny that games haven't. I'll probably still get it but I'll get it pre-owned."
Other game developers will be closely watching what happens when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is released.
If it still goes to number one and sells millions of copies, industry experts think other companies could do the same with their big releases and charge extra.
But it's unlikely that every new game will start costing more.
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Related internet links | Gamers criticise cost of new game | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000568 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat-10000580 | 2009-07-28T08:18:41.000Z | 13 | Under the baking hot Alaskan summer sun Sarah Palin - former Governor of the state - delivered a fiery speech. There was even a bit about grizzly bears. But no mention of the big questions they're asking out here.
Will she take on Obama in a race for the presidency at the end of his first term in 2012?
Will she take up a new role as a TV or radio chat show host, as the rumours say - and if she goes for the latter how can she ever build her credibility for the former role?
Truth is, in America if you want to run for president you need to be 1) a senator 2) a congessman or 3) a state governor. You could even be in Government already, as was the case with George Bush senior.
But without one of those on your CV, it may be a struggle.
About 5,000 people gathered to see Palin, dubbed "pitbull in lipstick", do her thing.
Her targets were American politcians and the media - her traditonal enemies.
She hailed her two and a half years as Governor a success.
But she leaves office clouded by an inquiry into ethics, huge legal bills and popularity ratings going down.
"When I took the oath to serve you, I promised, remember what I promised?
"To steadfastly and doggedly guard the interests of this great state like that grizzly guards her cubs, as a mother naturally guards her own.
"And I will keep that vow wherever the road may lead," she told cheering supporters.
She also plans to carry on speaking her mind on Twitter - her blog continues to be popular with supporters.
Another option for her could be a lucrative speaking career as after-dinner speeches are big business in the US.
After the farewell speech she helped to dish out food at the annual Governor's picnic.
Fan Donna Michaels said: "She's really not stepping down. She's stepping up to do something bigger and better."
Time for talks with the Taliban?
Food 'crisis' hits young families | Will Palin run for US president? | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000580 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat-10001031 | 2009-08-17T15:59:19.000Z | 14 | It looks sleek but can it convince users to switch from the iPod?
Microsoft has announced its new MP3 player will go on sale in America on 15 September.
Aimed at taking on Apple's iPod, the Zune HD will come in two versions, 16 and 32 gigabytes.
Both of them cost around £80 less than the equivalent iPod Touch, £132 for the 16 gig and £175 for the 32 gig player.
Although no date has been set for a UK release, Microsoft claims it is going to be a serious competitor to the iPod which has dominated the MP3 market since its release eight years ago.
At the moment Apple has about a 70% share.
Worth hundreds of millions of pounds it's a very lucrative market, something Sony recently tried to break into by relaunching its iconic Walkman as an MP3 player, trying to break Apple's monopoly.
Spec-wise the Zune HD has a 3.3 inch OLED screen, built in wi-fi and can store and play out high-definition video content using a special TV docking station.
It's a third generation device but Microsoft's optimism may be short lived.
Apple recently announced a special conference will take place in early September, usually the time of year the company unveils new products in time for autumn and Christmas.
Morale 'high' among British troops
Calls to ban weight loss pill
Boom in 'new and improved' 3D cinemas
Teens react to online warnings | iPod challenger gets US release | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001031 |
Maddy Savage | news-newsbeat-10001124 | 2009-08-21T14:12:52.000Z | 15 | Shianne (right) hasn't been able to find any work in Bournemouth this summer
More than five million people have been ditching trips abroad this summer and going on holiday in the UK instead.
But new figures show many seaside towns have got some of the highest unemployment figures in the country.
Bournemouth beach is rammed with people visiting the town's big annual air show, but amongst the grandads wearing cardigans and toddlers dripping with sunshine are huge groups of teenagers who have been hanging out here all summer.
They've been unable to find holiday work, despite weeks of handing out CVs, knocking on shop doors and visiting the job centre.
Seventeen-year-old Shianne says she's given up for this year: "I've looked in hairdressers and shops but everywhere is full. I thought I would find something somewhere but I just haven't got anywhere."
She's got one year left at school before she's hoping to get a full-time job.
But with unemployment figures expected to keep rising for at least the next year, she's not hopeful.
"It's quite scary because you don't know what you want to do and what you're going to end up doing," she said.
"Because there aren't many jobs around at the moment it's pretty hard."
Andrew (left) has only found part-time work this summer in Bournemouth
Her friends Kevin and Chelsea have had slightly more luck.
Kevin's working in a supermarket, while Chelsea spent all summer searching for work and has just landed three weeks temping in a kitchen.
Unemployment in Bournemouth has gone up up by 130% in the past year. The national average is a rise of around 80%.
Places like Weston-super-Mare, Newquay and the Isle of Wight have also seen unemployment shoot up, despite high profile campaigns to attract tourists.
"There's big variety between seaside towns," says Nicola Smith, who compiled the new figures for the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
"In some areas you are more likely to have people in lower skilled and seasonal jobs and that means that as the downturn has hit, people may be more likely to lose their jobs."
Gazing at the fairground rides are Andrew and Justina. Andrew moved here for a construction job a year ago but got told he wasn't needed. Since then he's survived on part-time bar work.
Justina hasn't worked for more than 12 months after losing her job at a fast-food restaurant.
"We moved here from the Midlands for a better life but we need money for that," she told Newsbeat.
Andrew agrees: "I am surprised unemployment levels are high round here, considering it's a holiday place and everybody's down for the holidays enjoying themselves.
"There is work down here, there just doesn't seem to be enough."
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Morale 'high' among British troops
Related internet links
Trades Union Congress (TUC) | Young unable to find holiday jobs | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001124 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10000444 | 2009-07-21T08:12:58.000Z | 16 | Being Human actor Aidan Turner is starring in a very different kind of drama about a group of painters, poets and their muses. It's called Desperate Romantics and focuses as much on their scandalous love triangles as their paintings. Newsbeat caught up with Aidan to find out what life was like on set.
This isn't like your normal costume drama is it?
Well, no, I guess it's not. It is in a sense but it's got a younger sort of vibe to it. It's got a younger cast and it's got a rock 'n' roll vibe to it. These are almost like the first rock and roll bands without the instruments. That's the way they were, especially Rossetti. A lot of it was drug-fuelled, a lot of it was fame obsessed.
It's been described as Entourage with an easel!
That was thrown around a little bit. Entourage is a good show, to be compared to that is cool.
It's proper Victorian costume but it looks cool. I remember even wearing it going: 'I kind of wish they'd bring this sort of style back - it really works'.
The programme makers said they weren't going to shy away from sex, relationships or the human body, how was that?
Which body are you talking about? They all look pretty good from where I was sitting! There's a bit of nudity in it, a bit of sex, a little bit of kissing. I get naked a couple of times.
Did you find it embarrassing?
Aidan with co-star Amy Manson who has also been in Torchwood
I do now! At the time, not a bit. You just get on with it. You just take your kit off and just do it. I think I spent six or seven days pretty much constantly on the trot, naked, every day wearing this little - well, a big - kind of sock over your bits.
You get into it and you do it and all the girls do it, there's no qualms, there's no inhibitions, you just get your clothes off and get it on!
How was the fighting?
Yeah, that was scary. I remember we only had one shot at the take, or two for some bizarre reason. He scared the life out of me, you can see it in the take. Thank God the camera doesn't go down a bit lower, I'd be absolutely shivering. That was scary. Stuff like that happens all the time.
You just get so into the scene because sometimes in this kind of job you don't get a lot of takes at things, you've just got to do it and that kind of raw emotion brings you through, whatever that will be. That fight in particular, it was mad.
Are you hopeful it'll bring in the sort of people that don't normally watch costume drama?
I guess that's sort of, in a weird way, the idea. It would be great if people could tune in. It has a pace to it that other period dramas that I've seen, don't really have, which is really cool.
Maybe it will appeal to a younger audience. It's a really interesting soundtrack they've laid over it. It seems to really work.
Above all it's really historically accurate which is something that's really important to me. If it was just glossy and if the facts didn't matter so much, it would mean less.
Do you have any idea what's going to happen in the next series of Being Human?
No, I really don't know where it's going to go. It's longer this year, it's eight episodes instead of six so they've given themselves a bit more room to take it places later on in the series. From what I've read it's really good and really exciting. We start shooting in August.
We head to LA to do a bit of press over there - it's getting launched in America - then we come back and start shooting in Bristol.
Can you give us any hints?
I can't - you'll get me sacked! It's just really exciting from the get-go. It picks up almost where it left off - there's no huge time lapse as far as I know. As the audience were seeing it from the last episode, it pretty much continues.
Vampires are very popular at the moment - have you been getting any attention from fans?
Yeah, a little bit. I don't know why they're so popular. It seems to come around every 10 years, they suddenly get popular again. It'll be werewolves next year and Russell [Tovey - his co-star] will get a few more mates.
When I come back to London I get it way more than I do in Dublin. It's been very strange, the response, and it's been all completely positive. Everyone has loved the show, and everyone's been really lovely about it. It's like it's their own little baby somehow, it's like they discovered the show, and then they show it to friends and it grows that way.
Interview by Frances Cronin.
Desperate Romantics stars on BBC2 on Tuesday 21 July at 9pm.
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Beckham: My family comes first | Desperate Romantics 'the new Entourage' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000444 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat-10000700 | 2009-08-04T08:26:36.000Z | 17 | In some states in America sexting has been made a criminal offence
Sexting's become a big issue in the States after a teenager committed suicide after being bullied by text.
Now lawmakers there are fighting for new rules that would make it more difficult to do.
Eighteen-year-old Jessica Logan had it all. She was bright, pretty and popular.
Her mum Cynthia describes her: "She was vivacious, she was artistic, she was fun, she was a good kid."
She was completely in love with her boyfriend but one day she sent him a text, a nude photo of herself, to show him how much she cared.
When they broke up he sent the picture to hundreds of teenagers in their town in Ohio to get back at her.
Jessica's friend Lauren Taylor told reporters: "She was being attacked and tortured.
"When she would come to school, she would always hear, 'Oh, that's the girl who sent the picture'.''
The bullying spiralled out of control and Jessica began skiving off school.
In June last year she couldn't take it any more and killed herself.
Her mother described the horrific moment when she found the body.
"I scanned her room and her closet and saw her hanging. Her cell phone was in the middle of the floor," she said.
In some states in the US, sexting is now a criminal offence. Do it in Vermont, and you can be charged with distributing child porn and labelled a sex offender.
But some people reckon that's too harsh. Jessica's friend Lauren still mourns her friend and is haunted by her ordeal.
"I would never think a person like Jessie would do something like that. It's just too much."
After Jessica's death, her mother quit her job and was in hospital for a time with what she described as a mental breakdown.
Mrs Logan is now suing school officials, accusing them of bullying her daughter.
How hard is it to stop truancy?
Teens react to online warnings
Gamers criticise cost of new game
Related internet links
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop) | Call for US clampdown on sexting | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000700 |
Nesta McGregor | news-newsbeat-10001244 | 2009-08-27T10:34:49.000Z | 18 | N-Dubz say they're looking forward to rocking Glasgow
N-Dubz have told Newsbeat they are shocked to have picked up four nominations for the Mobo awards.
The London trio are up for best UK act and best album, as well as getting two nominations in the best song category.
"We got told like this morning 'Oh I think you're nominated'", said Dappy.
"And I was like 'Oh yeah, which one?' And now we've got nominated for four awards. I mean, wow!"
Bandmate Fazer added: "We thought it's best of us to come down and mingle with everyone and say hello to the cameras. And now we find we've got four nominations."
The band have two shots at the best song prize, getting the nod for their Tynchy Stryder collaboration Number One, and single Strong Again.
Their album Uncle B will also go up against records by the likes of Beyonce and Kanye West.
N-Dubz picked up the best newcomer Mobo in 2007, but female member Tulisa said they wouldn't be too disappointed if they didn't win this time around.
"At the end of the day we're grateful to be where we are in our careers.
"If it don't happen then it don't happen - live to fight another day and keep on making albums and hits for the fans."
Dappy also revealed they could be performing live several times on the night.
The group will be doing Number One and also a possible rendition of the War Child single, I Got Soul.
The charity song is a re-working of The Killers' All These Things That I've Done and is set to feature artists like Chipmunk, Ironik and Pixie Lott.
This year's Mobos will be held outside of London for the first time, in Glasgow on 30 September.
N-Dubz said they were looking forward to performing for their Scottish fans and boasted about their recent shows north of the border.
"We just done Edinburgh the other day," said Dappy.
"We smashed up an N-Dubz show over there. We done Aberdeen about three or four months ago - we smashed up that show over there! Everywhere we go we smash it up!"
Headliners ready for Reading and Leeds
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Related internet links | N-Dubz 'surprised' at Mobo nod | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001244 |
Damian Jones | news-newsbeat-10000534 | 2009-07-24T06:46:59.000Z | 19 | The doo wop singer talks Vogue front covers, singing with Damon Albarn and bad boyfriends.
VV Brown recently played three gigs at this year's Glastonbury
It's not every day a rising indie star finds herself splashed across the front cover of Vogue before she's even made it.
Kate Nash is one of the few. Other than that it's the usual fashion suspects - Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson.
So when 25-year-old VV Brown boarded a flight to New York, the last thing she expected as she stepped into JFK airport was a calling card from the world's biggest style mag.
"I couldn't believe it," gushes the 50s inspired doo-wop singer.
"I just got chatting to this lady sat next to me and she happened to be the head photographer for Select Model Management."
Before long, she was strutting the catwalk with Naomi Campbell, landing vintage clothing range deals and mixing with the stars at London Fashion Week.
"To be on the cover of Vogue was just incredible," she continues.
"Meeting Naomi Campbell was cool too. I love her because she has left a long legacy in fashion.
"People are really hard on her. She was nothing like the person the press portray. She's just really nice."
The flat-topped singer has scored backing vocals for Madonna
As if that wasn't enough, wind the clock back a couple of months and VV found herself aboard the Africa Express train with Blur branchild Damon Albarn, Reverend And The Makers and The Magic Numbers.
"I think that was probably one of the highlights of my career," she confesses.
"I loved it because it was just about playing music with a load of mad musicians from one in the afternoon until midnight across little towns in Lagos.
"Damon is a really lovely guy too and he's really into music. So when we met it was like gaining a new friend."
VV's experiences in Africa, jamming up close with the son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti had a major impact on her own work, inspiring the singer to pen the track Game Over with Ladyhawke producer Kids Glove.
"That was one of the last songs I wrote for my debut [Travelling Like The Light]," she reveals.
"I was really getting in Fela Kuti at the time so I decided to put some African samples on there and started playing the melodica."
Hit single Shark In The Water came next, placing the final piece in her debut jigsaw.
"That has been the most well received song so far and yet that was the easiest to write I guess because I was nearing the end of the recording process," explained the flat-topped singer.
"I guess that's how it is sometimes. Crazy In Love by Beyonce was the last track she wrote on Dangerously In Love and that was her best song."
VV said she's a big fan of Florence And The Machine
VV wrote the remainder of her album in her auntie's London attic on a one string guitar she picked up from a charity store six years after she jetted over to Hollywood to try and kickstart her career.
During her time in LA, she managed to score backing vocals for Madonna, the Pussycat Dolls and Westlife.
But the singer soon found herself alone, disillusioned and broke.
Three years later, a bitter romantic break up with an American booking agent, pushed her back to Britain.
Today she's finds herself lumped in with 2009's 'most likely to' [La Roux, Florence And The Machine and Little Boots] in a scene dominated by pop songstresses.
"There's always been female singers," she argues. "Last year the biggest stars were Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Adele.
"The stuff that is coming out now is very cool though. I really love Florence. Her voice really gives me goosebumps."
Despite all the hype though, VV is cautious about her future after a difficult past.
"I never believe in all that stuff," she concludes. "I just get on with the music.
"It's really flattering but I've always said from the beginning, this is an evolving process and its going to be hard work."
Travelling Like The Light is out now
'Downloading has cheapened music'
Ian Brown announces his comeback
Jay-Z: 'I broke Glasto barriers' | VV Brown struts the indie catwalk | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000534 |
Natalie Jamieson | news-newsbeat-10001110 | 2009-08-21T06:32:35.000Z | 20 | All this week on Newsbeat we're looking ahead to the new series of The X Factor to find out what happened to some of last year's losing finalists. Diana Vickers was elimanted from the show in week nine with only Eoghan Quigg, JLS and Alexandra Burke finishing above her. Since then the 18-year-old has recorded her debut album, bagged a part in a West End musical in London and has been partying with Cheryl Cole.
______________________________________________________
What happened for you after The X Factor finished? Was it strange when you stopped appearing in all the newspapers?
What happened for you after The X Factor finished? Was it strange when you stopped appearing in all the newspapers?
How did you feel when those photos were published? They weren't overly flattering.
How did you feel when those photos were published? They weren't overly flattering.
Where are you with your record deal? What's happened and when did you get signed?
Where are you with your record deal? What's happened and when did you get signed?
Diana Vickers is appearing in the musical Little Voice later this year
Now that you're 18, have you left school?
Now that you're 18, have you left school?
Since The X Factor, what's been your daily job? What have you been doing and how have you been making money?
Since The X Factor, what's been your daily job? What have you been doing and how have you been making money?
How much control do you have over the way things come out on your album?
How much control do you have over the way things come out on your album?
I've had a listen to the first single because it's been leaked online. It's quite dancey. Is that the route you want to go down?
I've had a listen to the first single because it's been leaked online. It's quite dancey. Is that the route you want to go down?
Have you stayed in contact with your mentor on the show, Cheryl Cole?
Have you stayed in contact with your mentor on the show, Cheryl Cole?
Will you be watching The X Factor this weekend?
Will you be watching The X Factor this weekend?
Are you still in touch with anyone from the show last year?
Are you still in touch with anyone from the show last year?
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Related internet links | Diana Vickers LP 'out next year' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001110 |
Damian Jones | news-newsbeat-10000506 | 2009-07-23T10:21:30.000Z | 21 | Jack White said he really enjoys buying vinyl from record stores
Jack White, The White Stripes linchpin and all round busiest man in rock 'n' roll, has launched a special subscription service. He's doing it because he's unhappy with the way downloading is affecting music experiences. He explains how he came up with the idea for the Vault.
_________________________________________________________
What are your thoughts on the dominance of the internet on the music industry generally these days?
What are your thoughts on the dominance of the internet on the music industry generally these days?
As an artist who has embraced vinyl, what do you think about download culture?
As an artist who has embraced vinyl, what do you think about download culture?
Jack White with his new supergroup The Dead Weather
How did you come up with the initial idea for the Vault?
How did you come up with the initial idea for the Vault?
What kind of additional content will fans get for their money and how is it produced?
What kind of additional content will fans get for their money and how is it produced?
The Raconteurs peforming at T In The Park in 2008
How involved personally will you be with this project?
How involved personally will you be with this project?
Do you think it is fair to your audience who may not have as much disposable cash to charge for the possibility of presale tickets to concerts?
Do you think it is fair to your audience who may not have as much disposable cash to charge for the possibility of presale tickets to concerts?
Jack and Meg White in his original band The White Stripes
Outside this project, what your plans for the next 12 months?
Outside this project, what your plans for the next 12 months?
The Dead Weather's debut album Horehound is out now
Jay-Z: 'I broke Glasto barriers'
In pictures: Mercury Prize nominees
Related internet links | 'Downloading has cheapened music' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000506 |
Matt Cole | news-newsbeat-10000402 | 2009-07-17T10:16:37.000Z | 22 | Chris Hamilton and his family have been forced to use food handouts
There's been a a big increase in the number of people relying on charity food parcels to feed themselves and their families.
That's according to the Trussell Trust which runs the UK's only national network of food banks.
It says in the last financial year it's fed 24,000 people. That's up from 14,000 the year before.
The Salisbury-based organisation says delays to benefit payments for the growing number of newly redundant workers are behind much of the 71% rise.
Chris Hamilton turned to the food bank after losing his job as a cleaning company supervisor.
The 27-year-old father from Salisbury told Newsbeat: "In February I was made redundant from the company I was working for.
"I very quickly applied for all the necessary benefits I was entitled to, but found it would take a lot longer than I had been hoping for, or had been advised."
Chris said very soon he and his partner April Collins, 23, began to worry about paying their bills and putting food on the table for their five-year-old son William.
Chris said: "It came to a point where we were not living on any money at all. We were struggling to pay our bills, our rent, and everything else.
"Our local school was very good at helping to provide meals for our son. But us ourselves were struggling very badly for household items or food."
It was then that the Citizens Advice Bureau recommended Chris and April to the food bank.
Sipping a cup of tea in the cafe which makes up part of the Salisbury food bank, Chris explained: "We came down here and the staff gave us options on what we could have and what we could eat.
"At first it was very demoralising that we had to rely on a charity to eat. It was very scary.
"When April and I got together six years ago we said we would provide for ourselves and our family. We never thought we'd have to rely on a charity just to keep alive."
The food bank gave Chris and April a parcel with enough food inside to last them and their son three days.
The food's all tinned or dried, like pasta, so it won't go off before it's handed out.
A look through the shelves in the food bank's storeroom reveals cans of soup, tinned fruit and vegetables, boxes of cereal, UHT milk, and many, many tins of beans.
Usually people are referred to the charity by doctors, social workers or other bodies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
A voucher is issued which can be exchanged for food for one or more people depending on their need.
Chris said: "Although it was demoralising in some senses, when the food bank started packing the food for us we realised we could cook decent food and survive for a couple of weeks. We are so grateful.
"It's not our fault. We just haven't got the money to pay normal bills."
But Chris said that he couldn't get his benefits quickly enough.
By the time they began to be paid, he said he'd built up debts on ordinary bills that he just can't get on top of.
Previously the food banks would provide help mostly to people facing relationship break-ups, or to others with drink and drug problems.
But now, tales like that of Chris and April are increasingly familiar to the director of the Trussells Trust, Chris Mould.
He explained: "What's changed recently is the increasing number of people who've come to food banks, right across the country, because they've lost their jobs and they're struggling to get the state system of welfare support working for them.
"There are long delays. And people are left bereft of any kind of finance."
The government denies there's a problem with the benefits system
The Government denies there's a problem with the benefit system.
But employment Minister Jim Knight said he'd listened to groups like the Trussells Trust.
"It would surprise me if there are new delays because that's not what the data shows me sat in the privileged position in my office," he said.
"But obviously I'm keen to hear what's going on on the ground and if people are saying in certain parts of the country there are problems, or that there's a general problem that our data not picking up, then obviously I want to hear about that."
There are now 41 food banks across Britain and the charity has ambitions to set up one in every town.
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Related internet links | Food 'crisis' hits young families | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000402 |
Natalie Jamieson | news-newsbeat-10001280 | 2009-08-29T14:25:18.000Z | 23 | Ricky Wilson from Kasier Chiefs is back on form after recovering from broken rib
A lone flag waving 'I Want Crisps' managed to defy this year's ban at the Reading festival.
Organisers ruled out signs on sticks from the main arena for the first time after getting complaints they blocked the view of the stage.
Bands performing at the Reading site on Friday didn't seem to mind the crowd going flag-less though.
Nick Hodgson from Kaiser Chiefs joked: "Good. I'm glad they got my email about that. I didn't want any flags."
The Kaisers were pleased to be back in the UK after touring Australia, Europe and the USA since the end of March.
Frontman Ricky Wilson has trimmed down, grown his hair and is now fully recovered after breaking a rib supporting Green Day.
"I fell off, you know, that barrier which stops the normal people interfering with the rock stars," Ricky explained. "I was stood on that and I fell backwards into the stage."
Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine was celebrating her birthday at Reading, and proud to be performing.
Florence was thinking of testing the new crowd surfing rules
"I've been coming here since I was 12," she told Newsbeat. "It's really exciting. If my 13-year-old self could see me she'd be really impressed."
Florence was keen to put new rules on crowd surfing to the test.
Instead of being put straight back into the audience, as a deterrent, surfers are being made to exit the site completely before being allowed back in.
"Wonder if they'll do that to me?" Florence mused. "I'll try doing it from the stage and see if they remove me. It'd be really funny!"
Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy was a bit jet lagged after flying in from the US, but chilled out watching New Found Glory from the side of the main stage.
He was missing his nine-month-old son and wife Ashlee Simpson though: "You don't want to leave it as long as I have to. Three weeks was the longest. They (kids) change every day."
Little Boots said that being small she has trouble seeing the stage at gigs
Fall Out Boy drew a massive cheer when they took to the stage and drew a smile from all the Family Guy fans for dropping in a cover of the Journey sing-a-long classic Don't Stop Believing.
A sweatbox was how one festival-goer described the rammed Radio 1/NME tent for Jack Penate's performance.
Early rain at Reading was being welcomed by Jack: "I genuinely do like the rain. As a child I used to run out and get wetter and wetter. My mum was a cool mum in that she embraced that."
He did admit that people may view the wetness differently if they're camping, rather than sleeping on a warm, toasty, tour bus.
"Very true, good point. If I was out there in a tent I'd probably be screaming."
After many times watching bands at Leeds, it was the first time at Reading for Victoria Hesketh, aka Little Boots.
She had a direct view of Faith No More's dressing room from her doorway, but was more interested in getting stuck into the flag or no flag debate.
"They block many people's view? Try being five foot nothing and trying to watch a gig! I don't go to festivals generally because I can't see anything, ever! So I think height is more of a problem than flags!"
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Headliners ready for Reading and Leeds
N-Dubz 'surprised' at Mobo nod
In pictures: Strictly's new stars
BBC: Reading and Leeds
Related internet links | Go backstage at Reading Festival | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001280 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10000646 | 2009-07-30T13:18:38.000Z | 24 | The bands performing at the BBC Introducing stage at the Leeds and Reading festivals over the August bank holiday weekend have been announced.
The BBC Introducing Stage features the potential headliners of tomorrow
It is the second time the stage, which showcases the UK's best unsigned and emerging talent, has been invited to the event.
The list include electro band Soft Toy Emergency, punk-rock quintet The Living Daylights and soulful funk band The Sixty Watt Club.
The Introducing line up, which also includes To The Bones, Ellen and the Escapades, British Intelligence, The Ruling Class and Goldheart Assembly, will play at both Leeds and Reading on 28-30 August.
Bear Driver, The Teeth, Horse Guards Parade, Punch & The Apostles, Boney Black, Chickenhawk and Kinch are also playing.
The list is completed by: The Old Romantic Killer Band, Frontiers, Our Fold, Screaming Lights, Come on Gang, Kutosis, What Makes You Beautiful, Minnaars, A Plastic Rose, Suprise...Fire, The NEAT, Lovvers, Wonderswan and Milk White White Teeth.
The bands are chosen through a combination of the BBC's countrywide Introducing shows, Leeds promoters Futuresound and promoters Festival Republic.
Scarlett Johansson confirms new album
Little Boots offers Mercury tips
BBC Reading and Leeds
Related internet links
Leeds and Reading 2009 | New bands get a festival break | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000646 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10000780 | 2009-08-06T08:02:30.000Z | 25 | G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra comes out in cinemas on Friday
Sienna Miller and Rachel Nicholls tell Newsbeat about new film GI Joe, what it's like to work together and plans for the future.
You had to wear leather trousers for GI Joe, so how was it?
Sienna: The leather was not so comfortable - but it looks cool. It doesn't dry overnight, so at 5am when it's still dark, squeezing yourself into wet leather is not very pleasant. But there was talcum powder, there were ladies on hand to assist! It was a case of lying down flat and wriggling into it.. there was lots of jumping and squirming, it was a bit of an effort.
Rachel: It took about 15 minutes to get out if you needed a wee break! We had to do co-ordinated group cast loo breaks - the GI battle gear was also laborious to get into.
Did you like the result?
Sienna: I was quite excited - I actually looked hardcore for once and that's an achievement. They are great characters, femme fatales.
Rachel: You forget the bad parts when you see how absolutely cool you look.
What was filming together like?
Sienna: We needed each other - it was a very testosterone-fuelled environment - we actually spent Valentine's day together, in my bed!
Rachel: We all got on so well making the film - we spent all of our time together - they are really good boys.
Is it nice for you two to team up?
Rachel: Yes, it's really nice doing interviews together, it gets tedious and you get sick of your own voice, it's nice to have someone to defer to.
Sienna: We get the giggles, we have fun.
Sienna, we saw you on Top Gear...
Sienna: I love Top Gear - I got 1.49 - I was shaking like a leaf but I am so competitive. I actually spun the car, I don't think they showed it, but it was pretty scary. It's such a great show I was really thrilled to be on it.
Sienna: I'm going to be in New York for Broadway - I'm very excited, it's like a British invasion, it's going to be great. It's with Johnny Lee Miller - who is a friend of mine. It's a Patrick Marber play called After Miss Julie, it's a really heavy, cool drama - the antithesis of GI Joe, but equally fun and exciting.
Stars out for Ugly Truth premiere
Inbetweeners set for third series
Bullock: 'No more nude scenes'
New bands get a festival break
Tautou: 'I loved playing Chanel' | Sienna Miller talks about GI Joe | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000780 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10000763 | 2009-08-05T14:58:02.000Z | 26 | Hannah George has a degree in how to perform and write comedy
Newsbeat has caught up with Hannah George who's become the first person to graduate with a degree in Comedy. The 21-year-old from the Isle of Wight got a 2:1 from Southampton Solent University.
_____________________________
So, what was the course like?
So, what was the course like?
How did your friends react when they were applying to go to university and you decided to study comedy?
How did your friends react when they were applying to go to university and you decided to study comedy?
Tell us a joke then...
Tell us a joke then...
Hannah George was talking to Newsbeat reporter Sam Naz
Is lap dancing offensive to women?
Inbetweeners set for third series
Aniston 'fights off' papparazzi
Stars out for Ugly Truth premiere
The week's weird and odd pictures | Student gets a degree in comedy | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000763 |
Tina Daheley | news-newsbeat-10000990 | 2009-08-13T15:48:52.000Z | 27 | What do you think of women being allowed to box in the 2012 Olympics?
What do you think of women being allowed to box in the 2012 Olympics?
Women would say they've got the choice to be treated equally though.
Women would say they've got the choice to be treated equally though.
How about other contact sports, like martial arts - which are equally as dangerous - they're allowed in the Olympics.
How about other contact sports, like martial arts - which are equally as dangerous - they're allowed in the Olympics.
Khan thinks having female boxers in the Olympics could mean more women fighting on the streets
But what about women being in the Army or other professions, shouldn't they have the choice?
But what about women being in the Army or other professions, shouldn't they have the choice?
Maybe there's a self defence element - Boxercise classes are massively popular with women.
Maybe there's a self defence element - Boxercise classes are massively popular with women.
In the past boxing officials have said women shouldn't fight because they get PMT and they're too emotional. What do you think?
In the past boxing officials have said women shouldn't fight because they get PMT and they're too emotional. What do you think?
Amir Khan was talking to 1Xtra's Tina Daheley
Female boxer aiming for Olympics
JLC can't watch Alan Carr on TV
Stars step out for Time Traveler's Wife
Jack Penate makes directing debut
Related internet links
Amir Khan - Official Website | Khan: Boxing 'not safe for women' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000990 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat-10001027 | 2009-08-17T15:07:12.000Z | 28 | Arctic Monkeys are headlining this year's Reading and Leeds festivals
Arctic Monkeys have denied that their new album Humbug is more 'mature' than their previous two albums.
Early reviews of the new LP, released on 24 August, have focused on the Sheffield band exploring a more grown-up sound.
Recorded in the Joshua Tree National Park and New York with producers Josh Homme and James Ford, the band disagree.
Speaking to Newsbeat, drummer Matt Helders said: "I don't think mature is the right word, honestly. Who knows? Next time they'll [the critics] be calling it immature because of the bar of maturity we've set."
Helders and lead singer Alex Turner were keen to stress that Humbug, the follow-up to 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare, was a step forward.
"There is more to this record," said Turner. "Steve Lamacq just described it as tantalising which I quite liked."
"It's been a while since I've been on the eve of a release, so it's quite exciting," added Helders.
Earlier in the month one of Humbug's producers James Ford said the band's third album wouldn't be what fans were expecting.
"It'll definitely surprise people, especially people who are familiar with things like [I Bet That You Would Look Good On The] Dancefloor⦠and stuff like that, [they] might be quite taken aback.
"They've just got more relaxed with themselves. They're comfortable doing what they're doing."
As of today (17 August) the band release a seven-inch vinyl version of new single Crying Lightning via Oxfam charity shops throughout the UK.
"There are more Oxfam shops than record shops I imagine these days, that's the thing," reasoned Helders for the decision.
Hidden within two copies of the record are two 'golden tickets' to this year's Reading And Leeds festivals, which the band will headline on the August bank holiday.
However, the band admit the plot wasn't their idea.
"I'd love to say it were oursâ¦" confirmed Turner. "It was the folks at Domino (the band's record label) that thought of the Oxfam idea initially, but like you say, it's a great idea."
"Oxfam were responsible for the tickets. Barnardos next I reckon," joked Helders. "Children then aged."
Following the release of Humbug the foursome will headline the annual rock festival saying they'll "definitely be better prepared" than their last outing at the event in 2006.
"I like the fact we've been playing a lot up towards it, because if ever we stop I'm always rubbish," said Helders.
"If we have a week gap I'm always rubbish on the first one. I'd play the day before if I could."
The foursome will take to the festival's main stage after The Prodigy, a band they've struck up an unlikely friendship with.
"It'll be good to watch them before us and pretty scary because they're obviously going to be a bit louder than us," said the drummer. "But I don't think people will be going for the decibels.
"I think it works out quite well. We watched them a few times in Australia [at January's Big Day Out festival]. We had a great time, they're very nice people.
"I shared a wonderful plane journey with Keith [Flint]," said Turner. "He's a lovely chap."
The band also confirmed they will be shortly announcing details of a UK tour this autumn.
Lethal B to do 'commercial' album
Sean Kingston back with new album
Jack Penate makes directing debut
BBC Music: Arctic Monkeys
BBC Reading and Leeds
Related internet links | Monkeys record 'not more mature' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001027 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat-10001422 | 2009-09-04T11:16:38.000Z | 29 | Wenger was sent to the stands during Arsenal's last Man U game
Amazon have withdrawn a CD of Manchester United chants from sale on its website because of complaints that some of the lyrics are offensive.
The unofficial album 'Manchester United Chants' contains a supporters' song aimed at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
A statement from Amazon.co.uk explained that Arsenal had complained about the nature of the chants.
It said: "Arsenal Football Club has provided us with formal notice that content within the album 'Manchester United Chants' is defamatory in nature and we have, therefore, removed this title from our website.
"We would not remove a product from our site because some, or many, people find it to be distasteful or otherwise objectionable.
"We believe it is censorship to make a product unavailable for those reasons."
Wenger was sent off during Arsenal's recent 2-1 defeat against Manchester United after he kicked over a water bottle following a disallowed Gunner's goal.
Arsenal supporters have complained that he was then subjected to this particular chant by some Manchester United fans.
Manchester United's director of communications Philip Townsend said: ""We have gone on the record - several times - about this disgusting chant.
"We don't condone it and have appealed to fans several times in the past - through supporters' groups, the matchday programme and MUTV, but to no avail."
Robbie wants to work with Take That
Gordon Brown 'would take pay cut'
Complaints about 'naked' NYC hotel
Singer 'protective' of new family
Sugababes 'hoping for number one'
Friendly Fires go back home | Amazon withdraws Man U chants CD | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001422 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat-10000960 | 2009-08-12T07:43:39.000Z | 30 | Mood Swing doughnut has proved popular along with the Psycho
It's an American doughnut shop with a big difference. Unfortunately, the calories are still there but those traditional sugar sprinkled doughnuts aren't.
The staff are dressed in old fashioned nurses' outfits, and the walls are painted lime green and red. In the corner, there's a white leather padded cell with a black chair inside.
Psycho Donuts is in Campbell, California. It opened in March, and so far, business is booming.
The idea behind the shop was to create something wacky that would pull the doughnut lovers in.
The owner, 44-year-old Jordan Zweigoron, said he was experimenting in the kitchen with his business partner when they came up with the name.
He said: "We were playing around and we thought, What we're creating is crazy', and we found that the word psycho combined with the word doughnut had a nice sound. We realised it reflected our unique product."
Jordan's psychiatric theme runs through the business. Some of the doughnuts on sale have names like Bipolar, The Massive Head Trauma and Psycho, which is the most popular item on the menu.
Its lemon marshmellow glaze is topped with chocolate, pretzels, and chilli powder. Some might think that's a weird combination but that's the whole point.
Not surprisingly, this unusual set up hasn't gone without controversy.
Many reckon it's insensitive to those who are mentally ill. Over the past five months, people have been protesting outside the shop, demanding it be shut down.
Eileen Sexton works at Mental Health America (MHA). The non-profit organisation focuses on helping those with mental illnesses live happier and healthier lives.
She told Newsbeat: "It's not right to poke fun at these people and the owner needs to be better educated."
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the largest research organisation of its kind in the world, around 58 million Americans suffer from a mental illness.
But Jordan's not bothered by the criticism. He has no plans to close his shop.
In fact, he thinks the media has done him a favour by turning his small doughnut business into an international story.
He said: "There are a lot of things offensive out there. A lot of them are larger and more pervasive than a doughnut shop.
"For example, Halloween can be pretty offensive to people and a doughnut shop doesn't come to your door and knock on it.
"At Halloween people knock with a bloody head and nobody says let's ban Halloween."
Mixed race 'fastest growing minority'
Friends speak over Majorca attack
'I found job through Alan Sugar'
'The age of secrecy has to go'
Stone Roses debut was 'rite of passage'
The Prodigy announce 2010 UK tour
Related internet links | Doughnut shop criticised for name | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000960 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-21T08:12:58.000Z | 1 | Being Human actor Aidan Turner is starring in a very different kind of drama about a group of painters, poets and their muses. It's called Desperate Romantics and focuses as much on their scandalous love triangles as their paintings. Newsbeat caught up with Aidan to find out what life was like on set.
This isn't like your normal costume drama is it?
Well, no, I guess it's not. It is in a sense but it's got a younger sort of vibe to it. It's got a younger cast and it's got a rock 'n' roll vibe to it. These are almost like the first rock and roll bands without the instruments. That's the way they were, especially Rossetti. A lot of it was drug-fuelled, a lot of it was fame obsessed.
It's been described as Entourage with an easel!
That was thrown around a little bit. Entourage is a good show, to be compared to that is cool.
It's proper Victorian costume but it looks cool. I remember even wearing it going: 'I kind of wish they'd bring this sort of style back - it really works'.
The programme makers said they weren't going to shy away from sex, relationships or the human body, how was that?
Which body are you talking about? They all look pretty good from where I was sitting! There's a bit of nudity in it, a bit of sex, a little bit of kissing. I get naked a couple of times.
Did you find it embarrassing?
Aidan with co-star Amy Manson who has also been in Torchwood
I do now! At the time, not a bit. You just get on with it. You just take your kit off and just do it. I think I spent six or seven days pretty much constantly on the trot, naked, every day wearing this little - well, a big - kind of sock over your bits.
You get into it and you do it and all the girls do it, there's no qualms, there's no inhibitions, you just get your clothes off and get it on!
How was the fighting?
Yeah, that was scary. I remember we only had one shot at the take, or two for some bizarre reason. He scared the life out of me, you can see it in the take. Thank God the camera doesn't go down a bit lower, I'd be absolutely shivering. That was scary. Stuff like that happens all the time.
You just get so into the scene because sometimes in this kind of job you don't get a lot of takes at things, you've just got to do it and that kind of raw emotion brings you through, whatever that will be. That fight in particular, it was mad.
Are you hopeful it'll bring in the sort of people that don't normally watch costume drama?
I guess that's sort of, in a weird way, the idea. It would be great if people could tune in. It has a pace to it that other period dramas that I've seen, don't really have, which is really cool.
Maybe it will appeal to a younger audience. It's a really interesting soundtrack they've laid over it. It seems to really work.
Above all it's really historically accurate which is something that's really important to me. If it was just glossy and if the facts didn't matter so much, it would mean less.
Do you have any idea what's going to happen in the next series of Being Human?
No, I really don't know where it's going to go. It's longer this year, it's eight episodes instead of six so they've given themselves a bit more room to take it places later on in the series. From what I've read it's really good and really exciting. We start shooting in August.
We head to LA to do a bit of press over there - it's getting launched in America - then we come back and start shooting in Bristol.
Can you give us any hints?
I can't - you'll get me sacked! It's just really exciting from the get-go. It picks up almost where it left off - there's no huge time lapse as far as I know. As the audience were seeing it from the last episode, it pretty much continues.
Vampires are very popular at the moment - have you been getting any attention from fans?
Yeah, a little bit. I don't know why they're so popular. It seems to come around every 10 years, they suddenly get popular again. It'll be werewolves next year and Russell [Tovey - his co-star] will get a few more mates.
When I come back to London I get it way more than I do in Dublin. It's been very strange, the response, and it's been all completely positive. Everyone has loved the show, and everyone's been really lovely about it. It's like it's their own little baby somehow, it's like they discovered the show, and then they show it to friends and it grows that way.
Interview by Frances Cronin.
Desperate Romantics stars on BBC2 on Tuesday 21 July at 9pm.
T4 beach party pulls in the stars
JLS announce plans for UK tour
Beckham: My family comes first | Desperate Romantics 'the new Entourage' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000444 |
Dave Howard | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-02T14:53:16.000Z | 2 | Gordon Brown announced the employment plans at Birmingham City FC
The Prime Minister says more effort is being made to help people find jobs. 16 to 24-year-olds are the main focus, with a million people unemployed. 150 companies are now signed up to provide thousands of jobs and training schemes. Gordon Brown's been answering your questions about the plans.
_________________________________________________________
Ashley in Milton Keynes has texted in to Radio 1 on 81199. He's spent nine months job hunting and still has friends having no luck finding work. What message can you give to people like that?
Ashley in Milton Keynes has texted in to Radio 1 on 81199. He's spent nine months job hunting and still has friends having no luck finding work. What message can you give to people like that?
Andrew in Ashford, Mark in Northampton. They've both texted Newsbeat to say there are a lot of Polish workers, eastern European workers in our company and the country as a whole.
Andrew in Ashford, Mark in Northampton. They've both texted Newsbeat to say there are a lot of Polish workers, eastern European workers in our company and the country as a whole.
And Matthew in South Shields was one of many texters who wanted to know how you help people who are a bit older than this 18 and 24 age group. His wife is 27, recently made redundant.
And Matthew in South Shields was one of many texters who wanted to know how you help people who are a bit older than this 18 and 24 age group. His wife is 27, recently made redundant.
Government promises jobs for the young
3D TV 'to get Sony backing'
'Fuel price rise will hit me hard'
Soldiers present shopping list
'One in five' young drivers uninsured
Related internet links
Have Your Say: Will the new unemployment campaign help you? | PM promises help for over-25s | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001372 |
Nesta McGregor | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-27T10:34:49.000Z | 4 | N-Dubz say they're looking forward to rocking Glasgow
N-Dubz have told Newsbeat they are shocked to have picked up four nominations for the Mobo awards.
The London trio are up for best UK act and best album, as well as getting two nominations in the best song category.
"We got told like this morning 'Oh I think you're nominated'", said Dappy.
"And I was like 'Oh yeah, which one?' And now we've got nominated for four awards. I mean, wow!"
Bandmate Fazer added: "We thought it's best of us to come down and mingle with everyone and say hello to the cameras. And now we find we've got four nominations."
The band have two shots at the best song prize, getting the nod for their Tynchy Stryder collaboration Number One, and single Strong Again.
Their album Uncle B will also go up against records by the likes of Beyonce and Kanye West.
N-Dubz picked up the best newcomer Mobo in 2007, but female member Tulisa said they wouldn't be too disappointed if they didn't win this time around.
"At the end of the day we're grateful to be where we are in our careers.
"If it don't happen then it don't happen - live to fight another day and keep on making albums and hits for the fans."
Dappy also revealed they could be performing live several times on the night.
The group will be doing Number One and also a possible rendition of the War Child single, I Got Soul.
The charity song is a re-working of The Killers' All These Things That I've Done and is set to feature artists like Chipmunk, Ironik and Pixie Lott.
This year's Mobos will be held outside of London for the first time, in Glasgow on 30 September.
N-Dubz said they were looking forward to performing for their Scottish fans and boasted about their recent shows north of the border.
"We just done Edinburgh the other day," said Dappy.
"We smashed up an N-Dubz show over there. We done Aberdeen about three or four months ago - we smashed up that show over there! Everywhere we go we smash it up!"
Headliners ready for Reading and Leeds
Britney producers form indie band
Snow Patrol fans 'warned' over tour
Related internet links | N-Dubz 'surprised' at Mobo nod | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001244 |
Natalie Jamieson | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-29T14:25:18.000Z | 3 | Ricky Wilson from Kasier Chiefs is back on form after recovering from broken rib
A lone flag waving 'I Want Crisps' managed to defy this year's ban at the Reading festival.
Organisers ruled out signs on sticks from the main arena for the first time after getting complaints they blocked the view of the stage.
Bands performing at the Reading site on Friday didn't seem to mind the crowd going flag-less though.
Nick Hodgson from Kaiser Chiefs joked: "Good. I'm glad they got my email about that. I didn't want any flags."
The Kaisers were pleased to be back in the UK after touring Australia, Europe and the USA since the end of March.
Frontman Ricky Wilson has trimmed down, grown his hair and is now fully recovered after breaking a rib supporting Green Day.
"I fell off, you know, that barrier which stops the normal people interfering with the rock stars," Ricky explained. "I was stood on that and I fell backwards into the stage."
Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine was celebrating her birthday at Reading, and proud to be performing.
Florence was thinking of testing the new crowd surfing rules
"I've been coming here since I was 12," she told Newsbeat. "It's really exciting. If my 13-year-old self could see me she'd be really impressed."
Florence was keen to put new rules on crowd surfing to the test.
Instead of being put straight back into the audience, as a deterrent, surfers are being made to exit the site completely before being allowed back in.
"Wonder if they'll do that to me?" Florence mused. "I'll try doing it from the stage and see if they remove me. It'd be really funny!"
Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy was a bit jet lagged after flying in from the US, but chilled out watching New Found Glory from the side of the main stage.
He was missing his nine-month-old son and wife Ashlee Simpson though: "You don't want to leave it as long as I have to. Three weeks was the longest. They (kids) change every day."
Little Boots said that being small she has trouble seeing the stage at gigs
Fall Out Boy drew a massive cheer when they took to the stage and drew a smile from all the Family Guy fans for dropping in a cover of the Journey sing-a-long classic Don't Stop Believing.
A sweatbox was how one festival-goer described the rammed Radio 1/NME tent for Jack Penate's performance.
Early rain at Reading was being welcomed by Jack: "I genuinely do like the rain. As a child I used to run out and get wetter and wetter. My mum was a cool mum in that she embraced that."
He did admit that people may view the wetness differently if they're camping, rather than sleeping on a warm, toasty, tour bus.
"Very true, good point. If I was out there in a tent I'd probably be screaming."
After many times watching bands at Leeds, it was the first time at Reading for Victoria Hesketh, aka Little Boots.
She had a direct view of Faith No More's dressing room from her doorway, but was more interested in getting stuck into the flag or no flag debate.
"They block many people's view? Try being five foot nothing and trying to watch a gig! I don't go to festivals generally because I can't see anything, ever! So I think height is more of a problem than flags!"
Visit four festivals in a weekend
Headliners ready for Reading and Leeds
N-Dubz 'surprised' at Mobo nod
In pictures: Strictly's new stars
BBC: Reading and Leeds
Related internet links | Go backstage at Reading Festival | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001280 |
Damian Jones | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-24T06:46:59.000Z | 5 | The doo wop singer talks Vogue front covers, singing with Damon Albarn and bad boyfriends.
VV Brown recently played three gigs at this year's Glastonbury
It's not every day a rising indie star finds herself splashed across the front cover of Vogue before she's even made it.
Kate Nash is one of the few. Other than that it's the usual fashion suspects - Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson.
So when 25-year-old VV Brown boarded a flight to New York, the last thing she expected as she stepped into JFK airport was a calling card from the world's biggest style mag.
"I couldn't believe it," gushes the 50s inspired doo-wop singer.
"I just got chatting to this lady sat next to me and she happened to be the head photographer for Select Model Management."
Before long, she was strutting the catwalk with Naomi Campbell, landing vintage clothing range deals and mixing with the stars at London Fashion Week.
"To be on the cover of Vogue was just incredible," she continues.
"Meeting Naomi Campbell was cool too. I love her because she has left a long legacy in fashion.
"People are really hard on her. She was nothing like the person the press portray. She's just really nice."
The flat-topped singer has scored backing vocals for Madonna
As if that wasn't enough, wind the clock back a couple of months and VV found herself aboard the Africa Express train with Blur branchild Damon Albarn, Reverend And The Makers and The Magic Numbers.
"I think that was probably one of the highlights of my career," she confesses.
"I loved it because it was just about playing music with a load of mad musicians from one in the afternoon until midnight across little towns in Lagos.
"Damon is a really lovely guy too and he's really into music. So when we met it was like gaining a new friend."
VV's experiences in Africa, jamming up close with the son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti had a major impact on her own work, inspiring the singer to pen the track Game Over with Ladyhawke producer Kids Glove.
"That was one of the last songs I wrote for my debut [Travelling Like The Light]," she reveals.
"I was really getting in Fela Kuti at the time so I decided to put some African samples on there and started playing the melodica."
Hit single Shark In The Water came next, placing the final piece in her debut jigsaw.
"That has been the most well received song so far and yet that was the easiest to write I guess because I was nearing the end of the recording process," explained the flat-topped singer.
"I guess that's how it is sometimes. Crazy In Love by Beyonce was the last track she wrote on Dangerously In Love and that was her best song."
VV said she's a big fan of Florence And The Machine
VV wrote the remainder of her album in her auntie's London attic on a one string guitar she picked up from a charity store six years after she jetted over to Hollywood to try and kickstart her career.
During her time in LA, she managed to score backing vocals for Madonna, the Pussycat Dolls and Westlife.
But the singer soon found herself alone, disillusioned and broke.
Three years later, a bitter romantic break up with an American booking agent, pushed her back to Britain.
Today she's finds herself lumped in with 2009's 'most likely to' [La Roux, Florence And The Machine and Little Boots] in a scene dominated by pop songstresses.
"There's always been female singers," she argues. "Last year the biggest stars were Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Adele.
"The stuff that is coming out now is very cool though. I really love Florence. Her voice really gives me goosebumps."
Despite all the hype though, VV is cautious about her future after a difficult past.
"I never believe in all that stuff," she concludes. "I just get on with the music.
"It's really flattering but I've always said from the beginning, this is an evolving process and its going to be hard work."
Travelling Like The Light is out now
'Downloading has cheapened music'
Ian Brown announces his comeback
Jay-Z: 'I broke Glasto barriers' | VV Brown struts the indie catwalk | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000534 |
Damian Jones | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-23T10:21:30.000Z | 6 | Jack White said he really enjoys buying vinyl from record stores
Jack White, The White Stripes linchpin and all round busiest man in rock 'n' roll, has launched a special subscription service. He's doing it because he's unhappy with the way downloading is affecting music experiences. He explains how he came up with the idea for the Vault.
_________________________________________________________
What are your thoughts on the dominance of the internet on the music industry generally these days?
What are your thoughts on the dominance of the internet on the music industry generally these days?
As an artist who has embraced vinyl, what do you think about download culture?
As an artist who has embraced vinyl, what do you think about download culture?
Jack White with his new supergroup The Dead Weather
How did you come up with the initial idea for the Vault?
How did you come up with the initial idea for the Vault?
What kind of additional content will fans get for their money and how is it produced?
What kind of additional content will fans get for their money and how is it produced?
The Raconteurs peforming at T In The Park in 2008
How involved personally will you be with this project?
How involved personally will you be with this project?
Do you think it is fair to your audience who may not have as much disposable cash to charge for the possibility of presale tickets to concerts?
Do you think it is fair to your audience who may not have as much disposable cash to charge for the possibility of presale tickets to concerts?
Jack and Meg White in his original band The White Stripes
Outside this project, what your plans for the next 12 months?
Outside this project, what your plans for the next 12 months?
The Dead Weather's debut album Horehound is out now
Jay-Z: 'I broke Glasto barriers'
In pictures: Mercury Prize nominees
Related internet links | 'Downloading has cheapened music' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000506 |
Jim Reed | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-25T09:19:52.000Z | 7 | Student Hester Stewart died after taking GBL on a night out in Brighton
The Home Secretary has told Newsbeat he regrets taking so long to ban the drug GBL, linked to a series of young deaths over the last couple of years.
The government has confirmed it now plans to make the substance illegal by the end of the year along with a herbal mix known as Spice and the chemical BZP often sold as an ecstasy substitute.
"In hindsight I wish we could have done it more quickly," said Alan Johnson.
"We certainly have accelerated [the process] over the last few months which is why we are announcing it today even though we need parliamentary approval."
GBL is a colourless liquid usually mixed with a drink. In small doses it is meant to give a euphoric high but in larger amounts or combined with alcohol it has been connected to a series of accidental deaths.
Newsbeat spoke to the friends of 21-year-old medical student Hester Stewart who died in April after taking GBL on a night out in her home town of Brighton.
"It is not something you can ever expect, really," said her school friend Ross. "I was meant to be seeing her the next day and it was a massive shock. It just freezes you to the spot and you don't know how to react."
Tests after Hester's death showed she was one and a half times over the legal drink drive limit, roughly equivalent to three glasses of wine or beer.
In higher doses, or mixed with alcohol, GBL acts a powerful sedative which can shut down parts of the body.
Hester's best friend Liz said: "In other countries where it is already banned there are posters everywhere saying the GBL plus alcohol equals death. It needs to be labelled properly and young people need to know the dangers."
The government is now planning a new information campaign to tie in with university freshers' week to warn about the dangers of drugs like GBL.
"There is a perception that many of the so called legal highs are harmless. However, in some cases people can be ingesting dangerous industrial fluids or smoking chemicals," said Alan Johnson.
"We have a duty to educate young people about the dangers."
As well as GBL, the new ban will also cover the herbal mixture Spice and the substance BZP, a stimulant often used as a substitute for ecstasy or speed.
Tests on pills seized at Glastonbury this year showed most of the tablets sold as ecstasy contained BZP instead of MDMA.
Critics of the government's approach say that banning BZP and GBL will just encourage users to buy potentially more harmful drugs from dealers.
"The whole point about illegality is that it doesn't get rid of drug use," said Steve Rolls, the research director at the charity Transform.
"The back street chemists will just cook up something else. The problem is the legislation cannot keep up with the entrepreneurs."
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Related internet links | 'Regret' over ban on legal highs | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001180 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-04T08:26:36.000Z | 8 | In some states in America sexting has been made a criminal offence
Sexting's become a big issue in the States after a teenager committed suicide after being bullied by text.
Now lawmakers there are fighting for new rules that would make it more difficult to do.
Eighteen-year-old Jessica Logan had it all. She was bright, pretty and popular.
Her mum Cynthia describes her: "She was vivacious, she was artistic, she was fun, she was a good kid."
She was completely in love with her boyfriend but one day she sent him a text, a nude photo of herself, to show him how much she cared.
When they broke up he sent the picture to hundreds of teenagers in their town in Ohio to get back at her.
Jessica's friend Lauren Taylor told reporters: "She was being attacked and tortured.
"When she would come to school, she would always hear, 'Oh, that's the girl who sent the picture'.''
The bullying spiralled out of control and Jessica began skiving off school.
In June last year she couldn't take it any more and killed herself.
Her mother described the horrific moment when she found the body.
"I scanned her room and her closet and saw her hanging. Her cell phone was in the middle of the floor," she said.
In some states in the US, sexting is now a criminal offence. Do it in Vermont, and you can be charged with distributing child porn and labelled a sex offender.
But some people reckon that's too harsh. Jessica's friend Lauren still mourns her friend and is haunted by her ordeal.
"I would never think a person like Jessie would do something like that. It's just too much."
After Jessica's death, her mother quit her job and was in hospital for a time with what she described as a mental breakdown.
Mrs Logan is now suing school officials, accusing them of bullying her daughter.
How hard is it to stop truancy?
Teens react to online warnings
Gamers criticise cost of new game
Related internet links
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop) | Call for US clampdown on sexting | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000700 |
Natalie Jamieson | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-21T06:32:35.000Z | 9 | All this week on Newsbeat we're looking ahead to the new series of The X Factor to find out what happened to some of last year's losing finalists. Diana Vickers was elimanted from the show in week nine with only Eoghan Quigg, JLS and Alexandra Burke finishing above her. Since then the 18-year-old has recorded her debut album, bagged a part in a West End musical in London and has been partying with Cheryl Cole.
______________________________________________________
What happened for you after The X Factor finished? Was it strange when you stopped appearing in all the newspapers?
What happened for you after The X Factor finished? Was it strange when you stopped appearing in all the newspapers?
How did you feel when those photos were published? They weren't overly flattering.
How did you feel when those photos were published? They weren't overly flattering.
Where are you with your record deal? What's happened and when did you get signed?
Where are you with your record deal? What's happened and when did you get signed?
Diana Vickers is appearing in the musical Little Voice later this year
Now that you're 18, have you left school?
Now that you're 18, have you left school?
Since The X Factor, what's been your daily job? What have you been doing and how have you been making money?
Since The X Factor, what's been your daily job? What have you been doing and how have you been making money?
How much control do you have over the way things come out on your album?
How much control do you have over the way things come out on your album?
I've had a listen to the first single because it's been leaked online. It's quite dancey. Is that the route you want to go down?
I've had a listen to the first single because it's been leaked online. It's quite dancey. Is that the route you want to go down?
Have you stayed in contact with your mentor on the show, Cheryl Cole?
Have you stayed in contact with your mentor on the show, Cheryl Cole?
Will you be watching The X Factor this weekend?
Will you be watching The X Factor this weekend?
Are you still in touch with anyone from the show last year?
Are you still in touch with anyone from the show last year?
Laura's working with Madge's producer
'I'm not angry at Simon Cowell'
'Simon never called after X Factor'
X Factor girl group 'go indie'
Esmee praises 'big brother' Timberlake
New Twilight movie begins filming
Related internet links | Diana Vickers LP 'out next year' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001110 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-04T14:18:39.000Z | 10 | Lightning strike in south London during the summer of 2008
The chances of being struck by lightning are around one in three million so it's not something that most people will ever need to worry about. But for bricklayer Brad Gifford from Northamptonshire it became a reality. He was out walking his dogs when he was caught in a thunderstorm. He spoke to Newsbeat reporter Sam Naz about his lucky escape.
________________________________________________________
So you don't remember a single thing about the actual moment itself?
So you don't remember a single thing about the actual moment itself?
You were out with a friend at the time. What has he told you about that moment?
You were out with a friend at the time. What has he told you about that moment?
How lucky do you feel?
How lucky do you feel?
Call for US clampdown on sexting
Slipknot scoop Kerrang! awards
New Muse album 'inspired' by 1984 | Lightning strike hits bricklayer | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000724 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-01T14:45:00.000Z | 11 | Tony Moore says he'll find it hard to cope with another fuel price rise
Another tax rise at the pumps means the average price of one litre of petrol and diesel across the UK is around 107 pence.
This latest 2p increase is the third in nine months and motoring groups aren't happy.
But the government says it needs the extra money to help try to kick start the economy through increased public investment.
For Tony Moore though, a building site manager from Leicestershire, it's not good news.
He said: "I look after a few sites in the Hertfordshire area so I spend quite a bit of my time driving, probably about 3 to 3½ hours per day."
He says this new tax rise on fuel will hit him hard. "I'm self-employed so these price rises on petrol and diesel I have to pay myself.
"I reckon I'm going to be paying out around an extra £20-25 every month. I've got a young daughter so it's going to restrict what I can do with her.
"Increasingly we're looking for things to do that doesn't cost us any money."
And Tony's not impressed with the government's claim of needing the extra money to try to kick-start the economy.
"I think it's ridiculous really because it's increasing the price of the one thing everyone really needs the most.
"We're already taxed more on fuel than most other countries. It's already far too expensive and this increase won't help anyone."
Ads target young binge drinkers
Soldiers present shopping list
'Regret' over ban on legal highs
Young unable to find holiday jobs
'One in five' young drivers uninsured | 'Fuel price rise will hit me hard' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001348 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-17T15:07:12.000Z | 12 | Arctic Monkeys are headlining this year's Reading and Leeds festivals
Arctic Monkeys have denied that their new album Humbug is more 'mature' than their previous two albums.
Early reviews of the new LP, released on 24 August, have focused on the Sheffield band exploring a more grown-up sound.
Recorded in the Joshua Tree National Park and New York with producers Josh Homme and James Ford, the band disagree.
Speaking to Newsbeat, drummer Matt Helders said: "I don't think mature is the right word, honestly. Who knows? Next time they'll [the critics] be calling it immature because of the bar of maturity we've set."
Helders and lead singer Alex Turner were keen to stress that Humbug, the follow-up to 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare, was a step forward.
"There is more to this record," said Turner. "Steve Lamacq just described it as tantalising which I quite liked."
"It's been a while since I've been on the eve of a release, so it's quite exciting," added Helders.
Earlier in the month one of Humbug's producers James Ford said the band's third album wouldn't be what fans were expecting.
"It'll definitely surprise people, especially people who are familiar with things like [I Bet That You Would Look Good On The] Dancefloor⦠and stuff like that, [they] might be quite taken aback.
"They've just got more relaxed with themselves. They're comfortable doing what they're doing."
As of today (17 August) the band release a seven-inch vinyl version of new single Crying Lightning via Oxfam charity shops throughout the UK.
"There are more Oxfam shops than record shops I imagine these days, that's the thing," reasoned Helders for the decision.
Hidden within two copies of the record are two 'golden tickets' to this year's Reading And Leeds festivals, which the band will headline on the August bank holiday.
However, the band admit the plot wasn't their idea.
"I'd love to say it were oursâ¦" confirmed Turner. "It was the folks at Domino (the band's record label) that thought of the Oxfam idea initially, but like you say, it's a great idea."
"Oxfam were responsible for the tickets. Barnardos next I reckon," joked Helders. "Children then aged."
Following the release of Humbug the foursome will headline the annual rock festival saying they'll "definitely be better prepared" than their last outing at the event in 2006.
"I like the fact we've been playing a lot up towards it, because if ever we stop I'm always rubbish," said Helders.
"If we have a week gap I'm always rubbish on the first one. I'd play the day before if I could."
The foursome will take to the festival's main stage after The Prodigy, a band they've struck up an unlikely friendship with.
"It'll be good to watch them before us and pretty scary because they're obviously going to be a bit louder than us," said the drummer. "But I don't think people will be going for the decibels.
"I think it works out quite well. We watched them a few times in Australia [at January's Big Day Out festival]. We had a great time, they're very nice people.
"I shared a wonderful plane journey with Keith [Flint]," said Turner. "He's a lovely chap."
The band also confirmed they will be shortly announcing details of a UK tour this autumn.
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Related internet links | Monkeys record 'not more mature' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001027 |
Debbie Randle | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-12T07:00:54.000Z | 13 | A teenager is still in a coma after he was attacked during a night out in Majorca. 16-year-old Alex Hughes from Cardiff was hit over the head with a bottle as he left a nightclub 10 days ago. He was on holiday with a couple of his friends. They've all stayed on the island, visiting him every day in the hope he'll wake up. Reporter Debbie Randle went to the resort of Port d'Andratx to meet them.
Majorca is a popular holiday destination for British tourists
They describe it as the worst 10 days of their lives.
Sitting outside a bar, in the sunshine, looking out to sea is probably what some of them were looking forward to. But now they don't even notice it.
They're stuck in limbo, waiting patiently for their friend to wake up from his coma and come to join them so they can all start to enjoy their holiday.
Josh is feeling the worst of it. He's Alex's friend and the pair were sharing an apartment.
He was also there the night Alex was attacked.
He describes what happened. He said: "The first nights were the best of my life. Then that happened to Al... it just changed it all."
On that night Alex, Josh and their other friend Harry had been at the same bar we're all sitting at now.
They'd met a few girls and decided to go with them to the nightclub up the road.
Josh said: "It was really crowded in there and as we were accidentally bumping into these kids they were like pushing us off and shoving us."
When it all started to get a bit nasty, they all decided to leave.
But once they got outside, Josh says the teenagers from the club confronted them.
"Four of them came running up to us, two went over to Alex and two went over to me.
"As Al turned around to one of them, the other one hit him over the head with a bottle."
To start with it looked like Alex was OK. But as the local lads started to follow them they panicked and tried to jump over a fence into the car park of their apartments.
Josh says it was then clear there was something wrong.
He said: "He was lying over the fence, just like hanging off it.
"So I walked over and brought him off the fence and as I put him on the floor he was like, 'I'm losing blood, I'm concussed, I think I'm dying'. Then he went to sleep."
Alex hasn't woken up since. He'd suffered a brain haemorrhage and was rushed to hospital.
He's been in a coma. His condition is decribed as critical but stable.
They may all still be in Majorca, but since that night their holiday has been over.
Alex's parents have flown over and been at his bedside. Josh has been visiting Alex up to twice a day, speaking to him and trying to get him to wake up.
Three Spanish teenagers have been questioned over the attack and are now in their parents' custody at home while a judge decides what to do next.
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Stone Roses debut was 'rite of passage' | Friends speak over Majorca attack | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000963 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-12T07:43:39.000Z | 14 | Mood Swing doughnut has proved popular along with the Psycho
It's an American doughnut shop with a big difference. Unfortunately, the calories are still there but those traditional sugar sprinkled doughnuts aren't.
The staff are dressed in old fashioned nurses' outfits, and the walls are painted lime green and red. In the corner, there's a white leather padded cell with a black chair inside.
Psycho Donuts is in Campbell, California. It opened in March, and so far, business is booming.
The idea behind the shop was to create something wacky that would pull the doughnut lovers in.
The owner, 44-year-old Jordan Zweigoron, said he was experimenting in the kitchen with his business partner when they came up with the name.
He said: "We were playing around and we thought, What we're creating is crazy', and we found that the word psycho combined with the word doughnut had a nice sound. We realised it reflected our unique product."
Jordan's psychiatric theme runs through the business. Some of the doughnuts on sale have names like Bipolar, The Massive Head Trauma and Psycho, which is the most popular item on the menu.
Its lemon marshmellow glaze is topped with chocolate, pretzels, and chilli powder. Some might think that's a weird combination but that's the whole point.
Not surprisingly, this unusual set up hasn't gone without controversy.
Many reckon it's insensitive to those who are mentally ill. Over the past five months, people have been protesting outside the shop, demanding it be shut down.
Eileen Sexton works at Mental Health America (MHA). The non-profit organisation focuses on helping those with mental illnesses live happier and healthier lives.
She told Newsbeat: "It's not right to poke fun at these people and the owner needs to be better educated."
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the largest research organisation of its kind in the world, around 58 million Americans suffer from a mental illness.
But Jordan's not bothered by the criticism. He has no plans to close his shop.
In fact, he thinks the media has done him a favour by turning his small doughnut business into an international story.
He said: "There are a lot of things offensive out there. A lot of them are larger and more pervasive than a doughnut shop.
"For example, Halloween can be pretty offensive to people and a doughnut shop doesn't come to your door and knock on it.
"At Halloween people knock with a bloody head and nobody says let's ban Halloween."
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The Prodigy announce 2010 UK tour
Related internet links | Doughnut shop criticised for name | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000960 |
Helen Perry | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-28T12:04:36.000Z | 15 | The new head of the army General Sir David Richards takes charge on Friday, promising to focus on the military effort in Afghanistan.
However, serving members of the army appear to put better kit and accomodation at the top of their wish list.
Many have contacted Newsbeat to highlight the issues they would like General Sir David Richards to prioritise.
Corporal Carr said he would like to see improvements to "living conditions for soldiers on camp" adding that the "food is a disgrace".
Craftsman Phoenix of REME thinks "operational equipment should be top of the list, then our accommodation should be updated."
The standard of kit issued to the military appears to be a major issue with his colleagues as well.
Andy in Leicester said: "I'm in the Paras and he should be thinking about getting us better equipment like the Americans."
A soldier who wishes only to be known as Tony added: "I am in the Army and I think his top priority should be to get more man power and kit needed to prevent more casualties.
"We are constantly borrowing kit from the Americans - not good when we are meant to be the best armed forces in the country, is it?"
Lee in Plymouth wants General Richards to address soldiers pay "after sorting out the right equipment he should push for higher wages as our lives are at risk".
Melissa in Catterick would like any extra funds to be directed towards soldiers injured in action.
She said: "They should use the money for bigger payouts for the wounded. People with their life on the line for our country. The fallen and wounded should get more."
However, General Richards, the Chief of the General Staff, has previously stated that he "will not" be presenting the government with a shopping list for military equipment on his first day in office.
He takes over from his sometimes outspoken predecessor General Sir Richard Dannatt, who often clashed with ministers over the issue of kit shortages.
Accepting his new duties, General Richards said: "The army's most valuable assets are its people. It is essential that we continue to look after our soldiers and their families, especially those injured or affected adversely through conflict."
'One in five' young drivers uninsured
'Regret' over ban on legal highs
Related internet links | Soldiers present shopping list | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001262 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-17T15:59:19.000Z | 16 | It looks sleek but can it convince users to switch from the iPod?
Microsoft has announced its new MP3 player will go on sale in America on 15 September.
Aimed at taking on Apple's iPod, the Zune HD will come in two versions, 16 and 32 gigabytes.
Both of them cost around £80 less than the equivalent iPod Touch, £132 for the 16 gig and £175 for the 32 gig player.
Although no date has been set for a UK release, Microsoft claims it is going to be a serious competitor to the iPod which has dominated the MP3 market since its release eight years ago.
At the moment Apple has about a 70% share.
Worth hundreds of millions of pounds it's a very lucrative market, something Sony recently tried to break into by relaunching its iconic Walkman as an MP3 player, trying to break Apple's monopoly.
Spec-wise the Zune HD has a 3.3 inch OLED screen, built in wi-fi and can store and play out high-definition video content using a special TV docking station.
It's a third generation device but Microsoft's optimism may be short lived.
Apple recently announced a special conference will take place in early September, usually the time of year the company unveils new products in time for autumn and Christmas.
Morale 'high' among British troops
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Teens react to online warnings | iPod challenger gets US release | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001031 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-04T11:16:38.000Z | 17 | Wenger was sent to the stands during Arsenal's last Man U game
Amazon have withdrawn a CD of Manchester United chants from sale on its website because of complaints that some of the lyrics are offensive.
The unofficial album 'Manchester United Chants' contains a supporters' song aimed at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
A statement from Amazon.co.uk explained that Arsenal had complained about the nature of the chants.
It said: "Arsenal Football Club has provided us with formal notice that content within the album 'Manchester United Chants' is defamatory in nature and we have, therefore, removed this title from our website.
"We would not remove a product from our site because some, or many, people find it to be distasteful or otherwise objectionable.
"We believe it is censorship to make a product unavailable for those reasons."
Wenger was sent off during Arsenal's recent 2-1 defeat against Manchester United after he kicked over a water bottle following a disallowed Gunner's goal.
Arsenal supporters have complained that he was then subjected to this particular chant by some Manchester United fans.
Manchester United's director of communications Philip Townsend said: ""We have gone on the record - several times - about this disgusting chant.
"We don't condone it and have appealed to fans several times in the past - through supporters' groups, the matchday programme and MUTV, but to no avail."
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Friendly Fires go back home | Amazon withdraws Man U chants CD | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001422 |
Chris Smith | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-15T15:56:43.000Z | 18 | Young people are the hardest hit by the recession. New figures show 1,000 people under 25 are losing their jobs every day. 2.3 million people are now out of work in the UK, the highest level for 14 years. One of the people in charge of sorting our economy is business secretary Lord Mandelson. He reckons getting green is one way forward.
Lord Mandelson says there are opportunities for under-25s
We've been talking to young job seekers in Hull and there are lots of concerns about unemployment but you're talking about a low carbon ecomony. Why is that?
We've been talking to young job seekers in Hull and there are lots of concerns about unemployment but you're talking about a low carbon ecomony. Why is that?
And this will create jobs will it?
And this will create jobs will it?
Some of the younger job seekers we've been talking to in Hull are concerned in the short-term, not the long-term. How can young job seekers who haven't got any experience find a good job?
Some of the younger job seekers we've been talking to in Hull are concerned in the short-term, not the long-term. How can young job seekers who haven't got any experience find a good job?
Lord Mandelson promotes green energy at a Surrey factory
A thousand under-25s are losing their jobs every day. How are you going to stop that?
A thousand under-25s are losing their jobs every day. How are you going to stop that?
Do you think young people will have confidence that you've got what it takes to give them those skills and experience and those jobs?
Do you think young people will have confidence that you've got what it takes to give them those skills and experience and those jobs?
Under-25s hit worst by recession
Young 'depressed' about money
More Brits taking UK holidays
Graduates 'more stressed than ever' | Recession 'not entirely bleak' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000386 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-03T11:05:15.000Z | 19 | Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told a group of young people that he would consider taking a pay cut because of the recession but wouldn't be drawn on how much he'd be willing to give up.
The PM also called for bankers' bonuses to be more tightly controlled and said they should only be rewarded if they were of long-term value to the company.
He said: "Today we're publishing proposals so that the bonuses of bankers are brought under better control.
"Some people get bonuses for not really doing anything that is of long-term value. It's got to be of long-term value.
"Some people are getting bonuses even if the bank isn't doing well and some people are getting bonuses that are such a high share of the company's turnover that it's a risk for other people who are using that bank."
21 young people questioned Gordon Brown as part of 1Xtra's U Takeover
On the subject of a taking a pay cut, the Prime Minister said he'd be willing to work for less money but that higher earners also needed to pay their share of tax.
"I'd be prepared to take a pay cut," he said. "But I think the issue on taxation is that those people that earn a lot more money should be asked to contribute more to help us get through this recession.
"That's why we've raised the top rate of tax for people who are on higher salaries and that is to help us pay for the job creation that we're doing at the moment."
Have Your Say: How did you rate Gordon Brown's performance? , external
Hosted by Tina Daheley, the PM was answering questions from 21 young people who are not in full-time education, employment or training.
1Xtra and BBC Blast's "U Takeover" project takes place on Saturday 26 September.
Government promises jobs for the young
PM promises help for over-25s
'Fuel price rise will hit me hard'
Soldiers present shopping list
BBC 1Xtra's U Takeover
Related internet links
Have Your Say: How did you rate Gordon Brown's performance? | Gordon Brown 'would take pay cut' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001382 |
Matt Cole | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-17T10:16:37.000Z | 20 | Chris Hamilton and his family have been forced to use food handouts
There's been a a big increase in the number of people relying on charity food parcels to feed themselves and their families.
That's according to the Trussell Trust which runs the UK's only national network of food banks.
It says in the last financial year it's fed 24,000 people. That's up from 14,000 the year before.
The Salisbury-based organisation says delays to benefit payments for the growing number of newly redundant workers are behind much of the 71% rise.
Chris Hamilton turned to the food bank after losing his job as a cleaning company supervisor.
The 27-year-old father from Salisbury told Newsbeat: "In February I was made redundant from the company I was working for.
"I very quickly applied for all the necessary benefits I was entitled to, but found it would take a lot longer than I had been hoping for, or had been advised."
Chris said very soon he and his partner April Collins, 23, began to worry about paying their bills and putting food on the table for their five-year-old son William.
Chris said: "It came to a point where we were not living on any money at all. We were struggling to pay our bills, our rent, and everything else.
"Our local school was very good at helping to provide meals for our son. But us ourselves were struggling very badly for household items or food."
It was then that the Citizens Advice Bureau recommended Chris and April to the food bank.
Sipping a cup of tea in the cafe which makes up part of the Salisbury food bank, Chris explained: "We came down here and the staff gave us options on what we could have and what we could eat.
"At first it was very demoralising that we had to rely on a charity to eat. It was very scary.
"When April and I got together six years ago we said we would provide for ourselves and our family. We never thought we'd have to rely on a charity just to keep alive."
The food bank gave Chris and April a parcel with enough food inside to last them and their son three days.
The food's all tinned or dried, like pasta, so it won't go off before it's handed out.
A look through the shelves in the food bank's storeroom reveals cans of soup, tinned fruit and vegetables, boxes of cereal, UHT milk, and many, many tins of beans.
Usually people are referred to the charity by doctors, social workers or other bodies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
A voucher is issued which can be exchanged for food for one or more people depending on their need.
Chris said: "Although it was demoralising in some senses, when the food bank started packing the food for us we realised we could cook decent food and survive for a couple of weeks. We are so grateful.
"It's not our fault. We just haven't got the money to pay normal bills."
But Chris said that he couldn't get his benefits quickly enough.
By the time they began to be paid, he said he'd built up debts on ordinary bills that he just can't get on top of.
Previously the food banks would provide help mostly to people facing relationship break-ups, or to others with drink and drug problems.
But now, tales like that of Chris and April are increasingly familiar to the director of the Trussells Trust, Chris Mould.
He explained: "What's changed recently is the increasing number of people who've come to food banks, right across the country, because they've lost their jobs and they're struggling to get the state system of welfare support working for them.
"There are long delays. And people are left bereft of any kind of finance."
The government denies there's a problem with the benefits system
The Government denies there's a problem with the benefit system.
But employment Minister Jim Knight said he'd listened to groups like the Trussells Trust.
"It would surprise me if there are new delays because that's not what the data shows me sat in the privileged position in my office," he said.
"But obviously I'm keen to hear what's going on on the ground and if people are saying in certain parts of the country there are problems, or that there's a general problem that our data not picking up, then obviously I want to hear about that."
There are now 41 food banks across Britain and the charity has ambitions to set up one in every town.
Training with an Armed Forces helicopter
Under-25s hit worst by recession
Recession 'not entirely bleak'
Young 'depressed' about money
Related internet links | Food 'crisis' hits young families | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000402 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-27T16:15:02.000Z | 21 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be released in November
Gamers say they are unhappy that one of the most hyped video games of the year will cost them £10 more than most other games on the market.
The company behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Activision, have set a price of £55 instead of the regular £45 for most other new releases.
The first Call of Duty: Modern Warfare game was the biggest seller of 2007 shifting more than seven million copies.
The latest version is released in November and will be one of the biggest sellers of the year.
Eighteen-year-old Gary from Islington in London doesn't care about the price and says he'll definitely be buying it.
"I know we'll still buy it because once we've got the game you can't stop playing it.
"£55 is a bit too much though, so a lot of people will take longer to buy it. But, me personally, I'll buy it because there's no better game than Call of Duty. I know that for a fact."
But not all gamers are so happy with the higher price. Gaming blogs and websites are getting lots of negative comments about the £55 Call of Duty will cost to buy.
Chris, who's 25 and from Bromley in Kent, says he's going to wait for a secondhand copy.
"Why should that be much more than the rest of them? I think £45 itself is tops," he said.
"Considering that CDs and DVDs have all come down in price over the years as technology's progressing, it's funny that games haven't. I'll probably still get it but I'll get it pre-owned."
Other game developers will be closely watching what happens when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is released.
If it still goes to number one and sells millions of copies, industry experts think other companies could do the same with their big releases and charge extra.
But it's unlikely that every new game will start costing more.
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Related internet links | Gamers criticise cost of new game | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000568 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-30T13:18:38.000Z | 22 | The bands performing at the BBC Introducing stage at the Leeds and Reading festivals over the August bank holiday weekend have been announced.
The BBC Introducing Stage features the potential headliners of tomorrow
It is the second time the stage, which showcases the UK's best unsigned and emerging talent, has been invited to the event.
The list include electro band Soft Toy Emergency, punk-rock quintet The Living Daylights and soulful funk band The Sixty Watt Club.
The Introducing line up, which also includes To The Bones, Ellen and the Escapades, British Intelligence, The Ruling Class and Goldheart Assembly, will play at both Leeds and Reading on 28-30 August.
Bear Driver, The Teeth, Horse Guards Parade, Punch & The Apostles, Boney Black, Chickenhawk and Kinch are also playing.
The list is completed by: The Old Romantic Killer Band, Frontiers, Our Fold, Screaming Lights, Come on Gang, Kutosis, What Makes You Beautiful, Minnaars, A Plastic Rose, Suprise...Fire, The NEAT, Lovvers, Wonderswan and Milk White White Teeth.
The bands are chosen through a combination of the BBC's countrywide Introducing shows, Leeds promoters Futuresound and promoters Festival Republic.
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Related internet links
Leeds and Reading 2009 | New bands get a festival break | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000646 |
Sarah Jane Griffiths | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-31T06:24:22.000Z | 23 | Audrey Tautou plays Coco Chanel in the film about the designer's life
Audrey Tautou, the French actress who starred in Amélie and The Da Vinci Code, plays Coco Chanel in her new film, Coco Before Chanel. It tells the story of how she overcame a difficult upbringing to start her own fashion business. She says talk of an Oscar for her role in the film is "funny" and that she's not very fashion savvy herself.
_______________________________________________________
Do you feel like you've been influenced by Coco Chanel after playing her?
Do you feel like you've been influenced by Coco Chanel after playing her?
Do you think people will be surprised after finding more out about Coco Chanel's life?
Do you think people will be surprised after finding more out about Coco Chanel's life?
Did you know the story of her life before being approached to do this film?
Did you know the story of her life before being approached to do this film?
What was your knowledge of the fashion industry like before you did this film?
What was your knowledge of the fashion industry like before you did this film?
Was it a new experience being dressed then and have the fittings?
Was it a new experience being dressed then and have the fittings?
She used to wear her boyfriend's clothes, which was totally different at the time from everyone else, wasn't it?
She used to wear her boyfriend's clothes, which was totally different at the time from everyone else, wasn't it?
Was the film fun to make or was it more serious?
Was the film fun to make or was it more serious?
People are already tipping you for an Oscar for this film. What do you think about that?
People are already tipping you for an Oscar for this film. What do you think about that?
Coco Before Chanel opens in the UK on Friday 31 July
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Related internet links | Tautou: 'I loved playing Chanel' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000620 |
Tina Daheley | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-13T15:48:52.000Z | 25 | What do you think of women being allowed to box in the 2012 Olympics?
What do you think of women being allowed to box in the 2012 Olympics?
Women would say they've got the choice to be treated equally though.
Women would say they've got the choice to be treated equally though.
How about other contact sports, like martial arts - which are equally as dangerous - they're allowed in the Olympics.
How about other contact sports, like martial arts - which are equally as dangerous - they're allowed in the Olympics.
Khan thinks having female boxers in the Olympics could mean more women fighting on the streets
But what about women being in the Army or other professions, shouldn't they have the choice?
But what about women being in the Army or other professions, shouldn't they have the choice?
Maybe there's a self defence element - Boxercise classes are massively popular with women.
Maybe there's a self defence element - Boxercise classes are massively popular with women.
In the past boxing officials have said women shouldn't fight because they get PMT and they're too emotional. What do you think?
In the past boxing officials have said women shouldn't fight because they get PMT and they're too emotional. What do you think?
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Related internet links
Amir Khan - Official Website | Khan: Boxing 'not safe for women' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000990 |
Tamasin Ford | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-15T10:13:36.000Z | 24 | More 18 to 24-year-olds than any other age group in the UK know someone who's lost their job in the recession. That's one of the findings of the BBC's Taking the Pulse survey and another indication the younger generation is feeling the brunt of the economic downturn. Newsbeat's Tamasin Ford reports from Hull.
As the class of 2009 graduates from schools, colleges and universities across the country, there are fears that the problem of youth unemployment is only going to get worse.
It is a national problem but in some cities, like Hull, it's a stark reality.
Famous for its docks and the Humber bridge, it's now known for having the highest percentage of under-25s claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) than any other city in the UK.
Twenty-two-year-old Simon Muller is one of them. He said: "I've been out of work for a year-and-a-half now. I'm still looking for any kind of work, whether it's factory or retail."
Have Your Say: How has the recession affected you? , external
'Frustrated and angry'
Simon's one of 12 young unemployed people taking part in a week-long scheme at the KC stadium, home of the city's football and rugby league sides.
Backed by the Prince's Trust and funded by the Premier League, the Football Federation and the Professional Footballers Association, it's about inspiring young people to get them back into the world of work.
Saeed Ali says having no job makes you feel like giving up
"It's just really hard as there isn't anything out there. I'm just really frustrated and angry," he said.
Simon's not alone. A thousand young people are losing their jobs every day, according to the latest unemployment figures.
2.3 million people are now out of work in the UK.
Saeed Ali, who's on the course too, hasn't had a job for eight months. His only source of income is also Jobseekers Allowance.
He said: "I'm just wasting my life. It's so hard because a) you don't have any money and b) you feel useless really.
"You can't do anything, there's nothing to look forward to and you basically just give up on life."
And as people like Saeed and Simon prepare for another evening of scouring through the scant jobs pages, it's graduation day at Hull University for 21-year-old Charlotte Parker from the Wirral.
"There just aren't any jobs around," she said.
"It does worry me because I think, 'Am I going to come back and just get a job I'm not interested in just so I can afford to live?'"
Charlotte's putting off getting a job for a couple of years to go travelling.
"I've worked so hard to get my degree and I'm going to work even harder to get my masters and then to have to settle for a job I don't really want to do, it's a bit of a scary thought.
"It's not something I'm looking forward too," she said.
Hull is not alone in its battle against youth unemployment.
Charlotte Parker is putting off getting a job so she can travel
Sunderland, Barnsley, Doncaster and Hastings all have high numbers of young people without work and on benefits too.
Other cities like Swindon, Milton Keynes and Northampton have seen a huge jump in the number of under-25s claiming JSA in the last year.
Dee Kundra, from the Prince's Trust, said: "Too many young people at the moment are facing a bleak future.
"The number of young people out of employment is costing the economy millions every week."
Under-25s now make up one in five of Britain's working population, but also make up two in five of the unemployed.
Dee added: "The Prince's Trust in the past 12 months has seen a 50% increase in the number of calls we're getting for help.
"So we can really tell the young people we help are being affected by this recession."
The number of young people out of work is at its highest level for 15 years.
The government is investing £1bn in the Future Jobs Fund to create 150,000 new jobs for long-term unemployed young people between 2009-2011.
Jim Knight, the employment minister, said: "We're willing to put our money where our mouth is and make sure there is a real intervention from the government now rather than going back to the old days where unemployment was a price worth paying."
However, with long term youth unemployment expected to almost treble between now and 2011 there's a worry this new proposal may just act as a sticking plaster for the potential 350,000 young people out of work in just over two years time.
"Of course I'm worried about youth unemployment but the notion that there aren't any new jobs around is false," he added.
"There are quite a few jobs coming through, we've just got to make sure the young people are well placed to get them."
And for some people, like 17-year-old Lewis Valentine from Bridlington, it's all about perseverance. He works as a glass collector in a club in Hull.
He said: "It's not hard to get a job at all. There's loads of jobs out there, you just need to know where to look.
"If you just go for a part-time job and then go back to college, you're going in the right direction aren't you? If you really want to do it, you'll do it."
Young 'depressed' about money
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Related internet links
Have Your Say: How has the recession affected you? | Under-25s hit worst by recession | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000366 |
Maddy Savage | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-21T14:12:52.000Z | 26 | Shianne (right) hasn't been able to find any work in Bournemouth this summer
More than five million people have been ditching trips abroad this summer and going on holiday in the UK instead.
But new figures show many seaside towns have got some of the highest unemployment figures in the country.
Bournemouth beach is rammed with people visiting the town's big annual air show, but amongst the grandads wearing cardigans and toddlers dripping with sunshine are huge groups of teenagers who have been hanging out here all summer.
They've been unable to find holiday work, despite weeks of handing out CVs, knocking on shop doors and visiting the job centre.
Seventeen-year-old Shianne says she's given up for this year: "I've looked in hairdressers and shops but everywhere is full. I thought I would find something somewhere but I just haven't got anywhere."
She's got one year left at school before she's hoping to get a full-time job.
But with unemployment figures expected to keep rising for at least the next year, she's not hopeful.
"It's quite scary because you don't know what you want to do and what you're going to end up doing," she said.
"Because there aren't many jobs around at the moment it's pretty hard."
Andrew (left) has only found part-time work this summer in Bournemouth
Her friends Kevin and Chelsea have had slightly more luck.
Kevin's working in a supermarket, while Chelsea spent all summer searching for work and has just landed three weeks temping in a kitchen.
Unemployment in Bournemouth has gone up up by 130% in the past year. The national average is a rise of around 80%.
Places like Weston-super-Mare, Newquay and the Isle of Wight have also seen unemployment shoot up, despite high profile campaigns to attract tourists.
"There's big variety between seaside towns," says Nicola Smith, who compiled the new figures for the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
"In some areas you are more likely to have people in lower skilled and seasonal jobs and that means that as the downturn has hit, people may be more likely to lose their jobs."
Gazing at the fairground rides are Andrew and Justina. Andrew moved here for a construction job a year ago but got told he wasn't needed. Since then he's survived on part-time bar work.
Justina hasn't worked for more than 12 months after losing her job at a fast-food restaurant.
"We moved here from the Midlands for a better life but we need money for that," she told Newsbeat.
Andrew agrees: "I am surprised unemployment levels are high round here, considering it's a holiday place and everybody's down for the holidays enjoying themselves.
"There is work down here, there just doesn't seem to be enough."
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Related internet links
Trades Union Congress (TUC) | Young unable to find holiday jobs | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001124 |
Del Crookes | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-26T10:36:17.000Z | 27 | Links related to Katie Price are the most dangerous to click on, a survey says
Katie Price, Jude Law and Victoria Beckham are the three most dangerous celebrities to search for online.
Internet researchers claim more than 16% of links related to the subject of Katie Price were found to contain dodgy viruses.
Links and sites related to Kate Moss, David Beckham, Daniel Radcliffe, Kerry Katona, Amy Winehouse, Cheryl Cole and Leona Lewis made up the rest of the top 10.
Websites can be compromised by being loaded with spyware that collects information about users without their knowledge, and viruses that can infiltrate computers.
Computer protection firm McAfee looked at popular search engines like Google and Yahoo! and weighed up the risk of clicking on celebrity-related website links.
Security analyst Greg Day said: "Cybercrooks capitalising on the public obsession with celebrities and current events is nothing new.
"A quick flick across the front pages of the latest popular newspapers and magazines offers a fairly reliable snapshot of where the criminals will focus their efforts next."
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry actress Jessica Biel was found to be the riskiest US celebrity target.
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Andre suing Price over TV remarks | Katie Price 'most dangerous' link | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001205 |
Dan Whitworth | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-07T08:49:07.000Z | 28 | More and more 3D films are being made at the moment
It used to be all about rubbish glasses made from cardboard, dodgy films and even worse actors. But 3D is back and, according to the film industry, is massively new and improved.
According to the UK Film Council, there's been an explosion in the number of 3D screens across Britain.
Last year there were less than 70, now there are almost 400 which means an average of 10 new ones opening every week.
There are also a lot more 3D films on offer.
Six were released in 2008, this year it's more than double and with even more planned for 2010.
Lauren, who is 11-years-old and from London, went to see the latest 3D film, Disney's G-Force, last night.
She said: "In a normal film it doesn't make you feel like you're in the film. It just makes you feel like you're watching it.
"But when you're in a 3D movie it feels like you're in it instead of just watching it."
3D films do cost an extra £2/2.50 on top of the normal ticket price to go and see.
But Lauren's dad Daniel reckons it's definitely worth it.
He said: "It makes you feel like you're in the film, like you're with them running around.
"There were a total of eight of us who went to see the film and it was definitely worth the extra money we paid to go and see it."
But not everyone was convinced.
Cheryl took her 13-year-old son to see the movie. She said: "I think it's a waste of money, ridiculous.
"You can see it better when you pay the normal price and watch a regular version instead".
Film industry bosses disagree. They reckon people get a much better experience compared to a normal trip to the cinema and that the extra money is worth it.
Leora Nevezie works for the UK Film Council. She said: "Yes it does cost more to see a 3D film.
"But that's because they cost more to make, cinemas have to pay tens of thousands of pounds to upgrade screens to be able to show them and then there's the cost of things like special 3D glasses."
As for why there's such a growth in 3D cinema right now Leora says there are three main reasons.
"Firstly the technology to install 3D screens and to film in 3D is a lot cheaper than just a couple of years ago.
"Secondly there's been a big creative push from Hollywood studios and big name directors have got involved so there are a lot of 3D films out there.
"Finally it's much better for the viewer than in the past.
"We've got proper glasses, there's no motion sickness and no headaches like there used to be."
The film industry has invested millions of pounds to try and make 3D a success this time and a big test will come in December.
James Cameron, the man behind films like Titanic and Terminator 2 is releasing a 3D film he's been working on for more than 10 years.
One top industry executive describes it as a "game changer" - a movie that could change the way people watch films forever.
"I've had people watch 20 or 30 minutes of Avatar and say it's like being in a dream like state.
"Most people have said something like that, that it creates a slightly altered sense of awareness."
But the film industry will have to wait and see if it lives up to the hype and, more importantly, if people are willing to pay the extra money it costs to watch 3D films.
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Related internet links | Boom in 'new and improved' 3D cinemas | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000841 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-11T10:57:35.000Z | 29 | The Prodigy have announced details of a new tour in January 2010.
Beginning in Doncaster on 21 January, the tour will take in shows in Bridlington, Blackpool, Plymouth, Southend and Bournemouth.
In a statement the band said: "Sometimes these places can get forgotten so we wanted to bring the show to fans who don't often get a chance to see us."
Tickets go on sale on 14 August.
Doncaster Dome - 21 January
Bridlington Spa - 22
Blackpool Empress Ballroom - 23
Plymouth Pavilions - 25
Southend Cliffs Pavilion - 26
Bournemouth International Centre - 27
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Related internet links | The Prodigy announce 2010 UK tour | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000949 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-29T08:59:38.000Z | 30 | Steven Gerrard's wife has come under fire from Merseysiders after saying she doesn't go out in Liverpool any more because it's too 'rough'.
26-year-old Alex Curran told told new! magazine: "It's the not same any more. To be honest it's rough.
"Everywhere new that opens attracts the wrong type of people.
"It's not nice, so I haven't bothered to go out."
Her comments come after her husband was cleared of affray last week at a Mersyside nightspot.
The Liverpool captain admitted punching a man in a drunken row over music, but said it was in self-defence.
The WAG has been a regular at opening parties, bars and clubs around Liverpool.
But more recently the couple have been photographed shopping and dining in London.
Alex Curran claims Liverpool 'attracts the wrong type of people'
Police and council chiefs have hit back saying Liverpool is getting safer, and is one of the top four UK city destinations.
Newsbeat has had a huge response from locals.
Tony from Liverpool said: "Going out is safe if you know where to go, but you have to have your guard up at times. The towny mentality is popular."
Nadia from the Wirral said: "Liverpudlians are the nicest and friendliest type of people, and it has a far lower crime rate than Manchester and London."
And Luke from Cardiff said: "I lived in Liverpool for four years, best city I've ever been to. Not one bit of trouble the entire time, the people are really friendly."
Some agree with Curran though, like Jay who said: "I have lived in Liverpool for my whole life. It really is attracting the wrong people and is rough. There's a lot of good people here but an increasing number of idiots and scallys."
And Claire adds: "As a fellow scouser I agree, Liverpool is the pits. But at least with their millions they can lead a better life regardless. So she shouldn't moan."
But her comments have angered others, like Mike from Southport who said: "Alex is right, it does attract the wrong sort of people - people like her!"
While Michaela adds: "Alex Curran gives Liverpool a bad name. She shouldn't have a bad word to say about the city as it's Liverpool Football Club that keep her in handbags!"
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Bullock: 'No more nude scenes' | 'Liverpool too rough' says Gerrard's wife | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000600 |
Natalie Jamieson | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-20T10:37:31.000Z | 31 | Laura says she's different to other X Factor finalists
All this week on Newsbeat we'll be looking ahead to the new series of The X Factor to find out what happened to some of last year's losing finalists.
Laura White had been one of the favourites to win but ended up going out early in a shock exit ahead of Daniel Evans and Rachel Hylton.
The Bolton girl says she's since been working with Madonna's producer and her new songs definitely won't be what people are expecting. _______________________
You were tipped as a favourite to win but then you went out quite earlyâ¦.
You were tipped as a favourite to win but then you went out quite earlyâ¦.
You've been working with Madonna's producer - how did you hook up?
You've been working with Madonna's producer - how did you hook up?
So when X Factor ended how were things left in terms of a record deal - you presumably had the option to be signed to Simon Cowell's company?
So when X Factor ended how were things left in terms of a record deal - you presumably had the option to be signed to Simon Cowell's company?
Laura was lucky enough to work with Madonna's producer
And you've been doing something a bit different on your website to promote your new single...
And you've been doing something a bit different on your website to promote your new single...
The songs on the website are quite different but they have an electronic, Lady Gaga-type feel to them.
The songs on the website are quite different but they have an electronic, Lady Gaga-type feel to them.
Is this your main job - do you earn enough to make a decent living?
Is this your main job - do you earn enough to make a decent living?
How much do you still get recognised?
How much do you still get recognised?
Will you watch the new series of X Factor?
Will you watch the new series of X Factor?
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Related internet links | Laura's working with Madge's producer | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001103 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-15T08:27:59.000Z | 33 | Julian Casablancas is the fourth "Stroke" to record a solo record
The Strokes' singer Julian Casablancas is to release a solo album in the autumn.
Phrazes For The Young will feature eight songs, all written and recorded over the last 12 months.
The singer, who is the fourth member of the band to make music outside of the group, will embark on a solo tour to coincide with the album's release.
It is unclear how the album will impact on plans for a fourth album by The Strokes, which was due to be recorded earlier in the year.
Speaking to Newsbeat in October 2008, bassist Nikolai Fraiture said the five-piece would be getting to work on the follow up to First Impressions Of Earth in February 2009.
He said: "We are looking at going into the studio in February now and getting back to being a band again."
The Strokes bassist said the group had already attempted to head into the studio but circumstances have prevented them from laying anything down.
"It started with Nick (Valensi) having twins with his wife (two years ago) and he asked for a good amount of time off," he said.
"After about six months he was ready to come back but other members of the band were doing their own thing. Albert (Hammond Jr) was doing his thing with his solo project and Julian (Casablancas) needed time off.
"One thing led to another so studio time kept getting pushed back."
Song titles on Phrazes for the Young include Glass, River of Brake Lights and Ludlow St.
Recorded in Los Angeles, New York and Nebraska, the album was produced by Jason Lader with additional production by Mike Mogis.
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Related internet links | Strokes singer plans solo album | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000363 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-27T08:43:49.000Z | 32 | What's it like to play a festival and have thousands of people scream your band's name? Headliners Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead look forward to this weekendâs Reading and Leeds festivals, alongside the likes of The Prodigy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Gossip.
The Prodigy are going to "rip it up" and give "110%" says Keith
The Prodigy â Leeds (Friday), Reading (Saturday)
Liam Howlett: We canât wait; weâll come up with something.
Keith Flint: Itâs not like we go along with a master plan as such, it has to happen a bit more natural than that for us.
Everything has to be in place, the sound and the actual set and then we just walk out there naturally. We need the platform to go out there and rip it up.
Itâs about giving 110% and not letting anyone down, not being complacent and being determined to go and rip it up.
Iâve got to see Arctic Monkeys theyâre phenomenal.
Liam: We hung out with them in Australia at the Big Day Out festival. They were on the other stage and we watched them most nights.
Keith: Theyâre one of only a few bands we can go and watch that hold our attention for as long as they do. Theyâre real and something to be seen.
Arctic Monkeys â Leeds (Friday), Reading (Saturday)
Arctic Monkeys say following The Prodigy will be a tall order
Matt Helders: It'll be good to watch them [The Prodigy] before us and pretty scary because they're obviously going to be a bit louder than us.
But I don't think people will be going for the decibels. I think it works out quite well. We watched them a few times in Australia [at January's Big Day Out festival]. We had a great time, they're very nice people.
Alex Turner: "I shared a wonderful plane journey with Keith [Flint] - he's a lovely chap.
Radiohead â Leeds (Saturday), Reading (Sunday)
Ed OâBrien: We havenât played there since 1994, Readingâs just down the road from Oxford â itâll be nice to do that one and itâll be dark at that sort of time. Itâs cool. Although it is Reading - it's rival territory.
Glasvegas â Leeds (Friday), Reading (Saturday)
Caroline McKay: Weâve been there last year as well, it's going to be great fun.
Paul Donoghue: Yeah, last year was kind of the first festival weâd done that we were really happy with and that the reception we got was amazing. It really blew us away, weâre really looking forward to that this year.
The Gossip â Leeds (Friday), Reading (Saturday)
Beth Ditto: The north [Leeds] is my jam, it's like the southern United States up there.
Beth Ditto from The Gossip says she's looking forward to playing in the north
Brace Paine: I always like playing Reading because it reminds me of The Year Punk Broke [1991 music documentary]. It seemed so cool.
The Ramones, Babes In Toyland, Hole⦠Reading has a magical place in my head because of that. Reading is exciting because of that connection.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs â Leeds (Saturday), Reading (Sunday)
Karen O: Memories? A lot of hi-jinx. I donât know how free I am to speak about it. The first time we played there was so much pressure - the hype around us at that point was at its peak.
For me it was a highly self-destructive performance that year. Leeds was better but Reading was the first one where I blew a fuse in my head.
Brian Chase: The one in 2006 was awesome you [Karen] jumped into the pit, there were the bodyguards in these yellow shirts and just this sea of tens of thousands of people.
Nick Zinner: You [Brian] played the last Reading Festival with one arm.
Brian Chase: I had an arm injury earlier in that tour so the only way I could go on was by playing our set one handed.
Karen O: Itâs impossible to predict, so we wonât really know.
Snow Patrol fans 'warned' over tour
Backstage at V Festival 2009
Karen O soundtrack announced
Reading & Leeds - Radio 1 site
Related internet links | Headliners ready for Reading and Leeds | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001240 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-22T08:12:34.000Z | 35 | Rap star Jay-Z says that his much talked-about headline performance at last year's Glastonbury festival was all about breaking down barriers.
The hip hop artist was talking to Radio 1's Zane Lowe about the 2008 gig which caused a media storm after Noel Gallagher said it was "wrong" to have a hip hop headliner.
Jay-Z retaliated by opening his set with a cover of the Oasis hit Wonderwall and playing along with an acoustic guitar.
He told Zane: "I felt like breaking down the barriers. There's a few people that wanted to see the concert and everything in its traditional form but that's not the way of the world.
"It felt like once I got to the people, they were excited. I had to be good. I was so focused on that. Just to really perform and put it out there."
Speaking of his surprising stint on the guitar, he said: "I was actually backstage trying to get that little piece together 10 minutes before the show.
"I should've practiced. I wanted to at least act like the chords were right."
Jay-Z went on to admit that he's still a huge fan of Wonderwall.
"We always play it," he said. "I have a restaurant called the Spotted Pig. We have this small room, it's like a back room, about 100 people can fit in there and we play it all the time and we just go crazy."
Jay-Z is no stranger to stepping outside traditional musical limitations and has previously collaborated with bands like Coldplay and Linkin Park.
Speaking of working with the American rock band, he said: "Every time I get the chance to knock down musical barriers I tend to do that.
"I just believe in good music and bad music. I don't believe in genres of music. Pop music is just short for popular music.
"They are great pop songs. Some of them are great, a lot of them are just cheesy."
The hip hop mogul is in the UK to promote his latest album, Blueprint 3, which is released on 14 September.
Despite his success in the music business, which includes a three-year run at the helm of record label Def Jam, the star admits that he still wakes up and pinches himself.
"Yeah, I really do. All the time," he said. "I'm not jaded about it at all. I'm very affected still by everything that's going on.
"It amazes me all the time. It couldn't be any further - guy from the projects, on the phone to the president. It's ridiculous."
In pictures: Mercury Prize nominees
JLS announce plans for UK tour
Related internet links | Jay-Z: 'I broke Glasto barriers' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000480 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-31T11:07:37.000Z | 34 | Eminem has hit out at Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon in his new song The Warning.
It's the latest in a long feud between the pair who first came to blows when Eminem said he had a fling with Mariah back in 2001 and she denied it.
It's been claimed recently that Mariah mocked the rapper in the video for her latest single Obsession.
It comes after Eminem mentioned Mariah in his song Bagpipes From Baghdad, which also talked about her husband Nick.
In May, Nick leapt to his wife's defence and retorted by blogging: "homeboy is still obsessed with my wife".
Eminem raps in his new record: "I got the exact same tattoo that's on Nick's back, I'm obsessed now, oh gee, is that supposed to be me in the video with the goatee?"
He goes a step further and comments that Mariah was "was wild 'n' out before Nick" and says he gave her "somethin' to smile about".
He adds: "You probably think since it's been so long if I had something on you I woulda did it by now, on the contrary, Mary Poppins...
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon married after a two month romance
"Mariah, it ever occur to you that I still have pictures?"
"But if I'm embarrassing me, I'm embarrassing you and don't you dare say it isn't true."
In previous weeks, the trio have denied any rift between them.
Mariah and Nick both say that the character in the Obsessed video is not Eminem, while the rapper says that his lyrics in Bagpipes From Baghdad were "misinterpreted".
Mariah married actor and singer Nick in the Bahamas in April 2008, after they met on a music video.
Eminem has been married twice to childhood sweetheart Kimberley Anne Scott and they have a daughter called Hailie.
Metallica 'excited' about festival
Lavigne plans on toning it down
Little Boots offers Mercury tips
Scarlett Johansson confirms new album
New bands get a festival break
Related internet links | Eminem attacks Mariah in new song | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000661 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-04T07:00:26.000Z | 36 | Corey Taylor from Slipknot celebrates the band's success
American metal band Slipknot scooped the most awards at this year's Kerrang! magazine awards (2 August).
The Iowan seven-piece took home prizes for best live band and best international band at the event held at The Brewery, central London.
Usually masked wearing a boiler suit, lead singer Corey Taylor also hosted the awards modelling a multicoloured suit.
Other bands to pick up awards included Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit and The Prodigy.
Speaking after the ceremony, Slipknot lead singer Corey Taylor said: "It's been an incredible night.
"It was two more than I thought we'd win. The fans are great, they always surprise you."
It was a successful night for other American artists too.
New Jerseyâs Gaslight Anthem won best international newcomer, Limp Bizkit were presented with the Kerrang! hall of fame and Linkin Park classic songwriter.
Metallica, having headlined metal festival Sonisphere the night before were represented on the evening by bassist Robert Trujillo and won best album for most recent effort Death Magnetic.
Following their victory in the best single category for Omen, The Prodigy's Liam Howlett said: "I love Slipknot personally, we've played with them a few times over the years."
Backstage at the Kerrang! Awards
In pictures: Kerrang! Awards 2009
Simian's 'surprising' collaborations
Metallica 'excited' about festival
Related internet links | Slipknot scoop Kerrang! awards | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000704 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-06T09:17:05.000Z | 37 | The Pigeon Detectives recently headlined the Underage Festival
The Pigeon Detectives have begun writing new material to be included on their forthcoming third album.
Following a six month break spent at home in Leeds the five-piece have started demoing tracks for the follow up to last year's Emergency.
They say they hope the LP will be released in May 2010.
Of their recent absence Matt Bowman said: "We've taken the time off to just chill out and remember what it's like not to live on a tour bus. Played a bit of golf, caught up with all our old mates."
The Yorkshire band decided to take a break after their second album was released just a year after their debut.
"We just worked our socks off for two or three years so Christmas time last year we decided to give ourselves a break and enjoy a bit of time at home with our families," added Bowman.
"I've just brought a dog and we're cracking on with the third album.
"My dog is called Harry. He's a beagle. He's a very naughty boy, he's a good dog."
Bowman and Wilson were speaking before headlining this year's Underage Festival in London's Victoria Park - a gig they say will be their last in the UK of the year.
Demoing sessions for the album have already begun with Bowman explaining they're now "chomping at the bit" to start recording.
"We're trying to write as many as we can so that we've got a bit of catalogue to choose from when we actually want to record," outlined Wilson.
"I wouldn't say it's anything abstract or anything but it's taking a little bit of a different shape to what we've really done in the past."
"We always tend to, when we're writing a record, revert back to our musical origins," says Bowman. "The Beatles, New York guitar bands, Led Zeppelin."
"You kind of immerse yourself in things that got you into music in the first place. I mean I'm not slagging new music off at the moment but there are just no bands that have captured my imagination recently."
Slipknot scoop Kerrang! awards
Backstage at the Kerrang! Awards
In pictures: Kerrang! Awards 2009
New Muse album 'inspired' by 1984
Related internet links
The Pigeon Detectives | Pigeon Detectives back after break | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000800 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-24T06:37:07.000Z | 38 | Little Boots talks about this year's contenders, the success of her debut album and the video for her new single Remedy.
What is the song Remedy all about?
What is the song Remedy all about?
How did you feel when you first saw the video for Remedy?
How did you feel when you first saw the video for Remedy?
You're wearing a futuristic silver outfit in the video. Whose idea was that?
You're wearing a futuristic silver outfit in the video. Whose idea was that?
You often wear glitzy outfits. Is that something you enjoy doing?
You often wear glitzy outfits. Is that something you enjoy doing?
After all the hype, how do you feel now that your debut album Hands is finally out there and it reached number five in the UK album chart?
After all the hype, how do you feel now that your debut album Hands is finally out there and it reached number five in the UK album chart?
How are you finding the festivals?
How are you finding the festivals?
Were you disappointed not to be shortlisted for The Mercury Prize? Who do you want to win?
Were you disappointed not to be shortlisted for The Mercury Prize? Who do you want to win?
Little Boots' new single Remedy is released on August 16
Jay-Z: 'I broke Glasto barriers'
In pictures: Mercury Prize nominees
Related internet links | Little Boots offers Mercury tips | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000526 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-23T06:33:13.000Z | 39 | Alex Walkinshaw, who plays Smithy, says The Bill is a 'darker and grittier'
The Bill is to start its new weekly slot, appearing on ITV1 after the watershed for the first time in its 25-year history. But just as it's moved to 9pm, it's being taken off ITV1 in much of Scotland.
The long-running police drama, which attracts audiences of more than six million, is moving from twice-weekly 8pm showings to one hour-long programme a week at 9pm on Thursdays.
In Scotland, STV's decided to pull the show, apparantly in protest at how much it's expected to pay for it. To get round that there'll be a repeat showing of the previous week's episode every Monday night at 11 on ITV3.
It is also getting a new look, a music revamp and being shot in high definition.
The broadcaster says it will be the first time on British television that a drama will run all year round in the 9pm slot.
Sam Callis, who plays Sergeant Callum Stone, says the new post-watershed slot is "exciting" and has allowed everyone to be more creative.
"You have certain restraints at 8pm that you don't at 9pm," he said.
"In terms of the storytelling, and the opportunities it gives you as an actor, it just allows you to do better work.
"It's still The Bill, it's got that flavour to it, it's just tighter and sharper. It looks glossier. It looks like they've spent so much more money on it, which they haven't."
'Darker and grittier'
Alex Walkinshaw, who plays Smithy (Inspector Dale Smith) says the drama now looks "really grown up, and quite sexy in places".
He says the 9pm time slot has given The Bill "a real push", making it "darker and grittier".
"It's grittier. You get a real crime, all of a sudden you have the uniform springing into action."
He concedes not all of the changes have been positive.
"It has meant cutbacks, which has been really sad. But that's not just The Bill or ITV, it's worldwide, everywhere people are losing jobs.
"Just because it's a TV show doesn't mean we don't feel the same about our friends and colleagues."
But he thinks viewers are going to love the new Bill.
"We're starting off really well, we've got a great lead up, a great story line."
And he says the "sexier" look is even rubbing off on some of the cast.
"There are an awful lot of people who have now joined the gym, or are riding bikes to work," he laughs.
Bullock: 'No more nude scenes'
Chris Brown says sorry to Rihanna
Desperate Romantics 'the new Entourage'
T4 beach party pulls in the stars
Beckham: My family comes first
Related internet links | The Bill starts new weekly slot | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000504 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-10T07:49:50.000Z | 40 | Just Jack says he's "chuffed" his latest single The Day I Died has split people into two camps.
Just Jack's single The Day I Died will be released on 17 August
"I'm told it's uplifting and upsetting. It's great, there aren't many pop songs you can have a proper conversation or debate about.
"People have written small essays on YouTube deconstructing the video, they've left me baffled messages on Twitter - it's great, I wanted it to be a song people would react to."
The new music video sees James Nesbitt cast as a man going about his business during the last day of his life - and then dying.
The actor was reportedly asked to star in Just Jack's video by pop legend Elton John. The two became friends after Elton John called Jack to say he liked his music.
Jack says it was "amazing" to work with "an actor of that calibre".
"He was so convincing, it was really impressive. You almost forgot he was acting and wanted to start helping him.
"He was cool, a really nice guy - one of the most charming people I've ever met.
"I met him at 7am - he was having fake blood put on his head and had a bruise on his face, it was a bit weird. He lay in an inch deep puddle of water for 20 minutes at the end of the video, he was a proper trooper."
YouTube: Watch the official new Just Jack video , external
The video also sees Jack make a cameo appearance, turning up as a paramedic.
"A lot of people haven't realised I'm in it. There isn't really a cut and dry explanation why I make a cameo - it's open to interpretation."
But the 33-year-old says it was nice to make a "short film type music video" - and have the focus taken away from him "pulling singing faces".
And he's chuffed with the response the single is getting.
"I'm very happy, I'm over the moon. It's a very unusual song, I'm not saying it's utterly original, but nothing sounds like it at the moment, so I'm chuffed."
He admits he did play his album to his friend Elton John.
"He phoned me up and told me what his favourite songs were - The Day I Died is one of them," he says.
But he's bashful about having such a famous friend.
"You never get a warning when he calls - it's a withheld number. It's weird if I'm sitting with people, but he's a normal person when you meet him. He likes music, I like music - we always talk about music."
The Day I Died single will be released on 17 August
Pigeon Detectives back after break
Slipknot scoop Kerrang! awards
Backstage at the Kerrang! Awards
In pictures: Kerrang! Awards 2009
New Muse album 'inspired' by 1984
Related internet links
YouTube: Watch the official new Just Jack video | Just Jack 'chuffed' fans split | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000880 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-11T06:38:59.000Z | 41 | The 20th anniversary legacy edition of The Stone Roses' legendary debut album is released today. Bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield says the music is as relevant now as it was then and the album remains a rite of passage.
The Stone Roses performed Fools Gold on Top of the Pops in 1989
How long has this album been in the works?
How long has this album been in the works?
What would a 20-year-old find in the album?
What would a 20-year-old find in the album?
Was it just Ian Brown that remastered it with John Leckie (the original producer)?
Was it just Ian Brown that remastered it with John Leckie (the original producer)?
Noel Gallagher, Mark Ronson and Glasvegas are contributing. What praise do they have?
Noel Gallagher, Mark Ronson and Glasvegas are contributing. What praise do they have?
John Squire has contributed six 12-inch card art prints. How did that happen?
John Squire has contributed six 12-inch card art prints. How did that happen?
There were rumours about you reforming swirling around in March. How did that make you feel?
There were rumours about you reforming swirling around in March. How did that make you feel?
Bassist Mani says Primal Scream 'saved his life'
Do you often think of the idea or is it ruled out?
Do you often think of the idea or is it ruled out?
Did they come at a really important time?
Did they come at a really important time?
The 20th anniversary legacy edition of The Stone Roses' album is released on 10 August
Pigeon Detectives back after break
Slipknot scoop Kerrang! awards
Backstage at the Kerrang! Awards
In pictures: Kerrang! Awards 2009
Related internet links | Stone Roses debut was 'rite of passage' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000906 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-29T10:57:42.000Z | 42 | Scarlett Johansson has confirmed release details for a new album.
The Hollywood actress will bring out her second album, a duets LP with American singer songwriter Pete Yorn, in September.
Her first effort, Anywhere I Lay My Head, an album of Tom Waits covers produced by TV On The Radioâs Dave Sitek, was released in 2008.
Her new nine song LP entitled Break Up - is released on 15 September in the US - featuring duets between New Jersey songwriter Pete Yorn and Johansson recorded in LA in 2007.
Yorn confirmed to US website Billboard.com that the pair are making plans to tour the LP.
'Liverpool too rough' says Gerrard's wife
Brody Dalle talks new beginnings
Little Boots offers Mercury tips | Scarlett Johansson confirms new album | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000606 |
Andy Brownstone | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-11T06:15:33.000Z | 44 | Calvin Harris is celebrating the launch of his new single Ready For The Weekend, which will be closely followed by his album of the same name. Newsbeat caught up with him at the Boardmasters festival in Newquay where he was busy updating his Twitter page. So why is he so obsessed with Tweeting?
Calvin says he's always been a big fan of Radio 1
You're a big user of Twitter. What's the attraction for you?
You're a big user of Twitter. What's the attraction for you?
How often do you update it?
How often do you update it?
The DJ gets behind the decks for an after-show party in Newquay
Your album comes out next week, how pleased are you with it?
Your album comes out next week, how pleased are you with it?
As well as the album, you've done a lot of festivals this summer, how have they been?
As well as the album, you've done a lot of festivals this summer, how have they been?
At Glastonbury you didn't exactly have the best time slot did you?
At Glastonbury you didn't exactly have the best time slot did you?
No need to ask who this tour bus belongs to is there?
You've done a lot with Radio 1 as well this summer. Are you a big fan?
You've done a lot with Radio 1 as well this summer. Are you a big fan?
And you're travelling round in a tour bus that makes it quite obvious who's inside...
And you're travelling round in a tour bus that makes it quite obvious who's inside...
Radio 1 shakes up specialist schedule
Bands steal the show at Boardmasters
Just Jack 'chuffed' fans split
Preston's back with a new track
Tinchy Stryder battles conscience
Related internet links | Calvin: 'Twitter makes me funnier' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000905 |
Natalie Jamieson | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-14T10:44:49.000Z | 43 | You might know Milla Jovovich best for her part in the Resident Evil movies, but the Hollywood actress is keen to show her 'different' side. Her latest film is called A Perfect Getaway, a thriller about newlywed hikers being found dead on an island near Hawaii. She talks about the movie, what life's like after having her baby and what we can expect from the next Resident Evil.
Your surname is difficult to pronounce, isn't it?
Your surname is difficult to pronounce, isn't it?
What attracts you to roles? Do you get a lot of Resident Evil type stuff thrown your way?
What attracts you to roles? Do you get a lot of Resident Evil type stuff thrown your way?
There are lots of jumpy moments in the film. How good are you at filming those?
There are lots of jumpy moments in the film. How good are you at filming those?
A Perfect Getaway was filmed in Puerto Rico but is set in Hawaii
How was it returning to work so soon after having a baby?
How was it returning to work so soon after having a baby?
She's not even two yet but I read you wanted to get her training in martial arts as soon as you can. Is that right?
She's not even two yet but I read you wanted to get her training in martial arts as soon as you can. Is that right?
There are some killer fight scenes in the movie. Was it hard to lose your post pregnancy weight?
There are some killer fight scenes in the movie. Was it hard to lose your post pregnancy weight?
What stage is the next Resident Evil film at?
What stage is the next Resident Evil film at?
Milla Jovovich was talking to Newsbeat entertainment reporter Natalie Jamieson
A Perfect Getaway is out in UK cinemas on 14 August
Being Human to be launched in US
JLC can't watch Alan Carr on TV
Vanessa Hudgens on 'darker' role
Twilight stars win Teen Choice Awards
Stars step out for Time Traveler's Wife
Edith Bowman meets Milla Jovovich
Related internet links | Resident Evil star makes comeback | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001001 |
Sarah Jane Griffiths | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-02T07:49:13.000Z | 45 | You may remember him as Tommy in quirky US series 3rd Rock From The Sun. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's latest role is in (500) Days Of Summer in which he stars alongside Zooey Deschanel from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Yes Man. It's being touted as the best romcom since When Harry Met Sally in 1989 but 28-year-old Joseph says it's just a realistic love story.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel appeared together in 2001's Manic
Do you think you've succeeded in making romcoms cool?
Do you think you've succeeded in making romcoms cool?
Is it a love story or a cute tale about love?
Is it a love story or a cute tale about love?
Right to the end you want the two of you to get together. Has that been ingrained into cinema-goers?
Right to the end you want the two of you to get together. Has that been ingrained into cinema-goers?
You get to sing and dance in this movie. Was that something you wanted to do or were you nervous?
You get to sing and dance in this movie. Was that something you wanted to do or were you nervous?
The music in the film is great as well. Did you have any part in putting that together?
The music in the film is great as well. Did you have any part in putting that together?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is also in the new G.I. Joe film starring Sienna Miller
What about your co-star Zooey Deschanel. What's it like to work with her?
What about your co-star Zooey Deschanel. What's it like to work with her?
Compared to other child stars, you're so normal and grounded. How have you stayed sane?
Compared to other child stars, you're so normal and grounded. How have you stayed sane?
Visit four festivals in a weekend
Bloc Party react to Oasis split
Big Brother's most memorable stars
Alexandra: 'Beyonce dropped in to say hi'
In pictures: Strictly's new stars
Related internet links | Romcom 'not a typical love story' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001350 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-29T14:37:44.000Z | 47 | Avril Lavigne has revealed she's planning on showing her softer side with more acoustic tracks on her next album.
Her fourth studio album, which is provisionally due for release in November, has yet to be named.
She told Billboard.com: "A lot of the songs are mainly the acoustic and my vocal.
"It's a lot different from anything I've done before. It's not a pop rock record. This is more about emotion and feeling."
The 25-year-old says she penned half the songs herself and is keeping it in the family.
The Canadian singer, whose hits include Complicated and Girlfriend, has enlisted husband and Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley to produce eight of the tracks on the album.
Ex bandmate Evan Taubenfield and songwriter/producer Butch Walker have also contributed.
She added: "I started this record off really slow, just writing songs at home on my piano. I didn't work with a ton of people this time."
Her last album, The Best Damn Thing, was released in 2007.
Her 2008 concert in Malaysia was allowed to go ahead after the government initially cancelled it over fears it was "too sexy".
Scarlett Johansson confirms new album
'Liverpool too rough' says Gerrard's wife
Brody Dalle talks new beginnings
Related internet links | Lavigne plans on toning it down | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000613 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-13T10:54:04.000Z | 46 | Jack Penate has co-directed his first music video.
The clip for the singer's new single Pull My Heart Away was filmed over two days in Petra, Jordan - a location previously used in films such as Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade.
He directed alongside Cherise Payne, who previously filmed the video for Penate's Be The One.
Speaking about the trip Penate said: "The idea for going there came from my schoolboy love for Petra, an ancient city carved into the mountains and one of the seven wonders of the world."
He added: "I travelled there with my girlfriend and two friends, armed only with three Super 8 cameras and lots of film.
"We drove around the country passing the Dead Sea, purple mountains, desert and filming anything we felt was beautiful. It was an incredible adventure."
Jack Penate plays this year's Reading and Leeds festivals and begins a full UK Tour in October.
Skunk Anansie: 'We're a new band'
Temper Trap bid for the big time
Calvin: 'Twitter makes me funnier'
Stone Roses debut was 'rite of passage'
Ian Brown previews album with EP
Bands steal the show at Boardmasters
Nelly Furtado pens Spanish album
BBC - Reading and Leeds 2009 | Jack Penate makes directing debut | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000985 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-23T06:51:22.000Z | 48 | When Susan Boyle first performed on Britain's Got Talent in April, she wore hardly any make-up and didn't do much with her fizzy hair.
But since then, things have changed. Her voice, which has been described as 'golden' in the States, has turned her into a celebrity across the world.
And so the 48-year-old's had a makeover to match her new status.
In her first interview since getting second prize in the talent show, she looks polished.
In a trendy purple dress and black stilettos, the woman from West Lothian has been re-invented.
Her neatly-applied lipstick and snazzy new haircut set off her smile.
With a smirk on her face, she told American news channel MSNBC: "I brush up quite well."
After losing to dance group Diversity in the Britain's Got Talent grand finale, Susan was admitted to The Priory in London. It's a private pyschiatric clinic.
Her people said she was exhausted and emotionally drained after a dramatic few weeks.
But in this interview with popular US anchor Meredith Vieira, she said she was now enjoying the ride.
"I'm having a wonderful time. It's just been unbelievable. It's indescribable," she said.
"It's a bit like going on a long journey really. You don't know what's going to happen, you don't know how it's going to end. I don't want it to end."
Susan Boyle was beaten by Diversity in the BGT final
But Susan admitted she initially struggled with the fame.
She quietly said: "It's a lot like a giant demolition ball. The impact, like a demolition ball.
"And anyone who has that kind of impact finds it really hard to get a head around it.
I've got to be honest here. I guess I had to get my head around it, but through the guidance of a great team, and they are very good, I was able to see that in perspective and really turn that around a little."
The singer's elderly mum, Bridget, died two years ago. Susan spent much of her adult life looking after her.
When asked what her mother would say if she were alive, Susan said: "Keep going, you're doing really well. That's what she would say."
It's looking like a bright future for Susan Boyle. She's got a book deal in the works and is making an album with Simon Cowell's help.
But she didn't talk about what tracks would be on the new release. She said: "I'm not going to give too many secrets away at the moment."
In another boost to Susan's US profile she's done a glossy photoshoot with top-end fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar. She'll be in the September issue.
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Related internet links | Susan Boyle gives her first interview | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000520 |
Matt Cole | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-25T09:54:41.000Z | 49 | Caster Semenya seemed to enjoy the attention as she arrived back home
Thousands of people have turned out at Johannesburg airport to greet South Africa's controversial world champion 800 metre runner Caster Semenya.
The 18-year-old is being subjected to a gender test after she obliterated her personal best time to win gold at the World Championships in Berlin.
There was a party atmosphere as she arrived home to fans who didn't care about the mystery surrounding their girl.
Newsbeat listener Ciara Hardman was caught up in the crowds as she arrived at Johannesburg airport.
She said: "Everyone's singing and dancing, they're really proud of this girl and pleased to see her home.
"There's no reference to her gender, there's just an amazing carnival atmosphere, everyone's really really excited.
"Everyone has a poster saying either 'Caster you Beaut!' or 'Well Done Team South Africa', lots and lots of national pride, oozing national pride here.
Crowds gathered in the arrivals lounge to welcome home the teenager
"I just saw Caster walk through and she got absolutely mobbed. She just seemed really happy and overwhelmed.
"There was such a mob round her it was hard to see her!
"It's so exciting! Everyone is just so happy, everybody is literally dancing, people have brought trumpets, I've never seen anything like it. It's brilliant, there's such a nice welcome.
"There's a very broad spectrum of people here, people in suits, ordinary people, everyone's out from the shops. People have obviously made an effort to come here, regular ordinary people."
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Young unable to find holiday jobs | Semenya returns to hero's welcome | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001186 |
Sinead Garvan | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-19T10:13:32.000Z | 50 | Dutch singer Esmee Denters is lucky enough to count Justin Timberlake as one of her mentors and it all began when she uploaded a video of her singing on YouTube. Since then her videos have been viewed millions of times and she's had record companies clambering to get her signed up. Newsbeat caught up with her to get the lowdown on JT and find out what it was like meeting her idol Stevie Wonder.
Esmee described her sudden popularity on YouTube as surreal
So where did it all start?
So where did it all start?
Were you shocked at your popularity on YouTube?
Were you shocked at your popularity on YouTube?
Esmee was so nervous when she met JT she ended up playing him a song
So at what point did you stop being nervous around Justin Timberlake?
So at what point did you stop being nervous around Justin Timberlake?
So what's the new record like?
So what's the new record like?
Have you met any of your idols in the last year?
Have you met any of your idols in the last year?
How do you cope with getting recognised?
How do you cope with getting recognised?
When can we see you performing in the UK?
When can we see you performing in the UK?
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Related internet links
Esmee Denters on YouTube | Esmee praises 'big brother' Timberlake | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001061 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-20T09:25:32.000Z | 52 | Yeah Yeah Yeahs play this year's Reading and Leeds festivals
Details have emerged about the new film soundtrack composed by Karen O for the new Spike Jonze directed adaptation of Where The Wild Things Are.
Describing herself as Karen O And The Kids, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' lead singer has enlisted the help of members from The Raconteurs, Deerhunter, Liars and Queens Of The Stone Age for the album released on September 29.
Amercian songwriter Greg Kurstin, who wrote much of Lily Allen's It's Not Me It's You, also contributes.
The film itself, an adaption of Maurice Sendak's children's story, is released in the US on October 16.
Preceding the release of the album, a single All Is Love is released for digital download on 25 August.
Meanwhile Yeah Yeah Yeahs return to the UK next week [29/30 August] to play this year's Reading and Leeds festivals.
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Esmee praises 'big brother' Timberlake
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Muse confirm first hometown gigs
BBC - Reading and Leeds 2009
Related internet links | Karen O soundtrack announced | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001100 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-23T11:29:07.000Z | 51 | Ian Brown is set to make his return at the Reading and Leeds Festivals
Former Stone Roses singer Ian Brown has announced his return with a new album set for release in the autumn.
My Way, the Manchester solo artist's sixth LP, will feature 12 songs which were recorded at London's Battery Studios, the same building his former band used to make their debut 20 years ago.
The singer has also lined up a new single, Stellify, for release on 21 September ahead of his album a week later.
The record is the follow up to 2007's The World Is Yours.
Other tracks slated to appear on the album include Crowning Of The Poor and So High.
Brown has also confirmed a special guest appearance on the main stage at the Reading and Leeds festivals on the weekend of August 28-30.
Meanwhile, a 20th anniversary re-issue of The Stone Roses' self-titled debut album is due out on 10 August.
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BBC - Reading and Leeds Festivals 2009
Related internet links | Ian Brown announces his comeback | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000528 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-19T14:29:41.000Z | 53 | Jay-Z releases The Blueprint 3 in september
Empire Of The Sun, Kid Cudi and Pharrell Williams are amongst the artists confirmed to appear on Jay-Z's forthcoming album The Blueprint 3.
Until now, details surrounding the release, which is due for release on 14 September, have been kept under wraps.
A message on Jay-Z's official website confirmed that singer Alicia Keys, rapper Drake and British singer Mr Hudson are also set to appear.
As previously reported the Brooklyn rapper returns to the UK this September to support Coldplay on their stadium tour.
The 15 track album, produced by Kanye West, will also feature single Run This Town featuring Rihanna and the aforementioned West.
The Blueprint 3 is the follow up to his 2007 album American Gangster.
The full tracklisting is as follows:
1. âWhat We Talkinâ Aboutâ (featuring Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun)
3. âD.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)â
4. âRun This Townâ (featuring Kanye West and Rihanna)
5. âEmpire State of Mindâ (featuring Alicia Keys)
6. âReal As it Getsâ (featuring Young Jeezy)
7. âOn to the Next Oneâ (featuring Swizz Beatz)
8. âOff Thatâ (featuring Drake)
9. âA Star is Bornâ (featuring J. Cole)
10. âVenus vs. Marsâ
11. âAlready Homeâ (featuring Kid Cudi)
12. âHateâ (featuring Kanye West)
14. âSo Ambitiousâ (featuring Pharrell)
15. âYoung Foreverâ (featuring Mr Hudson)
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Esmee praises 'big brother' Timberlake
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Weezer announce new album details
Muse confirm first hometown gigs
Meet Jay-Z's favourite new rapper
Monkeys record 'not more mature'
Lethal B to do 'commercial' album
Sean Kingston back with new album
Jack Penate makes directing debut
Related internet links | Star guests revealed for Jay-Z LP | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001073 |
Greg McKenzie | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-24T08:08:55.000Z | 54 | A judge has ordered the rapper Nas to pay Kelis £18,000 a month for support money.
It comes a day after the Milkshake singer gave birth to the divorcing couple's baby boy.
The temporary settlement was issued at the Superior Court in Los Angeles.
Neither Nas, whose full name is Nasir Jones, nor Kelis, whose full name is Kelis Rogers, attended Thursday's hearing.
The 29-year-old filed for divorce from the rapper in April, after they married in July 2003.
The pair have been fighting over support payments for several months, with Rogers claiming that Jones hasn't paid towards the cost of her pregnancy and her expenses.
Judge Louis Meisinger ordered that Kelis receive $30,471 in spousal support per month - the couple's son will receive $9,027.
Kelis and Nas were married in 2003 and have a baby son
Nas' lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan, told 1xtra: "Kelis, through her lawyers, was asking for double the amount offered by Nas and I guess lawyers have to earn their hourly fees somehow and there's no such thing as an absolute fact."
Kelis' lawyer Larua Wasser told the court that Kelis is trying to secure a new record deal and hopes to begin recording new music soon.
She gave birth in New York on Wednesday and named the baby Knight.
Nas' lawer has confirmed the rapper was present at the birth despite US reports that he was banned from the hospital.
Kaplan said: "Nas did arrive at the hospital about 5 to 10 mins before the baby was delivered and was delighted that he'd made it."
A statement issued to the BBC by Kelis' publicist Tracy Nguyen read:
"Kelis is grateful to have given birth to a healthy baby boy. Her focus is on getting acquainted with him and enjoying her role as a new mom."
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In pictures: Mercury Prize nominees | Nas made to pay Kelis support | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000545 |
Dave Howard | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-06T06:39:25.000Z | 55 | Harry Patch fought at the Battle of Passchendaele in World War I
The funeral of the last British survivor of the World War I trenches, Harry Patch, has taken place. It marked the end of a generation of soldiers who fought a very different kind of war to those in Afghanistan.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Wells in Somerset as Harry Patch's coffin was taken to the cathedral where the service was relayed on big screens to crowds outside.
At the end of the funeral service two bugles sounded the Last Post.
So far, the bodies of nearly 200 dead British servicemen have been flown home from Afghanistan.
Each time they are brought back, it is headline news and a tragedy for their families.
When Harry Patch passed away last month, at the age of 111, the world lost its last living link to the horrors of the World War I trenches.
In just four years - between 1914 and 1918 - more than a million soldiers and servicemen from Britain and the British Empire were killed.
Like those that have died in Afghanistan, most of them were young men in their teens or early 20s.
In 1916, at the Battle of the Somme, 20,000 British troops were killed in a single day.
In Afghanistan, most British deaths lately have been because of remotely-detonated Taliban bombs.
At the Somme, tens of thousands of men fought face-to-face, with guns, grenades, bayonets, and their own bloody hands.
Others were cut down by machine gun-fire as they walked or ran towards German lines.
It was the bloodiest 24 hours in the history of the British Army.
'Last of a generation'
Harry Patch wasn't at the Somme - but he was at Passchendaele a year later. It lasted for months, and it was one of the toughest, most gruelling battles of the war.
Speaking much later, he recalled the fighting there as, "mud, mud and more mud mixed together with blood".
Men dressed as World War I soldiers outside Wells Cathedral
Men and horses drowned on the battlefield.
Death was all around Harry, but he made a pact with his mates that they would try not to kill anyone themselves if they could help it.
On 22nd September 1917, a German missile burst over the heads of Harry and four of those mates.
Harry survived - but he spent 12 months in hospital with a shrapnel wound. He was still recovering on the Isle of Wight when the war ended.
Ninty-two years later, Harry's family and friends were joined at his funeral by government ministers and army chiefs.
Speaking during the service the Very Reverend John Clarke, Dean of Wells said: "Harry was an ordinary Somerset man, a plumber who tended his vegetable gardens, looked after his chickens but he became extraordinary, someone who was an icon for our nation and for western Europe."
The Queen said recently she was "saddened" to hear of his death and she "will never forget the bravery and enormous sacrifice of his generation".
It was a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown: "Harry was the last of a generation of heroes ... I share his family's grief at the passing of a great man."
But it was not just politicians that turned out to pay their respects.
Hugh, Cat and Brandon wanted to show their respects to 'a local hero'
Cat, Hugh and Brandon, from Wells in Somerset, said they wanted to honour a local hero.
"We wanted to show how proud we are - it's amazing he got through it. I can't imagine what it was like. Life wouldn't be the same now if they hadn't done what they'd done," said Cat.
Brandon said Mr Patch was a legend: "All these stories about him make him more of a hero in our eyes," he said.
"He is a national patriot. He made a pact not to kill - he was only willing to fight if he absolutely needed to - it shows how much he wanted true peace," added Hugh.
Time for talks with the Taliban?
Is lap dancing offensive to women? | Patch funeral 'end of generation' | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000760 |
Sima Kotecha | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-04T06:13:20.000Z | 56 | The Standard Hotel is in New York's meatpacking district in Manhattan
Some are describing it as a skyscraper peep show. At The Standard Hotel in downtown Manhattan guests are doing a lot more than just sightseeing.
Every day, crowds gather in the newly built Highline park which sits underneath the hotel. Many eagerly wait to catch a glimpse of the naked people in the gigantic floor to ceiling windows.
According to reports and witnesses, men and women have been posing nude for passers-by to see.
Whether it's wiping their bodies after a shower, or changing their clothes, the views have been drawing huge amounts of attention.
A man in his 20s was sat on a bench enjoying a sandwich. He said: "If I were to see it, I would stop, observe, and enjoy the show. It's natural.
"If people were hurting each other and killing each other, that would be horrific, but this is normal and great."
But it's not only about being nude. Apparently, there's been some hot couple action too.
The word is it happens at night when there aren't many people in the park.
When we were there, the most exciting view was a cleaner with her duster.
The Standard issued a statement which says: "The hotel has always been sensitive to the concerns of its friends and neighbours.
"In light of recent comments about the conduct of guests in the privacy of their rooms, the hotel will make a concerted effort to remind guests of the transparency of the guest room windows."
The New York Police Department say nobody has been arrested at the hotel over this but it is illegal. They call it lewd behaviour in America.
It can involve being naked and performing sexual acts in front of others.
If someone is found guilty of lewdness, they could be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. However, each case is judged on its own merit.
For those New Yorkers with kids though, it's all a bit too much. Many are so offended they no longer want to walk in the park.
Susan Hearn is a teacher and has a young daughter. She said: "This can't be the first time in a city like this that this has happened but I think my daughter, Madison, would rather not see things like that."
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Related internet links | Complaints about 'naked' NYC hotel | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001347 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-24T10:05:43.000Z | 57 | <b>The mother of Aussie bowler Mitchell Johnson says she isn't to blame for his poor form in the Ashes after making negative comments about his WAG fiancee. </b>
Jessica Bratich (front left) has been watching the Ashes with other Aussie WAGS
Johnson had a nightmare in the first two Tests taking eight wickets for 331 runs.
And his performance on the pitch is being blamed on events off it.
Earlier this month his mum, Vikki Harber, told Australian media that Mitchell hasn't spoken to her since January, and blamed it on his karate champion and model fiancee Jessca Bratich.
She also had a go at Cricket Australia for letting players' wives and girlfriends go on the tour but not their parents.
Harber said if mums and dads were supporting the team, there wouldn't be as much "bitchiness".
She added: "There isn't a mother in Australia who ever stops worrying about her boy, no matter how old he gets."
Mitchell's fiancee Bratich is a karate champion and has posed in not very much for various Aussie magazines.
She's in the UK watching the Ashes along with other WAGS.
And former Australian captain Kim Hughes says the row between Mitchell and his mum may have dented the bowler's confidence.
He told Australian media: "I found it incredibly surprising that his mum said what she did.
"Mitchell Johnson is a pretty sensitive young man and now it looks like he is totally devoid of self-confidence.
"That really added some extra pressure and he is a young man who has got other things on his mind."
The third Ashes Test begins at Edgbaston on July 30. | Aussie WAG row threatens Ashes | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000546 |
Nesta McGregor | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-14T15:17:19.000Z | 58 | East London rapper and Grime pioneer Lethal Bizzle is about to release his third album, with new single Going Out Tonight coming out in September. He says the album has a "hard" sound, but also admitted he will probably change in future to appeal to a more mainstream audience.
_________________________________________________________
What's different with this third album? What's changed, what's the sound?
What's different with this third album? What's changed, what's the sound?
It's been a massively successful year for black music with Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk. Did that affect your work on the album or did you just do your own thing?
It's been a massively successful year for black music with Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder and Chipmunk. Did that affect your work on the album or did you just do your own thing?
Lethal Bizzle says he can appeal to the underground and mainstream
Do you think you can strike a balance where you can please the underground fans and the mainstream audience?
Do you think you can strike a balance where you can please the underground fans and the mainstream audience?
And your latest single, were you joking about it being shot in Hawaii or is that true?
And your latest single, were you joking about it being shot in Hawaii or is that true?
So personally, has Pow - your highest charting single - been the highlight of your career?
So personally, has Pow - your highest charting single - been the highlight of your career?
You're on tour in September. What can fans expect?
You're on tour in September. What can fans expect?
The Mobo Awards are coming up. What do you make of them? Do they mean much to UK artists?
The Mobo Awards are coming up. What do you make of them? Do they mean much to UK artists?
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Lethal Bizzle on MySpace | Lethal B to do 'commercial' album | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001006 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-25T08:00:24.000Z | 59 | Nathan says he's excited about Snow Patrol's up-coming tour
Snow Patrol guitarist Nathan Connolly has said some people might be surprised by their new direction.
They are planning to mix things up a bit on their up-coming tour which will see new treatments to some old classics.
Nathan said: "We want to change it up. We're going to rearrange all the songs and try them in a different way.
"There's strings, brass, maybe a small choir. We're going to try and do things differently. We want to try and mess with the songs and see.
"If people are wanting to come and hear the hits the way they are I guess they need to be warned."
The 28-year-old says the band have written some new material and aren't ready to stop performing yet.
Speaking of their unreleased new tracks, Nathan told Newsbeat: "They're all very different from each other. They will always be rooted in strong melody and Gary [Lightbody]'s lyrics.
"They sound like Snow Patrol but presented slightly differently. I think I'd rather let people make up their own mind.
"I think some people might be surprised. Some people might just think it's normal. I think it's different."
But despite the new sound Nathan says the band will always remain true to their roots.
He said: "We have Gary and his voice, no matter what kind of musical direction we'll take, we'll always make it sound like Snow Patrol."
The band were moved up to the headline slot at V Festival in Chelmsford last weekend when Oasis pulled out due to illness.
The tour begins in Brighton on 18 November and ends in Belfast on 8 December.
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Related internet links | Snow Patrol fans 'warned' over tour | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001157 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-09-02T10:34:15.000Z | 60 | Jack Penate says he can't wait to get back into the studio even though he hasn't got any idea what he's working on next.
Jack says he's not focused on the money side of the music business
The 25-year-old has got studio time booked in as he wants to keep the momentum going and bring out some new music really soon.
He told Newsbeat: "I'm writing at the moment. That's the exciting bit. I'm not sure.
"I'm listening to loads of incredible music so I'll probably take influence from a lot of that stuff."
He describes his strongest musical influence at the moment as Steve Reich which he dubs "minimalist orchestral music".
'Rhythmic and repetitive'
He said: "It's really beautiful and one of those things that my friend said, 'You should check this record out'. I hadn't heard of him, didn't know what it was and I started listening and for some reason it fit with the way I was feeling.
"I wouldn't mind doing something around that, really rhythmic and repetitive - this is what I'm thinking but I haven't written anything yet."
Following festival performances at Reading and Leeds he's keen to get back to writing but isn't sure what format any release will take.
"I don't know if it's albums, I think just music - however that is, whether it's an album, whether it's an EP, whether it's just a song.
"I think the idea of album artists - I don't know if it's what the world is any more.
"I want to obviously release albums but I like the idea of just releasing music."
Jack admits that the past year has been great for him and he's excited that music fans like his work.
He says he's much more laid back about things now and wants to focus on making music.
"I used to be very nervous about things, I don't know if I can be bothered any more. I just want to release music that people who like it love it," he said.
"I can't be bothered to concentrate on the music business or anything like that, it's not really about that. Money's not really a concern for me. I'm not really focused in that way any more."
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Related internet links | Penate plans 'rhythmic' new music | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001363 |
David Garrido | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-24T10:05:28.000Z | 61 | England's Stuart Broad says that winning the Ashes back from Australia was an unforgettable experience and that his contribution to the final test, where he took five wickets for 37 runs, was the best that he's ever bowled. The 23-year-old also says that he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Freddie Flintoff and develop into a solid all-rounder.
How does it feel winning the Ashes and playing a big part in that?
How does it feel winning the Ashes and playing a big part in that?
Take me back to Friday afternoon and that incredible spell between lunch and tea. It surely must be the best you've ever bowled?
Take me back to Friday afternoon and that incredible spell between lunch and tea. It surely must be the best you've ever bowled?
Have Your Say: How did you celebrate England's Ashes victory? , external
What about the reaction of the crowd to your bowling. What was that like?
What about the reaction of the crowd to your bowling. What was that like?
Stuart Broad says he hopes to follow into a true all-rounder like Flintoff
Did you have any moments today when you didn't think it was going to go your way?
Did you have any moments today when you didn't think it was going to go your way?
What about that Flintoff run out of Ponting. That was a magic moment wasn't it?
What about that Flintoff run out of Ponting. That was a magic moment wasn't it?
Freddie always seems to be involved in those big moments, doesn't he?
Freddie always seems to be involved in those big moments, doesn't he?
Do you fancy yourself as a bit of an all-rounder? You've been playing like one all series.
Do you fancy yourself as a bit of an all-rounder? You've been playing like one all series.
How can you sum up the atmosphere at the Oval? Walking around the outfield and see all the celebrations?
How can you sum up the atmosphere at the Oval? Walking around the outfield and see all the celebrations?
How did England win the Ashes?
Fans celebrate winning the Ashes
Cricket fans go costume crazy
Aussie WAG row threatens Ashes
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Related internet links
England and Wales Cricket Board | Broad will 'never forget' Ashes victory | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001144 |
Chi Chi Izundu | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-13T14:32:01.000Z | 62 | Sian's tarining is about to increase to three times a day
For the first time ever, women's boxing will be included in the Olympics. The governing body of the games, the International Olympic Committee, has agreed to include the sport in London 2012.
18-year-old Sian Hemmings is over the moon at the news.
She said: "I've been boxing for about six years now. I just wanted to start boxing, so I looked into it.
"I want to box in the Olympics because it's just the sport I enjoy. I love boxing. I like the feeling of doing competitions and what you get out of it."
Sian's made it to the national finals three times but is hoping that by the end of the year she wil be national champion - which could mean she'll qualify for the Olympic team.
"I love watching it on the TV and it's just like, I didn't know many females did it, and that's why I wanted to do it. I really liked it."
Sian's coach is Alan Keast. He runs the Tamworth Amateur Boxing Club that she trains in.
He said: "She trains alongside our male competitors. She's treated as a boxer.
"It's quite embarrassing to a number of the newer male boxers when Sian can lift more weights than them and is better skilled than them."
He's hoping once word gets out that the sport is now being taken a little more seriously, more women will want to sign up.
It's thought one male weight class would be dropped to allow for three female classes to compete.
Mick Gannon is the national boxing coach for England: "Female boxing is here to stay.
"It's the fastest growing sport in the country. And they're far more skilful than the men. And they can use their skill rather than their sheer aggression to make it an art form."
The new female season is about start in September, which means Sian's 11 sessions a week are about to go up to as many as three a day.
"I feel like I'm getting better for the next fight," she says. "And I'm training harder for the next fight and getting fitter. All I want to do is compete."
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International Female Boxers Association | Female boxer aiming for Olympics | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000987 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-18T10:55:05.000Z | 63 | Muse will play in their hometown of Teignmouth for the first time in September
Muse have announced details of two gigs in their hometown of Teignmouth, Devon.
The shows take place on 4 and 5 September at Teignmouth Den, a beachside resort just north of Torquay.
Following up 2006's Black Holes And Revelations, Muse's forthcoming fifth album The Resistance will be released on 14 September.
Bassist Chris Wolstenholme said: "It is something we have wanted to do for a long time. It is not a money making exercise. We want to give something back to the community."
Rumours of a return to their hometown began earlier in the month when the show's promoters approached the local council for a licence.
Limited to four per person, tickets are priced at £37.50 and go on general sale at 9am on 21 August.
Recorded in Matt Bellamy's studio in Lake Cumo, the band have explained that forthcoming new album The Resistance has been influenced by George Orwell's book 1984.
Lead singer Matt Bellamy recently said: "I read once in school about 15 years ago it was all about the politics.
"But when I read it this time I was much more taken with the love story in the book between Juliette and Winston."
In 2007 Muse played two sold out nights at London's Wembley Stadium and previously announced a six-date UK tour this autumn.
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Related internet links | Muse confirm first hometown gigs | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001032 |
Chi Chi Izundu | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-12T13:53:35.000Z | 64 | Clarke Carlisle celebrates gaining Premier League promotion
It's been 33 years since Burnley were last playing top flight football. Now that the Clarets are back in the Premier League, the team's players and local fans are hoping they are there to stay.
There's been lots of activity at Turf Moor, Burnley football club's home ground.
Fresh grass has been laid down and brand new advertising boards have been erected.
There are even plans afoot for a new variety of Lancashire pie to be added to already much loved menu.
But as the club prepares itself for the rest of the season in the Premier League, are Burnley back for good?
Defender Clarke Carlisle is full of confidence.
"We showed last season in the cup runs that when we play to the best of our ability we can beat these teams.
"So if we are playing the best of our ability, we will beat them week in week out."
'Unfamiliar territory'
Goalkeeper Brain Jenson, otherwise known as "the Beast", agrees. He says the players will stick to what they know best.
"All the stuff that we did last year, position wise, crosses, finishes, everything. It worked last year. Why should we change it?"
Burnley undoubtedly had a fantastic run at the end of last season.
The club beat both Arsenal and Chelsea in the Carling Cup and their victory against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final sealed their return after more than three decades.
Fans have been delighted by the team's success.
In May, thousands of people lined the streets to watch a victory parade pass through the town on open-top buses.
Mick, who runs a local taxi company, says getting back into the Premier League is "probably the biggest thing that's ever happened to Burnley".
"It's really massive. The town is really, really buzzing and looking forward to time in the Premiership. Everyone you speak to, there's still a lot of 'I can't believe it' around. It's such unfamiliar territory."
Burnley manager Owen Coyle says the fans have been incredible. He says half the town travelled down to Wembley to cheer the team on for the play off final.
"By percentage of population that comes to support Burnley, we'd be the best supported team in the world. That tells you itself, how much the football means to the fans."
But the Burnley boss is realistic about his team's chances.
"It's going to be tough. No doubt about that. I mean, we're playing absolute quality pace and power every week.
"What we're going to have to do is make sure that we raise it on a game to game basis, because we will be the underdogs - and big underdogs at that - in each game.
"It's something that sits comfortably with us. And what we want to do is do ourselves justice."
The team are away to Stoke on Saturday and it is their first opportunity to turn promises into points.
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Related internet links
Burnley Football Club | Burnley 'abuzz' with football fever | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000970 |
BBC News | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-10T15:57:51.000Z | 65 | Annie Mac presents the mash up from this year's Glastonbury
There will be a host of changes to the schedule of specialist programmes on Radio 1, following the recent shake-up of the daytime line-up.
Annie Mac and Pete Tong will be switching time slots, so that Annie's mash up will be on Fridays from 7pm to 9pm while Pete Tong is on the decks between 9pm and 11pm.
Annie Mac said: "I'm delighted to be kicking off the weekend on Radio 1 and it's an honour to be following in the footsteps of Pete Tong.
"He's leaving big shoes for me to fill, but I'm really looking forward to bringing the mash up to a wider audience."
A new hour-long documentary slot called Radio 1 Stories will run on Monday nights from 9pm - 10pm, featuring the history of artists and genres, with forthcoming shows on Jay Z and a round-up of the 'Noughties'.
Nihal will host a Tuesday night review show from 9pm looking at the biggest films, games and music of the week.
At 9pm on Wednesdays Huw Stephens continues to champion new music, whilst In New DJs We Trust becomes a permanent feature at 9pm on Thursdays with stars like Jaymo & Andy George, Heidi and Alex Metric on the bill.
Tim Westwood gets the drive time slot on Radio 1's sister station
Nihal said of his new show: "It will have you shouting at the radio and scrambling for your mobile. Let verbal combat commence."
Steve Lamacq will leave the station after 16 years but will continue with shows on 6Music and Radio 2.
Bobby Friction is also leaving but will carry on hosting his programme on the Asian Network.
On Satuday nights MistaJam will move to a new 11pm to 1am show while Tim Westwood will go solo from 9pm to 11pm.
The schedule changes come into effect from Monday 21 September to tie-in with the daytime moves.
Controller of BBC Radio 1 Andy Parfitt said: "Taken together with our recent revamp of the core daytime schedule, this represents one of the most significant shake-ups of the whole schedule in recent times and will help us focus on a new generation of Radio 1 listeners."
Tim Westwood meanwhile, will also be hosting the weekday drive time show on 1Xtra.
He will take over from Ace & Vis in the 4pm - 7pm weekday slot from 28 September.
The DJ said: "My swagger levels are through the roof!"
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Twilight stars win Teen Choice Awards | Radio 1 shakes up specialist schedule | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000920 |
Jonathan Blake | news-newsbeat | 2009-07-16T06:59:15.000Z | 66 | David Beckham has told Newsbeat he will decide when to leave the United States based on what is best for his family.
Beckham says he's missed spending time with his family
When asked at a news conference what he likes best about living in the US he said: "The biggest thing is my family, my family are happy."
The former England captain has recently said he would not rule out returning to a Premier League club, but claimed he was committed to staying with LA Galaxy.
"We don't like moving around, we don't like unsettling the kids and that for us is the most important thing," he said.
Beckham was speaking ahead of his first match with LA Galaxy after missing half of the US domestic season whilst on loan to AC Milan.
He said: "I've been away from them for six and a half months and I've missed them so I'm happy to be back."
'Dedicated to Galaxy'
He said he was looking forward to the match against the New York Red Bulls on Thursday night and has nothing to apologise to fans for.
"I think what you've seen is that I've been very dedicated to the Galaxy, dedicated to the fans," he said.
Beckham appeared on NBC's Today programme the same day
"I've always been very positive and very honest with my play here and when I went to Milan I explained to everyone the reason behind me going."
Hitting back at criticism from his Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan, that he lacked commitment, Beckham said staying on at AC Milan was the right thing to do.
"I was given to chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," Beckham said.
"If you ask any player in any league in the world, if they were given the chance to finish the season with one of the biggest clubs in the world, they would have said 'yes'."
Beckham also spoke about his desire to promote the game of soccer in the US.
"Playing here is an experience, without a doubt, it's great to see some of the young American kids coming up, there's still a lot to learn from playing here and living here."
He said encouraging and nurturing young talent would be key to making the sport more popular.
"It's about growing the game⦠about bringing the young kids that are interested in soccer and love playing soccer through."
"It's the reason that I wanted to be involved in this, but like I said the first day I arrived, this is not going to happen over one or two years."
Asked about going on loan to another European club, Beckham did not rule it out but gave nothing away.
"At the moment I'm not even thinking about that," he said.
"It's important that people realise I am here to play for this team. I am contracted to play for this team and at the moment that's the most important thing."
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More Brits taking UK holidays | Beckham: My family comes first | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10000400 |
David Garrido | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-24T10:16:03.000Z | 67 | England captain Andrew Strauss shows off the famous Ashes urn
Anna Thompson's Blog: Lily Allen brings a smile to Test Match Special (TMS)
What is it about the Oval? In 2005, fans there witnessed the climax to the best Ashes battle ever played.
Four years later, England beat Australia by the same scoreline, 23,000 fans bouncing in the stands, hugging random strangers and chanting the name of Freddie Flintoff.
But did you back them going into the first Test in Cardiff? The Aussies made batting look easy, with four 100s in their single innings.
How many did England have? None, nada, zip, zilch. Yet somehow they escaped with a miraculous draw, the fans roaring every forward defence as Monty Panesar and Jimmy Anderson batted out the final day.
The cricket didn't match the 2005 series, but the atmosphere did.
Even Lord's, which is traditionally more about posh Panama hats and polite applause, became a cauldron as Flintoff ripped through the tourists on the final day to clinch victory by 115 runs and put England one up.
Have Your Say: How did you celebrate England's Ashes victory? , external
Then there was the fancy dress craziness of Edgbaston, especially on the Saturday afternoon - superheroes, men dressed as women, even whoopee cushions were crammed into the stands. No one cared they got rained on for two days, and the match petered out into a draw.
Then came the humiliation of Headingley. England were steamrollered inside two-and-a-half days in the most brutal way possible, and the mood across the nation was, 'We've messed up again'.
Chris, Mark and Matt from Nuneaton went for a circus theme at Edgbaston
It wasn't the fact they lost, it was the fact they lost so badly. With big dilemmas over who to pick for the final test, England went to the Oval knowing only a win would do.
But one session ultimately decided the whole series. The Aussies were coasting after lunch on Friday, until Stuart Broad turned in the sort of bowling performance which proved to be his coming of age.
He tore the top and middle order apart, every over taking a wicket, every time getting a bigger reception from a raucous crowd at the Vauxhall Road End. Incredible.
Australia were 160 all out. England were on the brink of something special and one last bit of Freddie magic on Sunday to run out the Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting meant the Ashes were coming home.
Cue utter bedlam in the crowd, some fans hoarse from all the screaming.
But if you look at the statistics overall, England should never have won.
Australia had the top run-scorers, century-makers and wicket-takers. What England did do, though, was capitalise on key moments.
Monty and Jimmy in Cardiff, Freddy at Lord's, Broady at the Oval. That's what will stay in the England fans' minds.
The only stat they care about is: England 2 Australia 1.
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Related internet links
England and Wales Cricket Board | How did England win the Ashes? | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001145 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-18T12:15:46.000Z | 68 | Weezer release Raditude this autumn
Weezer have announced details of their forthcoming seventh album.
Raditude, the follow up to last year's Weezer (The Red Album), will be released in the US on 27 October.
Before that the Los Angeles foursome will release single (If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To.
The album is produced by Jacknife Lee and Butch Walker.
Lead singer River Cuomo released a solo album Alone: The Home Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo last year.
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Related internet links | Weezer announce new album details | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001048 |
Frances Cronin | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-27T09:52:41.000Z | 69 | American indie trio Mike Snow talk about turning their hand from producing songs - like Britney Spears' Toxic - to being in their own band. They also chat about working with "good friend" Mark Ronson, who's remixed their single Animal.
You co-wrote and produced Toxic. Are you still in touch with Britney?
You co-wrote and produced Toxic. Are you still in touch with Britney?
You got a Grammy for that track - it must be quite a nice feeling?
You got a Grammy for that track - it must be quite a nice feeling?
Where did the name Mike Snow come from?
Where did the name Mike Snow come from?
And what does he think about it?
And what does he think about it?
Members of Mike Snow won a Grammy for producing Britney's Toxic
You're normally producers, so what's it like going up on stage?
You're normally producers, so what's it like going up on stage?
Is it still exciting for you to be in this band?
Is it still exciting for you to be in this band?
Has Mark Ronson been mixing some of your stuff?
Has Mark Ronson been mixing some of your stuff?
So are you saying Mark Ronson's a bit flakey?
So are you saying Mark Ronson's a bit flakey?
Are you two still producing as well as doing the band?
Are you two still producing as well as doing the band?
But with the producing success that you've had you must have so many offers?
But with the producing success that you've had you must have so many offers?
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Related internet links | Britney producers form indie band | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001126 |
Greg Cochrane | news-newsbeat | 2009-08-19T10:46:16.000Z | 70 | Paramore release their third album in September
Paramore have announced details of a UK gig.
Hayley Williams and her band will play a one-off date at London's O2 Islington Academy on 7 September.
Preceded by new single Ignorance, they will release their third album Brand New Eyes on 28 September.
Tickets for the gig are priced £5 and will go on sale from 9am on 21 August.
The band have recently concluded an arena tour in the US with No Doubt.
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Related internet links | Paramore announce UK comeback | https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-10001067 |
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