http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty I'm 30 from Nottingham, UK. This is a blog that does politics with a libertarian bias, film reviews, sports event reports, television reviews and a bit fo anything else I feel like. en Kevina76 Kevina76 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:32:00 +0100 daily 1 On the eve of the OSCARS, here are my film award results (which will look nothing like the OSCAR results of course, lol)  Best Supporting Actor Previous winners : 05/06 Paul Giamatti (Cinderella Man), 06/07 Paul Bettney (The De Vinci Code) 08/09 Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) Nominations John Malcovich (Changeling) Heath Ledger (The Dark Night) Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) Ian McShane (Death Race) Toby Kebbell (Rocknrolla) And the winner is..... John Malcovich (Changeling) NB - A brilliant performance as the churchman standing against corruption in the Los Angeles police department, just pips Ledger and Seymour Hoffman to the post. Ledger will get his OSCAR this evening I have no doubt, and he was great, but for me Malcovich has the edge. Best Supporting Actress Previous Winners : 05/06 Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) 06/07 Cate Blanchett (Notes On A Scandal, 07/08 Amy Adams (Charlie... Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:32:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/The-Annual-Moon-Liberty-Film-Awards-Reuslt/80/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/The-Annual-Moon-Liberty-Film-Awards-Reuslt/80/ OK, it's film award season again, and my turn to join in. It's been the best year for films since I have been doing this and some tough close calls. My nominations this year are as follows. Best Supporting Actor Previous winners : 05/06 Paul Giamatti (Cinderella Man), 06/07 Paul Bettney (The De Vinci Code) 08/09 Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) This years nominations John Malcovich (Changeling) Heath Ledger (The Dark Night) Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) Ian McShane (Death Race) Toby Kebbell (Rocknrolla) NB Hoffman gets a second consective nomination in this Category, Ledger has been nominated for best actor before for Brokback Mountain, the rest are first time nominees for me, Nobody in this category has won before, either for lead orsupporting actor. Best Supporting Actress Previous Winners : 05/06 Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) 06/07 Cate Blanchett (Notes On A Scandal, 07/08 Amy Adams (Charlie Wilson's... Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:25:15 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Annual-Moon-Liberty-Film-Award-Nominations/79/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Annual-Moon-Liberty-Film-Award-Nominations/79/ Childrens television, once an integral part of early evening and Saturday mornings, is now very difficult to find on maninstream TV. There is of course the temptation to go down the 'It was better in my day' route, Every generation remembers it's own, the problem now is todays children seem to have virtually nothing at all. This report in the Times suggests the two remaining flagship chidlrens TV shows , Blue Peter and Newsround, have seen plummeting viewing figures after the BBC decided to move the timeslot for these shows forwards to accomodate the ritual of seeing Anne Robinson mauling contestant on the 'Weakest Link.' Nothing worng with that in itself of course, but if it means the Blue Peter ship, and the wrekage of TV for young people sinks with it, It would be a sad thing indeed. The BBC of course are an easy target with the decision that has been made, Fear that there will no new generation of cartoons, entertainment shows ect that todays chidlren can... Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:15:42 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Is-Childrens-TV-in-the-UK-dead/78/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Is-Childrens-TV-in-the-UK-dead/78/ I have not written a good partisan political piece for a while, so here goes.  First things first, as a libertarian, mainly tory leading blog read by few, I want to put on record my congratualations to Derek Draper for setting up labourlist.org. Leaving aside the sites charmless description of far superior blogs as the 'Z-List,' a deeply delusional set of writers who don't seem to understand anything much going on at all, it is at least nice to see the Labour Party getting online and joining the 21st century world of debate. So well done Derek. I had a look at Labourlist and did to it's credit find some humour however, Gordon won't be amused. How much of the humour is intentional is of course a mute point, but at least it's there. First up is this hilaroius avatar of Peter Mandleson  which I have linked from the Sun Website. The image of virtual Peter, like one wasn't enough, comes from the site Second life, a site I assume for people who consider... Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:48:14 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Labourlist-and-more-great-Gordon-Brown-quotes/77/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Labourlist-and-more-great-Gordon-Brown-quotes/77/ Australia Starring - Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, Brian Brown, Jack Thompson, Brandon Walters Directed by Baz Luhrmann A soft romance with a hard edge as it's set in the midst of World War 2, takes us Down Under as we follow English Aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley travelling to Australia. After thinking she would not be there for long, she finds herself teaming up with the local herd drover (Hugh Jackman) and an affection for half-caste boy Nullah (Bradon Walters) the leads her to stick around and fight for 'Faraway Downs' to stop corparate baron Mr Carney from sweeping up a monopoly on all profitable land across Australia. The story relating to Nullah also adds in dose of race to the issue. As white domanance attempts to sweep all Aborigional children into the 'Christian mission' to segreagate non-whites in the region and destroy local aborigional culture. In addition Nullah's greandfather known as 'King George' is falsely... Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:45:23 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Australia/76/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Australia/76/ The FA Cup is one of the oldest and greatest competitions in the world. It's random nature means anyone could face anyone, at any time in the draw. The problem with this is often the draw comes out fairly dull in nature, particularly at a stage like round 4. Not this year however. First up is Manchester United at home to Tottenham. By the time they play this may already be a rehearsal for the Carling Cup Final provided no shocks take place in their respective Semi-Finals of that competition. Add to that the Harry Redknapp factor, last year his Portsmouth side went to Old Trafford, rode lots of luck, but then played a fantastic last half hour to land a huge 1-0 upset. This year Harry leads Tottenham into Old Trafford, can he do the same again with the old Harry magic? He was also manager of Bournemouth back in 1984 when they shocked Manchester United in the 3rd round. Harry and Man United have lots of history giving what would be a great tie anyway a huge extra edge. Then there is... Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:12:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/What-an-FA-Cup-Draw/75/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/What-an-FA-Cup-Draw/75/ If the United Kingdom had a New Years Resolution to drink less in 2009 (some hope), it seems it didn't last very long. The beautiful images taken from around the UK on the Sun Website  show 2009 clearly got off to a sober bang in the good old UK. Politicians claim they want to take on alcohol in society, good luck ladies and gentlement, you will clearly need it, and maybe a stiff drink too. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:43:34 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/2009-Same-old-beer/74/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/2009-Same-old-beer/74/ Had some problems posting so had to split this into 2. Political howler of the year - Gordon Brown - For claiming he 'Saved the world', What a fool. Politician of the year - Barak Obama - Defeating both the Clinton and Republican machines in the same year, hugely impressive. Political comback of the Year -  Peter Mandleson - Back in the cabinet, has masterminded a shock Labour bye election win, and now a Lord, love him or hate him, he has had a great year. TV Comedy of the year - Outnumbered - A comedy where children are the stars, a great series. TV Young star of the year -  Ramona Marquez - Plays Karen in Outnumbered, she is 6 years old, and delivers brilliant lines with the timing of an old pro. Silliest TV Moment -   Strictly Come Dancing - The Semi-Final farce, what a shambles. Worst TV Show of the Year -   Little Britain USA Sadest TV moment -   Carol Vorderman leaving Countdown - After almost 25 years, Carol... Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:29:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Moon-of-Liberty-End-of-year-awards-Part-2/73/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Moon-of-Liberty-End-of-year-awards-Part-2/73/ I'm getting some problems so just testing if this blog is still working. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:33:03 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Test/72/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Test/72/ There are no set categories for this, it's time for a random set of year end awards, covering anything I like really. Non UK Sporting hero of the year - Usain Bolt (simply amazing sprinting in the olympics major events) UK Spoting hero of the year - Rebecca Adlington (Two gold medals in the pool with nowhere near the support some of the other sports the UK did well in had) Pleasant sporting suprise of the year - Chris Hoy winning the Sports Personality award  - I really though Lewis Hamilton had won it, he will win it, but right it went to an olympian in olympic year) Unsung sporting hero of the year - Victoria Pendleton - always seems to get overlooked due to the exploits of other cyclists, but consistantly the worlds best cycling female sprinter The BBC red button award - Olympic sailing - The interactive red button system meant many sports you never usually see could be watched during the olympics, The coverage of the sailing was a pleasure to... Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:09:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Moon-of-Liberty-Random-year-end-awards-Part-1/71/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Moon-of-Liberty-Random-year-end-awards-Part-1/71/ Just a note to wish everyone a Happy New Year, lets hope I will keep this more up to date this year, lol, we shall see. Thu, 01 Jan 2009 01:18:58 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Happy-New-Year/70/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Happy-New-Year/70/ With all eyes on the United States, the effect this election could have on the Global economy and international affairs of state in general, why would anybody care about a Scottish place called Glenrothes? Well, believe it or not, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown most certainly does. If you have any interest at all in the future direction of UK politics, so should you. On Thursday Glenrothes goes to the polls in Gordon Brown's best opportunity to win an election yet. So far, in nationwide local elections, and bye elections in Dunfirmline, Glasgow, Henley On Thames and Crewe, as well as the Mayor of London election, he has failed. In every serious election with national significance since he became Prime Minister, Labour under his leadership has taken a hiding in all of them, so far he is 0-6. But our Prime Minister has, if you believe the press, been doing better recently. In a bizarre twist, the credit crisis which many put a strong case that he has to take a huge responsibility for,... Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:21:56 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/And-now-for-this-weeks-other-election/69/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/And-now-for-this-weeks-other-election/69/ Scenario 1 was the big Obama win, if of course the polls are wrong, it may instead go soemthing like this. ET 7 pm GMT Midnight With a huge buzz around the Obama camp, the first polls close. Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky go to McCain. Despite close polls there, Indiana also is given to McCain. Virginia is too close to call. Vermont is Obama's early success. ELECTORAL COLLEGE McCain 42 Obama 3 ET 7.30 pm GMT 12.30 am Alarm bells are wringing in the Obama camp, early returns in Virginia have McCain is a small early lead. polls close in Ohio and North Carolina, both currently too close to call, West Virginia is awarded to McCain as expected. ELECTORAL COLLEGE McCain 47 Obama 3 ET 7.50 GMT 12.50 am In a blow to Obama, North Carolina is awarded to McCain. He is still also ahead in Virginia, with Ohio within a thousand votes early on.  ELECTORAL COLLEGE McCain 62 Obama 3. ET 8pm GMT 1 am Obama gets some votes on the board as most of the east... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 23:24:44 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/US-Election-Two-possibilities-Scenario-2/68/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/US-Election-Two-possibilities-Scenario-2/68/ US election night is tomorrow night. Here are two scenarios of how the night could pan out. For this ET stands for Eastern US Time, GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time here in the UK. ET 7pm GMT Midnight The first states close their polls. Georgia, South Carolina and Kentucky are called for McCain, Vermont for Obama. In a surprise Virginia, a key battleground state is called early for Obama too and Indiana is too close to call. By winning big in Virginia early signs are Obama is heading for a big win, McCain is refusing to admit defeat just yet. ELECTORAL COLLEGE McCain 31 Obama 16 ET 7.30 pm GMT 12.30 am The polls close in the key states of Ohio and North Carolina neither are called at this point. West Virginia is called for McCain. Early returns in Indiana see Obama in a marginal lead ELECTORAL COLLEGE McCain 36 Obama 16 ET 8 pm GMT 1 am A glut of results come at this point. Maine, Massachussettes, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, The District... Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:41:11 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/US-Election-two-possibilities-Scenario-1/67/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/US-Election-two-possibilities-Scenario-1/67/ On Tuesday in the United States history will be made one way or another. For the first time in 20 years the neither the Bush clan nor the Clinton clan and their teams will have hold or occupancy of the White House. Hilary of course tried to continue the two family domination who, for while they fight elections on opposite sides in electoral terms, both too have much in common. Tuesday will also create history for either being the first black President if Barak Obama wins, or the oldest elected President if John McCain wins. How much 'change' this will actually bring is in reality open to debate, despite the never ending rhetoric of 'change' coming from both candidates, the likelyhood is the scope for change will be considerably more limited than candidates in an election fight will have you believe. So who is going to win? I state from the outset, on this blog while I have every respect for Obama and don't believe he will be a bad President by any means, I have... Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:37:00 +0100 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/US-Prediential-Election-One-Question-remaining/66/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/US-Prediential-Election-One-Question-remaining/66/ The Moon of Liberty UK Political Index will be updated once a month (except this month when it will be updated on the 1st of November, but I'm giving today's figures to launch it). It is calculated including public opinion polls, local council by-elections and any other elections where the swing from a previous election can be turned into a percentage as against a previous set of elections, as well as percentage extrapulations from General election seat predictions from spread betting sites (a fresh set of these figures will be included every two weeks). Anything over a month old does not count. All of these averaged together give the Moon of Liberty Political Index. So the first index is as follows. Conseravtive 41% Labour 30% Liberal Democrat 17% This will be a regular feature on here from now on on a monthly basis. Lets see how our method works in comparison to other 'experts.' Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:04:25 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Moon-Of-Liberty-UK-Political-Index/65/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Moon-Of-Liberty-UK-Political-Index/65/ Autumn TV is in full swing, and between Strictly Come Dancing and the X Factor Saturday nights will be dominated by these two particular shows. At some point I may be inclined to write about Strictly Come dancing, but now I'm going to concentrate on the X factor, and the dilemma facing Simon Cowell this year in particular. The X Faxtor is of course the successor to Pop Idol, the original show to find a star of the future. These shows, despite their huge audiences have had mixed success. Pop Idol scored one out of two, Will Young still sells plenty of singles and albums today, the original Pop Idol in the never to be forgotten contest head to head with Gareth Gates. The the following year came the flop, Michelle McManus was the one hit wonder Simon Cowell and BMG records must have feared a second series would create. Michelle McManus proved all winning gives you is one guaranteed number one, but if you don't have the appeal, nothing more than that. The X Factor was the revamped... Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:16:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Factor-Can-Simon-Cowell-relinquish-winning-for-the/64/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Factor-Can-Simon-Cowell-relinquish-winning-for-the/64/ Rocknrolla Starring - Gerrard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Karel Roden, Chris Bridges, Mark Strong, Toby Kebbel Directed by Guy Ritchie A fantastic cast should make for a good gangster film, which is exactly what we get. Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) is the leader of the gang, practically having the whole of London in his pocket. His assistant One-Two (Gerrard Butler) is a key part of the gang. He and a number of colleagues have spent time inside however, while Lenny does not seem to worry too much, he pretty much owns the place afterall. When Lenny gets chance to strike a land deal with a rich Russian which would strengthen his position even further, he thinks all is going well. To celebrate however, the Russian lends Lenny his 'lucky' painting. Not so lucky for Lenny, it goes missing, when our new Russian friend wants it back when complications with the deal are found, it elads Lenny to his rock star son Johnny (Toby Kebbel) who he denounced years... Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:21:02 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Rocknrolla/63/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Rocknrolla/63/ Death Race Starring - Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Martinez Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson A bizarre yet wonderfully put together creation, Death Race is all about a far fetched vision of the future. The US economy has collapsed, and private companies have taken over prisons. One such leading businesswoman, Hennessey (Joan Allen) has created the 'Death Race.' A car race to the death which has become and online phenomonon. A prisoner must win 5 races to gain his freedom, and people can pay online to watch from whatever vantage point they wish. Jenen Ames (Jason Statham) is a family man trying to do the best he can in the difficult circumstances. However, when his wife dies and he is framed for murder, he finds himself sentenced to Hennessey's prison. Frankenstein, one of the key player sin the Death race died in the previous race. He wears a mask however, so anyone can play his role. The public are told Frankenstien did not... Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:07:07 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Death-Race/62/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/Death-Race/62/ The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas Starring - Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga, Jack Scanlon, Amber Beattie Directed by Mark Herman Through primarily the eyes of Bruno, (Asa Butterfield) an 8 year old boy who is the son of a Nazi soldier who has just been promoted, we are taken on a spine chilling journey into the life of a family seeing things through the Nazi point of view. The family move away from Berlin to the countryside on the back of the promotion which hugely upsets Bruno. On arrival Bruno, interesting in exploring and adventure just like many an 8 year old, is keen to explore the new place. He finds what he thinks is a farm but cannot understand why they are wearing pyjamas. His father Ralf (David Thewlis) and mother Elsa (Vera Farmiga) try and and keep him away from what is going on. As his interest grows however, his father decides to hire a school tutor for him and his siater Gretel (Amber Beattie) The tutor gives them history books full of... Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:08:37 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/The-Boy-In-The-Striped-Pyjamas/61/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/The_Moon_of_Liberty/The-Boy-In-The-Striped-Pyjamas/61/