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Jun182020 by adminNo Comments

We’ll Meet Again: The story of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime classic

We'll Meet Again became Dame Vera Lynn's signature song. It was also one of the first singles to use a synth, was accused of being too "slushy" for the troops, and has featured in Dr Strangelove and Stranger Things. No song captured the heartbreak and optimism of Britain at war better than We'll Meet Again.Recorded in 1939 by Vera Lynn, who has died at the age of 103, its lyrics provided comfort to all those who were apart from their loved ones."We'll met again, don't know where, don't know when / But I know we'll meet again, some sunny day."The song has since been quoted by the Queen and covered by Johnny Cash. It even entered the UK chart earlier this year, offering a message of hope during th...

May152020 by adminNo Comments

The story behind UK’s Zoom democracy – and questions over whether it’s working

Technology

Since the COVID-19 crisis escalated, the boisterous shouting of the House of Commons has been replaced by an unusual quiet.Only 50 MPs can fit in there - at a two-metre distance from each other - and 120 others can join in by videolink. This is the new "hybrid" system which was unveiled last month. And this week MPs voted remotely for the first time by pressing a button on their laptops. The man who set up UK's Zoom parliament ...

Apr52020 by adminNo Comments

Pixar pioneers behind Toy Story animation win “Nobel Prize” of computing

Technology

In the opening scene of Toy Story, released in 1995, a cluster of boxes is scattered across a child's bedroom. The sun streams into the room as a Mr Potato Head doll demands money from a seemingly stricken cast of plastic and plush toys outside a cardboard bank. Into the picture arrives the hero - a cowboy sheriff made of plastic and fabric with a pull-string to make him speak. The sheriff casts a shadow over the villainous potato who flees from the law. It's a scene plucked from a child's imagination. It was also the culmination of decades of development in computer animation. This year two of the men behind those advancements, Ed Catmull and Pat Hanrahan, are the recipients of the Turing Award. The award recognizes "lasting and...

Mar312020 by adminNo Comments

Why Robin van Persie’s story about ‘ruthless’ Sir Alex Ferguson means Manchester United may now pass on Jack Grealish transfer

Sports

Manchester United are reportedly having second thoughts over their pursuit of Jack Grealish after the Aston Villa captain’s latest off-the-field controversy. And this incredible story told by Robin van Persie about how ruthless legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was as manager could be an indication as to why… Getty Images Grealish has apologised after disobeying the coronavirus lockdown rules at the weekend United were strongly linked with an interest in the midfielder, who has nine goals and eight assists for relegation-threatened Villa this season and is said to be valued at around £70million. However, the Daily Star claim the Premier League giants could now pass on the 24-year-old after he ignored coronavirus lockdown advice to go to a friend’s par

Dec102019 by adminNo Comments

Golden Globes: Marriage Story, Irishman and Joker among nominees

Entertainment

The Irishman, Joker and Marriage Story are among the big films nominated for Golden Globe awards in 2020.All three are in the running for the best film (drama) prize, alongside 1917 and The Two Popes, while Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, Jojo Rabbit, Knives Out, Rocketman and Dolemite Is My Name are the shortlisted films in the best film (musical or comedy) category. Divorce drama Marriage Story leads the way with six nods, with stars Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver both up for best actor and actress in the drama categories and Laura Dern shortlisted for best supporting actress. Image: Joaquin Phoenix is up for best drama actor for his performance in Joker. Pic: Warner Bros/Entertainment Inc I...