When was that? I thought he went from University to working as a children's TV presenter, then team captain on a panel show and then standup & TV presenting.
I wasn't aware he had taught at any time, and I don't recall him ever mentioning it.
Although Greg Davies was a teacher (secondary school drama).
I don't think there's anything necessarily wrong with having one item per week from a 'lay' perspective. I agree there are plenty of scientists who come across well on TV but I suspect it would still feel a little one note if everyone on screen was an expert in whatever they were talking about. It avoids the risk of 'assumed knowledge' - not everyone watching will be very scientific.
As long as the content of the pieces the comedians do is factually correct and reasonably entertaining, where's the harm?
Indeed there's no harm, I suppose it's just one of the things that 'grinds my gears' that everything these days apparently has to have a comedy aspect as if we as an audience can't be trusted to be actually engaged by any subject without having a piece of comedic candy dangled before us to make up for the broccoli - David Attenborough seems to have managed quite well across 60 years without resorting to lame George Osbourne/Nick Clegg jokes.
And there are surely 'lay' commentators available other than comedians, for instance having someone from a literary, religious or philosophical background would add a different flavour, particularly where some of the more unsettling prospects of quantum theory are concerned. This is 9pm on BBC2 after all....or am I starting to sound like an old fart. To quote one joke which did make me laugh "It used to be all fields around here....it still is!":p
Indeed there's no harm, I suppose it's just one of the things that 'grinds my gears' that everything these days apparently has to have a comedy aspect as if we as an audience can't be trusted to be actually engaged by any subject without having a piece of comedic candy dangled before us to make up for the broccoli - David Attenborough seems to have managed quite well across 60 years without resorting to lame George Osbourne/Nick Clegg jokes.
And there are surely 'lay' commentators available other than comedians, for instance having someone from a literary, religious or philosophical background would add a different flavour, particularly where some of the more unsettling prospects of quantum theory are concerned. This is 9pm on BBC2 after all....or am I starting to sound like an old fart. To quote one joke which did make me laugh "It used to be all fields around here....it still is!":p
The digs at the coalition from Brigstock did annoy me. I think it may just be easier to get a comedian in to do a short piece. I suppose the management companies are known to the broadcaster/production company and they are often availavle for panel shows and little reports like this.
On the otherhand though I can't see why it wouldn't be as simple to get a scientist/science journalist to do those reports.
Maybe there is a lack of known names/faces on tv and that's why you have the comedians.
Saying that, you have to watch specific shows in order to know who Bryne, Brigstock and Steel are.
The digs at the coalition from Brigstock did annoy me. I think it may just be easier to get a comedian in to do a short piece. I suppose the management companies are known to the broadcaster/production company and they are often availavle for panel shows and little reports like this.
On the otherhand though I can't see why it wouldn't be as simple to get a scientist/science journalist to do those reports.
Maybe there is a lack of known names/faces on tv and that's why you have the comedians.
Saying that, you have to watch specific shows in order to know who Bryne, Brigstock and Steel are.
Agree, especially as I can’t stand Brigstock.
However, I like the show, and take it for what it’s meant to be. An OU science course it isn’t, but it is there to spark a bit of curiosity in viewers and hopefully the majority of viewers find it interesting as well as entertaining.
I usually can't stand Brigstock, he's the worst sort of right-on, lefty, Radio 4 comedian but I did see him this summer in Spamalot and he was excellent.
More Helen Czerski and less from Brigstock and his pals would do me fine.
I think you're thinking of Tali Sharot. I believe she's from the middle east and has that kind of american accent that some from that region and some scandinavians have (that i've found).
Comments
When was that? I thought he went from University to working as a children's TV presenter, then team captain on a panel show and then standup & TV presenting.
I wasn't aware he had taught at any time, and I don't recall him ever mentioning it.
Although Greg Davies was a teacher (secondary school drama).
Also forgot all about this glad its repeated
Indeed there's no harm, I suppose it's just one of the things that 'grinds my gears' that everything these days apparently has to have a comedy aspect as if we as an audience can't be trusted to be actually engaged by any subject without having a piece of comedic candy dangled before us to make up for the broccoli - David Attenborough seems to have managed quite well across 60 years without resorting to lame George Osbourne/Nick Clegg jokes.
And there are surely 'lay' commentators available other than comedians, for instance having someone from a literary, religious or philosophical background would add a different flavour, particularly where some of the more unsettling prospects of quantum theory are concerned. This is 9pm on BBC2 after all....or am I starting to sound like an old fart. To quote one joke which did make me laugh "It used to be all fields around here....it still is!":p
I wish I could remember more about it, I tried searching on the web around the topic but could only come up with this....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28390773/ns/technology_and_science-innovation/t/hobbyists-try-genetic-engineering-home/
Seals the deal for me
Funnily enough I watched an episode of QI after and it covered some of the same topics.
On the otherhand though I can't see why it wouldn't be as simple to get a scientist/science journalist to do those reports.
Maybe there is a lack of known names/faces on tv and that's why you have the comedians.
Saying that, you have to watch specific shows in order to know who Bryne, Brigstock and Steel are.
Agree, especially as I can’t stand Brigstock.
However, I like the show, and take it for what it’s meant to be. An OU science course it isn’t, but it is there to spark a bit of curiosity in viewers and hopefully the majority of viewers find it interesting as well as entertaining.
I usually can't stand Brigstock, he's the worst sort of right-on, lefty, Radio 4 comedian but I did see him this summer in Spamalot and he was excellent.
More Helen Czerski and less from Brigstock and his pals would do me fine.
Is she the one with the annoying whiney American accent?
No, she's very British (her surname comes from a Polish grandfather). This is her: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9135577/Dr-Helen-Czerski-the-darling-of-bubble-physics.html
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8_Kfm8xpvYU/TOstAHhyvhI/AAAAAAAAFD8/-qBkym3ZNAY/s1600/amy_mainzer.jpg
Now there's a physicist worth respecting. Personally I'd respect her so hard she'd have trouble walking the next day.
Dara - Are you excited to be here?
Josh Widdecombe - Yes, very excited
I bet as he was sat next to Helen in her short denim skirt and FMBs
yes she was showing a nice bit of leg tonight:p
Helen is shaping up as the true successor to carol voderman as a brainy babe
Sorry FMB's?