Tuesday 30 November 2010

The Big Ass Hebden Bridge Christmas Concert

Newly formed company Big Ass Promotions will be launching their first ever live charity band night later this month, as the Trades Club, Hebden Bridge will hold ‘The Big Ass Hebden Bridge Christmas Concert’ on Sunday 19th December.

The night is to help raise funds for
The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, a local charity supporting young people who suffer from cancer. More details HERE.

Hosted and presented by
Billy Painter and Patrick McCallion, The Big Ass Hebden Bridge Christmas Concert features four local bands, all playing a different genre of music to suit all tastes. Performing on the night will be; One Stop Railway, The Frontier Psychiatrists, Fishing For Bishops and the highly popular and compelling Small Words.

As well as being a fantastic live event, the concert will also be streamed in its entirety worldwide across the internet allowing anyone, anywhere to tune in and sample a taste of Hebden Bridge entertainment this Christmas. A DVD will also be recorded on the night and available from the website soon after.

Under 18’s are welcome and encouraged to attend as it will be the best club around this Christmas to see the best new musical talent and entertainment that the Calder Valley has to offer.

Ticket prices for this event will be
£4 in advance and £5 on the night, and can be bought from the Big Ass Promotions website any of the bands. All money raised will go straight to The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust.

Co-organiser
Billy Painter commented: “The event promises to be a great night and it's one that Patrick and I are really looking forward to, so come on down and enjoy the music and support a great charity too!”

The concert will commence from
7pm and more details can be obtained from www.bigasspromotions.co.uk

Thursday 25 November 2010

Film Review With Sam Larner


Jackass 3D (18)
This is the new instalment in the Jackass stable. It was made for $20million which is not a lot at all considering the obscene spends of “Avatar” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. It has already made eight times its budget and so clearly it has to be considered a major success. I will state from the very beginning that I am not a particularly big Jackass fan. I never had sky so I couldn’t see it in my youth which seems to be where most people saw it. Later when the internet made it possible to view the clips I was never very interested. I was always told by friends that it is the funniest thing they’ve ever seen and it just made me feel bad for them because clearly “Blazing Saddles” and “Airplane!” are the funniest things ever made, aren’t they?
So firstly let’s look at what’s wrong with Jackass. Firstly it doesn’t need to be in 3D it’s a complete waste and to me seems like a ploy to get those extra few pounds off of you. There is literally nothing in the film that is enhanced by being in 3D and this is a view shared by a lot of the people I’ve talked to about it. Secondly, the scenes where they do stuff to themselves and the other actors are fine however when they go out into the streets in an effort to make other people feel uncomfortable I just find it unnecessary and in the end just side with the people on the streets who to me are dealing with the situation in as good a way as you could. Lastly, this isn’t great comedy. Just in the same way as shouting boo in a horror movie doesn’t make it a great scary movie. Hitting someone with a big hand is funny but it isn’t comedy. I do realise how snobby that sounds by the way.
Despite all this I must admit that I saw this on a Friday night and as an hour and a half of mindless entertainment goes this ranks very highly. It was a lot of fun from start to finish and I laughed at least the required seven times. Watching people throw themselves off things and into other things is funny to watch. Especially when it seems like they’re having a good time doing it makes it even better. It may be the high budget version of “You’ve been framed” but everyone knows that was the show you watched if your tea was a little bit late and “Final Score” had finished, and everyone knows it was a very funny show. I winced through Jackass however I also laughed sometimes uncontrollably and that is what you want. Would I watch it again? Of course and you know what I would probably laugh again.
Sam's Star Review: ****
Next Week – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1


Wednesday 24 November 2010

Press Release Regarding Hebden Bridge Demonstration

The following statement was made by the students who carried out a demonstration in Hebden Bridge today regarding the HE Cuts.

Today a few hundred students from the Calderdale area took part in a protest against public sector cuts, particularly cuts in education and rises in tuition fees. 

The protest was organised by local sixth formers who go to college in Mytholmroyd, Halifax and Huddersfield in order to coincide with the National Walk Out Day. 

The first protest was held from 7:30am - 9:30am at the Marina in Hebden Bridge. Most students involved then dispersed and went to their lessons. At 11am students walked out of Calder High and joined our protest, however, no students from lower school were encouraged to join the sixth former's protest at any point.

The protest then marched back to Hebden Bridge, took a short break and reconvened at 3pm. The protest then moved back to the Marina and protested for two hours, at which point the following statement was read before peacefully dispersing:

Our message today is simply to demonstrate the anger felt by many in society against our government’s actions, specifically their policy of cutting higher education to the extent that it will only be available to the well off. We represent a nation of people who have been misled by the current government, a government whose Deputy Prime Minister said he would not raise tuition fees. This regressive cuts system, of which education is just one part, will hit the most vulnerable hardest, leaving those with disabilities, children and from poorer families in the dark. The depth of the cuts will damage this country and create an ever more growing gap between the rich and poor, and in education at least, an intellectual one as well as a financial one. Education is not a privilege but a right, and it is not fair to hurt those in society whose lives haven’t even started yet.

*The above press release was not made by The Painter's Chronicle, and the views above do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire Painter's Chronicle Team. 

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Hebden Bridge - "Best Town in Britain"

We all knew it, but now it's official in black and white, Hebden Bridge is the 'Best Town in Britain". There isn't too much to say on the matter, but as a local, I am thoroughly proud and delighted that Hebden Bridge has finally received official recognition and I am even more happy to say that Hebden Bridge is the home of The Painter's Chronicle. Does any town come close?

Hebden Bridge has been named as the best town in Britain and Ireland at the Urbanism Awards.
The judges praised the West Yorkshire town's arts scene and eco-friendly policies such as a ban on plastic shopping bags.
John Thompson of the Academy of Urbanism gave out the awards.
He said:"Hebden Bridge is a worthy winner of the Best Town award, with its vibrant, independent economy, welcoming streets and a stunning valley setting."
The market town beat off strong competition from Stroud and Westport in Ireland to win the title of 2011 Great Town of the Year at the Urbanism Awards, which recognise the best, most enduring or most improved urban environments.
Historically, Hebden Bridge played an important role in the wool trade in the North during the 19th and 20th centuries.
In recent decades the town has developed a rich arts scene, with an arts festival and fringe arts festival taking place each year in the late spring, but has maintained a healthy economic outlook.

Above story courtesy of the BBC, the full story can be read HERE.

Monday 22 November 2010

National Student Walkout - This Wednesday


On the 24th of November 2010 there will be a national walkout by all institutions of learning. All levels of the curriculum will be getting involved; schools, colleges and universities. The walkout will take place at 11am and   will be a protest mainly against the following: 
  1. The Budget Cuts
  2. Cutting of EMA
  3. Rise in Tuition Fees
The protest comes after recent announcements from the Conservative Party to initiate the above in the very near future, and with the majority of the current Painter's Chronicle readership planning on furthering their education we felt that it would be appropriate to publicise the planned walkout to give everyone the information should they feel that they wish to take part. More information can also be found HERE.

*The information supplied in the above article is to inform the Painter's Chronicle readers about the walkout, and is in no way trying to persuade people to take part should they not wish. The Painter's Chronicle Team have different views on the walkout, and with this in mind the above is information rather than our own personal views.

Thursday 18 November 2010

Film Review With Sam Larner


Due Date (15)

Due Date is a 1987 comedy film directed by John Hughes starring Steve Martin and John Candy it follows them as they try to get across the country in time for Christmas. Ahh, ermm, no sorry that was (Planes, Trains and Automobiles). Oh well “Due Date” is basically the same movie.

So Zach Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr are kicked off a plane in Atlanta. Downey Jr needs to get back across to Los Angeles to see the birth of his first child. Having lost his bags in transit and with no wallet Peter Highman (Downey Jr) is forced to enlist the help of Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis). They set off in the hire car for a hilarious adventure.

The first review I ever did for the Painter's Chronicle was (The Hangover) and I know I’m in the minority but I didn’t like it. This is the buffer movie between The Hangover and its sequel. It’s directed by the same guy (Todd Phillips). So the potential was there for this to be, in my opinion, another dud.

Firstly I’ll go over what’s wrong with Due Date. The main problem is that it’s an almost shot for shot remake of the excellent film (Planes, Trains and Automobiles) and in many ways it struggles to live up to its illustrious forefather. The second problem is that these two characters are far more unlikeable characters than Martin and Candy. Downey Jr is an uptight architect who is incredibly unkind to Galifianakis along the way. Whereas Martin was always uptight you did have sympathy with the frustration he faces, Downey Jr is just a horrible person throughout this film. In the original Candy is portrayed as a bit of an idiot with some odd personality traits however Galifianakis is not at all a believable character and come across as a bit of a caricature. Last of all Due Date doesn’t have enough laughs to sustain it for its 1hr 40min playing time. Also some of the set pieces which you imagine are put there purely for big laughs just don’t do it.

However, I have to say that the second half of the film had me smiling away to myself stupidly as the beautiful scenery swished and swirled across the screen. There is some beautiful cinematography in this film and that was one plus I certainly wasn’t expecting. Also it does have some quite funny moments. I counted about five laughs throughout the whole film which is perhaps just below the “funny” threshold but it’s not bad. Lastly, it’s quite good as an hour and a half of mindless entertainment which is a niche that needs to be filled by movies.

Okay, so it’s stupid entertainment, it’s quite fun but and it’s a big but, this is a glorified rip off. If you want to see this movie only better, then get “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”. This is the problem; “Due Date” serves as a reminder of just what a great movie that was. So there we are, its good fun and I did enjoy it, however its older brother is cooler and that’s who you want to spend your time with.

Sam's Star Review: **

Next Week: Jackass 3D 

Wednesday 17 November 2010

The Frontier Psychiatrists - Gig On Friday

Do you like loud guitars? Do you like loud guitars which are accompanied by other instruments, layered to create tunes? If you answered YES to either of these questions, The Doghouse this Friday night at Arden Road Social Club could be for you! Come down at 8:30pm and for just £6 (£5 if you’re a Frequent Dogger, £4 for NUS members) you can watch The Frontier Psychiatrists, The Little Darlings and A Genuine Freakshow.

The Frontier Psychiatrists are proudly supported by The Painter's Chronicle.

Monday 15 November 2010

Remembrance Sunday Parade - Mytholmroyd



Thanks to Fran Robinson (www.mytholmroyd.net) for the footage.

Sunday 14 November 2010

Captain Ska - Liar Liar





Dark days have arrived in Britain. The coalition government and their toxic flotilla of cuts are ruthlessly hacking away jobs, damaging vulnerable lives and chipping away at the very fabric of our society. We cannot afford to stand by and let this country sail towards a future of inequality.

Fear Not! Captain SKA and his ship have arrived to fight this coalition, but more crew members are urgently required, there is strength in numbers.
Pass this video on to other potential shipmates.

Happy Sailing
Captain SKA

Remembrance Sunday


In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae, May 1915

Friday 12 November 2010

Mike's Wonder

Okay, I know this happened a couple of weeks ago now, but have you heard about that new planet? Yeah, scientists have found a new planet. You don’t care? Well this one’s special.

^ Artist’s conception of Gliese 581G
‘Gliese 581G’ (unimaginatively named after its star, ‘Gliese 581’) is right in the middle of its star’s ‘Goldilocks zone’.  The Goldilocks zone is the area around a star that isn’t too close (and too warm) or too far away from it (and too cold); it’s the place which is juuuust right. This means that Gliese 581G is the right distance from its star to have water and support life.  Also, it’s three or four times the size of Earth meaning that it has enough gravity to have an atmosphere, but not enough to crush people who might go there.

However, it takes the planet as long to spin around as it does for it to go around its star. This means that on one side it’s always daytime and incredibly hot. The other side is permanently dark and freezing. Therefore, unfortunately, only the bit of the planet in the middle of the light and dark bits would be able to support life. But still, that’s better than nothing. Another thing is that it’s twenty light years away (about 120 trillion miles) which isn’t far compared to the rest of space, but it would take people a while to get there with today’s technology.

Still don’t care? Okay, it’s not drastically important right now I suppose. But surely finding planets that people might be able to live on is important isn’t it? We’re not exactly being too kind to the one we live on with all of the polluting we do, so we might have to move in a few hundred years. And what if a massive disaster happens that takes out Earth? Wouldn't it be better to have a backup human civilisation somewhere else? Not really that interested? Fair enough.

Mike James

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Film Review With Sam Larner


Burke and Hare (15)

Burke and Hare is the new film by John Landis (Blues Brothers and An American Werewolf in London), he’s well known for directing dark comedies and also Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis star as the two title characters, I like both actors although as Pegg has turned up in more and more Hollywood movies the number of laughs per movie seems to have been on the decrease. Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson) stars as Lucky, William Hare’s (Serkis) wife and is one of the best things in the film along with the brilliant Ronnie Corbett.

Okay, so I watched Burke and Hare on a Wednesday (big movie night) at a preview in the East End and there were 5 of us in the cinema, 5! That wasn’t a great start and in terms of box office success it hasn’t been particularly stunning. The question is, is this a dark comedy or a dark comedy? If it’s the first one then there are not nearly enough jokes in the film. I had one chuckle during the film when Ronnie Corbett announced that he was Jewish, that in context is quite amusing. The audience I was with had a similar non-reaction to the jokes. Also the filmmakers seem to believe that the film is much funnier than it actually is. There’s many a pregnant pause after a joke seemingly to allow the audience to pick themselves up, but I must admit there was no laughter ahoy.
So therefore it must be a dark comedy. Well if that was the plan then there was no horror throughout the movie and literally no period where I was scared or had to look away. That’s not some kind of macho, “I’m not scared” kind of attitude but rather because there is literally nothing happening remotely scary during the film.

So what does that leave the film with? Well honestly, nothing, it’s pretty much a massive disappointment. Simon Pegg’s films have left me feeling a bit underwhelmed recently, actually ever since Shaun of the Dead. I thought that Hot Fuzz was quite dull and not very amusing, Run Fatboy Run looked promising but again was not massively amusing and this is really the worst of the lot. They cram as many British comedians into the cast as they can for seemingly pointless reasons. For instance Stephen Merchant as a footman is in it for about 2 lines. In the end it’s not enough fun and it’s not enough scares.

Sam's Star Review: *

Monday 8 November 2010

RSA Animate




This lively RSA Animate, adapted from Dan Pink's talk at the RSA, illustrates the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace.

Wednesday 3 November 2010

Film Review With Sam Larner


The Social Network (12A)

Facebook, everyone uses it, I’m currently using it now. It can be a useful aid and it can also hamper efforts to complete coursework and homework. But it’s just a website so surely there’s no room for the making of a good movie? Well that’s what I thought and that’s why I didn’t go and see until last week…

It’s directed by David Fincher (Se7en and Fight Club) so the omens were good for a smart, funny and cool film to emerge from what, at first, seems like a fairly underwhelming idea. I went to see this film late on Sunday in a cinema in the East End of London and it was absolutely packed despite the film being a few weeks old. I will admit that for 2 hours (a not inconsiderable running time) I never looked at my watch and I was fully engrossed in this amazing story of invention and deception. Jesse Eisenberg is fantastic as the geekchic Mark Zuckerberg, who gets a very hard time from the film makers throughout the film yet Eisenberg still manages to come across as cool and funny.

The film starts with Zuckerberg’s girlfriend breaking up with him after he seems more interesting in getting into prestigious Harvard sects rather than hanging around with her. He then goes back to his flat and begins a drunken blogging sesh which after some “input” from the Winkelvoss’ results in “The Facebook”. This is initially a small operation centring around Harvard but when they realise how popular it has become it starts to spread across America and ultimately the rest of the world. This growth is interspersed with present day scenes where Eisenberg is being sued by the Winkelvoss’ and his only friend from college Eduardo Saverin, who is amazingly cool in this film.

There is almost nothing wrong with The Social Network. Actually there is nothing wrong with The Social Network. It’s quirky, fun, exciting, ground breaking and it some parts moving. Especially the scenes where Saverin is increasingly marginalised from the facebook operations. Justin Timberlake actually shows his thespian talent that had been hidden in previous movies playing the thoroughly unlikeable Sean Parker. I would encourage everyone to go and see this movie, if you were discouraged like I was by the idea of a movie about Facebook then trust me, it is brilliant.

Further Info – The Social Network will be showing in Hebden Bridge Cinema between Friday 26th and Monday 29th of November.


Sam's Star Review: *****

Tuesday 2 November 2010

West Side Story

West Side Story will be performed from Tuesday to Saturday next week (9th-13th November) at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax. Starring Painter's Chronicle fanatic, Patrick McCallion, tickets for the show are priced £6-£16 and can be obtained by calling the Box Office on 01422 351158 or by contacting Patrick directly.

Should be a good show, so get yourselves there!

Monday 1 November 2010

RSA Animate

Following on from Ben Topham's video recommendation last week, Callum and I were so blown away by some of the high quality videos that RSA Animate produce we thought we'd share a few more with you over the coming weeks...

Bestselling author, political adviser and social and ethical prophet Jeremy Rifkin investigates the evolution of empathy and the profound ways that it has shaped our development and our society.