Great British Bake Off... All Hands to the Pumps!

With the bake off heading over to Channel 4, it's been interesting to see one of the most talked about programmes in our office be re-discussed... It's also extremely interesting to get the inside track on some things, since I work with an Bake-Off contestant... Jordon Cox

So this morning, as we stood in the kitchen getting our coffee talking Networking issues, it was very interesting to see his reaction of non-surprise that Mary Berry would be staying with the BBC rather than going over to Channel 4.

We can all guess she was offered a large slice of the millions Channel 4 are going to be paying for the show, but what did Channel 4 think they were paying for?... TGBBO is a format, the music, the set design, the title, the sections, the format is the concept Channel 4 are paying for.  Indeed it was a little farcical recently when Jordon here appeared on BBC Radio Nottingham, but they couldn't play the theme tune to the show as the BBC don't have the rights.

But were Channel 4 paying for this format, for the crew of camera, set and sound operatives of so many shapes and sizes?... Or where they bidding for the whole package, where they bidding for Mel & Sue, with Mary & Paul?  I think they were.

I think there may very well be some squeaky bums over at Channel 4 towers right now, as they realise that not only have they potentially ruined the show, but that the millions whom will be tuned into slate the very hard acts to follow.

Paul Hollywood has, as yet, to comment on his position.  Jordon assures me he's not as dour as he is portrayed in the shows editing, he's a quite bright, funny guy.... I of course know this, not for his cakes or bread, but for his excellent taste in dogs (Labradors)... I'd like to think his announcement has not come because he will stick with the Beeb, and he has allowed, in his gentlemanly way, ladies to go first.  But he may just be wasting the cash register light up as more dough is coughed up for his approval and perhaps the last shred of a link to what was "The Great British Bake Off".


Addendum: Nope, seems Paul went with the Money... Humpf, gallantry is not in the pantry.

RIP Ronnie Corbett

And it's good night now from them both...

A comedian and entertainer, surpassed perhaps only by the other half of the Ronnie Duet which so defines his legacy, I'm so sad to hear of his passing this morning.

Though many consider his career in terms of his work with the late Mr Barker, Ronnie Corbett was by far the better man in the conversational prose, his work with the audience from a simple seat in the post-light is quintessentially the definition of his comedic genius, and no-one can deliver quite like Ronnie did from that position.

His warmth, passion for entertainment, and quick-wit always shone through, and he'll be missed.

Yet another great gone in 2016.

Beagle 2 - Found!

On the 8th May last year I had the sad post regarding Professor Pillinger passing away, at the time we could only say his enthusiasm was a shining star and it got Beagle 2 to Mars.

Very happily, but tinged with a little sadness, we've heard that not only did the Professor get the probe to Mars, but it landed intact...

It does appear the  petals didn't open, quite why we don't know as yet, however, it got there.

Lets hope if Professor Pillinger did go anywhere when he departed this mortal coil, he took a jolly up there and took a look for himself, I'm sure he spotted whatever went wrong.

Full Article - From BBC - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-30784886