philipsteak

I kinda get the impression that Hugh Grant wasn't the biggest Hugh Grant fan. He certainly made a lot of shite. But like you, and I'd imagine most people, I have liked his, I suppose, reinvention. And that very much includes Paddington 2. I've seen some people describe his role in Wonka as like that, and it sort of is, but doesn't steal the show in quite the same way. There is one element of the film that seems very out of place in a film like this, especially in 2023, involving the chief of police. Seemed unnecessary to the story too.

I did enjoy Wonka the other day. It's pretty much what you'd expect from a Wonka origin story from the makers of the Paddington films (as long as you're expecting a musical, of course) and that's absolutely fine by me. Things are a bit rubbish in my world at the moment and for 2 hours this hit the spot perfectly. Timothy Chalamet is great as Wonka, but it was also lovely seeing the random Brits who popped up in it. On a side note Chalamet feels like one of those actors who should annoy the f**k out of me but he just doesn't. I always like him when ever I see him in stuff

That's a really interesting way of looking at it and something I'd never thought of. It would totally transform the relationship between government and country. I guess there would still be plenty of people who wouldn't engage but it would make it easier for those who want to. Problem is, governments quite like getting away with the shite they do so no one would bring in such a change

Thankfully, my mum hasn't even heard of WhatsApp.

Don't forget the ones who don't think it's c**ty enough

Some really interesting people have contributed to b3ta over the years. Although the only one I can think of now is Ben Wheatley. There are others! Honest. Ben Wheatley's pretty good though

At a play! f**king hell. Also, off topic, but how was the play? Was thinking about going to see it myself

Same here. Similar thing with people using drones. Bloody annoying when you're out in, say, a beautiful national park and you hear that awful whining noise buzzing around you. But my god, the shots those things can get

I mean my mum has some pretty awful views but I didn't think they were that bad

Use the silent disco headsets

You know when you watch old football clips on Youtube and it's incredible how bad the image quality is, even of relatively recent stuff. That on the screens at the Pyramid. And no, I don't need anyone pointing out that Italia 90 isn't that recent. I'm fully aware of how long ago it was. I'm choosing not to think about it

Must be, still not seen anything official.

Same. It's been a good few years since I cared about football. I mean I was never as into it as some, but it was a big part of my life. Feels quite liberating, not caring.

I work in a youth hostel and whilst we don't charge £1700 a night I think a decent number of/most youth hostel staff will have had to deal with a sh*t in a shower at some point. And I'm not even a house keeper! People are awful

This was us about 1.30pm yesterday. It then pretty much didn't stop and was still snowing when I finished work at 11.30pm. It does seem to have stopped now. That was one of my worst shifts for a while. Head was spinning for some time afterwards. I know that church halls and community centres were opened up for people to shelter. I did also hear there may have been a death somewhere but I've not seen anything reported so don't know

In the 10 or so years I've lived here I've only seen it as bad as this a couple of times. The higher land and passes get hammered regularly obviously but Ambleside usually misses the worst of it. Seems like even the north Lakes barely got anything. The contrast between yesterday and today is mad. Spent all day on the fells yesterday in stunning clear blue skies.

Anyone else got snow? We've got ourselves a major incident here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cyj29lwyg93o

I stand corrected

Celebs are people too.

I'm usually rubbish at celeb spotting. I mean I've been going since 1995 and I've only seen ME once. The only exception was 2009 when I was working on the vehicle gate the acts mostly drive in through (4?, 5? Not sure, I've not worked a vehicle gate since). Saw loads that year from the biggest (Bruce) to the smallest (sorry generic member of current flash in the pan indie landfill band, no I don't "know who you are" And neither does anyone else.) That year my boot got drooled on by a spectacularly messed up Pete Doherty but I think my favourite might have been a VERY drunk Russell Grant being driven out in a golf cart at about 4 in the morning.

A dog and a view! Perfect photo, that. Absolutely loving the amazing weather we are getting at the moment. The fact I'm still able to get up in to the fells, which is my main form of exercise. Done some amazing walks recently, another corker today above Thirlmere.

Excellent. That's the important bit. And for me, probably the part I'm most proud of. Yes, the initial weight loss and remission, but the fact I've so far kept it up. And I've not been perfect, who is? I've had holidays too. And been too busy to cook something healthy. Or just felt lazy or wanted a treat. But then I've not gone back to the bad old ways. It's a one off. Back on it tomorrow. Total mindset change.

First two episodes of Slow Horses are characteristically excellent. Gary Oldman is still having a whale of a time

Have you got the sound of the doors closing right?

Penguins were there first, give it to them