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Chocolate, tea and wine help memory

2009-01-05T08:26:00.000Z

There are those of us who would like to forget that the year 2008 ever happened. It was a year of economic tragedy for many Americans. However, it was also a year of hope for those optimists among us who look forward to a new beginning with a major change in government.

Looking forward is easy in general terms but difficult to do accurately. For some of us, looking back can become just as inaccurate because the old brain just does not function as well as it used to.

So I was happy to see the results of a study from Oxford University that memories are made of chocolate, tea and wine. Since these can easily be made a part of our daily routines without much expense or any prescription involved, perhaps you might want to include them in your New Year’s resolutions.

The Oxford researchers, together with colleagues in Norway, examined the effect that the three products had on memory and thinking among more than 2,000 people aged between 70 and 74. They found that wine had the most pronounced single effect, while those who regularly consumed all three in modest amounts performed best in a series of brain tests.

The foods are thought to improve thinking because they contain micronutrients called flavonoids, which research has suggested can lower the risk of developing dementia.

After having a glass of wine (to help my memory), the results regarding wine spurred my memory of one episode of the television show “Cheers.” In it, Cliff Clavin was seated at the bar describing to Norm the “Buffalo Theory” which is sort of a “the chain is only as strong as its weakest link” explanation of brain function.

The idea is that the herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. When the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

Cliff went on to explain that in much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. It is well known that excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

And that, Cliff explained to Norm, “is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”

While I cannot endorse the “Buffalo Theory” as anything but a funny idea, I am happy to report that another of the pleasant pastimes of our era, Internet surfing, may also be helpful. “Silver surfers” (older people who use the Internet) could be sharpening their brains according to researchers who scanned the brains of 24 people aged 55 to 76 while they did Web searches and read books. Only half of them had used the Internet before. All showed an increase in activity in regions of the brain controlling language, reading, memory and visual ability, but only the Web volunteers registered a significant boost in the areas that deal with decision-making and complex reasoning.

While the “Buffalo Theory” is a joke, it pleases me that some time on the Internet with a bit of chocolate and a cup of tea or a glass of wine will help my brain function better. I will be sure to include these things in my plans for 2009.

Article source: http://www.kpcnews.com/articles/2009/01/04/features/columnists/terry_gaff/doc4960df10f2167853996110.txt

The 10 Most Hated English Phrases

2009-01-05T08:24:00.000Z

Oxford University has chosen the 10 most-hated sloppy idiomatic expressions. The Telegraph reports the most hated phrase was "at the end of the day," while "fairly unique" came in a close second.

Oxford researchers explained that the phrase "at the end of the day" was chosen because it could be summed up in one word: "finally," while "fairly unique" is an oxymoron.

In third place was "I personally," which was tautological, while coming in at eighth was "shouldn't of," an illiterate rendering of "shouldn't have."

Writer Jeremy Butterfield said the ninth most-hated phrase "24/7" was repeated too often and became office jargon. He pointed out that people were growing increasingly tired of repetitive anecdotes, jokes and involuntary linguistic tics.

Although they did not make the Top 10, "literally" and "ironically" were also chosen as expressions that irritated people.

The Top 10 were:

1. At the end of the day
2. Fairly unique
3. I personally
4. At this moment in time
5. With all due respect
6. Absolutely
7. It's a nightmare
8. Shouldn't of
9. 24/7 (twenty-four seven)
10. It's not rocket science

Original article found on english.chosun.com

What's in the Cinema this holiday? (Dec 19 2008 - Jan 1 2009)

2008-12-15T17:46:00.002Z

Twilight (12A) starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke. Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) has always been a little bit different, never caring about fitting in with the trendy girls at her Phoenix high school. When her mother remarries and sends Bella to live with her father in the rainy little town of Forks, Washington, she doesn't expect much of anything to change. Then she meets the mysterious and dazzlingly beautiful Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a boy unlike any she's ever met. Intelligent and witty, he sees straight into her soul. Soon, Bella and Edward are swept up in a passionate and decidedly unorthodox romance. Edward can run faster than a mountain lion, he can stop a moving car with his bare hands - and he hasn't aged since 1918. Like all vampires, he's immortal. But he doesn't have fangs, and he doesn't drink human blood; Edward and his family are unique among vampires in their lifestyle choice. To Edward, Bella is that thing he has waited 90 years for - a soul mate. But the closer they get, the more Edward must struggle to resist the primal pull of her scent, which could send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. But what will Edward & Bella do when James (Cam Gigandet), Laurent (Edi Gathegi) and Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre), the Cullens' mortal vampire enemies, come to town, looking for her?
Released: 19/12/2008

Stone of Destiny (PG) starring Robert Carlyle, Charlie Cox, Kate Mara, Billy Boyd. Contains mild language. A funny, heart warming adventure comedy. 'Stone of Destiny' retells the incredible true story of four Scottish students who, in 1951, carried out an audacious plan to remove the Stone of Scone from Westminster Abby and return it to its original home is Scotland.
Released: 19/12/2008

Gonzo: The Life And Work Of Dr. Hunter S Thompson (15) Documentary. Contains Contains strong language, hard drug use, nudity and suicide theme. Gonzo journalism inventor Hunter S Thomson's rise to fame in the most unconventional ways is told for the first time on the big screen. Including unseen and exclusive footage, 'Gonzo' takes a deep look at a man famed with creating a whole new writing style, and inspiring a generation of political activists whilst having a few run ins with the law at the same time.
Released: 19/12/2008

A Bunch Of Amateurs (15) starring Burt Reynolds, Imelda Staunton, Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond.Contains strong language. An ageing Hollywood star is tricked by his seedy agent to star as King Lear, in what he thinks is a Globe Theatre performance, however he quickly discovers not all is quite what it seems.
Released: 19/12/2008

Yes Man (12A) starring Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Danny Masterson, Bradley Cooper Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a guy whose life is going nowhere - the operative word there being "no" - until he signs up for a self-help programme based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything... and anything. Unleashing the power of "YES" begins to transform Carl's life in amazing and unexpected ways, getting him promoted at work and opening the door to a new romance. But his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing.
Released: 20/12/2008

Australia (12A) starring Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown. Contains one use of strong language, moderate war violence and injury.
An English aristocrat travels to the faraway continent where she meets a rough-hewn local and reluctantly agrees to join forces with him to save the land she inherited. Together, they embark upon a transforming journey across hundreds of miles of the world's most beautiful yet unforgiving terrain, only to face the bombing of the city of Darwin by the Japanese forces that attacked Pearl Harbour.
Released: 24/12/2008

Bedtime Stories (PG) starring Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Courteney Cox, Teresa Palmer. Few things are more vivid, surprising, and action-packed than an imagination gone wild. Such is the case for Skeeter Bronson, a hotel facility manager who conjures up wild stories to entertain his neice and nephew. When reality and fantasy start to intertwine, Skeeter finds himself going crazy and at the mercy of his own imagination.
Released: 26/12/2008

Watch trailers and get showtimes for all the films in Oxford

What's in the Theatre this holiday season? (Dec 18 2008 - Jan 01 2009)

2008-12-15T17:45:00.001Z

Oxford Playhouse:

Sleeping Beauty - An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime - 'Wake up' to the biggest and brightest pantomime you've ever seen, as Oxford Playhouse takes you on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement this Christmas. Written and directed by Peter Duncan (who wowed audiences with the sensational Dick Whittington and last year's hilarious Aladdin), Sleeping Beauty is packed with all your favourite pantomime characters, gorgeous costumes, hilarious panto fun and more than just a sprinkling of magic! Boo and hiss at the evil fairy Carmella Crabstick whose dastardly curse sends the beautiful Princess to sleep for a hundred years. Cheer at the top of your voice as we help the swashbuckling Prince Raphael of Nadalia on his journey to awaken Sleeping Beauty from her slumber. And laugh out loud at the fabulous and larger than life Aunty Rose... she'll have you singing-a-long and dancing in your seats in no time!

Creation Theatre Company:

Hans Christian Andersen's Magical Tales - It wouldn't be Christmas without the spectacular 100 year old Mirror Tent, which Creation is bringing back to BMW Group Plant Oxford for a magical storytelling adventure, featuring all your favourite fairytales including The Little Match Girl, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and The Little Mermaid. The beautiful antique spiegeltent's velvet canopies, mirrored pillars and ornate booths form the perfect Christmas setting for action packed antics from well loved characters such as The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina and The Snow Queen in this enchanting production for adults and children alike. A Christmas tradition, a trip to this wonderland is the perfect stocking filler.

Old Fire Station:

A Christmas Carol - 'Marley was dead to begin with....' BMH brings a new adaptation of Dickens work to the OFS Studio for one week only! Ebenezer Scrooge is an old miser, with a cold heart and a dislike of humanity. It takes the actions of three spirits one Christmas Eve to change his life, forever! This story is a must for all at Christmas.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

Shoe Baby - Shoe Baby is a magical puppet show, a fantastical sing-a-long adventure with a baby who takes to the sea, the air, the zoo - all in a shoe! Shoe Baby is adapted from the book written by well-known author Joyce Dunbar. The music is written by talented musician, Tom Gray of the award-winning band Gomez. The show was awarded Best Children's Show at Brighton Festival 2006. Ages 2- 5yrs

New Theatre:

Flashdance - The Musical - Set in Pittsburgh, USA, FLASHDANCE tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and 'flashdancer' by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Based on the Paramount Pictures film (Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley) FLASHDANCE is an unmistakably unique musical about holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds. The show features an iconic score including the smash hit "Maniac", along with "Manhunt", "Gloria", and the Academy Award winning title track "Flashdance - What a Feeling" as well as 10 original songs created for the musical.

Pegasus Theatre:

Christmas Extravaganza - Messy Jam one of Oxford's most acclaimed young community dance groups present a special programme of new dance pieces for the Christmas season. Dancers from all over the City come together with an impressive showcase of street, locking, poppin, krumpin and Bashment dancing styles! Sit back and enjoy the adrenalin-rush of energy and creativity these top local street dancers dish out.

Miscellaneous Performances:

Opera Arias on Ice - An Opera Anywhere Christmas spectacular which includes a Christmas concert with a difference - On Ice! with the Oxford Figure Skating Champions. For more information visit Opera Anywhere's website.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

Music Highlights during the Holidays (Dec 18 2008 - Jan 01 2009)

2008-12-15T17:42:00.001Z

Jazz:

Thu Dec 18 - Jonathan Gee, The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
Thu Dec 18 - Andrea Mann Quartet, Joe's
Thu Dec 18 - Dennis Rollins Badbone & Co. + Empirical, Carling Academy
Fri Dec 19 - Dave Newton with Zoltan Dekany, The Old Parsonage
Sun Dec 21 - Anjeli Perrin, Victoria Newton with Tim Dawes & Tim Lapthorn, Gee's
Sun Dec 21 - Sam Crocket with Tim Dawes (double bass) & Tim Lapthorn (piano), Quod
Sun Dec 21 - Alvin Roy's Reeds Unlimited, Lord Nuffield Club
Tue Dec 23 - The Howard Peacock Quintet, Backroom at the Bully
Sat Dec 27 - Barstool, Joe's
Sun Dec 28 - Alvin Roy's Reeds Unlimited, Lord Nuffield Club

Classical:

Wed 17 Dec - Music at Oxford: Christmas at Christ Church, Christ Church Cathedral
Thu 18 Dec - The Charivari Agréable: O Magnum Mysterium, Exeter College Chapel
Fri 19 Dec - Carols For All, Sheldonian Theatre
Sat 20 Dec - Handel's Messiah, Sheldonian Theatre
Sat 20 Dec - Music at Oxford: Christmas at Christ Church, Christ Church Cathedral
Sat 20 Dec -Christmas with the Oxford Gospel Choir, Wesley Memorial Church
Sat 20 Dec - Oxford Pro Musica Singers, University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Sun 21 Dec - Christmas Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, University Church of St Mary the Virgin
Sun 21 Dec - The Charivari Agréable: Rose of Sweet Vertue, Magdalen College Chapel
Sun 21 Dec - Opera Arias on Ice, Oxford Ice Rink
Sun 21 Dec - City of Oxford Orchestra: Christmas Concerto by Candlelight, Exeter College Chapel
Sun 21 Dec - Oxford Coffee Concerts: Adderbury Ensemble: To include Corelli Christmas Concerto, Holywell Music Room
Sun 21 Dec - Carols By Candlelight, St. Giles' Church
Mon 22 Dec - Opera Arias on Ice, Oxford Ice Rink
Tue 23 Dec - A Candlelit Christmas Concert, St John's College, St. Giles
Sat 27 Dec - The Charivari Agréable: Music for Despots, Holywell Music Room

Gig Guide:

Thu Dec 18 - Dennis Rollins Badbone & Co. + Empirical, Carling Academy
Fri Dec 19 - Whisky Blitz + Barry and The Beachcombers + Dirty Voice, Jericho Tavern
Fri Dec 19 - The Damned, Carling Academy
Sat Dec 20 - Chalk plus Nick Breakspear from Black Hats and more, Jericho Tavern
Sun Dec 21 - Homecoming Oxford with Young Knives + Pete & The Pirates + Beep Seals + Hreda + Tristan & The Troubadours + Hollow, Carling Academy
Mon Dec 22 - FMB XMAS Party Details TBA, Backroom at the Bully
Mon Dec 22 - Silvanito Nights, Jericho Tavern
Wed Dec 24 - A Reggae Christmas featuring Makating + Raggasaurus + Count Skylarkin' + Wrongtom, Carling Academy
Tue Dec 30 - The Blackout, Carling Academy
Wed Dec 31 - New Year's Eve with Stornoway + Special Guests, Jericho Tavern
Wed Dec 31 - The Mighty Redox + The Pete Fryer Band + Headington Hillbillies + Moon Leopard + The Isambards, The Magdalen
Wed Dec 31 - Trashy's Animal Magic New Years Eve featuring Yoursong, The Disco Shed, Trashy, Room 101, Carling Academy

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

What's in the Cinemas This Week (Fri 05 - Thu 11 Dec)?

2008-12-04T11:06:00.000Z

Transporter 3 (15) starring Jason Statham, Natalya Rudakova, Francois Berleand. Contains strong action violence. The third instalment in the fast paced action film series sees Jason Statham return as the professional "transporter" who will deliver any package, anywhere - no questions asked. On his latest mission he finds himself electronically tagged - this time he must deliver, or die.

Lakeview Terrace (15) starring Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington, Regine Nehy. Chris Mattson and Lisa Mattson are a young interracial couple who have just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbour, who disapproves of their relationship. That neighbour just happens to be a hard-hearted, widowed LAPD officer who is the watchdog of the neighbourhood. Though he spends his nights walking through the neighbourhood, keeping the peace and watching over the quiet street of the title, but he soon oversteps his mark and begins to harass the happy couple.

There will be advanced screenings of The Day the Earth Stood Still (12A) starring Keanu Reaves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates. Contains moderate threat and injury. When a strange alien and his robot companion land on Earth, triggering global upheaval, a young woman finds herself caught up in his mission, coming to understand the ramifications of him calling himself 'a friend to the Earth'

Watch trailers and get showtimes for all the films in Oxford

What's in the Theatres This Week (Fri 05 - Thu 11 Dec)?

2008-12-04T11:04:00.000Z

Oxford Playhouse:

Sleeping Beauty - An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime - 'Wake up' to the biggest and brightest pantomime you've ever seen, as Oxford Playhouse takes you on a spectacular journey of wonder and excitement this Christmas. Written and directed by Peter Duncan (who wowed audiences with the sensational Dick Whittington and last year's hilarious Aladdin), Sleeping Beauty is packed with all your favourite pantomime characters, gorgeous costumes, hilarious panto fun and more than just a sprinkling of magic! Boo and hiss at the evil fairy Carmella Crabstick whose dastardly curse sends the beautiful Princess to sleep for a hundred years. Cheer at the top of your voice as we help the swashbuckling Prince Raphael of Nadalia on his journey to awaken Sleeping Beauty from her slumber. And laugh out loud at the fabulous and larger than life Aunty Rose... she‘ll have you singing-a-long and dancing in your seats in no time!

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

Playhouse Creatures - Playhouse Creatures is the gripping tale of five female actresses in the opulent but unstable world of the seventeenth century theatre. April de Angelis' piece is both wry and poignant as it chronicles the troubled lives of these strong women. A play for all that looks at a special few.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

The Pillowman - A man is interrogated in a totalitarian state for murders that uncannily resemble those in the children's stories he writes. Hilarious, disturbing, and deeply poignant, the winner of the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Play is one bed-time story that may not help you sleep.

Unexploded Stories - Anjali Dance Company - The UK's leading company of dancers with learning disabilities take to the stage to confound expectations in a night to remember. Intimate dance pieces fused together by passion and purpose, Unexploded Stories is a new work imagined and choreographed by the dancers themselves. Six performers, an extraordinary soundscape and striking costumes all combine in a visually engaging concoction of fantasy and fun.

2012 - In this new work created within the Burton Taylor Studio, performance artist Bill Aitchison sets about revealing ‘truths' concerning the war on terror, dog cloning, Saddam Hussein's novels and the end of the world. Conspiracy theories, propaganda, science, art and politics merge in a fascinating exploration of how we believe and view the world.

New Theatre:

Otello - Welsh National Opera - This tragic work charts the downfall of the noble Moorish General Otello - who loses everything he loves, including his own sanity, through the envy, ambition, duplicity and hatred of his lieutenant Iago. This calculating villain ensnares Otello's wife Desdemona and convinces him of her infidelity - resulting in tragedy. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Pre-performance talk on Tues 2 Dec at 6.15pm in Wesley Memorial Church.

The Barber of Seville - Welsh National Opera - The Barber of Seville is one of the most popular operas by the prolific Italian composer Rossini. This perfect comic opera is one of WNO's all-time favourites. Mischievous Figaro, town barber and problem solver resolves to help the love-smitten Count win the beautiful Rosina. It takes all their guile to outwit her possessive guardian Doctor Bartolo who has his own sights set on the same prize. With pranks, crazy disguises and a few close shaves - the whole evening sparkles with wit, humour and sheer good fun. Sung in English. Cast includes Colin Lee, Laura Parfitt, John Moore, Eric Roberts, Tim Mirfin and Naomi Harvey

Katherine Jenkins - Katherine, who releases her sixth album, a collection of sacred arias, in November 2008 on UCJ Music said "I am so excited to be going back out on the road with an orchestra and to be premiering some songs from the new album."

In The Mood For Christmas - Take a sleigh ride through Glenn Miller's Winter Wonderland with an evening of big band music! The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Ray McVay will be performing their very special Christmas Show. Start your Christmas off with a trip down memory lane as the Orchestra plays your favourite Christmas songs complimented by your very favourite Miller numbers. With special guests, the legendary drummer Eric Delaney and jazz saxophonist Tommy Whittle Big Band musical director, Ray McVay, leads the official Glenn Miller Orchestra on a spectacular evening, taking you on a trip down Memory Lane!

Paddy McGuinness - The new show will have the "plus you" element. Specially invited guests from your area will be hand picked by Paddy himself to be his new support act. All this plus a winner's cheque for two thousand pounds and a chance to appear in his new live DVD. The competitions will be run on Paddy's web site and in the local press.

Pegasus Theatre:

Hansel And Gretel - Desperate times call for desperate measures! So when food is short and there are mouths to feed something's got to give. But when mum and dad leave the kids in the wood there turns out to be more questions than answers: Will the woodcutter turn out to be man or mouse? Will Hansel and Gretel ever find their way back home? Will the future be free-range or oven-ready? A sparkling re-telling of the familiar tale of breadcrumbs and witches makes a perfect recipe for a great night out.

Theatre at Headington:

A Christmas Evening of Poetry and Song

The North Wall Arts Centre:

The Tempest - The Tempest will explore the themes of love, confinement, mysticism and hierarchy. An excellent cast combined with high quality production and music, dance and song values will create a powerful and magical spectacle. This version will remain faithful to Shakespeare`s original text, with particular attention being paid to clear verse speaking and story telling.

College & Miscellaneous Theatre:

Treasure Island (A Panto) - St Peter's Players present a pantomime production of Treasure Island. Don't miss a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with pirates and parrots galore! Suitable for all ages and anyone of a nervous disposition! Wolvercote Village Hall

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 05 - Thu 11 Dec)

2008-12-04T11:03:00.000Z

Friday:

Mark Ridout & Tim Lapthorn - The Old Parsonage
Otello - Welsh National Opera - The New Theatre
A Concert At Christmas - All Saints Church, Lime Walk, Headington
Prisoners of Katrina plus Relik and more - Jericho Tavern
The Wildhearts / Iglu & Hartly - Carling Academy

Saturday:

"Rejoice, O Nations!" exciting new advent music - St Barnabas Church
Visions of the Beyond - Sheldonian Theatre
The Barber of Seville - Welsh National Opera - The New Theatre
Oxford Symphony Orchestra: Russian Evening - Oxford Town Hall
Melting Pot Xmas Party - Jericho Tavern
Johnny Truant + Blackhole + Arc Angel + Meet Me At Midnight - Carling Academy
Russ Henderson, Stornoway, Romeo Stodart (The Magic Numbers) - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building

Sunday:

Oxford Coffee Concerts: Emperor String Quartet - Holywell Music Room
Victoria Newton with Tim Dawes & Tim Lapthorn - Gee's
Dave Lewis with Tim Dawes (double bass) & Tim Lapthorn (piano) - Quod
Katherine Jenkins - The New Theatre
Handel's MESSIAH - The Blenheim Singers - Blenheim Palace

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Connie Lush & Blues Shouter -
Backroom at the Bully
Sophie Garner Trio joined by Jez Cook on guitar and Paul Jefferies on double bass - The Corner Club
The Hold Steady - Carling Academy

Tuesday:

Katya Gorrie with Denny Ilett and Paul Jefferies - The Big Bang
The Howard Peacock Quintet - Backroom at the Bully
In The Mood For Christmas - The New Theatre

Wednesday:

Oxford University Sinfonietta: Michaelmas 2008 Concert - Holywell Music Room
Martin Harley Band - Martin Harley Band

Thursday:

Ian Price - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
Junctions: English Music Breaking Formations Tacet Ensemble with Spiers and Boden - Jacqueline du Pré Music Building
The Pendyffryn Concert: Sheldonian Christmas Concert 2008 - Sheldonian Theatre
Foals - Carling Academy
Strung Out with Good Things Happen In Bad Towns + Bethany Weimers + James Forder - Baby Simple
BSM Christmas Party: This Town Needs Guns, SecondSmile, Cat Matador, House of Brothers - The Cellar

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

Shoppers 'get free ride to city'

2008-11-28T12:26:00.001Z

Shoppers to Oxford can ride on the city's park and ride buses for free on certain nights in the run up to Christmas.

The free service, normally £1.60 for a single fare, will run on key nights in December to help people take advantage of extended store opening hours.

Oxfordshire County Council leader Keith Mitchell said the move would also provide a boost to local retailers.

Free parking was introduced at five of Oxfordshire's park and ride last month.

This latest initiative was agreed by the county council and Oxford Bus Company to tempt Christmas shoppers to the city and provide the local economy with much-needed trade during the economic downturn.

Mr Mitchell said: "We must do all we can to help people and businesses make ends meet in the run up to Christmas.

"There are undoubtedly many families who are going to find things extremely hard as they prepare for the festivities this year.

"Any little help we can offer will bring benefit and this was one way we thought we could assist."

Louisa Weeks, operations director at Oxford Bus Company, said: "We hope this will attract even more people to visit the centre of Oxford in the build-up to Christmas."

The park and ride bus service, which runs every 15 minutes to each of the five sites, will be extended from the usual end time of 1900 GMT to 2130 GMT on Thursday, 11 December, Monday, 15 December to Friday, 19 December, plus Monday, 22 December and Tuesday, 23 December.

Travel will be free from the sites after 1700 GMT and back to the sites from 1900 GMT on each of these evenings.

Travel from intermediate stops on the park and ride routes will not be free.

Reprinted from BBC

What's in the Cinemas This Week (Fri 28 Nov - Thu 04 Dec)?

2008-11-27T11:26:00.000Z

What Just Happened? (15) starring Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Tuturro. "What Just Happened?" is based on producer Art Linson's book "What Just Happened? Bitter Hollywood Tales from the Front Line", the film version tells the story of one very successful Hollywood producer, and the ways in which he juggles multiple professional crises, as well as some prickly domestic issues at the same time. "Robert De Niro" is our movie producer, doing his best, 'sly' comedic work since "Wag the Dog". John Turturro is the archetypal agent: skittish, shifty, and packing a nasty ulcer. Stanley Tucci is the writer who needs our protagonist for professional reasons, but pursues his ex-wife (Robin Wright Penn) for other activities. Michael Wincott is the drug-infested director whose ultra-edgy film is being mangled by horrifying studio boss Catherine Keener.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (PG) starring Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bernie Mac, Alec Baldwin. All the loveable characters are back - Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, King Julien, Maurice and the penguins. Left marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it just might work. With military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane - sort of. Once aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all - the vast plains of Africa itself - where our zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time. While discovering their roots, they quickly realise the difference between the concrete jungle and the heart of Africa. Despite long-lost relatives, romantic rivals and scheming hunters, Africa seems like a "crack-a-lackin" great place... but is it better than their Central Park home?

Watch trailers and get showtimes for all the films in Oxford

What's in the Theatres This Week (Fri 28 Nov - Thu 04 Dec)?

2008-11-27T11:21:00.001Z

Oxford Playhouse:

Chess The Musical - The critically acclaimed 'Rock Opera' from Tim Rice and the men behind the music of Abba and Mamma Mia comes to Oxford. Set during the later years of the Cold War, Hungarian refugee Florence is second to the American Chess Champion Freddie Trumper, who is also challenged for his title by Russian Anotoly Siergiesky. Things would be simple if all they did was play chess, but love, politics and intrigue get in the way.

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

The Winter's Tale - Winter in the Sicilian court and King Leontes suspects his wife and best friend of adultery. His jealous actions leave his wife and son dead, and his newborn daughter abandoned on the coast of Bohemia. Shakespeare's rarely performed masterpiece spins an entrancing tale of families torn apart and reunited, of misdeeds and ultimate redemption, in a magical show this Christmas.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

Neighbourhood Watch - A joke-shop owner, a priest and 2 French technology salesmen band together a motley Neighbourhood Watch as safeguard from a habitual thief; though their incompetence and conflict of interests soon derail the organization.

A Special Boy - Tansy is the carer for her special-needs brother. When he is the victim of a cruel practical joke, she turns her hairdressing salon into an interrogation room.

New Theatre:

An Evening With Zucchero - Zucchero is a multi-million-selling Italian singer-songwriter, a global rock star who has released over 13 albums and sold alltogether over 25m. He performs at all the biggest charity events on the planet and is now releasing a best of spanning from 1986 to the present.

Frankie Boyle Live - With a string of TV appearances including every episode of BBC2's 'Mock the Week' and over one hundred sold out tour dates to his name already, comedy's hottest property, Frankie Boyle, is on the road yet again, performing all the best bits in his hit solo live show.
Tour extended due to phenomenal demand.

Jethro 2008 - The legendary Cornish Comic returns with another bout of heavyweight belly crunching comedy. He's slightly politically incorrect, but rated by many, as the funniest man in the land. If you don't laugh at this show, you need psychological help!!

Jenufa - Welsh National Opera - Jenůfa hopes for marriage to Števa, the father of her baby, but is rejected. After spurning the advances of Števa's brother Laca - and being disfigured by him, she is hidden by her stepmother to give birth in secret. Her stepmother takes the baby, telling her it has died. Jenůfa is reconciled with Laca and agrees to marry him - but as the ceremony is about to begin, a murdered baby is found under the ice... Sung in Czech with English surtitles. Pre-performance talk at 6.15pm in Wesley Memorial Church

Pegasus Theatre:

Theatre at Headington:

Daisy Pulls It Off and Living With Lady Macbeth - Headington School presents a Double Bill of School Days Plays: Daisy Pulls it Off is a truly ripping yarn of pillow fights and midnight feasts in the dorm - it's all spiffing fun in this delightful spoof on school days adventure books for girls! Daisy, our heroine, is poor and disadvantaged, yet quite brilliant and overwhelmingly good. When she wins a scholarship to Grangewood School for Gels, Daisy proves to be a worthy heroine, fending off devilish tricksters and out-and-out rotters in her quest to restore lost treasure to the family of Head Girl and jolly good sport, Claire Beaumont.

The second half of the evening brings us back to reality in Living with Lady Macbeth. Unlike Daisy, Lily Morgan has no heroic qualities - variously described by her friends and family as 'dull', 'ordinary' and 'not particularly bright', Lily is barely noticed at school. That is, until she surprises everyone by auditioning for the lead in the school play - the part of Lady Macbeth! As Lily becomes intrigued by the character, she begins to discover within herself, deeper and darker powers ... maybe Lily Morgan isn't quite so ordinary after all.

College & Miscellaneous Theatre:

Dracula by Bram Stoker - Reverend Productions presents Bram Stoker's classic horror story complete with monsters, heroes, love and death in a world where nothing is certain and everything is at stake. Something has risen in the East. Something out of pagan folklore transported to the world of the living, with the strength of twenty men and the cunning of the devil. The living dead born twice upon the earth. A monster in man's shape... Mansfield College Chapel

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - Experience the thrilling tale of Sweeney Todd re-invented in the sterile setting of a modern day operating theatre. Scrub up, take your seat, and watch the ensemble of nine surgeons singing and swinging their razors to the sounds of Stephen Sondheim's spine-tingling score and the smells of Mrs Lovett's pies! O'Reilly Theatre, Keble College

The Hypochondriac - Argan, an incurable hypochondriac, is eternally ill - despite being in absolutely perfect health. A collection of maniacal friends and family members, absurd and French, all shout, whisper, sing, dance, and cross-dress their way to assisting Argan towards a speedy recovery... Worcester College Chapel

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 28 Nov - Thu 04 Dec)

2008-11-27T11:19:00.001Z

Friday:

Dave Newton & Arnie Somagy - The Old Parsonage
Oriel in Concert - University Church
Oxford Philomusica: Beethoven Festival - Sheldonian Theatre
Oxford Contemporary Music: Christian Wallumrød Ensemble - Holywell Music Room
YCAT Series - Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
Twin Atlantic - Carling Academy

Saturday:

Cello and Piano Recital - Holywell Music Room
Oxford University Wind Orchestra - University Church of St Mary
Singing and Swinging - OUBB and Gargoyles Live in Concert - Magdalen College Auditorium
A Mother's Love: Songs of Mary - St. Barnabas Church
The Rifles - Carling Academy
Gappy Tooth Industries with Euhedral + Semaphore + Death Of A Small Town - The Wheatsheaf

Sunday:

Oxford Coffee Concerts: Lawrence Power (viola), Simon Crawford-Phillips (piano) - Holywell Music Room
Victoria Newton with Tim Dawes & Tim Lapthorn - Gee's
Steve Fishwick with Tim Dawes (double bass) & Tim Lapthorn (piano) - Quod
The Oxford Players: Extraordinary Music by Extraordinary Composers - Holywell Music Room

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Sherman Robertson Band -
Backroom at the Bully
The Script - Carling Academy

Tuesday:

Rory McKinroy Trio with Frank Hockney and Wayne Elliot - The Big Bang
3bpm - Jazz Trio - Brookes Restaurant
Jazz Gig: Alvin Roy's Reeds Unlimited - Backroom at the Bully
Oxford University Music Society: Danae Eleni and Guy Newbury - Song Recital - Holywell Music Room
Otello - Welsh National Opera - New Theatre
Trinity College Orchestra Concert - University Church of St Mary
Jenůfa - Welsh National Opera - New Theatre
Apocalyptica - Carling Academy

Wednesday:

Oxford University Sinfonietta: Michaelmas 2008 Concert - Holywell Music Room

Thursday:

Tassos Spiliotopoulos Group - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
Jazz Jam - Woodstock Arms
Sleepers, Wake - Harris Manchester College
The Barber of Seville - Welsh National Opera - New Theatre
The Wedding Present - Carling Academy

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

What's in the Cinemas This Week (Fri 21 - Thu 27 Nov)?

2008-11-20T09:23:00.000Z

Body of Lies (15) starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Russell Crowe. Contains strong language, bloody violence and torture. A dramatic thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a CIA agent who has tracked a suspected terrorist in Jordan. Now he must trust those he feels will deceive him to get the job done. Also starring Russell Crowe and directed by Ridley Scott, 'Body of Lies' is a tense thriller that won't disappoint.

Choke (18) starring Sam Rockwell, Angelica Houston, Kelly McDonald. Contains strong sex and sex references. Dark comedy starring Sam Rockwell as Victor Mancini, an unassuming scam artist who purposefully enters restaurants and chokes on their food in order to be quietly paid off by the patrons. His nights are spent visiting his sick mother who is suffering from dementia while trying to get information from her about his childhood.

Quarantine (18) starring Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris
Contains strong bloody violence and sustained terror. TV reporter Angela Vidal is following a fire crew when they respond to a routine call, which turns out to be anything but routine. The group find themselves trapped in the building when it is put under quarantine, and when the quarantine is lifted, the only evidence of what happened is their TV camera.

Hunger (15) starring Liam Cunningham, Michael Fassbender. The debut feature from Turner Prize-winning artist Steve McQueen is a bold and brilliant telling of a controversial subject, the final months of IRA activist Bobby Sands, who protested against his treatment in prison through a hunger strike. When the inmates of the infamous Maze prison refuse to wear uniforms to protest against Britain's rejection of their plea to be recognised as political prisoners, this fails to get results. So one prisoner, Sands (Fassbender), decides to take a different tack and refuses to eat until the British Government acknowledges the IRA as a legitimate political organisation. Directed with astonishing precision and attention to detail, this is a fiercely intelligent work with an astounding and painfully authentic performance from Fassbender at its centre.

Waltz with Bashir (18) starring Ronny Dayag, Ron Ben-Yishai, Dror Harazi. WALTZ WITH BASHIR is an extraordinary animated documentary that offers a potent and necessarily harrowing portrait of the futility of war. An old friend tells director Folman about a recurring nightmare in which he is chased by 26 dogs. The two men conclude that there is a connection between the dream and their mission with the Israeli army in the first Lebanon War of the early Eighties. Ari is surprised that he cannot remember a thing about that period of his life. He decides to interview old friends and comrades to discover the truth about that time and about himself. As he delves deeper, his memory begins to creep back in surreal images. Based on a true story, this is a film of undiluted power.

There will be advanced screenings on Wednesday and Thursday of Changeling (15) starring Angelina Jolie. Contains infrequent strong violence and language. In Los Angeles in 1928, Christine Collins' son went missing. But when he was found, Christine began to question if this child really was her son. This film tells the story of her search for answers as she challenges the authorities to find out what really happened to him

There will be advanced screenings on Wednesday and Thursday of Four Christmases (12A) starring Vince Vaughan, Reese Witherspoon. Contains moderate language and sex references. Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughan star as a couple whose plans for an exotic Christmas are thrown into disarray when the airport becomes fog-bound. Instead, they find themselves forced to attend four separate family celebrations on the same day.

Watch trailers and get showtimes for all the films in Oxford

What's in the Theatres This Week (Fri 21 - Thu 27 Nov)?

2008-11-20T09:21:00.001Z

Oxford Playhouse:

An Ideal Husband By Oscar Wilde - Sir Peter Hall's highly acclaimed West End and Broadway production of Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband makes a much anticipated return to the stage. Written with the wit and style expected of Wilde, the political intrigue amongst society's highest ranking figures gives us one of the most entertaining plays in the English language. Into the fashionable world of London parties, politics and diplomacy comes the worldly and devious Mrs Cheveley. She attempts to blackmail the British Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sir Robert Chiltern, who she accuses of building a career on dishonour by selling a cabinet secret.

Creation Theatre Company:

Old Fire Station:

The Academy - The Musical - Brand new musical comedy. Ever wanted to be an actor? Fancy seeing your name in lights? The Academy teaches the Science of Acting to wannabe-thespians like you! Follow Amy as she enrols, meets her fellow hopefuls and eventually uncovers the dark secret behind the Academy. An all singing, all dancing, totally ridiculous scientific extravaganza!

Burton Taylor Theatre:

A Special Boy - Tansy is the carer for her special-needs brother. When he is the victim of a cruel practical joke, she turns her hairdressing salon into an interrogation room.

New Theatre:

The Drifters - This energetic show features the only legitimate Drifters line up in the world, performing timeless classics such as 'Saturday Night at the Movies,' 'Under The Boardwalk,' 'Come On Over To My Place' and 'Kissing In The Back Row of the Movies' as well as a whole host of new material from the stunning new album entitled 'Five Decades and Moore.'

Dylan Moran - What it Is - Dylan Moran, star of Black Books, Shaun Of The Dead and Run Fat Boy Run is back. Moran's legendary stand up rants have sold out across the world cementing this unkempt wordsmith's reputation as one of the foremost comics of his generation.

Nelson Riddle Orchestra - Nelson Riddle arranged the soundtracks of many Hollywood movies and was nominated for seven academy awards, winning twice. His movie scores included Can-Can, Robin & the Seven Hoods and The Great Gatsby. His son Christopher Riddle now conducts and leads the orchestra in the same tradition and style set by his father, using all the original charts and arrangements to give you the most wonderful evening of music, the likes of which we most probably will never see created again. Also featured in the show are the vocal talents of Bryan Anthony, who like Francis Albert, hails from New Jersey and on his first visit to the UK is going to thrill the audiences just like he's done stateside.

Dionne Warwick - Due to overwhelming demand Dionne is back to further delight audiences with My Music and Me a unique and insightful biographical showcase of her music and career. UNMISSABLE!

Will Young - Will's performance, as well as featuring many favourites from his enviable back-catalogue, will centre around his stunning new album 'Let It Go'. Released September 29th via RCA Label Group, 'Let It Go' plays to Will's strengths whilst also pushing him in exciting new directions, melding soul, disco and that extraordinary voice with good old-fashioned pop to create his most arresting record to date.

Pegasus Theatre:

Car to Spire - Young people from around the county aged 14 - 22 are taking part in the European Capital of Culture Finale in Liverpool in December this year. Run by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, Portrait of a Nation is a dramatic conclusion to the year in which young people from Oxford and the other 11 UK Cities of Culture will present a short performance about their city. The show will focus on the immense diversity of Oxford's communities coming from all over the world for academia and industry. Before heading off to Liverpool the cast will be putting on the show right here! A unique opportunity to be part of the European Capital celebrations without leaving home.

Theatre at Headington:

Warning: May Contain Notes - Oxford Harmony with Great Western Chorus and Brass Ensemble present Warning: May Contain Notes. Don't miss this evening of male four-part harmony acapella singing from some of the best choruses in the country.

College & Miscellaneous Theatre:

Romeo and Juliet - O'Reilly Theatre, Keble College - 'Search, seek, and know how this foul murder comes.' A promenade performance of Shakespeare's famous play through a transformed O'Reilly building, out of sequence, out of time. As the relentless stars propel the lovers forward, characters and audience become bound up in an increasingly frenetic whirl of passion, blood and death.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 21 - Thu 27 Nov)

2008-11-20T09:19:00.000Z

Friday:

Dave Newton & Zoltan Dekany - The Old Parsonage
Gwilym Simcock - Holywell Music Room
La Serenissima: The Rise of the Italian Violin Concerto: The Golden Age - Sheldonian Theatre
Oxford University Brass Band Concert - University Church
Jerusalem Quartet - Jacqueline Du Pre Music Building
Show of Hands + Miranda Sykes - Carling Academy

Saturday:

Concert by the OUP Choir - University Church
Oxford Philomusica: Beethoven Festival - Sheldonian Theatre
Oxford Pro Musica Singers - Church of St Michael at the Northgate
War Requiem - Town Hall

Sunday:

Oxford Coffee Concerts: Angell Piano Trio - Holywell Music Room
Brigitte with Tim Dawes & Tim Lapthorn - Gee's
Matt Skelton (drums) with Tim Dawes (double bass) & Tim Lapthorn (piano) - Quod
Stephen Fretwell plus guests - Jericho Tavern
Bethany Weimers + Aiden Canaday - Port Mahon
Elliot Minor - Carling Academy

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Sherman Robertson Band -
Backroom at the Bully

Tuesday:

Mark Bassey (Trombone) with Martin Pickett and Paul Jefferies - The Big Bang
Oxford Philomusica: Beethoven Festival - Sheldonian Theatre
The Howard Peacock Quintet - Backroom at the Bully
The Platnauer Quartet - Holywell Music Room
Dionne Warwick - The New Theatre

Wednesday:

Oxford University Philharmonia - Sheldonian Theatre
Russian Song Recital - University College Chapel

Thursday:

John Donaldson - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
Oxford Millennium Orchestra: Concert of Brahms & Rachmaninov -Sheldonian Theatre
Will Young - The New Theatre

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

Oxford City Guide and Oxford Inspires

2008-11-13T17:11:00.001Z

Oxford Inspires wrote an article about the support shown to them by Oxford City Guide.

Read it here.

Ashmolean museum to close for year

2008-11-12T12:14:00.001Z

The UK's oldest public museum - Oxford University's Ashmolean - is to close for almost a year while the building undergoes major development work.

The previous display space will be doubled. There will be 39 new galleries, a new education centre and Oxford's first rooftop cafe.

The museum will be closed from 23 December until November 2009.

Meanwhile, portraits from a photography campaign, "My Ashmolean, My Museum", will be launched on two buses.

The portraits of author Philip Pullman and historian and TV presenter Bettany Hughes will be depicted on the backs of the London Espress coaches, alongside an oil painting and an ancient Greek vase from the Ashmolean's collections.

New front entrance

The dramatic series of photographs, illustrating its world-renowned collections, can be seen for the last time before the museum's closure.

To capture the public's attention, fine-art photographer Theo Chalmers has connected contemporary faces to the museum's collection of art and archaeology.

The Ashmolean, which was founded in 1683, features collections covering a wide range of cultures from early Egyptian to Italian Renaissance and 20th Century European art.

Construction work began in 2006 and is funded with support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Linbury Trust.

It has had a minimal impact on visitor access to the collections on display, but in 2009, builders will need to undertake the major work of constructing a new front entrance.

From 23 December, there will be no access to the museum or its cafe, although the shop will remain open for business.

This article was reprinted from the BBC

Norrington Table for the academic year 2007/08

2008-11-10T08:04:00.002Z

Below is the preliminary Norrington Table for the academic year 2007/08:


College Merton College	Norrington Score 77.17%	Rank 1
St John's College	75.96%	2
Balliol College	75.00%	3
Magdalen College	74.11%	4
Christ Church	72.99%	5
New College	71.54%	6
Queen's College	71.11%	7
Jesus College	70.64%	8
Lincoln College	70.50%	9
St Hugh's College	70.00%	10
Corpus Christi College	69.71%	11
Trinity College	69.50%	12
St Anne's College	69.24%	13
Keble College	68.91%	14
Oriel College	68.86%	15
Wadham College	68.43%	16
University College	68.41%	17
Hertford College	68.14%	18
St Edmund Hall	67.85%	19
Exeter College	67.74%	20
St Peter's College	67.48%	21
Brasenose College	67.00%	22
Mansfield College	66.29%	23
St Catherine's College	66.23%	24
Harris Manchester College	66.15%	25
Pembroke College	66.13%	26
Worcester College	65.87%	27
Somerville College	65.63%	28
St Hilda's College	65.18%	29
Lady Margaret Hall	63.87%	30

Oxford compiles list of top ten irritating phrases

2008-11-10T07:58:00.002Z

A top 10 of irritating expressions has been compiled by researchers at Oxford University.

By Charlotte Bailey

Heading the list was the expression 'at the end of the day', which was followed in second place by the phrase 'fairly unique'.

The tautological statement "I personally" made third place – an expression that BBC Radio 4 presenter John Humphreys has described as "the linguistic equivalent of having chips with rice."

Also making the top 10 is the grammatically incorrect "shouldn't of", instead of "shouldn't have".

The phrases appear in a book called Damp Squid, named after the mistake of confusing a squid with a squib, a type of firework.

The researchers who compiled the list monitor the use of phrases in a database called the Oxford University Corpus, which comprises books, papers, magazines, broadcast, the internet and other sources.

The database alerts them to new words and phrases and can tell them which expressions are disappearing. It also shows how words are being misused.

As well as the above expressions, the book's author Jeremy Butterfield says that many annoyingly over-used expressions actually began as office lingo, such as 24/7 and "synergy".

Other phrases to irritate people are "literally" and "ironically", when they are used out of context.

Mr Butterfield said: "We grow tired of anything that is repeated too often – an anecdote, a joke, a mannerism – and the same seems to happen with some language."

The top ten most irritating phrases:

1 - At the end of the day

2 - Fairly unique

3 - I personally

4 - At this moment in time

5 - With all due respect

6 - Absolutely

7 - It's a nightmare

8 - Shouldn't of

9 - 24/7

10 - It's not rocket science

reprinted from the telegraph

What's in the Cinemas This Week (Fri 07 - Thu 13 Nov)?

2008-11-06T19:23:00.000Z

W (15) starring Josh Brolin, Thandie Newton, Richard Dreyfus. Contains brief strong reality footage of war. How one of history's most controversial figures came to power is told for the first time in Oliver Stone's ground breaking biopic, 'W.' Looking at seminal points in George W. Bush's life from university to state senate and then presidency, Oliver stone reconstructs a powerful drama of America's 43rd president.

Easy Virtue (PG) starring Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristen Scott Thomas. Contains mild sex references and innuendo. An aristocratic English family are set for a culture shock when their beloved son returns home married after a whirlwind romance in the south of France. Staring Jessica Biel as the newly married bride, and Kristen Scott Thomas as the unsuspecting mother in law, 'Easy Virtue' is a glamorous yet witty comedy set in the 1920's.

Let's Talk About the Rain (Parlez-moi de la pluie) (12A) starring Jean-Pierre Bacri, Agnes Jaoui, Jamel Debbouze. Contains strong language and soft drugs use. The third film from Agnès Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri (LOOK AT ME), LET'S TALK ABOUT THE RAIN turns a humorous spotlight on the feelings of guilt, unfulfilled ambition and preconceived ideas that destabilise relationships. Agathe (Jaoui) is a rising politician. While on vacation with her partner at her family home, she is approached by Karim (Debbouze), the son of her sister's housekeeper, and Michel (Bacri), her sister's lover, to feature in a documentary about successful women. Agathe, who left the region as soon as she could and is partly back there for political reasons, finds herself forced to confront the consequences of her own ambitions. Meanwhile the filmmakers' comic amateurism crystallises tensions in the relationships of all those around them.

Pride and Glory (15) starring Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Ehle, Noah Emmerich, Lake Bell, Frank Grillo, Shea Whigham, John Ortiz, Jon Voight, Manny Perez. Four New York City cops are dead, killed in an ambush that has the entire police department on alert and on edge. With a cop killer on the loose and so much riding on the case, Chief of Manhattan Detectives Francis Tierney Sr. asks his son, Detective Ray Tierney, to lead the investigation. Reluctantly Ray takes over the case knowing the cops who were lost had served under his brother, Francis Tierney Jr., and alongside his brother-in-law, Jimmy Egan. On the surface, it looked like a routine drug bust gone terribly, tragically wrong. But as Ray delves deeper into the case, he realizes someone had to have tipped off the drug dealers that the cops were coming. Someone on the inside. Worse, the evidence starts to point in an unthinkable direction: to his own brother and brother-in-law. As the questions mount, the case forces the family to choose between their loyaltie

Watch trailers and get showtimes for all the films in Oxford

What's in the Theatres This Week (Fri 07 - Thu 11 Nov)?

2008-11-06T19:21:00.001Z

Oxford Playhouse:

A Few Good Men by Aaron Sorkin - 'Can you handle the truth?' When two US marines are charged with killing a fellow soldier in Guantanamo Bay, their defence lawyer finds himself faced with a quandary: to duck out of the pressure of fighting against the system, or to prove the existence of a network of unlawful practice within the High Command itself. From the creator of The West Wing, this is a fast-paced courtroom drama staged to coincide with the real-life theatre of the American presidential elections.

Duncan Dares - Part raconteur, part explorer, part back end of cow! Fresh from directing last year's OP pantomime, Peter's new show entertains with tales of his daredevil exploits, his Olivier nominated musical theatre career and his family's backpacking adventures around the world. In the 50th year of Blue Peter and the 100th year of Scouting, come and see this one time Blue Peter man, Chief Scout and pantomime legend walk the tightrope (literally) between comedy and the custard pies of life.

Muslim Music Festival - The fourth annual Oxford Muslim Music Festival brings an eclectic variety of profound and sacred music from the Islamic world. In addition to musical contributions from the heartland of the faith, there will be participation from the Muslim Diaspora in Europe and the UK. This all-day musical extravaganza has something for everyone and will be combined with a delectable Muslim Food Festival.

The Cripple of Inishmaan - It's 1934 and news on the island of Inishmaan is thin on the ground. Then word arrives that they're making a Hollywood fi lm on neighbouring Inishmore and Cripple Billy for once starts paying attention. This comic masterpiece sees outrageous island eccentrics trade stories to within an inch of their lives, while a young man tries to make sense of who he is.

Old Fire Station:

Richard III - Shakespeare's most notorious villain in a new production with a supernatural twist. Enter Richrad's warped psyche in his dark and disturbing quest for the crown. Follow his spiral into sexual manipulation, torment and murder. A gripping thriller from the company that brought you sell out productions of Buchner's 'Woyzeck' and Philip Ridley's 'Mercury Fur'.

Don Juan in Soho - From the writer of 'Closer' and 'Dealer's Choice' comes a retelling of the quintessential tale of debauchery and damnation, Marber adapts the story of Don Juan to the streets of modern Soho.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

Accidental Death of an Anarchist - "I ought to warn you that the author of this sick little play, Dario Fo, has the traditional, irrational hatred of the police common to all narrow-minded left-wingers..." While we can't promise you the riots that followed original performances, we can promise wit, farce and a vivid caricature of authoritarianism.

Liebelei - Vienna; heart of a dying Empire and birthplace of psychoanalysis. Fritz and Theodore are handsome young officers and gentlemen, and Fraulein Christine has been seduced by their flirtations.

Through the Leaves - Martha and Otto have found one another. Otto may be a chauvinist and a drunk; but, for Martha, he represents a last chance at love.

New Theatre:

Jimmy Carr - Joke Technician - Jimmy Carr is not just a TV star. He's won awards, released chart-topping DVDs (there's a new one out this November), written a best-selling book and broken box office records by performing to over 500,000 people in the last three years. He may be the hardest working man in comedy. But perhaps he wouldn't have to be if he had a little bit more talent. This show is exactly the same as last year's except every single word. It's rude, crude and offensive but those aren't the only reasons you'll enjoy it. Not to be missed, unless it's not your kind of thing.

The Temptations - The TEMPTATIONS - with Special Guest YolanDa Brown. This is the first time The Temptations have embarked on a UK tour without fellow Motown artists The Four Tops for 7 years and is a wonderful opportunity for fans to get a full dose of Temptations hits, which include "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone", "My Girl", "Get Ready", "I Second That Emotion", "Just My Imagination" and "The Way You Do The Things You Do". They will also be performing their versions of classic soul hits featured in their 2008 album of the same name.

John Martyn - This year legendary singer-songwriter John Martyn received the lifetime achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and the Les Paul Award at the MOJO Honours List 2008. Martyn has romanced generation after generation for more than 40 years with his powerfully heartfelt song-writing, as relevant now as ever, thanks to the homage paid by a new movement of folk artists. Fuelled by his huge voice and staggering guitar playing, there is always a near-religious intensity to a John Martyn show. Don¹t miss this rare opportunity to see the Scottish song-writing genius.

Tosca - Ellen Kent Amphitheatre Productions - True love, torture and treachery set against the backdrop of the Coliseum in Rome! One of the most dramatic operas ever written is played against the backdrop of the Coliseum. Set in the era of the Napoleonic wars this spectacular Roman setting heightens the treachery and corruption of the period with two of the best roles for tenor and soprano plus a truly blood curdling villain for the baritone. This spectacular portrayal of the classic opera also captures the beauty of the paintings and tapestries of the renaissance era.

Pegasus Theatre:

The Story of John One Day - Pegasus Theatre's own cuddly comedy company Network of Stuff (makers of Archie's Arcade, The Pickled King and The Unsinkable Clerk) bring a brand new show to our stage! It tells a story of one of us and all of us. A man who is so keen to seek for thrills and danger that he doesn't see what's happening right under his nose - the road to war, the right to work, the struggle for freedom, and perhaps the biggest adventure of all... Dragons. No, Love. Love is the biggest adventure, obviously. Not Dragons.

My Mother Said I Never Should - As the old saying goes, 'The more things change, the more they stay the same'. The play, by Award-winning writer Charlotte Keatley, explores the lives of four generations of women against the backdrop of a changing world. In a series of short scenes, it becomes clear that women's roles and the way in which they see themselves have also changed. The tie between mother and daughter is a constant that can either bind them or set them free.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here

This Week's Music Highlights (Fri 07 - Thu 13 Nov)

2008-11-06T19:19:00.000Z

Friday:

Steve Rose & Tim Lapthorn - The Old Parsonage
Music at Oxford: Maxim Rysanov (viola), Katya Apekisheva (piano) & Kristina Blaumane (cello) - Holywell Music Room
Oxford Lieder: Mark Padmore (tenor) & Roger Vignoles (piano) - University Church of St Mary

Saturday:

The Complete Stone Roses - Carling Academy
Stornoway + The Keyboard Choir + Alphabet Backards - Carling Academy

Sunday:

Oxford Coffee Concerts: Cremona String Quartet - Holywell Music Room
Oxford Philomusica: Beethoven Festival - Sheldonian Theatre
Donna Canale with Tim Dawes & Tim Lapthorn - Gee's
Dave Lewis (tenor saxaphone) with Tim Dawes (double bass) & Tim Lapthorn (piano) - Quod

Monday:

Famous Monday Night Blues - featuring Giles Hedley & The Aviators -
Backroom at the Bully
Nigel Price Trio - Corner Club

Tuesday:

Lucy Wendon Quartet with Pete Dixon, Martin James & Paul Jefferies - The Big Bang
Oxford Philomusica: A Concert For Remembrance Day - Christ Church Cathedral
Geoffrey Lim (piano) - The Holywell Music Room
The Howard Peacock Quintet - Backroom at the Bully
The Songs of Nick Drake 2008 - Phoenix Cinema

Wednesday:

Oxford Philomusica: Beethoven Festival - Sheldonian Theatre

Thursday:

Mark Armstrong - The Spin at the Wheatsheaf
Oxford University Orchestra: Dmitri Shostakovich - Sheldonian Theatre
Jazz Jam - Woodstock Arms

Get a complete list of Music Events in Oxford: Classical, Gig Guide, Folk, Jazz

Blenheim Palace is winner in prestigious Tourism ExSEllence Awards

2008-11-04T08:04:00.000Z

The final results of the Tourism ExSEllence Awards covering the whole of the South East were announced on 28^th October at a Gala Event. Winners, Runners Up and Highly Commended organisations from the shortlisted businesses across the region have been revealed. Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire was a winner in the ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ category and runner up in the ‘Best Tourism Experience’ category.

With a total of 15 Award categories, including ‘Sports Tourism’, ‘Best Tourism Experience’ and ‘Business Tourism’, the Tourism ExSEllence Awards are the premier awards for the tourism industry in the South East and are managed by Tourism South East. They cover all kinds of tourism organisations, from small Bed & Breakfast businesses to large exclusive hotels and visitor experiences. Winners in this region will go on to compete in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in 2009.

Judges look for excellence, quality and innovation, covering all aspects of the business from customer service, sales & marketing, to training & development for staff. Tourism chief Ken Robinson CBE FTS was the judge of the Large Visitor Attraction Category and described Winner Blenheim Palace as ‘a ‘Big Beast’ of the Historic House sector…..with staff very customer aware, welcoming , helpful and informative.’ He was also impressed by Blenheim Palace’s newly added visitor experience, ‘Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story’, demonstrating ‘a continuous commitment to improvement.’

John Hoy, Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace says of the Award; ‘This is fantastic news, it is a great credit to everyone within the business at Blenheim Palace, it will have a marked effect on staff morale to receive such recognition and to receive two awards for both ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ’Best Tourism Experience’. We all feel incredibly proud at this important achievement.’

Robert Collier, chief executive of Tourism South East, comments on this year’s successes, “It’s a delight to see such a high standard of entry – it gets better every year. We look forward to seeing more success as the winners go forward to the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in 2009.

More information about this year’s Tourism ExSEllence Awards can be found at www.getdiscovered2008.co.uk.

For more information about Blenheim Palace visit www.blenheimpalace.com

or call 08700 60 20 80

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Full final line-up for the Tourism ExSEllence Awards in Oxfordshire are as follows:

Winners

Blenheim Palace and ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’, Woodstock, Large Visitor Attraction

Caswell House Coach House and Granary, Brize Norton, Self Catering

Runners Up

Fallowfields Country House, Kingston Bagzuize with Southmoor, Flavour of the SE

Oxford Castle Unlocked, Small Visitor Attraction

Abbey Guest House, Abingdon, Access for All

Blenheim Palace, Best Tourism Experience

Highly Commended

Banbury TIC, Tourist Information Centre

Cogges Manor Farm, Witney, Sports Tourism

What's in the Cinemas This Week (Fri 31 Oct - Thu 06 Nov)?

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Quantum of Solace (12A) starring Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Olga Kurylenko, Gemma Arterton. Contains frequent moderate action violence. Daniel Craig is back as James Bond in 'Quantum of Solace'. Bond has made his latest mission personal after the love of his life, Vesper, betrayed him for a secret organisation that he and M now need to investigate. Bond's investigation takes him to Austria, Italy and South America, where he discovers that an important player in the secret organisation is planning to give control of South America to associates within the CIA and the British Government.

Of Time And The City (12A). Documentary. Contains one use of strong language. Screened to unprecedented acclaim at Cannes, OF TIME AND THE CITY marks the much-welcome return to the screen of Terence Davies (DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES; THE HOUSE OF MIRTH), arguably the UK's most distinctive filmmaker. Created as part of the Digital Departures scheme, set up by North West Vision and Media to tie in with Liverpool's City of Culture status, this idiosyncratic and hugely personal paean to Davies' hometown of Liverpool brilliantly blends a poetic verbal account of his early life with contemporary and archive footage of the city. Narrated by Davies himself with impassioned grace and humour, this is one of the cinematic events of the year.

Watch trailers and get showtimes for all the films in Oxford

What's in the Theatres This Week (Fri 31 Oct - Thu 06 Nov)?

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Oxford Playhouse:

Liberty - Paris, 1793. The French Revolution is four years old when ambitious young artist, Gamelin discovers he has been made a magistrate for the ruling forces. Believing the Revolution divides the world between good and evil, he sees conspiracy and corruption everywhere. How strong will the ties of love and friendship prove when Gamelin is given power over life and death, as the new order plunges with terrifying momentum from high idealism to bloody mob rule? Private jealousies and public fears, old alliances and new ideologies, panic legislation and political correctness all combine in this thrilling adaptation of Anatole France's 1912 novel Les Dieux ont Soif. Award winning poet, playwright and novelist, Glyn Maxwell brings a colloquial verse of great fluidity and immediacy to a story that is both fresh and relevant.

Old Fire Station:

Sweeney Todd - Oxford Brookes Drama Society presents a version of the old melodrama Sweeney Todd set in the early nineteenth century. Todd returns to Fleet Street to avenge his family after his wife is raped by the Judge and his daughter abducted after he was deported on a false charge. On his return he sets up his Barber shop with Mrs Lovett, the pie maker, providing her with 'fillings' for her pies whilst biding his time to seek revenge.

Burton Taylor Theatre:

All Roads Lead to Rome - The two greatest love affairs of all time are viewed afresh in this tapestry of scenes from 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Antony and Cleopatra'. "Hell is to love no more".

The Last Train Out of Here - Three teenagers thrown together by their parents' remarriage. With tensions running high, it's only a matter of time before the situation reaches boiling point.

New Theatre:

Barney Live! the Let's Go Tour - Barney, BJ and Baby Bop are going on a super-dee-duper musical adventure to a tee-rific toy factory and introducing their newest dino friend, Riff in the All-New Barney Live! The Let's Go Tour. Featuring 25 songs, including original compositions as well as classic Barney favorites

The Mighty Boosh - Two different men. One Mighty Boosh. Following the sell-out success of their debut live tour, Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt return to the live stage with their glorious mix of music and comedy. Back with a vengeance, Vince Noir and Howard Moon will be joined on stage by a profusion of characters from their hit TV show. See Naboo the Enigma dazzle with shaman magic, watch Bollo the Gorilla take on the irksome evil Cockney Hitcher and marvel at the worldly observations of the Moon. There may be punks and yetis, monsters, music and mayhem, in one terrific psychedelic melting pot.

Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra - Jools formed his Big Band In 1987, comprising entirely of himself and Gilson Lavis.
This has gradually metamorphosed into the current 18-piece Rhythm and Blues Orchestra - one pianist; one drummer; two female vocals; one guitar; one bass guitar; one organ; two tenor saxophones; two alto saxophones; one baritone saxophone; three trumpets; and four trombones.

College Theatre:

The Last Five Years - Keble O'Reilly Theatre - A fresh and contemporary musical from Tony-Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown, THE LAST FIVE YEARS chronicles a young couple's romance in a new and exciting way: her story starts at the end of their relationship; his begins on the day they met. Funny and uplifting, the show captures some of the most heartbreaking and universally felt moments of modern romance.

North Wall Arts Centre:

Hysteria - The world is ending. And it's happening at table 9... Inspired by T.S. Eliot's poem of the same name, Hysteria makes us witnesses to a painstaking attempt at social interaction. A man and a woman are on the most awkward dinner date of their lives. He is an academic whose research into modern day neuroses is threatening his sanity; she is an events manager who's terrified of missing the party. Caught in the middle is their mortified waiter, haunted by visions of global catastrophe. With irreverent humour, vivid physicality and visceral sound and lighting, Hysteria draws its audience into a world where the main course is a fight for survival and a banana can move you to tears.

Matthew Sharp and Johnny's Midnight Goggles - Matthew Sharp: Matthew Sharp has performed worldwide as a solo 'cellist, singer and theatre performer. He combines core 'classical' activities with a uniquely pioneering outlook. Johnny's Midnight Goggles - Pete M Wyer/Sharpwire: A mind- and genre-melting explosion of storytelling, ravishing singing, virtuoso 'cello playing and sonic wizardry. The story of Johnny moves from suburban France to Takrilakastan where he has been spirited away by evil monsters hell-bent on destroying the world. A mysterious pair of goggles opens a portal into another world from which the rescue attempt and the adventure begins.

For all theatre information, times and dates, click here