Bright Wings

Television and poor functional literacy

No Minister replaced his family's ancient CRT TV with a new 37 inch flat plan one.  He discovered a 37 inch TV is considered bedroom size only and wonders if this is why

most of the population is functionally illiterate. There are so many people flinging $1500 bucks at a bedroom TV to accompany the $3000 they dished out on a "proper" living-room TV because the concept of reading a book in bed wouldn't occur to them and would be too difficult if they were to attempt it.

Steve Race dies

Homepaddock notes an obituary notice in The Telegraph for legendary musician and compere Steve Race, for many years compere of the BBC's My Music.

Those of you who are older will recall his extraordinary musicianship and musical knowledge. He was more than a match for the contestants Denis Norden, Frank Muir, John Amis and Ian Wallace, who were fine musicians in their own right.

I particularly appreciated his ability to seamlessly combine a few bars from a number of different items to keep the contestants - and the listening audience - on their toes.

Flanders and Swann's Hippopotamus Song was a great favourite of the My Music team. I was unable to find a recording of Ian Wallace singing it, so here is a live recording of Flanders and Swann in action.