How many of you remember a time when our viewing options were limited to the national television station and a handful of Italian channels? Since I’m not particularly paranoid about my age, I don’t mind sharing with you the fact that I remember a time when the most exciting choices available were TVM, RAI 1, Italia 1, Canale 5 and Tele-something. Sometimes, if we were particularly lucky, Rete 4 showed up.
The biggest revolution happened with internet streaming- Ramona Depares
The introduction of cable television and local privately-owned stations changed all this. But even so, this was far from the biggest revolution in terms of television viewing. The biggest revolution happened when internet streaming and video viewing sites like Youtube and Vimeo became the norm. It was only then that our viewing options really became unlimited.
Which is why, when everyone was glued to their couch last weekend to follow the opening of the London Olympics, I didn’t worry over much that I had a prior appointment to keep. I knew that before too long the clips would start cropping up online. And sure enough, they did – even though most of them did get pulled down/pixellated after less than a day.
This still gave me more than enough time to enjoy the highlights that everyone was talking about. I have to confess that I’m not the sort to happily sit through over four hours of some ceremony on telly, no matter how spectacular it promises to be. I remember when, earlier this year, the royal wedding kept all stations and eyes locked on the television event of the season. Honestly, there is a limit to the amount of time I’m prepared to waste bitching about funny hats and unwise wardrobe choices.
Although the Olympics opening ceremony is hardly in the same category as a hat parade, watching the Brits extol the virtues of the NHS and the Industrial Revolution does get tedious, no matter how artistically said virtues are presented. So yay to zombie-movie director Danny Boyle – particularly for the rather cool James Bond gimmick and for getting the queen to play along.
I was, however, a bit nonplussed at all the amazement pouring in. Quite frankly I’d have expected more, and not less, from the man whose vision gave birth to The Beach and 28 Days Later. No matter how spectacular it all was, I’m glad that I didn’t cancel any plans to sit in front of the box, when the internet is doing such a good job of bringing everything to us.
Of Robsten and other cute celebrity couples
As was to be expected, the Robert Pattinson/Kristen Stewart breakup ‘tragedy’ was trending heavily on Twitter and Facebook. The couple had already earned their nauseating ‘celeb couple’ name – Robsten, in the witty tradition of other celeb couples like Brangelina and Bennifer, of course – when suddenly wham. Disaster struck in the rather delectable shape of director Rupert Sanders, whom the actress had met on the set of Snow White and the Huntsman.
Me, I couldn’t care less of course. Not only because both actors happen to be tied to a rather crappy series of movies but also because who cares what celebrities do in the hours when they’re not keeping us entertained on the big screen?
The answer to that would appear to be “millions of people do”. Yeah, yeah, I know that I should have taken a hint by the fortune that the paparazzi make from their sneaky photos, but what I really did not expect is the way fans take every single thing that their idols get up to so personally.
The reactions would have been hilarious were they not disturbing in their earnestness. Tweets related to the saga included these pearls:
“Tabloids have ruined the most beautiful relationship” – tweeted by KSSupporter. Say what? How exactly is it that you’re privy to the beauty or otherwise of the relationship, pray tell.
“Hope for the best, prepare for the worst” – tweeted by Deb. You’d be forgiven for thinking we’re talking about global warming or food shortages in developing countries here.
“When two people are so perfect together they always drift back together again” – tweeted by KristenStewartFan. I guess perfection is in the eye of the beholder, as spotted through the acting in a tragi-comic vampire tale.
“I believe in Robsten so much I’m not giving up on their relationship” – tweeted by Alanna. Gee, I’m sure your belief makes all the difference.
“I feel Robsten is still existing.A fan knows that and I know they are together” – tweeted by OhKristen. Now why don’t you go get a life?
Ok that’s the end of my bitch fit. I wouldn’t want to upset the balance of the Robsten universe with my cynical posts.
rdepares@timesofmalta.com