no longer a rumour - 15th July

Mother of James Blunt defends her son to BBC

'It's quite untrue to say he's not independent and runs to his mother's apron strings when he's attacked. I'll have you know he went to 2 independent schools.'


Jane Blount contacted BBC Radio 4's Today programme after hearing a feature about an increase in pop stars who have been privately educated.

During the report, record producer Pete Waterman said the music industry had become "snobbish".

Mrs Blount said it was unfair Blunt was criticised "because of his background".

The feature mentioned the likes of Lily Allen, Florence Welch and Coldplay's Chris Martin, who all attended private schools.

However, Blunt who attended independent boarding school Elstree in Berkshire, Harrow School in Harrow on the Hill and the University of Bristol, was not mentioned.

    We are relieved that on the whole James's fan base take no notice of the critics” said Jane Blount.

In an e-mail to the programme, Mrs Blount said: "I was most interested to hear Pete Waterman's thoughts on public school rock stars.

"His attitude is reflected by most of the critics in the UK. My son James Blunt, who is hugely appreciated worldwide, receives harsh criticism here and we have, rather sadly, been aware that it is because of his background.

"We are relieved that on the whole James's fanbase take no notice of the critics."

She went on to say that his latest album, Stay the Night, "is doing so well around the world".

Waterman, best known for his production team Stock, Aitken and Waterman - which worked with pop artists like Kylie Minogue in the 80s, said the argument that pop stars must now be educated was worse than it ever has been.

"The major companies dominate and they see a CV and if you haven't got 96 O levels, you ain't getting a job," he said.

"In the old days, you got a job in the music industry because you knew something about music. Now when they see your CV they don't take you unless you've been to university, full stop."

"It's become snobbish. It's become a snobbish culture."

Mrs Blount said she felt Waterman's argument was flawed.

"Peter Waterman contradicted himself finally as he said that no number of exams will make you popular or successful in the music world."

Today presenter Evan Davis told listeners: "We're very pleased that Mrs Blount listens to the programme."

Cheers Thomas
Already been nibbled, probably pricewise, looking at the form even I am finding it hard to fancy.

I think it went under 20s in the win market

Last place price matched was 1.26

Border Lad in the 1.50T
Ran well for a long way on heavy ground last time out on first run for new trainer & first run for nine months, took 20/1 earlier & has now been nibbled.

Ask the Dr to put a bandage on it

Humble apologies Mr Winkle, something cropped up & then I completely forgot about it as I could have made the second half if I remembered
Not done on purpose I can assure you.

435L   Revolutionary  sole ride for FS

yeah, doing three courses in all I think.  Was having a look around as the courses quite often have the same acts.  Not looking good if that is the case - The Wanted, Rick Astley, Alexandra Burke signed up for some of the other Jockey Club Racecourses.

And HQ have got a bl@@dy cheek, calling it a family-themed Summer Saturday, then what do they do?  Up the prices and charge for children

ttt

Rounding up, Mr W

Tommy, I just realised why Fishwick the Bastard had two ttt's.

Sad news about Gary. I left a comment on one of the other threads.

VUL Pumphol

Coronation Street star Kate Ford has reportedly signed a new contract to stay with the soap.

The actress, who plays Tracy Barlow, has agreed a six-month deal worth £80,000, committing her to the show until at least 2012, The People reports.

Ford had previously decided to leave at the end of her current contract in May because commuting to Manchester from her London home meant she missed her son, Otis. However, show bosses have now persuaded her to change her mind.

A source said: "Viewers have loved having Tracy back. We're delighted she's signed a new contract. She's here for the foreseeable future."

Another added: "She's going to be causing huge trouble for Steve and Becky and there will be run-ins with Liz. Viewers will be screaming at their TVs when they see what she does next. The bitch is well and truly back."

A source said: "Viewers have loved having Tracy back.


This really gets up my goat, why do people write something when the complete opposite is true !

BTW  I fancy a rag to run well in the 5.00 Hereford REG RUBY  around 40/1 !
Be lucky

I see.

I don't watch the programme.

I have brain cells.

This scum bag just wrote this to me on politics


bazzar     13 Feb 11 12:25 
It is clear to me that you as a jew, never have ANY trouble sleeping even when the facts are drawn to your attention, evil, evil people.



I have never phoned to get anyone banned but I am tempted at this moment, maybe someone else will phone up if they read it, I am seeeeeeeeeeething

Thomas I have no problem when someone has something to say on Israel to a point, I even agree on some things, but some use it as a vehicle to spout total racism, they are just hiding behind a veil to spout their garbage, that post below is below the pale imo, I have been on here over six years & am not one to phone up to get someone banned but this has really got to me & I do not see why someone like that should have the write to post anything whatsoever on the forum with comments like that.

fack him - report him

Reg Ruby 3rd

Evening all

six days to the big 50


Backed a horse today at 33/1 traded at 1.5 in running, it was in front coming to the last, finished out of the frame !