Thursday 4 January 2018

Wolf Hall - BB2




I was tipped off about this over at Interconnected

To say it's off-the-charts in terms of pretty much every dimension worth mentioning doesn't do it justice. 

It's the best TV production I can think of right now.

Most entertainment appalls me, but when it's good, it's like a long cool draught of ale on a hot thirsty summers day.

What is it that elevates the sublime to an exalted position? 

I guess a combination of things because there's lots to proselytize about this. I'm reminded of the TV series I Claudius, which although much more primitive in terms of production is still infused with something magical that takes it beyond the ordinary.

Wednesday 3 January 2018

HSBC - Gangsters of Finance




An excellent documentary about the power of HSBC to threaten governments with global financial instability if they are fined too much for taking drug money over the counter in Mexico and elsewhere.

You and I have a limit on how much cash we can deposit or take out each day without triggering alarms, but HSBC made it easy for drug cartels by turning a blind eye.

Ultimately it came down to a dispute between the Department of Treasury and The Justice Department with The Treasury winning.


This documentary is worth watching for the excellent photography which has a European flavour rarely seen in the UK as the production is ARTE.

Tuesday 2 January 2018

California Fires Weirdness




I have no idea how a fire could cross a road, avoid the surrounding trees and take out the houses. 

See for yourself in the drone footage. 

It's inexplicable unless we factor in alternative reasons than just wind and fire.