This optical illusion probably isn’t new (since finding this, we’ve uncovered hundreds of similar ones), but still pretty cool nonetheless.
Just stare at the black dot in the centre of the image for 30 seconds then move your mouse over the image. It will appear in colour, but move your eyes and low and behold, it is really only a grayscale picture. Nifty.
HOLLYOAKS: CHANNEL 4, 18.30
For someone that used to be very much a bit-part character in one of the lesser watched soaps on TV, OB leaving Hollyoaks shouldn’t have been that much of a television spectacle.
But just as the 18-30 soap has grown and improved beyond all recognition in the past couple of years, so Darren Jeffries’ portrayal of one of soapland’s most lovable characters has aged perfectly.
Of course the show’s transformation can be largely put down to incoming producer Bryan Kirkwood, and the same can probably be said about the character of OB. Initially Sam ‘OB’ O’Brien was a nothing character, brought about to give a then teenage Max Cunningham someone of his own age in the show to interact with. At that stage no-one would’ve predicted that they would become one of the longest-running and most-loved partnerships in soap history.
But it is in the last 18 months or so that OB has really come into his own, for the first time dealing with serious storylines including relationships, bereavement, alcoholism and of course the epic Max and Claire episodes last Christmas. Despite his finest moment undoubtedly being punching the evil Claire (watch here), his leaving storyline involving the new ‘Maria’, Summer Strallen has been equally as brilliant. While she may have been planted in the soap as publicity for The Sound Of Music, it is Darren Jeffries’ heartfelt goodbye to his character that has drawn the real publicity.
Two weeks of ‘will he’/'won’t he’ finally climaxed last night with OB’s departure, and it was handled perfectly by all concerned. Indeed there was the fairytale kiss as we had come to expect from soapland, but far more poignant were the final scenes with just Max, OB and little Tom saying their farewells.
You have to congratulate Hollyoaks for dealing with it in such an understated way, it is rare in soap these days to have a main character’s exit without it turning into excessive melodrama. While the fans will be sad to see the end of a great on-screen partnership (the tributes have already started), you get the feeling it won’t be the last time we see Darren Jeffries and Matt Littler working together, as we commented a couple of weeks ago.
After a fun-packed ceremony last night (okay, that was a little sarcastic), let’s take a look at how our predictions fared at this year’s Brit Awards.
THE WINNERS:
British Male Solo Artist
GOTB says: Will almost certainly go to Mark Ronson, but good to see Richard Hawley nominated and would be even better to see him get it.
WINNER: Mark Ronson
GOTB says: Polly Jean might just get this for a great, if underrated album although media-friendly Tunstall/Nash are the more likely option. We’d love to think Natasha has got a chance, but it’s just not going to happen.
WINNER: Kate Nash
GOTB says: Reads like a Radio 1 roadshow line-up, surely the Arctics are favourites, but with so many nominations the boyband might steal it. Token nominations for Editors, and Kaiser, the latter who seriously suffered the second album blues.
WINNER: Arctic Monkeys
GOTB says: Truly shocking nominations, showing the ugly side of the Brits. The only album with a morsel of credibility is Monkeys’. Mika aside, the rest weren’t even written by the artist whose name is on the nomination. Pathetic.
WINNER: Arctic Monkeys - ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’
GOTB says: A category Bat For Lashes might win, although in terms of significant breakthrough the other four are streets ahead. Klaxons would be our choice given that Radio 1 listeners will decide it.
GOTB says: Annual nomination for Muse, who some of the voters from Radio 2 might have actually seen this year, given their impressive Wembley shows. Should go to the Devon boys, but it might be day-glow central with a late show from Klaxons.
GOTB says: Voted for by the public on the night so Take That will win, but none are close to our singles of last year. Of them we’d give it to Mark Ronson probably, in the hope Winehouse might stagger on stage and embarrass herself.
International Male Solo Artist
GOTB: West is almost a certainty, although Timbaland’s number one might just make him an outside bet.
International Female Solo Artist
GOTB says: Despite a poor album Kylie still remains the media’s sweetheart, but we’re almost sure that Umbrella will secure it for Rihanna.
GOTB says: You can count out Eagles and Foos straight away, and probably White Stripes for an overrated album. Toss of a coin between the other two, but the Canadians will probably get it as they’ve become terribly fashionable in all those middle class circles.
GOTB says: Same scenario as the previous category, should be a straight fight between KOL and Arcade Fire. ‘Because Of The Times’ was the better record, so that gets our vote.
WINNER: Foo Fighters - ‘Echoes Silence Patience and Grace’
Outstanding Contribution Award
Paul McCartney
Overall the awards went pretty much as expected. As much as we love Dave Grohl it was disappointing to see the judges revert to the oh-so media-friendly decision of giving Foo Fighters both International awards, but that was the only real bugbear of the night. Sir Paul did everyone proud with a blinding set, and although the Brits are nothing like the rock ‘n’ roll mid-90’s mayhem that they used to be, it’s good to have a bit a credibility back at the ceremony.
