Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

A bucket of dirt. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just a bucket of dirt. That’s what you seen in the picture below.

But why would it be of any interest to anyone? What if I told you that this is two million year-old dirt? Would that be cool? You’re darn right it would be.

According to UNC-TV’s Frank Graff, the dirt is filled with fossils (shark teeth, shells, etc.) and it comes from the phosphate mine near Aurora, NC (in Beaufort County). The Aurora fossil museum was very kind to give it to UNC-TV for a NOVA screening event we’re holding on the premises this weekend, an event where attendees will be given a chance to sift through the dirt for the aforementioned fossils.

So. Dirt. Pretty awesome, right?

Sounds Familiar

“If I were to marry you, Mr. Forsyte, would you promise me one thing? [long pause] If our marriage is not a success, then I shall be as free as if I had never married you?” – Irene Forsyte née Heron (Gina McKee) to future husband Soames Forsyte (Damian Lewis), THE FORSYTE SAGA

Wednesday Trivia Question

What was the name of Howard’s wife on LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE?

LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE was a long-running British situation comedy centered on the misadventures of a trio of old men. Over the years (the original run encompassed 31 series of nearly 300 episodes), characters would come on and go but the show’s premise was essentially unchanged: a few elderly pensioners up to silliness and frivolity, wiling away their declining years with as much youthful exuberance as they could muster.

Where Do I Know That Actor?

Hope you caught MIDSOMER MURDERS’ latest two-parter (“The Noble Art”) – in which the residents of Midsomer Morchard celebrated the success of a local boxer. Along the way, there were the usual shenanigans and a handful of guest stars (well, handful if you have six fingers) that UNC-TV viewers might have recognized from other shows. Let’s meet them, shall we?

Kevin McNally was avuncular manor owner Gerald Farquaharson. About ten years ago, he played Mr. Earnshaw on a Masterpiece adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Going back a few more decades, McNally was Drake Crane on the original run of Poldark and Castor on I, Claudius. More recently, he portrayed James Hollis on Unforgotten.

Daniela Denby-Ashe played Camilla Farquaharson. If you recognize the name, I guarantee it’s from one of two shows since Denby-Ashe was Sarah Hills on EastEnders and Janey Harper on the Britcom My Family.

Monday Montage

What’s happening, what’s on and what’s interesting this week …

Join lifelong traveler and train buff Jeff Wilson as he journeys through Switzerland by train. Take in the sights and learn about the local history and traditions of each destination on REAL RAIL ADVENTURES: SWISS GRAND TOUR – Tuesday night at 8 on the Explorer Channel.

Get a first look at the cast of the new series of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL. The all-new adaptation of James Herriot’s beloved books will feature Samuel West (Mr Selfridge) as Siegfried and Callum Woodhouse (The Durrells in Corfu) as Tristan.

Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

During many of our live fundraisers, our in-studio set was often decorated with photos of PBS personalities. Recently, we had a bit of a clear out and many of these old set photos were up for grabs. Here’s one a staffer snagged of the NEWSHOUR team featuring Gwen Ifill, Jim Lehrer, Judy Woodruff and Margaret Warner.

Now, keep in mind the photos are huge (definitely not wallet-sized) so I’m not sure where they would best be displayed. A visual this size might overwhelm a cubicle.

RIP Jim Lehrer (1934-2020)

More sad news this week. Jim Lehrer, co-founder of the PBS NEWSHOUR, has passed away at the age of 85. According to reports, he died peacefully in his sleep at his Washington home.

The veteran journalist spent more than 30 years as anchor of the NEWSHOUR in its various incarnations. Lehrer stepped down as full-time anchor of PBS’ flagship news program in 2011.

Along the way, Jim Lehrer moderated multiple presidential debates, authored a host of books and received many accolades for his work, including an Emmy, a Peabody and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Condolences and tributes to the Jim Lehrer continue to appear on social media and across the web. Read more about the impressive life and career of a journalism giant at the PBS NEWSHOUR site’s post: REMEMBERING JIM LEHRER.

Sounds Familiar

“We use choicest juicy chunks of fresh Cornish ram’s bladder, emptied, steamed, flavoured with sesame seeds, whipped into a fondue and garnished with lark’s vomit.” – Mr. Milton (Terry Jones), owner of Whizzo Chocolate Company, explaining one of his confections to Inspector Praline (John Cleese) of the Hygiene Squad, MONTY PYTHON’S FLYING CIRCUS

Stop Us If We’re Getting Too Silly

Terry Jones has died. The Monty Python member has passed away after a long struggle with dementia. He was 77.

The Pythons were (are!) one of the foremost comedy troupes of the 20th century, taking what they knew and loved and molding it into an absurdist pastiche that continues to influence those who came after (myself included). Jones was a writer, performer, author, director, poet, screenwriter, historian and much more. His long career included films, radio, television and stage.

Today, the world is sadder for his loss but it would be a disservice to the great talent to not remember him for all the comedy he gave us. Whether it’s the nude organist who punctuated many a Python sketch or Karl Marx on an unexpected game show, Terry Jones was truly ones of the greats.

Here’s a tribute posted by the Pythons to celebrate their late friend…

RIP Terry Jones. At the very least, he’ll no longer have to worry about the baggage retrieval system they’ve got at Heathrow.

Wednesday Trivia Question

What is Hyacinth Bucket’s maiden name?

Fans of British comedy well know Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced “bouquet”). Played to perfection by Patricia Routledge, Hyacinth is the main character in KEEPING UP APPEARANCES and its one-off prequel YOUNG HYACINTH. The social climber is always out to impress, whether it’s by throwing one of her candlelight suppers or bragging about her beloved son Sheridan. Unfortunately, her lower class relatives often show up at the most inconvenient of times, making life difficult for the easily embarrassed Hyacinth.