Russia: Extreme Censorship

Few countries have as extensive a history of censorship as Russia, though many of the Soviet-era restrictions had been lifted during the 80s and 90s. Clearly Vladimir Putin has a touch of nostalgia, however. Obviously the big news was the introduction of legislation against the positive portrayal of homosexuality brought into law earlier this year, but this doesn't seem to have sated the need to crack down on free expression.


Stalker, one of the classics of Russian
cinema, will be restricted by the law

Putin has signed a new law banning swearing in Russian media. That's all books, magazines, newspapers, films, television, theatre, music etc. Those breaching the new law will face a hefty fine. Existing media containing swearing will have to be clearly marked with a warning, though the threat of shutting down traders not adequately warning their audience will presumably convince many that stocking such material isn't worth the risk. Disputes as to what constitutes a swear word will be handled by an expert panel (hopefully made up of Gordon Ramsey, Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino).

The move will also presumably prevent the showing/publication of many foreign works (I can't see Game of Thrones slipping through!). It's also unclear how it'll affect online services such as Facebook and Twitter.

Any one want to place bets on what Russia will ban next?

Original story: BBC News

Tuesday Top 5: Modern Children's TV for Adults

We all crave a a little nostalgia from time to time, and what better than crashing on the sofa watching your favourite Saturday morning cartoon from your childhood? Admittedly some stand up better than others, but the question is this - would you still enjoy these shows without the nostalgia? Can adults genuinely enjoy children's programming made for a different generation?

Personally I love cartoons, and believe that you're missing out on some fantastic television by disregarding shows made for children. Here are a list of my Top 5 modern children's cartoons that you can enjoy as an adult.

5. Charlie and Lola (2005-8)


Picture credit: BBC

Okay, I'll admit pre-school programming isn't for everyone. The BBC's adaptation of Lauren Child's 'Charlie and Lola' books, however, are in a league of their own. Eschewing the patronising tone of many pre-school shows, 'Charlie and Lola' embraces a slightly surreal and highly enjoyable sense of humour. I'm not ashamed to admit that I bought the DVD box set years before I had any children...

4. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-13)

Picture credit: Lucasfilm

I love Star Wars, but it isn't a franchise that has enjoyed a rich legacy. Some poor prequel films, a truckload of books, comics and games of wildly varying quality, and a couple of unbelievably terrible 80s cartoons have long left fans of the original films starved for worthwhile spin-offs. Enter 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'. Set between Episodes 2 and 3, this CGI cartoon initially focused on Anakin Skywalker and his new apprentice, before expanding out to follow a huge cast of characters. The show didn't shy away from the nature of war, as characters often met brutal or emotional ends as the conflict continued. 'Clone Wars' also managed to infuse both Anakin and the clones with the genuine personalities that were lacking in the prequel films, and addressed how morally questionable it might be to grow clones to serve as expendable troops. It achieved this while maintaining the sense of humour and adventure associated with the original films. Certainly one of the best additions to the Star Wars franchise since the early 80s.

3. The New Captain Scarlet (2005)

Picture credit: ITV

The final show that Gerry Anderson made prior to his death was this dark CGI reimagining of 1960s puppet classic Captain Scarlet. When I say dark, I mean it - 'New Captain Scarlet' draws its cues as much from horror films as it does of the espionage adventures that influenced the original show. The Mysterons are brutal and unstoppable, many of the heroes are moral greys willing to go to almost any length to stop the Martian invasion. A botched airing on Saturday morning TV ultimately meant a premature end to this fantastic show. Personally, I would think the show probably unsuitable for children a lot of the time, but it makes great viewing for adults.



2. Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (2010-3)

Picture credit: Warner Brothers

Like Star Wars, Scooby-Doo has had near continuous spin-offs since the original series ended, and like Star Wars, most of them have been beyond terrible. 'Mystery Inc.' replaced the underwhelming 'What's New Scooby-Doo?' in 2010 and immediately added a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek humour to proceedings. I have laughed myself to tears more times watching this show than most sitcoms, and it (finally) manages to make all five members of the Scooby gang equally likable and entertaining. It's not all laughs though - the humour doesn't dilute the influence of classic horror films that manages to make some episodes genuinely scary. Add a healthy dose of cleverly worked references to classic films and TV shows, and you've got a show that is solid gold entertainment for both kids and adults.

1. Samurai Jack (2001-4)



Picture credit: Jaystab on deviantArt

Samurai Jack is one of those few children's shows that manages to maintain an incredibly high artistic and creative level without compromising its target audience. It is the story of a samurai thrown into a dark sci-fi future so he would be unable to prevent the dark lord Aku from taking over the Earth. Trapped in his nightmare future, Jack is constantly attempting to return to the past to prevent this future from occurring. Taking inspiration from a wide range of sources, Samurai Jack frequently manages to be exciting, original, and beautifully artistic. Add in a generous sense of humour and a willingness to poke fun at itself, and you've got yourself a very entertaining piece of television.