It was the last episode of the current series of The Great British Weather on Wednesday, Tomasz once again confined to a recorded report.
This time he had been to the village of Portknockie, in Moray (Scotland), to explore St Elmo's Fire. Not the 1980s film or the accompanying John Parr song you understand; but the atmospheric phenomenon, which seriously afflicted the town in 2007.
Resident Fraser Milton recalled the night when a severe electric storm formed over the town; of such a ferocity, it caused sockets to explode out of walls. The culprit for this? St Elmo's fire. It is when a thunderstorm becomes so highly charged and super-heated, that nitrous oxide in the atmosphere turns to plasma, the fourth state of matter. The plasma form of nitrous oxide becomes ionised and manifests itself in blue streaks, wreaking havoc upon anything electrical.
This phenomenon can readily, but safely, observed within a plasma ball. One of those globes, with streaks of plasma emanating from the power source in the centre. If you run your hands over the surface of the globe, the plasma 'follows' your hands' movements. If you're a pilot you may see St Elmo's fire up in the clouds, from the comfort of your cockpit.
I'm told by my spies that the BBC were happy with the show; the viewing figures were decent (mostly down to The Schaf I'd say!) and another series could be planned for the winter. I would hope Carol Kirkwood would do it on her own though, she has the presence and knowledge to it-- plus no more Larry Lamb larking with lame chromakey (nothing against the man himself by the way, but what were you thinking Larry?)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Nor do I have anything against Chris Hollins and Alexander Armstrong personally; they just seemed to superfluous and stilted on this show, especially when they are not weather experts. The former is better suited to serious serious journalism, the latter to comedy acting and gameshows-- that's what they are respectively good at after all! That's my tuppence-worth anyway.
For UK, Man and Channel Islands folks:
39:05 onwards
Finally best of luck to Tomasz for his bike-ride from London to Brighton this weekend. Fingers and other phalanges crossed.
Happy holidays, wherever you may be going....
Showing posts with label The Great British Weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Great British Weather. Show all posts
4 Aug 2011
21 Jul 2011
A-moooo-sing
Some bad news and some good news regarding The Great British Weather last night. The bad news is that Tomasz was confined only to a recorded part of the show; a bizarre choice given his charisma, popularity and expertise-- and how warmly viewers have responded to his segments in the show.
The good news is that his report was up to his usual entertaining, informative and well-humoured standard. The Schaf was sent to near Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, to discover whether cows really can predict forthcoming rain.
According to folklore of yore, a herd of cows lying down in a field is portent of rain. His Loveliness liased with two charming dairy farmers Jim and Kate Bevan, who let Tomasz get his equipment {i} out in one their fields full of bovine friend. So is this theory right, or a load of bull proverbial?
Tomasz set his up weather-station; a LCD read-out of air-pressure, wind-speed and temperature, plus his very own lovely eyes cast skyward. A baleful cloud came towards the field, but the cows remained upright and ambulant. Surely enough it did *not* rain.
Later the cows decided to walk under some trees, and lied down. Tomasz didn't sense a rain-shower coming, nor did his equipment-- but lo a minute-long shower came! Tomasz mused that nature can sense something, but it's a question of how reliable it is; this prompted Kate to quip that the same could be said for weathermen, causing Tomasz to laugh heartily.
There are theories as to how cows can sense the change in weather, they have some kind of sensor for air-pressure change or wind-speed; it is easier for their digestive-tracts to sit down and chew the cud while it rains.
It's a shame Tomasz is not used more on the live sections of the show, but I understand he has pre-recorded segments for the next few episodes.
For those living in the British Islands, here's the i-player link, fast-foward to 12:40, to see Tomasz's slot. So to speak.
{i} Weather equipment, before you start sniggering
The good news is that his report was up to his usual entertaining, informative and well-humoured standard. The Schaf was sent to near Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, to discover whether cows really can predict forthcoming rain.
According to folklore of yore, a herd of cows lying down in a field is portent of rain. His Loveliness liased with two charming dairy farmers Jim and Kate Bevan, who let Tomasz get his equipment {i} out in one their fields full of bovine friend. So is this theory right, or a load of bull proverbial?
Tomasz set his up weather-station; a LCD read-out of air-pressure, wind-speed and temperature, plus his very own lovely eyes cast skyward. A baleful cloud came towards the field, but the cows remained upright and ambulant. Surely enough it did *not* rain.
Later the cows decided to walk under some trees, and lied down. Tomasz didn't sense a rain-shower coming, nor did his equipment-- but lo a minute-long shower came! Tomasz mused that nature can sense something, but it's a question of how reliable it is; this prompted Kate to quip that the same could be said for weathermen, causing Tomasz to laugh heartily.
There are theories as to how cows can sense the change in weather, they have some kind of sensor for air-pressure change or wind-speed; it is easier for their digestive-tracts to sit down and chew the cud while it rains.
It's a shame Tomasz is not used more on the live sections of the show, but I understand he has pre-recorded segments for the next few episodes.
For those living in the British Islands, here's the i-player link, fast-foward to 12:40, to see Tomasz's slot. So to speak.
{i} Weather equipment, before you start sniggering
12 Jul 2011
It'll be alright on the night
The Schaf is making his last-minute prep for the first episode of The Great British Weather tomorrow. That is BBC1 19:30 for those in the British Islands; although I have no doubt you have it indelibly etched into you diaries!
Tomasz has kindly uploaded a couple of sneaky-preview {i} pictures onto Facebook and Twitter. Firstly, Tomasz doing his John Craven tribute, with the bright-red waterproof coat {ii}...
And here's Tomasz in more chique wear, lookingly effortlessly attractive...
I'm sure Tomasz will wow everyone with these new programmes, and show us all what we've been missing.
Meanwhile, if you fancy a wry chuckle, one of Quentin Letts's dispatches. Mr Letts is a columnist for the Daily Mail: So you may expect him to write of matters of grave national importance, political machinations, corruption in public life and so on. So what did he get indignant about last week? He whinges:"Windbags! Why can't TV weathermen cut out their self-indulgent prattle", without checking his mirror first.
Firstly Mr Letts shoots himself in the foot, by falling into the trap of prattle himself: "Forecasters could not appear superior boffins. They had to be popularised, made one with the lowest common denominator". He makes the all-too-frequent error of thinking the lowest common denominator is a bad thing. See here
Inevitably he mentions The Schaf: "Now we have the likes of Tomasz Schafernaker, posing topless in a gay magazine in his spare time". So what if he did, what's it got to do with his abilities as broadcast meteorlogist? This leaving aside the fact that Tomasz left the of BBC weather forecasts months ago, so Mr Letts is a little off the mark with "now".
Still he can always pick on the undeserving Chris Fawkes, who disgraces himself by having interests outside of work, mostly... wait for it... sports. Apparently parachuting is particularly objectionable; Mr Letts then clamours "nurse" {iv} and wishes to cut Chris's parachute strings. I think the nurse needs to visit Mr Letts first, if the anodyne Chris Fawkes inspires thoughts of murder in QL.
Then there's the unfortunate Alex Deakin who is a "pingy and zingy keep-fit type". What do these forecasters think they are doing, looking after themselves, instead of breathing and living meteorology. It's enough to make you burn you Licence Fee isn't it, and smash your telly up (BBC can ruddy well pay for the bill too).
Even worse Deaks has personality, a jovial one at that; poor Liam "dreadful windbag" Dutton was equally chastised by right-minded Feedback {iii} listeners, for much the same reason. Mr Letts goes one better, and then castigates weather presenters for ditching received pronunciation: "[It] has been replaced by a wittering Babel of regional accents, jagged Northern vowels, Fenland dipthongs, Estuarial glottal stops". It's not like the BBC should reflect the fact that it broadcasts to those outside the M25, or that only 5% of the British populace speak like Brian Sewell or Emma Thompson
Then of course chez Daily Wail, conformist austerity is the order of the day; cheeriness and individuality is to be condemned. Otherwise it may cause house-prices to collapse, which will make paedophiles give your lager-lout kids cancer. Or something.
{i} Antoin de Caune. He's gone quiet, hasn't he?
{ii} Rumour is, John is surgically attached to it.
{iii} A programme on Radio 4, where morally-upstanding radio listeners impart their views on BBC broadcasts, by impersonate Mrs Tembe from Doctors.
{iv} I feel Barry Cryer cringe from here
Tomasz has kindly uploaded a couple of sneaky-preview {i} pictures onto Facebook and Twitter. Firstly, Tomasz doing his John Craven tribute, with the bright-red waterproof coat {ii}...
And here's Tomasz in more chique wear, lookingly effortlessly attractive...
I'm sure Tomasz will wow everyone with these new programmes, and show us all what we've been missing.
Meanwhile, if you fancy a wry chuckle, one of Quentin Letts's dispatches. Mr Letts is a columnist for the Daily Mail: So you may expect him to write of matters of grave national importance, political machinations, corruption in public life and so on. So what did he get indignant about last week? He whinges:"Windbags! Why can't TV weathermen cut out their self-indulgent prattle", without checking his mirror first.
Firstly Mr Letts shoots himself in the foot, by falling into the trap of prattle himself: "Forecasters could not appear superior boffins. They had to be popularised, made one with the lowest common denominator". He makes the all-too-frequent error of thinking the lowest common denominator is a bad thing. See here
Inevitably he mentions The Schaf: "Now we have the likes of Tomasz Schafernaker, posing topless in a gay magazine in his spare time". So what if he did, what's it got to do with his abilities as broadcast meteorlogist? This leaving aside the fact that Tomasz left the of BBC weather forecasts months ago, so Mr Letts is a little off the mark with "now".
Still he can always pick on the undeserving Chris Fawkes, who disgraces himself by having interests outside of work, mostly... wait for it... sports. Apparently parachuting is particularly objectionable; Mr Letts then clamours "nurse" {iv} and wishes to cut Chris's parachute strings. I think the nurse needs to visit Mr Letts first, if the anodyne Chris Fawkes inspires thoughts of murder in QL.
Then there's the unfortunate Alex Deakin who is a "pingy and zingy keep-fit type". What do these forecasters think they are doing, looking after themselves, instead of breathing and living meteorology. It's enough to make you burn you Licence Fee isn't it, and smash your telly up (BBC can ruddy well pay for the bill too).
Even worse Deaks has personality, a jovial one at that; poor Liam "dreadful windbag" Dutton was equally chastised by right-minded Feedback {iii} listeners, for much the same reason. Mr Letts goes one better, and then castigates weather presenters for ditching received pronunciation: "[It] has been replaced by a wittering Babel of regional accents, jagged Northern vowels, Fenland dipthongs, Estuarial glottal stops". It's not like the BBC should reflect the fact that it broadcasts to those outside the M25, or that only 5% of the British populace speak like Brian Sewell or Emma Thompson
Then of course chez Daily Wail, conformist austerity is the order of the day; cheeriness and individuality is to be condemned. Otherwise it may cause house-prices to collapse, which will make paedophiles give your lager-lout kids cancer. Or something.
{i} Antoin de Caune. He's gone quiet, hasn't he?
{ii} Rumour is, John is surgically attached to it.
{iii} A programme on Radio 4, where morally-upstanding radio listeners impart their views on BBC broadcasts, by impersonate Mrs Tembe from Doctors.
{iv} I feel Barry Cryer cringe from here
2 Jul 2011
An a-vest-ing sight
A couple of small pieces of news...
Firstly the first episode of The Great British Weather is on BBC1; 13th July, early/mid evening. I'm sure you'll do his His Loveliness proud, and tune in.
Secondly Tomasz has now completed his photo gallery. Some superb photos thereon; but I got stuck on this one, for some reason.
The weather is set to be fine over most of the UK, mostly clear skies and temperatures of ~20C. I'm heading off for a walk up Cadair Berwyn tomorrow, to catch some of the scorching Powys sunshine. I won't wear a vest though, because I'd look like Mr Muscle {i}
Hope you have a great weekend, whatever you're doing.
{i} Other brands of sink-unblockers available.
Firstly the first episode of The Great British Weather is on BBC1; 13th July, early/mid evening. I'm sure you'll do his His Loveliness proud, and tune in.
Secondly Tomasz has now completed his photo gallery. Some superb photos thereon; but I got stuck on this one, for some reason.
The weather is set to be fine over most of the UK, mostly clear skies and temperatures of ~20C. I'm heading off for a walk up Cadair Berwyn tomorrow, to catch some of the scorching Powys sunshine. I won't wear a vest though, because I'd look like Mr Muscle {i}
Hope you have a great weekend, whatever you're doing.
{i} Other brands of sink-unblockers available.
18 Jun 2011
Tomasz's new website
As you may have gathered from the imaginative post title, Tomasz has a new website-- very informative and well-constructed it is too!
The main news is that The Schaf will be featuring in a new programme examining the British obession with the weather-- it will be called The Great British Weather. The programme is to be fronted by presenter/actor Alexander Armstrong{i}, Carol Kirkwood (BBC Weather) and Chris Hollins (of BBC Breakfast and Watchdog fame).
Veteran forecasters Bill Giles, Michael Fish and John Kettley will also be making appearance-- plus the main man himself. So what will Tomasz's contribution be? He will join the TGBW team across the country; as they visit Cornwall, the Lake District and Greenwich (London) on its tour with a live and local audience at each destination. No doubt Tomasz will swamped by his adoring fans at these live events, he'll need a bigger entourage than Lady Gaga.
I also note from Twitter, that Tomasz has done a photoshoot with Carol Kirkwood for Radio Times-- I'm sure we all look foward to reading that edition of the magazine.
There are some other gems within the website, other than heart-stopping photographs of His Loveliness? I'm heartened to see that Tomasz doing the London to Brighton bike-ride charity {ii} again this year, for The British Heart Foundation. I'm not aware of any Just Giving page (or equivalent) just yet, I shall inform you, when one is created.
Also Tomasz has officially confirmed his departure from the Met Office, as of the end of March this year. He comments:
I’ve had a fantastic time working for the BBC on behalf of the Met Office and feel that I’ve been shown amazing support during my 10 years’ service. Their continued support contributed to my being presented with the TRIC Weather Presenter Of The Year award, an award which I was very proud to receive.
At this time I have many plans in development which will see me remaining within the world of weather as well as me exploring new avenues. I’m very excited about what the future holds but remain very grateful to the Met Office for my time in an organisation which is respected throughout the world, and which I’m only too happy to remain an ambassador for.
Just to prove Tomasz can laugh at himself (contrary to what some bilious Daily Maul readers, and bitches on certain Internet forums, may think), he has featured his infamous salute to erstwhile bromance-buddy Simon McCoy. Quoth The Schaf:
Those who know me, often remember me for my colourful on-air bloopers and the subsequent Youtube profile. The ‘finger incident’ generated over 5mln hits on Youtube (see media section) but, I’d still like to think I’m generally regarded as a good forecaster!
Well I for one think you are a good forecaster, Tomasz. The fact you have a bit of personality, you are an indivudal, not a 'polictical correct' {iii} drone nor anodyne autocutie, is one of many reason why I respect you (I'm sure many would agree). As for your humourless detractors, their cavilling remarks say more about them, than they do about you. There's a lot to be jealous of!
Finally if you have any enquiries, there is the option of e-mailing Tomasz's agent, Tim Reed.
tim@timreedmanagement.com
Especially professional enquiries. I reckon it's time we revived Strange But True, with Tomasz at the helm-- c'mon telly producers-- make it happen. I'm sure if the Internet's populace can revive Wispa and get Rage Against The Machine to Christmas #1, I'm sure we can make this happen to Tomasz. Yes.
Indeed Tomasz's website is so darn good, I feel my blog and I are becoming obsolescent [self-aware chortle]
I don't even know what Tomasz is doing with his left hand here^.
{i} Pimm's o'clock chaps!
{ii} Alright then "charidee"
{iii} For want of a better term
The main news is that The Schaf will be featuring in a new programme examining the British obession with the weather-- it will be called The Great British Weather. The programme is to be fronted by presenter/actor Alexander Armstrong{i}, Carol Kirkwood (BBC Weather) and Chris Hollins (of BBC Breakfast and Watchdog fame).
Veteran forecasters Bill Giles, Michael Fish and John Kettley will also be making appearance-- plus the main man himself. So what will Tomasz's contribution be? He will join the TGBW team across the country; as they visit Cornwall, the Lake District and Greenwich (London) on its tour with a live and local audience at each destination. No doubt Tomasz will swamped by his adoring fans at these live events, he'll need a bigger entourage than Lady Gaga.
I also note from Twitter, that Tomasz has done a photoshoot with Carol Kirkwood for Radio Times-- I'm sure we all look foward to reading that edition of the magazine.
There are some other gems within the website, other than heart-stopping photographs of His Loveliness? I'm heartened to see that Tomasz doing the London to Brighton bike-ride charity {ii} again this year, for The British Heart Foundation. I'm not aware of any Just Giving page (or equivalent) just yet, I shall inform you, when one is created.
Also Tomasz has officially confirmed his departure from the Met Office, as of the end of March this year. He comments:
I’ve had a fantastic time working for the BBC on behalf of the Met Office and feel that I’ve been shown amazing support during my 10 years’ service. Their continued support contributed to my being presented with the TRIC Weather Presenter Of The Year award, an award which I was very proud to receive.
At this time I have many plans in development which will see me remaining within the world of weather as well as me exploring new avenues. I’m very excited about what the future holds but remain very grateful to the Met Office for my time in an organisation which is respected throughout the world, and which I’m only too happy to remain an ambassador for.
Just to prove Tomasz can laugh at himself (contrary to what some bilious Daily Maul readers, and bitches on certain Internet forums, may think), he has featured his infamous salute to erstwhile bromance-buddy Simon McCoy. Quoth The Schaf:
Those who know me, often remember me for my colourful on-air bloopers and the subsequent Youtube profile. The ‘finger incident’ generated over 5mln hits on Youtube (see media section) but, I’d still like to think I’m generally regarded as a good forecaster!
Well I for one think you are a good forecaster, Tomasz. The fact you have a bit of personality, you are an indivudal, not a 'polictical correct' {iii} drone nor anodyne autocutie, is one of many reason why I respect you (I'm sure many would agree). As for your humourless detractors, their cavilling remarks say more about them, than they do about you. There's a lot to be jealous of!
Finally if you have any enquiries, there is the option of e-mailing Tomasz's agent, Tim Reed.
tim@timreedmanagement.com
Especially professional enquiries. I reckon it's time we revived Strange But True, with Tomasz at the helm-- c'mon telly producers-- make it happen. I'm sure if the Internet's populace can revive Wispa and get Rage Against The Machine to Christmas #1, I'm sure we can make this happen to Tomasz. Yes.
Indeed Tomasz's website is so darn good, I feel my blog and I are becoming obsolescent [self-aware chortle]
I don't even know what Tomasz is doing with his left hand here^.
{i} Pimm's o'clock chaps!
{ii} Alright then "charidee"
{iii} For want of a better term
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