Articles written by Darren Humphries

What is Helium

About me - Darren Humphries

Darren Humphries is a lifelong self-confessed sci fi freak and movie nut. He has contributed to the BBC my science fiction life website as well as being found on several science fiction forums and on Helium.
He is married, father of one and determined never,

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Computers & Technology > Internet Trends Is online video/Internet TV here to stay?: 2 of 78
Internet TV/video online as a phenomenon is not only here to stay, but it is the way forward for the home entertainment industry. The internet is the new battleground for the entertainment business and unless it finds the way to get onboard quickly it will soon lose out, as it did for many years through illegal music download... More..
Entertainment > Movie Genres What makes a scary movie scary: 7 of 57
Most people, especially when young, enjoy being scared. How else can you possibly explain the popularity of rollercoaster rides, extreme sports and, of course, horror movies? What, though, is the essence of the scare? What makes a scary movie scary?The answer, of course, is whatever scares you.OK, that's trite, but it is also... More..
Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: The Golden Compass: 2 of 15
THE GOLDEN COMPASS is the movie adaptation of the first novel in Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy, known in the UK by the title 'Northern Lights'. It tells of Lyra Belacqua, a young girl who lives in the city of Oxford in a parallel universe. In that universe, the soul exists outside of the body in the shape of a... More..
Arts & Humanities > Who & What is Helium Write a 60-second radio spot for Helium: 6 of 42
First voice(serious): Come here quick. We've got to come up with a radio spot for Helium.Second voice: That's easy.(There is the sound of some scuffling followed by the hiss of some escaping gas.)Second voice (extremely high): Helium - it makes your voice funny.First voice (with a touch of obvious irritation: I'm not talking ... More..
Entertainment > TV Genres & Trends BBC versus American television: 1 of 7
American and British television varies wildly in content and quality. On both sides of the Atlantic there has always been far more rubbish than there has been quality, but on both sides of the pond those programmes that have been good have been very, very good.There are, however, some intrinsic differences between US and UK t... More..
Entertainment > TV Genres & Trends Is television worth watching?: 8 of 49
Television has long had the stigma of turning us all into indolent, stupid vegetables content to slump on the sofa and have entertainment spoon fed to us, opinions made for us and advice about what to buy given to us. Before television, we once had a life.I, for one, don't watch a lot of television. Never have. I am, however,... More..
Arts & Humanities > British Literature Book reviews: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J.K. Rowling: 8 of 48
This is a review of the latest (and last, so we're told) Harry Potter book, the culmination of the saga that has swept the publishing world ahead of it in a global tide of admiration and book sales.Every attempt will be made to avoid spoilers from Deathly Hallows, but I promise nothing about any of the rest in the series.At t... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Is making a movie just about bringing in money: 1 of 6
Nobody makes a movie to lose money and nobody ever has. Cinema is, above all, a commercial industry whose sole aim is to get audiences into theatres, seeing the film, buying the merchandise and the video game tie in and the DVD and everything that goes with it.Many people decry the modern trend for sequels and remakes, but fo... More..
Arts & Humanities > Language Learning Tips When children should learn a second language: 5 of 27
The simplest, and best, time for a child to learn a second language is at the same time as they learn their first one. Children's minds are like sponges in the early years, absorbing what they need to know at a phenomenal rate and without apparent effort, almost by osmosis. A few simple guidelines will allow a second language... More..
Entertainment > TV Show Reviews TV show reviews: The Prisoner: 1 of 5
THE PRISONER, a small sci-fi fantasy show from the UK, has built up a cult following that is possibly second only to the great STAR TREK fanbase in its fanatical pursuit. The show itself has generated debates, analyses and musings on its meanings that its more mainstream challengers could never hope to match and the arguments... More..