WHO: Billy Bragg. After decades fighting the socialist cause, you'd have forgiven Billy Bragg if complacency or disillusionment had taken over.

But he's back in the spotlight this week, encouraging fans to send his anti-Jubilee single, Take Down The Union Jack, to number one next week, thus wiping the smile off Will Young's face (no mean feat) and bringing some political awareness to the proceedings amidst the bunting and flag waving. All of which begs the question: where is our generation's Billy Bragg? NM

SPOT: Big Brother House. I have made a promise to myself that I won't watch it, but I just know when it gets down to the last six or seven I'll get sucked in like the last time.

And the time before. Yes it's tacky, yes it's dumbed down, but by God, it's compulsive. Will any of them be as entertaining a Brian, as flirty as Mel or as deeply questionable as Nasty Nick? Will we ever again hear the diamond comments we got from Helen (Is there chicken in chickpeas?) I might well be forced to watch just to find out... NM

FILM: Dog Soldiers. This week's recipe for movie success? Take werewolves, add some terrified soldiers, remarkably low budget, a talented director and crew and then mix with gallons of blood and gore. The result? Dog Soldiers -- an entertaining, splatter-fest packed with action and thrills and some very black humour. The werewolves, despite no money for special effects, ARE scary and the pace is fast enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. IS

DVD: Basic Instinct -- Special Edition (2 discs). Incredibly, it's 10 years since this thriller first arrived, packed with gratuitous sex and violence and most famous for THAT scene in which Sharon Stone revealed more than her acting skills.

Michael Douglas is the usual "cop on the edge" who becomes involved with Stone the ice maiden -- prime suspect after her lover is horribly murdered. Stone is sexy and director Paul (Robocop, Starship Troopers, Hollow Man) Verhoeven directs with his trademark complete lack of restraint. The end result is daft, but extremely entertaining. This package includes a decent "Making of" documentary and and plenty to attract the boys -- most notably a selection of mucky bits that Verhoeven was forced to snip. There's also a good audio commentary from the director.