BBC TV News Review - Saturday 15th September

I watched the BBC News at 10 last night, our host was Matthew, with the uncomprehensible surname, our first feature was again the Northern Rock, and again large queues of worried investors have formed outside the bank branches, all desperate to withdraw their savings.

As such, we were shown images of large snaking queues and were advised that despite "opening hours being extended" some investors did not make it before closing time. Images of a policeman directing queues were shown, "everybody standing behind the lady with her hand up - wont get served today." The assurance from our Government Chancellor that monies would be safe was discredited fairly simply by one woman - "thats what the Captain of the Titanic said and it went down"

It seems that over one billion pounds of the 18 billion invested in NR, has been withdrawn in the last couple of days by panic ridden savers, however we were told that the "Bank of England should have enough, even if everyone took their money out." Should being the critical word.

The Chancellor was interviewed, again he backed the BoE bail out and in fact authorised it. It appears that the Northern will be sold to another bank, probably at a discount price.

John Reid, the former Home Secretary, has spoken out in the Mail on Sunday, critising current human rights legislation and claiming it is hindering progress against criminals and terrorists. Mr Reid has commented that it is like operating "with one hand tied behind your back". We heard that this could be considered embarassing for Prime Minister Gordon Brown and that he will no doubt be relieved that John has taken up a position as Chairman of Glasgow Celtic football club. This feature gives the impression that Gordon Brown is all for human rights which may not actually be the case. Smoke and mirrors.

2 people have died in a helicopter crash in Lanark. Details were sketchy but it was believed to be rally driver Colin McRae, who lives locally and held a pilots licence.

Another pilot died, this one in Shoreham, West Sussex. He was flying an old World War 2 Hurricane aeroplane at an air show.

Foot and Mouth followed, we heard of updates. Some more pigs were slaughtered, due to "inconclusive results." "Good news", though not for the animals; they can now be moved to abbatoirs for slaughter. We heard from a farmer who was hit during the last ourbreak, he has only just received compensation funds from the State.

The McCanns have announced plans to spend some of the fund money on a series of adverts to keep Madeleine in the public eye. £80,000 is the sum.

The Liberal Democrats are holding their annual conference next week and leader Menzies (pronounced Ming) Campbell told of his plans to combat climate change with "radical and detailed policies - national, international and personal". There are however mutterings from within his party about his leadership style, is he too old, too curteous ?

We closed with sport.

cheers

John Reid - mentally ill human ?

BBC TV News Review - Friday 14th September

Fiona Bruce had returned to the helm of the BBC News at 10 last night; however our leading feature was the same as yesterday evening's, the Northern Rock Bank. Fiona told of queues to withdraw savings, a crisis in the money markets and falling share prices, before we went to reporter Gavin Hewitt (of bowser fame) for some further information.

Here we saw the Harrow branch of the NR, it "was well past closing time" but queues still remained, fear stricken investors determined to withdraw their funds. We saw horrendous queues at other bank branches and various individuals were interviewed who "wanted to make sure their money was safe. Furthermore "customers have heard reassurances - but dont trust what they are being told"

Alistair Darling, our Government Chancellor, defended and explained the rationale behind the bail out by the Bank of England before we heard how Northern Rock were "aggressive in terms of mortgage lending" but had "few savers" and were therefore commited to the money markets, who, unfortunately, seem rather reluctant to lend more monies. As such, the NR were forced to the BoE for funding although it was stressed again that "the bank was solvent" and it was "business as normal".

Again we heard of huge queues, share value loss and extraordinary lending policies including income multipliers for mortgage borrowing before we returned briefly to Fiona to be advised of wider problems involving the so called credit crunch. It seems that Northern Rock are "just the lastest victim" and a BBC economist told of other share losses and fears "the housing market could come to a juddering halt."

It was time for a survey result which showed a fall in house prices last month however this may just be "a straw in the wind". However, what is definate, is that consumers will be "paying higher rates" for mortgages and that they will be "harder to get". Reference was made to America where this is "already happening" - we heard of defaulted loans and a drop of 16% in the housing market. To close we were told that help may come in the form of China and India's fast growing economies which, in these storm damaged times "could keep the world economy afloat."

More straw followed, as we moved on to the foot and mouth crisis and reporter Jeremy Cook took us inside the "protection zone" to Eg-ham. Here, we saw a large disinfectant tanker - a sure sign of an outbreak apparently. Images of culled pigs were shown as we heard of "a thousand animals so far" and that these remain "anxious times." It seems that Defra have been visiting dozens of farms each day and are moving outwards from the exclusion area. In Scotland and Wales however, movement restrictions have been lifted and we saw some healthy sheep; destination - the market.

Just as a wee side note, the foot and mouth vaccine (of which this outbreak is being blamed on), was the first ever genetically engineered vaccine, created in the United States and announced on the possibly symbolic, certainly numerically palindromic, date of 18/6/81.

The ongoing inquest into the death of heroin addict, Rachel Whitear, had ended; the conclusion being that she may not have given herself the injection which killed her. This matter had been ongoing for seven years, Miss Whitear's parents blame the police for not carrying out a full investigation at the time however, in reality, we are no further forward with the truth and never will be.

Bafta winning actor Chris Langham wept in court as he was sentenced to 10 months inprisonment for downloading child porn. We saw images from the court case last month and heard from a policeman who told of the seriousness of the matter given the content of the material, both in words and terms of his facial expressions, which he did, to be fair, try to hide. We saw images of the TV Bafta awards and the judge told of "strong public revulsion."

Bernie Eccleston of Formula 1 racing told how Team McLaren were minutes from being thrown out the championship for two years and were in fact lucky to only receive a million dollar fine for their shenannigans. We saw clips of motor racing and yesterdays court case before further details of the misconduct were advised, drivers, gas in tyres etc.

Coming up - England rugby - Glum faces

First though, four Americans have been killed in a roadside bomb in Iraq. Reference was made to the speech given by George Bush yesterday, in particular the "return on success" element. We went to Anbar to see a "bustling market", surrounded by a concrete, car-bomb proof, six foot wall before mention was made of the surge etc. A shop owner was interviewed who told how he was doing great business selling suitcases to locals desperate to leave for good and we saw some bomb damaged properties.We then travelled to Washington where reporter Matt Frei told that it appears US forces will remain in Iraq for the "indefinate future" as part of a "strategic relationship".
52nd State ?

The funeral of cancer sufferer and fund raiser Jane Tomlinson was held yesterday. Her husband made a tearful tribute and mourners told how they "would remember her smile". It reminded me slightly of Princess Di.

Wales next where we heard that indepence party,Plaid Cymru, had played a major part in the lifing of restrictions on livestock movement due to foot and mouth disease. Images of healthy cows and a happy farmer were shown before we moved on to talk of full devolution and proper parliament for Wales by 2011 and that Plaid are "sweeping away the way of doing things in the past". I make no apologies for reminding readers that, in the manner of an alchemist, matters must be reduced to their base, raw state; before rebuilding commences. A New World Order beckons, under the guise of Europe. What will happen to the Welsh Dragon, promotion ?

Still on a bovine farming theme and Cadburys have recalled a batch of their Dairy Milk Chocolate product due to possible nut contamination. More games, it gives me hope.

To close, rugby. England well beaten by South Africa and we saw patriotic supporters with flag painted faces, singing "God save the Queen". Is that why the Royal Family is tolerated and accepted, because of their connotations with sport.

cheers




Divine Bovine ?

BBC TV News Review - Thursday 13th September

It was Huw Edwards again on the BBC News at 10 where we commenced with economics, the Northern Rock, a major mortgage provider in the UK, has been given "emergency financial support" by the Bank of England.

We were immediately reassured that NR was "solvent - dont worry", however it appears that they have "run out of cash" to lend because "other banks are scared to lend to it". Furthermore, "Northern Rock is no pebble". This matter is being blamed on the backlash over the American sub prime market which has meant that it is more difficult to borrow money.

We were told that "fear stalks the market", however can apparently be slightly reassured because Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England, has previously advised that they "would only supply finance when they believed problems were exceptional and not likely to last too long." Additionally, the Financial Services Authority and Goverment Chancellor, Alistair Darling, have both agreed the lending facilities should be granted in this instance. The upshot being that there is nothing really to worry about but we shall see.

We moved on to motor racing, Formula 1, and the McLaren team, led by Ron Dennis were fined $100 million plus had all points deducted from the constructors championship because of "secrets, stolen and exploited" from rivals Ferrari. We heard of "acrimony and supressed anger" and that Ron "seemed shocked and emotional" before we heard from Jackie Stewart for his views on the matter to close.

Political editor Nick Robinson was back for the next feature, that of Baroness Margaret Thatcher's visit to Downing Street to meet Gordon Brown. Nick asked what was more shocking, the visit or MT's pink dress before he shouted across the street at the pair, - "Lady Thatcher, is Mr Brown your natural successor." No reply seemed to be received and Nick told how this meeting could appear to be a dig at David Cameron.

We then cut to David Cameron who was visiting a popular London nature reserve to outline the Conservative party's green proposals. I am unsure of the exact location, but we saw ducks and suchlike and the backdrop appeared to be a giant pyramid structure. Anyway, David and Zac Goldsmith told of their quacking plans to save the world and, perhaps more importantly, get themselves elected.

It was time to discuss politics and the "left, right spectrum". It seems that half of the general voting public say that their personal views are right in the middle of the two and these are the people that Cameron is targeting. To close, we saw Thatcher leaving Downing Street and Nick confided that she was a "fragile and sometimes lonely old lady."

Police have killed two men engaged in an armed robbery on a cash delivery van in Chandlers Ford, Southhampton. Images of the scene were shown along with some eye witness reports and interviews.

Foot and Mouth disease followed, the new outbreak is in fact the same strain of virus as the recent cases and we travelled to Egham (someone playing games ?) to see dead pigs being bulldozed into a lorry. Then we saw dead cows in a field before witnessing a farmer, close to breakdown. Again we ran through the possible causes; carried on a vehicle?, carried on a sheep?, no one knows.

Images of a deserted livestock market were shown along with some healthy sheep in which cannot be transported at present before we were warned of "massive economic effects" and a possible "shortage of lamb next spring." We closed by being shown more culled animals being driven away for disposal as we heard "are current rules tough enough - if the virus is still on the loose"

Coming up - Kate and Gerry McCanns personal belongings and Zimbabwe.

First though, we were told that George Bush has announced plans to bring home 6,000 American troops before Christmas. We went to reporter Matt Fry in Washington however he did not mention the 6,0o0 and discussed a figure of 25,000 by next summer which left me slightly confused. However Mr Bush has advised "the more successful we are - the more troops can come home." This is motivation for monkeys, sorry.

Attention turned slightly to Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, a Sunni leader who met George Bush 10 days ago and has now been murdered, "probably by al-Quaeda". We heard that he was just one of a number of tribal leaders who have been killed, before we saw an old speech from the American president - "Never back down, never give in, never accept less than total victory." It seems though that George will resign in 2009, leaving the Iraq problem for someone else to deal with. Nero fiddled....

Experts (no definition provided) have urged the UK government to get some astronauts trained up before 2015 or "we will be left behind in the space race". Images of space were shown, undefined obviously.

McCanns as promised, again very little actual news, only speculation and rumours. It seems to me though that the family are now mainly concentrating on proving their innocence. We saw images of a staged photoshoot from the previous day.

The inquest into the death of a 21 year old from heroin abuse has been halted for a second time after new witnesses came forward.

To close, again as promised, Zimbabwe. This is not the first feature we have seen and was similar to previous. Malnourished infants were in abundance - the "pictures Mugabe does not want you to see." Our reporter, (banned from the country), told how she sneaked in, carrying six or seven fuel cans on the back seat of the vehicle - as "there is none there". Curiously, we saw images of several other vehicles - press ? We heard of slums, sewage, cholera, Aids and malnutrition before we travelled to the sorth of the country where it appears that the locals live in luxury, almost like "colonial days" we were told.

Huge luxury mansion houses were shown, with lawns and sprinklers, these are the abodes of Mugabe's family and friends we were assured. To close this feature and the programme we returned back down south, to see locals scavenging through skips for food and carrying bags and buckets - "in case anything turns up" although, "it rarely does".

cheers

Decoy Ducks - Climate Change theories ?

BBC TV News Review - Wednesday 12th September

Our host was Huw Edwards again on the BBC news at 10, the leading story being a fresh outbreak of foot and mouth disease on a farm in Surrey which has led to another suspension of movement of livestock along with culling, or killing, of some animals.

Images were shown of cattle in the last, recent outbreak - which was only 30 miles or so away - awaiting the electric bolt. Local countryfolk were interviewed, "disasterous" was their verdict. Some neighbouring farms "didnt know" of the confirmation of the fresh outbreak. It appears that this rural community was "staggering back to life" however the latest case has obviously curtailed this.

Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, spoke of "contain, control and eradicate", however we were told that farmers were "bracing themselves for an epidemic" before we moved on to a discussion over "how has this new outbreak happened." No one seemed to know for sure, so we saw some images of cattle being culled before considering "were restrictions lifted too early." David Cameron, the Conservative leader, seemed to think so, but that is his job.

We heard how the foot and mouth virus can live in water for 50 days, however it is still unsure whether this is the same strain of virus as the last outbreak; if not, it is a "different can of worms". Plans are afoot for a larger cull which will be carried out today on a neighbouring farm, 40 cattle and 800 pigs are facing death, notwithstanding this, there are "likely to be more culls." The BBC science reporter told us that government ministers are "very depressed about this." and we heard of a lack of confidence to close.

More misery next, as we heard of mortgage rate rises from the Halifax and Abbey National. It seems that because of the "global credit crisis" has caused this and this itself was caused by "cash strapped borrowers (in America) defaulting" on their mortgages which in turn has led to "banks hoarding money" which may result in "loans being hard to come by." An analyst told how potential house buyers would have to find a larger deposit now, it seems that the days of 100% mortgages are over now however a Bank of England spokesman told how "there was no reason for the British economy to be thrown off course."

Oil, price increase to $80 per barrel.

The Conservative party have outlined proposals for new "green taxes", these will include VAT on flights and additional tax on certain new motor vehicles. We were reminded that "who said that saving the planet would be easy" before we saw MP Zac Goldsmith, telling us all that travelling by train would be better than flying, the difficulty being that the train service is not always reliable. The talk was then "stick and carrots" before Nick Robinson, the BBC political editor asked us to "pause to spare a though for the politicians", it appears they just cannot win.

The Trade Union congress have backed a call for a referendum over the proposed new EU treaty, again not too much was said on this matter, we shall see.

The McCanns followed, it appears that they are going to carry out their own forensic tests on the hire vehicle which is supposed to contain traces of their missing daughters DNA. It appears that the McCanns still have the vehicle on hire, in case evidence is planted within it. We heard from family member, John McCann, who stated that if the police have proof that Madeleine is dead, then "tell the family" and, furthermore, that "Gerry says the enquiry has gone up a cul-de-sac."

The directors of the Maddie Fund were shown, they stated that monies from the fund will not be used to cover the parents legal expenses. Curiously, they also stated that "Gerry and Kate have not asked for this" anyway. Again we heard of further speculation, the church, DNA and Kate McCann's personal diary.

Iraq - America will cut its troop number by 30,000, but not till next summer. Again, as previous evenings, this was a long feature however I dont feel anything new was actually discussed.

ITN, another television company, is to reduce it's local regional news summaries from 17 to 9.

Next up was a story about a Russian serial killer, Alexander Pichushkin, aged 33, - the chessboard killer. He killed 49 (7x7) before he was caught, "luring" them to a forest on the promise of alchohol; his target was 64 (the squares on a chessboard, 8x8). More numerical coincidences?

To close, England and Scotland, football, we saw the new Wembley, minus the two towers, (symbolic perchance?), the 39 steps to the Royal Box now increased to 107, resulting in our Monarchy sitting on level 108. For anyone interested, here is a short extract from the provided link below.


It could have been otherwise, but it so happens that the distance between the earth and the sun equals about 108 (actually 107-odd) times the sun?s diameter. Likewise, it so happens that the distance between the earth and the moon equals about 108 (actually 109-odd) times the moon?s diameter. That sun and moon look equally big in the earthly sky is the immediate result of their having the same ratio between distance and diameter. Moreover, it so happens that the sun?s diameter approximately equals 108 times the earth?s diameter.

http://koenraadelst.bharatvani.org/articles/misc/why108.html

cheers


















Human Nature

BBC Television News - 11th September 2007

I commenced proceeding with the BBC News at 10, hosted by Huw Edwards, our leading feature revolved round the long term future of the National Health Service, it appears that low productivity and fears of increasing obesity are sending operating costs spiralling and as such, preventing our NHS reaching "up to the standards of some other European Countries." No details of any specific countries were given.

We saw Gordon Brown visiting a hospital and were told of an extra 43 billion pounds which has been pumped into our NHS, however is this money well spent. Sir Derek Wanless has carried out a report, in which he has estimated that 33% of men and 28% of women will be obese by 2010, only three years away. Additionally, his report states that recruitment targets have been met which has resulted in 17 of the aformentioned 43 billion being spent on pay.

David Cameron appeared to tell us that money has "spent and wasted" before we saw Gordon again, this time being entertained by a chinese dragon, I am unsure why. Talk moved to obesity - "one of the biggest challenges" of our time with potential "frightening consequences" for the future. The BBC illustrated the difficulties posed by means of a set of scales, one side laden with bars of lard, the other with a human.

Reference was made again to our (UK) growing weight problem and we went to a fitness class to see some plumpish ladies working out in an aerobic manner at a NHS sponsored class. A red faced lady panted, as she bemoaned the loss of the keep fit class she used to attend before we were told of burdens to the NHS, excess body fat and were invited to view some statistics on diabetes and cancer. Perhaps tellingly, a doctor was rolled out to advise that we "cant stop people eating" however "we can help them though."

Time for slippery polictical editor Nick Robinson, the man who likes to think that he is telling you how to think, he told how "the sound of cracking knuckles" could be heard in the Treasury as they would now be forced to accept less money for the health budget. Nick also told how NHS spending was 3% above inflation, apparently this was the level that Margaret Thatcher used to run at - and she was accused of cutting costs. Again Nick referred to productivity costs, obesity and "more bang for our buck". A curious statement I though, given we work in pounds but anyway we closed by being warned "the NHS may become too costly."

The McCanns again, we were updated with proceedings straight from reporter Richard Bilton in the Algarve. The police files were handed to a prosecutor who only looked at the evidence for a few hours before immediately passing them up, the next step will be a judge who will consider what to do next.

The Portuguese Justice Minister was pictured, he told how his "officers had investigated with competence" and we were lead to believe that matters should be "settled and clarified" reasonably quickly. Again we are told that the "hire car is at the centre of things" and reference was made to "blood found in the vehicle".

The McCanns themselves have not been idle, Gerry has been busy updating his blog and has written of how no "specific charges" have yet been brought along with providing details of his "new legal team" who he seems to believe will sort all this out, leaving him free to continue the hunt for his beloved daughter, Madeleine, - as there is no evidence she is dead yet - apparently. Images were shown of the McCann family's villa which has been "cleared and cleaned" to close.

America next, General Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker faced questions from Congress over Iraq but before we discussed them fully, we were reminded of 9/11, "the sixth anniversary of one of the worst moments in American history". We saw Bush and the Whitehouse before clips of the latest Bin Laden video were shown, where he "taunted" his opponents.

We moved back to the General and the Ambassador, perhaps my hearing is failing but it sounded to me that we were told a "Gentile laid into into the pair of them", in terms of questioning. Images of the question and answer session were shown, however it appears that this was all in vain and there is no chance the military surge will be revised at present.

The tragic case of Jackie Simpson next, she was a grandmother who was babysitting at New Year and mistakenly allowed her sons pit bull terrier into the house because it was frightened by the noise of fireworks. Our reporter for this case was the aptly named Danny Savage and he told how the girl, "a little angel" was shaken about by the dog for 20 minutes while the grandmother tried to fight it off.

We heard how Mrs Simpson had consumed 10 cannabis joints and a bottle of wine before letting the dog in and obviously had never invisaged the carnage that would result, given that the girl was the "light of her grandmothers life." Images of the pit pull shaking a cushion were shown along with others of the young girl happily playing. The grandmother was found not guilty of manslaughter in court, the judge commented that she had already received a life sentence.

Coming up - A counterfeit DVD police raid - images of door being kicked in; police and dogs.

First though, a report on the growing debt crisis in the UK. Borrowing on credit has risen 20% or so in the last few years and so, therefore, have bad debts or people unable to pay. We heard of rising gas, electricity and council tax charges together with the ubiquitous "interest rate rises".

Mention was given to unscrupulous salesman, people have seemingly been lent thousands whilst earning buttons before we were reminded of redundancy and divorce. Again reference was made to the American sub prime market and the global economic fears which result.

Time for the DVD's though, a special investigation no less. We saw the aforementioned police raid, our reporter stood in the aftermath and indicated two black holdalls in a mass of discs and suchlike. These were hard core porn and beastiality she confided. We turned to the sellers of these copy discs, mostly chinese illegal immigrants it seems, being run by gangsters on a national basis, Durham, Kent and Ireland were all mentioned.

A chinese seller was interviewed, he told how he paid 45p for each disk and sold them for £2.00 in the street. Whilst our reporter was in the street, one of the sellers was attacked by a yiung man, demanding monies with menace. It appears that street sellers are an easy target for muggers. To close, we saw a clip of one of the fakes, a grainy image, recorded on a camcorder at the cinema.

To close was a long feature on the European Commission and the now seemingly abandoned plans to force retailers to stop selling produce in pounds and ounces and to convert to the European measuring system of grams and kilos. We heard that pehaps they had previously been over zealous before travelling to a fruit market in London for some banter. Worryingly though, we closed with reference to potential changes in justice, policing and crime and I personally feel that this was the whole point.

The times are a changing and its not for the better. Yet.

cheers

Suicide - shaking up the world for a new order

TV News Review - Monday 10th September

I watched the BBC News at 10pm last night, hosted by Huw Edwards; confessions are due here, I missed the first ten minutes or so, not too sure exactly however ITN at half ten had a long feature on the Iraq war and American troops, so hopefully that will make up for it.


As I tuned in it was the McCann family being discussed, all the evidence collected so far is being sent to the Portuguese prosecutor who will do one of three things; decide there is not enough, decide there is no case to answer, or change the status of the parents and press charges against them. Consideration was given as to what would happen to the twins but no real information was supplied.


We were advised that DNA testing was still ongoing and a specialist in this field, Dr Court, told how it was possible DNA could still be detected after several weeks and how minute DNA samples could be "grown" in a laboratory to provide a larger sample of genetic material for scientists to work from. Our reporter, Daniel Sandford referred to this as "split the famous double helix in two." Reference was made to Madeleine's cuddle-cat to close.


Coming up - Israeli Neo Nazis - images of swastikas etc shown.


First though was the Trade Union Congress and Gordon Brown; basically the unions are looking for a large pay rise for most members, however Gordon is "not taking the easy option" because "pay discipline is essential" in todays economy. So is a fair, living wage, however that seems to have been forgotten. We saw a top union man, Brendan Barber, speaking, he told how this was unacceptable.

It seems that already a ballot for strike action has been called by Job Centre and Benefit Agency staff, additionally, police officers may also strike. Gordon reappeared, stating that "there will be a British job on offer for every British worker." Nick potentially reptilian Robinson, the BBC political activist reporter, told how this may all be the "annual conference ritual dance", in other words, a lot of rhetoric and not much action.


Faith schools followed, these are schools which show a strong religious bias, examples given were Christian and Muslim. We heard reference to the Oldham race riots of 2001 and images of the social unrest were shown. At this time, faith schools were partially blamed, however it appears that our government now want to work with them. A seemingly pointless feature unless one considers the - coming up, Jewish Nazis ?


Ex Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sarif yesterday returned to his homeland from the UK, apparently in an attempt to restore democracy after 7 years exile. We saw him arriving at the airport, "dozens of police" waiting, including "sharpshooters", positioned on rooftops. Mr Sharif was immediately deported to Saudi, the alternative being to face corruption charges. To close, we saw images of social unrest and rioting.



Time for the Nazis and we were warned of disturbing images. Skrewdriver type music played as we watched a home made video of immigrants being assaulted by skinheads; 8 have now been arrested. More imagery was shown, swastikas painted on war graves as we heard of "Neo nazis of Jewish descent, here, now, in the Jewish state." That was about it, 8 guys have taken it upon themselves to be "nazis" and have recorded themselves battering defenceless victims, en masse, then dubbed over it with some "far right" music. Why is this worthy of a feature unless you are attempting to create the same type of senario, perhaps over here ?



That was it for BBC, I turned to ITN where the lead story was that of General Petraeus, the Commander of American forces in Iraq. It seems that Gen. P. has advised that the surge of troops has resulted in "military objectives being met" and that his report "may change the course of the war." We heard of a "lion's den", a "farsical shambles" and a heckler or two.



We then saw the General delivering his speech and some protestors were shown, being dragged out. Reference was made to Sunni fighters against al-Quaeda and a coffin was shown, draped in the Stars and Stripes, another victim, number 3763.



We turned our attention to American service families and travelled to Shoemaker High - a school close to a military base I assume - in Texas, where the pupils apparently "bleed, red white and blue". We saw a football game, "few parents in the stands" most away at war. Fort Hood was next, whre "a corner of Baghdad, in Texas" has been constructed, "to remind American soldiers what they are going back to." Iraqis have actually been drafted in to this military training camp to make it more realistic, or so we were told, it might have been a lot of cobblers.



A soldier was interviewed, due to return to service shortly, he spoke of his family, 2 kids and a wife and spending more time with them. We heard that young people here "are living in the shadow of Iraq." A young lady, Tequila Beasly, was interviewed, she misses her parents and then we were treated to Heath Pyrtle, a war widow, who now provides grief counselling for similar individuals. Heath indicated a large box of tissues and told how it was okay to cry. It appears that "shared sacrifice and resolve is what unites the people" here, anyway. No mention was made of any contagious collective mental disorder or disease that they are obviously suffering from.



Back to Washington though, in an apparent effort by ITN to infect us with similar as we heard again how the surge has been a success in military standards, if not political. It appears that Mr Petraeus has done Mr Bush a huge favour here in terms of public opinion. What does this type of reporting suggest overall - that it is noble to die for your country at war and that most Americans accept this. That is what I took from it.



Believe it or not, the next feature was on a British soldier, killed at war, his parents told how he was proud to be in the Army and they were proud of him.



McCanns followed, DNA etc., etc.



Next, a fifteen year old girl is missing in Hampshire. Her parents were shown, pleading for her to return home, and, uncannily, they spoke of having a family of five but now only four remained.



Michael Barrymore, the cheeky camp comic, will not be charged over the death of the man found in his swimming pool after fisting the night away.



Brown and the TUC to close.



cheers

Red White and Blue - Blood brothers ?

Note the 4 3 4 layout

BBC TV News Review - Sunday 9th September

I watched the BBC News at around 7pm last night, McCanndamonium is the only way to describe it. Our host was Emily Maykiss, phonetically anyway, or maybe I am just missing Fiona Bruce.



We went straight to the Algarve to see images of the McCann's moonlight flit, a Scottish expression, meaning - to move home overnight, the family leaving the villa as dawn broke, surrounded by paparazzi and media. Then, back to Rothley, their home village, where we heard a short interview from BBC correspondent, Robert Hall, who advised that the McM's were "haunted by their daughters absence" and "protesting innocence."



We went back to the Algarve for more on the evacuation and saw images of television crews following the suspects to the airport before long distance shots of the terminal were shown, the McCann's being ushered into the VIP area. It was time for a statement and as such, we saw family representative, Justine McGuinness reading a prepared statement to the waiting media.



Justine told how the McCanns were leaving "with the full agreement of authorities and the police" but not much else. To me, Ms McGuinness epitomizes everything that is wrong with our world. She is telling us in a public girls school accent what to think, what is true etc, yet she does not actually know the truth. However, her job dictates that that does not really matter, all that matters is that her fee paying clients look good in terms of media reporting. It is what these people dont say that is important, nothwithstanding this, who is paying her fees and expenses ?



We moved on to seeing some covert in-flight shots of the McCanns, other passengers talking to them. Then, on touchdown, we saw close up shots of the family leaving the plane, the camera almost touching Kate's face as she looked down at the ground. Gerry, seemingly close to breakdown, advising that he "wants privacy" and that "we have played no part in the disappearance of our lovely daughter Madeleine."



Then the McCanns returning home, carrying a twin each - we were advised that "the twins slept through" this media circus, yet their eyes were open. Kate's mother gave a short interview, still wearing a Maddie T shirt. We were then told that Gerry's sister, Philamena, had contacted the BBC to advise that the million pounds in the Find Maddie Fund would be used to help find Maddie and not to cover the legal costs which will surely be rapidly escalating in this matter.



After all this, we had another rundown on events from the Algarve and Rothley, obviously there was very little more to say but we heard of a "huge media presence" and "the ball is still in the court of the Portuguese police." We shall see what transpires, it all seems most strange. As a side note, watch out for the Worlds End murder trial in Edinburgh, which is currently underway. This case depends heavily on DNA evidence, some obtained from roof tiles which were fitted by a man now deceased for several years. I shall try to write an article on this once matters are concluded.



The Conservative Party hane announced new green proposals, these seem to include plans to reduce electricity consumption, perhaps by "banning plasma television screens" and make our homes more energy efficient by rebating part of the stamp duty which is currently imposed on property purchase, in order that enviromental home improvements can be undertaken when houses changed hands. Zac Goldsmith, a Conservative MP, spoke of the latter idea, we shall see.



Immigrants to the UK are to be asked to sit an English test before admittance to the UK.



An Autumn of Discontent was next up, could we face co-ordinated strikes by civil servants and council workers, who knows, but we went to Brighton to see preparations for this weeks Trade Union Congress meeting. Gordon Brown will speak today, the problem appears to be that he wil not budge past a 2.5% pay rise for public sector employees, obviously they want more. However, Gordon will tell them "he will do nothing that would risk increasing inflation."



If, perchance, there are any plain speaking economists reading this, perhaps they could explain something to me. Text book inflation is - too much money chasing too few goods. Yet in this country, house prices have risen dramatically in recent years and it appears to your writer that a large majority of home owners have simply remortgaged their homes on a frequent basis and used the additional borrowing to fund consumer purchases. Surely this has a huge effect on inflation with all the extra spending power ?



Back to the news, well sport anyway to close. Motor racing was first, Hamilton, McLaren and Ferrari, followed by a Jamican sprinter and rugby.



cheers








Gerry and Justine ?