The Magic of the Antiques Roadshow -

Our Antiques Roadshow came from Highcliffe Castle this week and as is the norm, host Michael Aspel told us a wee bit background about the historic building, taking us back in history to the original owners; the Earl of Bute then his son Lord Stuart; the building being used for the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations back in '1977, and how in fact it's planned refurbishment will been funded by us, the viewers, by means of National Lottery good causes monies.

Anyway, first up was a bust of a lady, a Mrs Sarah Siddon, whom it seems was an actress of some repute back in the early 1800's when she "took London by force". We heard of the Green Room at the Drury Lane Theatre and her famed role as Lady Macbeth before our expert enthused over the "long, bridged nose" which Mrs S possessed. The item was brought in by a common or garden gardener, who had acquired it for nothing whilst working at a retired actors home, then cleaned it with bleach. According to wikipedia, Simmons was the Queen of Drury Lane for 20 years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Siddons

Next up, some dark humour perhaps as an older spinster type of lady brought in a miniature Royal Crown Derby china tea set. The lady told how she had somehow obtained the pieces from a couple of "old maids" who seemingly "lived at the bottom of the garden". Our expert tenderly turned them over to allow us to see the mark, then proclaimed them as a fairly rare pattern called, would you believe it,"old witches". "My goodness" our dear lady replied. £1,000 was the value given, resulting in a cackle of delight.

Bubbling behind this came a selection of letters and a signed photograph, sent to an actor called Blondie by Noel Coward. It was Blondie's son who had brought in the momentoes and our expert, a plump Christopher Biggins type of a man, fairly gushed over the offering whilst enthusing over Coward, an spy during the war

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noel_Coward

A doll next, a representation of a peddlar complete with barrow of merchandise. The item was manufactured around 1890 in fact portrayed a "type of person who was dying out" at this time in history. She was made in Germany, "almost at the end of an era" and seemingly "captured" that moment in time perfectly, staying in remarkably pristeen condition as if it had "a dome over it".

A French writing desk, a "bonheur du jour" , Louis IVth, yet perhaps not what it seemed. Our expert inspected the light fittings, and explained how they were in fact "hollow lamps" and constructed to contain an electric cable. This light significance seemed to be the key, as such he proclaimed this piece to be 1900; not a fake, rather a tribute to the original and as such, worth 25k if sold in the right place, "say London or Glasgow",

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XV_of_France

A simple glass boat next, but one with a story, we heard of a lighthouse keepers daughter called Grace Darling, who it seems was a heroine along with Florence Nightingale, the pair of them being "superhuman people" with "celebrity status" which seemingly "infuriated" the former, her status being based on the fact she helped her lighthouse keeper father in a rescue. The link to the boat was to do with fund raising for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, RNLI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Darling

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_nightingale

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNLI

A magician appeared soon after, along with his collection of antique spinning tops and toys - "things that spin" . He told how he was a member of the Magic Circle and that most of his bits and pieces were "allied to majic". We saw a magical trick being performed, the wheel spinning on the palm of his hand.

A selection of jewellery next, brought in by an older, dignified lady. Lovely royal blue enamel and diamond pendant, an opal brooch, the stone from Queensland and a 1930's diamond ring, deco, geometric, classy etc. Am inpressive valuation was provided, the lady showed no emotion - it's all in the breeding.

Time to recall on of the "magic moments" of the show's last thirty years, this week attention focused on an old painting of the Holy Lands, brought in by a couple a number of years ago on the off chance it might be worth something. Talk was of a quarter million pound retirement fund.

A lucky punter next, not a clue about antiques but always watched the roadshow, picked up an old vase in a charity shop, brought it along, turnd out to be Japanese, worth 3-5k. Our expert told how the programme "soaks into the brain".

A uniformed gentleman from the Royal Navy's treasure division, with a model of Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds, apparently, given to HMS Penelope at some point. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Penelope_(F127http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Penelope_Creighton-Ward

In the same vein, we then saw a soldier, a member of the Queens Royal Lancers, we viewed his collection of "lance plaques", some sort of metal adornment for the uniform. He had maybe twenty, we ran through a few, dating them and apportioning wars rather than values. Particular attention was made of the 17th Death & Glory regiment and their skull and cross-bones insignia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_Lancers

An enamel box, the lid decorated with "The Judgement of Paris" by William Etty. We heard details of the scene portrayed, including Helen of Troy and a Golden Apple.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgement_of_paris

A bookcase or similar which opened to reveal a hidden cocktail cabinet. Our owner explained how she had purchased it brand new in 1976 after finding it languishing in the discount basement of a furniture store. Our expert judged it as "spellbinding" as he displayed the hidden interior.

To close, a refined gentlleman with a pair of miniature paintings and an entourage of children. One of the paintings was of a Col. James Hamilton, the other of a lady, they had apparently "been in the family for years" and were in fact portraits of the ancestors of the owner. Our presenter advised that they were worth a cool 15k each and enquired as to whether the father would now be "buying burgers for the kids",a bit like Di, Wills, Harry and MacDonalds, maybe?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hamilton_(British_army_officer)

cheers

BBC TV News Review - Sunday 28th October

A Royal blackmail attempt was lead story last night on the BBC News at 10, reporter Nicholas Witchell told us more from outside Buckingham Palace, assuring us that it was a "low public profile" individual that had been somehow been video taped in a John Leslie style cocaine and sex indulgence. A demand for £50,000 was received on 2nd August, and the recipient contacted Scotland Yard who arranged a meeting in a hotel on 11th September, the pretext being that the monies would be paid. Nicholas took the opportunity to remind us of the monsterous size of the Royal Family, we saw images of the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles and sons on the BP balcony; the main Windsors; he then told, almost scathingly, of "many others - neices, nephews, cousins". The unnamed person involved in this debacle belongs to the "latter group" and "this is an embarrasment the Windsors could have done without". Images of Trooping the Colour were shown to close.

A "BBC exclusive" followed, it seems that child labour is being utilised in India to producegarments for the Gap clothing company. Strangely, for an exclusive, we then saw images from German TV, showing young boys sewing clothes in India, one in particular was identified, it seemed that his supervisor, a juvenile himself, called this child "little one". It was all very subliminally Lord of the Flies I thought. Anyway, to close, we saw Gap stores and heard from a company spokesman who spoke of sub contracting.

The Conservative party have called for poitical reforms in the voting system which would mean that only English MP's can vote on English matters. Attention turned to Scotland and we saw the Queen again, recently opening the Scottish parliament building, a couple of years ago. We then moved to the Scottish National Party conference to hear leader Alex Salmond speaking of the wealth of an Independent Scotland and how prosperous we would be. Mention was made of the fact that Gordon Brown is also Scottish, we closed with images of the St George Flag and the St Andrew's Cross.

Man drowns in fishing boat accident in Loch Lomond - arial map shown of rural Scotland.

Virgin Atlantic pilot arrested at Heathrow on suspicion of being drunk just before flight to Miami

Iraq War, a long feature about a programme to be shown later last night on the BBC, concerning the fact tahat there were no real plans for dealing with the aftermath of the invasion and resulting chaos. Images of the initial bombing were shown and we saw the Saddam statue being toppled again. Many images of war and social unrest were shown.

Afghansitan - US soldiers kill 80 Taliban

20 Kurds killed in a known haunt of the PKK

To close, consideration was given as to whether or not we "bubble-wrap" our children nowadays, in terms of being too over protective. Many old black and white images of dirty faced boys playing Just William style were shown, building bonfires and suchlike before we heard comparisons from a girl aged 12 now, and a lady who was 12 in the 70's. They both told their stories, the younger gets an armoured car to school, the older walked; the younger wears a stab proof jacket; the older wore a uniform, the younger can't think for herself, the older is of the last generation to actually have received an education. (cut off c. Kylie/Jason.) No real conclusions seemed to be reached, we were just left with the impression that things have/are moving on. Hopefully the report will appear on their website and I will get a link.

Past, Present and Future

The Conscription Conspiracy

Last night a frightening thought about our future propelled itself into the mind of your writer. I had watched and written about yesterdays news and was mulling over the contents; if the truth be told, thinking how long those bales of cocaine, thrown overboard by smugglers after a Royal Navy raid, would take to arrive at this side of the Atlantic - perhaps ending washed up on a remote Scottish beach somewhere in the West Highlands. Realising that to attempt any scavenging attempt in the spirit of Whisky Galore would likely be unsuccessful, and, that if not I would likely be shortly dead due to over indulgence, I merely let my mind ramble.

Last week, a wrote a short article on Armilistrium where I noted that Prince William was in fact at Faslane on that day, inspecting the facility and indulging in a mock Royal Navy boarding exercise on a substitute smugglers boat. Only a few weeks ago, a special report on American Troops in Iraq was broadcast on the news, in which we were advised that US forces now carry out a more police like rather than military role. Turning back to last nights news, we heard how "thousands" of our armed forces could return home with a mental condition, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

So let us look at these together. We see Prince William brandishing a weapon whilst engaged in a mock drug raid. Looks like fun. Then yesterday, a massive quantity of cocaine on a fishermans boat is intercepted by a Royal Navy frigate in the same manner. We hear of the fears for the health of our forces, which no doubt puts pressure on fresh recruitment.

So lets look ahead slightly. Lets say that compulsory military service is imposed for all 16 year olds. Provide them with some backbone, a sense of purpose, slash vandalism, gangs, etc. etc., all the ills of society which are blamed on our youth could be resolved instantaneously. Obviously, some wont be able to take it and some will be killed in action but so what. We will have a fine military force and a better country. Sounds great - but think ahead.

The year is 2010, two years after the implementation of this society saving strategy. The first batch of national servers have done their time and returned to our shores, brains washed and cleansed to remove any traces of MTBI. This cleansing process has one serious drawback, a loss of human emotions and an almost hypnotical desire to serve ones country and therefore Monarchy. America has finally crumbled, economically bankrupt. Repercussuions are felt throughout this global world; once secure institutions are crumbling, America is under martial law.

The balloons hang outside the gate of number 29. Welcome back Jimmy the banner proclaims. The man of the moment arrives, a skinny whippet like spotty teenager has returned, now aged 18, weighing in at a full 15 stone solid muscle. His mother rushes to embrace and kiss him, "Oh ma wee Jim, you'r home, but not so wee any more". Jim, who is emotion free, meagerly returns the embrace and heads up to his old bedroom, to pump iron and watch movie,. slipping his mother a list on the way which contains the special military menu, drawn up in tandem by Jamie Oliver and Arnold Schwarzenegger

A year passes, 2011 has come. World War 3 continues but here in Scotland the natives are getting restless. Drugs are scarce however some keen indoor gardeners are maintaining small cannabis gardens and thus allowing some sort of escape for themselves and close friends. The majority however are not so lucky and are reliant on their friendy, lunch loving doctor to prescribe valium and temezepan to relieve the almost constant mental agony which abounds in these God forsaken times.

Jim's dad Tam is one of the unlucky ones, but today is Monday. It is a day of greay joy for Tam as he gets his giro benefit cheque and his tranquilliser prescription. It's 9.15am and he hears the letterbox. He leaps from his chair and races to collect the brown envelope, delivered by a Polish lady on a pushbike. Unusually though, there is also a brown HM forces package for Jim so he clambers up the stairs, admiring the new King William stamp which adornes the slim parcel, and slips it under the door whilst remembering to knock twice, really the only thing that Jim has said to him since he returned from duty - "make sure and deliver any army mail up to me right away Da, and knock twice". The importance was stressed at the time and Tam had not forgotten the implied urgency . He had barely seen Jim in the last year, the door always shut and locked, a seemingly nocternal and mute creature dwelling within.

Tam slipped on his jacket and headed for Elizabeth House, a brand new purpose built building which housed the doctors surgery, the Virgin Rock Office, the housing office, registrar of births, deaths and marriages, etc., etc., really all the government functions rolled into one. Tam went to the VRO first to cash his giro, the queue was quite long with only one cashier but he didnt really mind, his attention taken by Richard Branson, appearing on one of the giant monitors in the banking foyet. Richard was telling of the personal loans on offer, non status, with correspondingly high interest payments, yet reassuringly these were deducted at source from one's benefit payment. VRO was an initially an almagamation of the defunct Northern Rock bank and Post Office, crippled to death by industrial action; these two initial customer bases had been joined by many more on Branson's white knight crusuade.

Tam nearly choked, -"sorry" said the cashier, "benefit frozen". He tried to protest but to no avail, two American national service recruits quickly appeared and ushered him into a side room. We are sorry sir they advised, but a decision has been made that you are uneconomic and can no longer be supported". And, to add insult to injury, his prescription was then removed.

Tam returned home. He was shellshocked. For the first time in two years he had no valium, after being originally prescribed them after depression caused by redundancy. At his front door stood an unsmiling Jim in military fatigues. "Time to go Dad", he said, in a curious robotical voice and he saw Betty, with the case packed. They joined the rest of the unwanted throng,shuffling to the gates of the city.

Jim went back up and, as previously instructed, put the other half of the stamp in his mouth; calmly pressing play on the remote control.

Disney, Your Duty, Part 2, appears on the screen; the remote control recommences.


thanks for inspiration http://the-daily-behemoth.blogspot.com/2007/10/disney-and-satanism.html

http://newspaceman.blogspot.com/2007/10/armilustrium.html

BBC TV News Review - Saturday 27th October

Reformation of resuscitation policies within our National Health Service was the first feature on this afternoons BBC news; senior nurses now being allowed to make a decision on when to abandon emergency procedures, previously this could only be made by consultants or GP's. John Brain, the BBC reporter, was on hand to show us some simulated scenes of emergency practices, including a surgeon shaking his head as we were told of "hospital dramas". And, in that context, reference was then made to the television programme Holby City, a fairly long standing hospital soap opera - we were told that this show was in fact misleading, because it showed a higher proportion of successful revival attempts than is actually the case. It seems that only 5% of resuscitation cases are successful and that brain and or lung damage often results.

We remained with brains as it appears that our military forces are returning from service duty with mental problems, memory loss, anxiety and depression are commonplace. These differing illnesses have been packaged together and diagnosed as an all in one disorder, christened Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Attention was drawn as to the causes of such, as we were treated to some Afghanistan action images and heard of "shock waves". Pictures of Headley Court rehabilitation Hospital were displayed, a lovely old ivy clad building. We cut to America to see some multilated soldiers in a gymnasium, the ones targeted by the camera has missing limbs. To close, we saw our territorial army troops returning from action last week and heard fears that cases of MTBI could run into thousands.

A fishing boat has been intercepted by a warship in the North Atlantic, 3.5 tonnes of cocaine siezed.

Nick Clegg got more nominations to stand for election as Liberal Democrats leader than rival Chris Huhne.

Scottish Nationalists conference. A referendum over Independence and he possibility of lowering the voting age to 16 are on the agenda.

India, we saw Benazir Bhutto visting her ancestral village under close security. Images of some flag waving supporters were displayed although there was "not much mingling" taking place.

A "rally" has been held in London over the abortion laws. It seems that some find them slighly lax. Reference was made to 40 years ago when the current regulations were introduced.

An "extension" has been built onto the space station as it appears that "they have run out of space". No information was provided as to who the "they" are. . We did however hear that the module was simply bolted on.

To close, British Summer Time ends tonight, clocks forward by an hour.

cheers

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury - better than nothing ?

News Reviews

Sorry, I have been too busy the last couple of days to report on the news. The Antiques Roadshow took longer than I expected to write and to my frustration has appeared further back on the blog.

I will be back up and running tomorrow

cheers

BBC TV News Review - Wednesday 25th October

I wish they all could be Californian. So sang the Beach Boys back in the swinging sixties and the BBC were happy to oblige; in a role of fairy godmother for the first featured story last night on the flagship News at 10; "wildfires". We saw many images again of burning and destruction along with a devastated Arnold Schwarrzenegger, who it seems has still not found a weapon capable of destroying his arch enemy the wind. George Bush appeared, offering condolences, and assuring assistance from authority. Makeshift refugee camps inside school halls were pictured and then we met a victim, Marian Spiney, pronounced as spinney. One close to you perchance ? Perhaps you were just there, having nipped out to take the dog for a shite ? We closed with images and reports from San Diego.

Rubbish followed. We heard that talk of a bins tax will remain talk, our Government have quietly dropped the proposed reforms. Cleansing operatives were shown at work, rudely interupting slumbering students. We saw the social unrest in Scarborough from last year when a fortnightly refuse collection was introduced, piles of rubbish sat on street corners, uncollected. Anyway, "Gordon Brown may dump the whole idea" as it is "politically smart to think through consequences". .

More smartness and smugness - It was time for Nick Robinson's nighty political round up. The issue tonight is the same as last night -the election vote scandal from Scotland; Douglas Alexander, Gordon Brown and a "monumental mess".

The body of the lady, who had vanished after her daughter was found after falling from a roof in Majorca, has been found in a cave close by. Details were somewhat sketchy.

Return of the McCanns next, we saw them giving a television interview, emotional Kate etc., and then arrived on the Algarve to meet a reporter, see a deserted street and be told nothing.

Coming up - North meets South- new map.

The abortion laws are to remain the same after attempts were made to lower the current 24 week termination limit.

The ongoing tension in Turkey/Iraq continues. Images of military operations were aplenty, we got to go on a patrol with the Turkish troops, then we saw some Kurdish people, including infants. A mother told how her son had died, "fighting for Kurdish rights" and that she considered him a martyr.

Nato have asked for a better effort from member countries in respect of the current Afghanistan War.

The Diana Dodi Inquest continues - more of the same really, reporter Nicholas Witchell told of the underpass, paparazzi and maybe a motorbike. We saw a police line up of some photographers, first on the scene we were assured, only to then squabble like vultures over shooting rights rather than helping with casualties and victims. It seems that these individuals may in fact give evidence next week, we shall see.

A special report from Burma - Andrew Harding, special correspondent has sneaked in, we saw him fighting through a thigh high cornfield, avoiding the "bristling rival armies" to meet with some rebels who told of their passion before "heading off to a jungle battlefield". Some front line imagery was displayed, buring villages and similar. It seems that "the dead are buried on the run", and to confirm this we saw a hastily arranged burial with few mourners. Time for some orphan children and a 14 year old rape victim before, thankfully, we closed.

Football followed, reds doing badly and blues doing well it seems.

To finish the programming, the promised feature on an updated prosperity map of the UK with particular reference to the North South divide. Half the TV screen went to old black and white grainy images of Northerners in the fifties perhaps, all looking like Andy Capp and Flo; the remaing half showed champagne glasses bubbling. Some members of the public were asked for their opinions, all had differing ideas although none seemed to take it too seriously, including the BBC. Moral seemed to be that we are all the same now, or aiming to be and moving accordingly; quaffing champagne, and bolstering egos en route - to where though and why ? Perhaps features like this help mark the route. Courtesy of our fairy godmother via a trojan horse called television. Video clip follows.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7060000/newsid_7061100/7061113.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7061113&news=1#

cheers,

Paparazzi ?

The Antiques Roadshow

For the benefit of those unaware, the television programme the Antiques Roadshow could be deemed to be a British Institution. For thirty years it has provided successful feel-good television entertainment for the British public through the medium of financial valuation of antiquities in many forms and guises. The format is simple, a regional show is arranged and advertised, and on the day hundreds turn up to queue, most carrying bags and suchlike, all containing one or more historic artefacts which they purport have no idea of the value of.

Experts are then on hand to value said belongings, the cameras on hand to record events should a valuable rarity or unusual item appear. In reality, the majority of the featured items on the show are pre-selected, their owners having sumbitted details prior to the event, and having been chosen, simply turn up on the day for filming.

The show runs on a Sunday early evening, perhaps when one is most relaxed and as such open to suggestion. It is extremely popular. However, to your writer, there are more to matters than meet the eye and I intend to demonstrate this by means of listing each item detailed on the show along with any other relevant information supplied. I shall take up no more of your time at this stage, and simply allow your to digest and draw your own conclusions. Please note that I must also confess to having missed the first ten minutes of last Sundays show, due to circumstances beyond my control. However, this Sunday, I shall attempt to watch and report on the full contents.

First item was a cup and saucer, brought in by a young coloured lady who aquired it at a jumble sale for a few pounds. Our expert revealed it was a mass produced 1950's piece, a ceramic pattern called Homemaker, produced by Ridgeway pottery in England and retailed through that once great British Institution, Woolworths. It was in fact very popular at the time, an abundance of post war newly wed couples ensured a steady demand and as such, not very valuable, thirty pounds or so.

Followed by an axe, proudly sported by the chief Yeomen from the Tower of London no less. Michael Aspel, another British Institution and host and presenter of the show had left the valuation hall to meet with the Royal employee who discussed the axe's history, including beheadings, Queen Elizabeth 1st etc. No valuation was offered obviously, this was more an educational interest feature.

Then, "difficult subject matter", concerning lithographed prints of concentration camps, the artist a chap called Henry Pirek or thats how it sounded. The items had originally been donated to a charity shop and it was the daughter of the manageress who had brought them in. First thing our expert did was compare it to a previous item which had been brought to a previous show at some time in the past, concerning Hiroshima. Then, he waxed lyrical over "life in the camps", how bad it was in those "desperate times", "week after week, month after month", before telling the young girl (and us) that it was in fact "beyond our imagination". He then suggested that perhaps the Imperial War Museum would be a suitable place for the prints and offered no valuation, rather some more words of wisdom, "terrible things, must not forget it".

A dittery dorisy old lady brought in the next item, a lovely large piece of french furniture, a chest of drawers, with "solomonic columns" our expert suggested. When the lady spoke, our expert quickly spotted the hint of a foreign accent and delved further, it seemed the lady had "met an English sailor at war" and had returned with him to start a new life together after military operations halted. A "GI bride" our expert proclaimed as he valued the huge monstrosity at a pittance. Our dear lady confided that "I have'nt got space for it"

"Fate is a funny thing" another expert confided as he identified and valued a Moore Brothers table centerpiece. It was "made in the Land of Hope and Glory" he proclaimed as he turned it upside down to reveal the backstamp, a large "globe of the world", again not too an unusual item and valued accordingly.

An oil painting of the debating chamber of the House of Commons followed. It seemed that our painting revealed false ceilings, concealing galleries in which individuals could stand unseen, monitoring events below. Our expert told how these would have been used "by ladies", keen to "hear debate". Furthermore, he confided that only the feet of the MP's below, could be seen from above. Some background was provided, the building had in fact been destroyed by fire on 16th October 1834, apparently started by workmen burning "tally sticks". A large valuation was provided for this George Sharp masterpiece - we were assured it would secure a premium given it was "bound with English heritage".

It was time for a "stroll down memory lane" as we quickly cut through scenes of previous shows, and saw some highlights of the last thirty years, this being the 30th anniversary year of the programme. An abundance of older, blue rinse type ladies was evident, throughout this reminder of the show, beginning back in 1977.

Still in a happy vein, our next object de art was a wedding dress ,"mid 1930's, fluid shaped, art deco" our expert gushed. He suggested that perhaps the "Queen of Elton Palace" would be interested, in reference to the collecting streak of crooner and Di hag, Mr. John.

Books beckoned , we were invited to share in the splendour of two offerings, both from the Abbey of Westminster, the first was the official order of service for the Coronation of George 1Vth, the second, the 1953 Queen's Coronation's full music edition of service" signed by some Earls and indeed by Her Majesty herself. Our Royalty expert declared the second his favorite and told of a high valuation for both, given they were "unique and bound up with the Abbey". He then thanked the lady for bringing them in and "taking time off on a Sunday".

An old chest next, the interior top inlaid with a chessboard pattern, stuffed full of old medicines, some "fifty years old, going back to the war", the owner revealed as she was encouraged to tell more about her childhood, and her brother, the original owner who had now passed away. The expert then rummaged further and produced some soap, "a throwback to the war" he reckoned as he searched for some "secret drawers", containing "chessmen, draughtsmen" and candles, for light one assumes

An antique pressure cooker, salvaged from a skip, appeared up next. It was a large object, our expert spoke of "rocket science" and the resemblance to "an enormous hand grenade". Furthermore, its lid was "like a tank hatch". A quick reminder of the foods that would have been cooked in here, "way back in the thirties" was supplied, "meat, veg and sponge pudding" it seems were order of the day.

A pair of Spanish pistols were produced, our expert easily identified them as 1839, drawing reference to the King of Spain and the Carlist Wars before drooling over the "lion hammers" which adorned the weapon and assuring they were "made by a craftsman". The young owner provided further information, a present from the Mayor of Madrid to a long lost relative.

Coming up - A visit to the Guildhall, to see a very special item.

First though, a small stained glass object de art, showing St George. The present owner was not too sure of its origins, our expert suggested that it may have originally come from a church. He suggested the possibility that the church was perhaps located in Coventry, where the owner came from, and that it was maybe bombed by the Luftwaffe during the Blitz, the piece then scavenged. Our owner said nothing and it was valued at a few hundred pounds.

We went over to the Guildhall as promised to see a "very special desk", dating from 1780 and once belonging to the Duke of Wellington, in 1827 or so. We saw an old painting on the wall which contained the very desk being featured to somehow , our expert told how this was a difficult one, "how do you value provenance" especially when this portrayed times when "Britain was the world leader". £100,000 plus he estimated.

Next, another item which may cause one to "recoil on the subject matter", another old paintng, this one showing a dog and a monkey fighting. The lady owner told how she purchased it because of her "interest in astrology", she was born in the year of the monkey and mistakenly thought her brother was the year of the dog. Our expert told it was non PC and should perhaps be "kept hidden". He found it "interesting" though, it "shed a glimmer of light" on old London.

Last up two ladies, bequethed a couple of boxes by an old Aunt, brought them in on the off chance. Some vases first, "classic Royal Worcester", early 20th century. Then a Wedgwood pearl desktop item, in the form of a Viking longboat containing a Pharoes head inkwell. Classic roadshow, classic Auntie Beeb.

cheers

BBC TV News Review - Tuesday 23rd October

We started with Scotland on the BBC News at 10 last night as it seems that "millions of voters were treated as an afterthought" in the recent May elections. Our host, newscaster Huw Edwards, told how a report has been produced which indicates that new changes in voting practices which were brought in were in fact not managed properly and as such, there was an abundance of spoiled or useless votes cast. We saw images of crumpled ballot papers and a short clip of report writer Ron Gould. Nick Robinson, the BBC political editor, told of the resulting rows over this - Alex Salmond the Scottish National Party leader and George Osbourne from the Conservatives, both voiced their disapproval - to close Nick gave us his opinions.

Cash for honours followed, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, JohnYates, ("Yates of the Yard"), has been questioned by MP's acting on behalf of the Commons public administration commitee in an attempt to shed further light on matters. We saw Mr Yates sitting in front of a throng of MP's, each taking turns to fire questions at him. Mr Yates was not too forthcoming with further information and very little was revealed other than perhaps that the police dont feel that they need to answer to anyone and, furthermore, that our political system and indeed senior politicians are in fact odiously corrupt. Images of Tony Blair were shown - in black and white - to somehow suggest the historical aspect of this corruption.

Yesterday I reported on the deaths of two Briton's in Portugal who had jumped into the sea to save children, we received more information on this and saw the beach where the incident occured, along with a local surfer, who told how the children had already been "saved" once however had then returned to the same particularly treacherous spot, where a large rock jutted out of the ocean. We then panned down to Southern England to see some floral tributes being layed for one of the victims, Bob Fry.

Education - Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families , has disclosed radical reforms in the education system, a move away from A and O levels to that of a diploma, perhaps more career focused, an educational system structured round diplomas - tipped to be the new "jewel in the crown" we were assured. Koh-i-Noor Diamond Diploma perchance ?

Time for the awaited fire though - we checked in with California for an update on their "wildfires" to hear that President Bush intends to visit given the seriousness of the situation. We heard of a half million household evacuation and saw images of burning woodland and property. One American reporter commentated as his own house burnt, that was the living room, that was the kitchen etc., etc. Reassuringly though, Arnold Schwarzenegger has told citizens of both state and federal help. To close we saw a destroyed castle building in Malibu and Richard Gere.

Coming up - a Cuban ballet dancer story.

First though we heard of a man, Ronald something, who had just been found guilty of stabbing a girl to death in 1975. It seesm DNA evidence was eventually used to catch him, although, in the interim, another man was found guilty and served 16 years in prison; eventually being pardoned and then dying the year after. Old black and white images were again used to illustrate the time differential between the crime and the eventual correct conviction. With an injustice inbetween: food for thought ?

Population rise, same story as last night, this time with the addition of economics editor Evan Davies. Evan told more of migrants , migrants children and potentially imminent infrastructure meltdown. It seems though that Britain and/or Europe may consider a "blue card" system which will allow suitably qualified and educated individuals to work over here - but not any old riff raff.

To close, as anticipated, the cuban ballet dancer, Carlos Acosta. A " Princely" man who has risen from the bottom to the top and who would no doubt secure a blue card. Diana would have loved him. A link is provided to the report.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7050000/newsid_7059200/7059265.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7059265&news=1#

And that was it.

cheers

Playing the Blue Card ?

BBC TV News Review - Monday 22nd October

Huw Edwards was host for last nights BBC News at 10 where we began with badgers, the story being that our government's chief scientist, Sir David King, has advised ministers the animals should be culled in order to prevent the spread of TB to cattle - a "call to cull" was the slogan utilised on the screen backdrop.

We heard details of Sir King's report and viewed many images of both badgers and cows, including a lovely farmyard shot of a free range chicken walking in front of some penned livestock. It seems though that another contradictory report was recently produced which claims a cull would be pointless, furthermore it appears that some would find "mass killing of these creatures" unacceptable. There was not much else said, we shall see - if time allows I shall write more about this - there was actually a cull carried out in the fifties I think, for the same reason. It was in fact ineffective, badgers simply travelled further and as such, the disease still spread.

We moved on to sex offenders and violent crime; in particular, criminals who commit an offence whilst out on parole, or licence, from Her Majesty's Pleasure. The image of a female crime victim was displayed as we heard of "murder, manslaughter and rape" and that our prison system is not working. Some graphs had been formulated to show the increase in repeat offending, our attention was drawn to these although a spokesman for the parole board claimed they were down to "more straight reporting". To close, we met Verna Bryant, who's son had been murdered.

Next up was Europe, and the ongoing Treaty/Constitution saga. Political editor Nick Robinson has ventured to the new St Pancreas railway station for this report, talk was of David Cameron, a mandate and "letting the people decide". We saw Cameron at work in the commons, debating; it seems that January 2009 is some sort of deadline. Anyway, Nick explained that the new treaty will "speed up business" and to close that "the European train has moved on", down a cull-de-sac perhaps ?

Three Britons have died in the Algarve after jumping into the sea in an attempt to rescue some children. We were told that "the waves washed the children ashore" though, and they are safe.

Tension in Turkey, the PKK have announced a cease fire and that the Turks will "exhaust all diplomatic solutions before sending in the jets". Images of troops were shown along with an arial map of the neighbouring countries.

Coming up - Wildfires in California and Arnold Schwarzenegger

First though- new figures are set to be released which predict future increases in the UK population. Economics editor, Evan Davies, explained this further, advising of migrants and "a lot of extra people", the main problem being a lack of housing and social facilities. Mention was made of the 1970's when this issue was again raised, although it seems that back then it was because people had had too many children in the swinging sixties. We saw a demonstration from back then, our attention drawn to one of the protestors, national icon Michael Parkinson.

A British girl has fallen from her hotel balcony in Majorca. It appears her mother has vanished. Few details were supplied.

As promised, the fires in California and Arnold. Many helicopter view images were displayed of the blazing countryside as we heard more of "hurricane winds", Mr Schwarzenegger told how these were in fact "our No 1 enemy"; reminiscent of Predator perhaps -an almost invisible enemy? You can see the video clip here

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7050000/newsid_7057500/7057540.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7057540&news=1#

To follow was China and the Commuist government. We saw their officials all marching into a news conference in Bejing and were directed to one in particular, Xi Jinping, who we were told is the "heir apparent, the Prince of Wales" of the intended leadership change in 2012. Our reporter thern interviewed some Chinese youths, none seemed to know who he was, I was not sure of the point.

To close, the England rugby team. We hear apparently that Princes William and Harry spent the evening drinking with them,after the South Africa defeat, images were shown of the festivities, and we heard that Wills and Jonny Wilkinson, the team captain, led the party. To close; sweet chariots.

cheers, antiques roadshow review on way shortly.

Clairvoyance ?

Armilustrium - Martial War

On 19th October Prince William visited Faslane Military Base, home of the UK's Trident nuclear defence missile - the UK's only active nuclear weapon system.

Per wikipedia, 19th October is a Roman festival, in honour of the planet of war, Mars. It is named Armilustrium, a day when the weapons of the soldiers were "ritually purified and stored for winter".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armilustrium

Here is a video only BBC news report about the visit, it is sound only though.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7050000/newsid_7054600/7054687.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7054687&news=1#

Now, additionally, interestingly, and to my mind disturbingly, the Queen was visiting the new £300 million Diamond Light Source synchrotron science research facility at Didcot in South Oxfordshire, also on Armilustrium.

A short news video about the basics

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_6330000/newsid_6333700/6333749.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&news=1#

HM's visit, where she saw the work being carried out on viruses.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7054019.stm

The attributes of the new unit seem very impressive, the technology appears to offer the ability of atomical alchemy - breaking matter down into its component atoms.

It all seems quite worrying really.

cheers

BBC TV News Review - Thursday 18th October

An assassination attempt on former Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, was our lead story on the BBC News at 10 last night. Fiona Bruce, anchorlady for the evening, told us to beware of imminent "disturbing scenes" and we cut to Kabul to see images of an explosion, courtesy of Pakistan Television. 89 dead it appeared at that stage, we heard of the possibility of involvement by "taliban linked militants" and saw further images of large crowds greeting the returning Miss Bhutto, along with an exclusive interview with the lady, just prior to the attack. To close we saw the aftermath of the explosion including a damaged vehicle.

Another "damning report" hsd been composed, this one relates to rival television network, ITN, and found further cases of the viewing public being conned via bogus competition winners, rigged polls etc. We saw some clips of the offending programmes - Ant and Dec seemed to be heavily involved. The chairman of ITN, Michael Grade, told how there would be no sackings over this, however vowed that there would be no repetition. We saw a reminder of the furore over the Blue Peter cat name scandal before we closed with images of Ant and Dec, stating their disappointment and offering reassurances for future phone-in's.

Health followed, it seems that a quarter of hospitals are "failing to control infection" in respect of "superbugs" and similar filth loving virus' - we heard of the Royal Cornwall, the "worst in the country" and saw images of wards. Consideration was offered as to "should the 21st century NHS ever have got this bad", no real answer was given, instead we cut to the relative of a recent victim, Sandra Comfrey, who told of her mothers plight whilst in the care of the NHS, talk was of unwashed excrement. To remind us what it used to be like back in the good old days, we saw old black and white television pictures of a busy ward and heard of matron and her "rod of iron".

http://newspaceman.blogspot.com/2007/10/bbc-tv-news-review-1st-october-2007.html - re rod of iron

The Dodi Diana inquest continues, today we were told that Dodi had visited a jewellers to purchase a ring on the day of the accident and that some believe that this was an engagement ring. CCTV images of the shop visit were displayed, it seems Dodi spent eight minutes "browsing" in the shop, before plumping for an £11,000 option from the "just say yes" range of golden hoops. However, seemingly to contradict this, we heard that Diana has in fact confided to a close friend that "she needed a marriage like a rash on the head". I always though it was hole in the head ?

We turned back to the aforementioned assassination attempt to hear of more alleged "breaking news" - there was not actually any. The death toll was again stated, we saw the explosion again, and this time heard that Miss Bhutto would be in need of better security, given both this incident, and "threats" which have been made towards her by the Taliban and Bin Laden.

We edged on to Europe as an update was provided to the current talks over a Treaty or similar. It seems that leaders are "locked" in discussion - again the information provided into what they are actually discussing seems surprisingly scant. However we are constantly re-assured by means of the mysterious red lines, they seem to be our salvation. Anyway, in subliminal reference to the 2nd World War perhaps, we were advised, that "the Italians and Poles are digging in, - not to their supper - but to entrenched positions".

The BBC themselves and their restructuring - again we heard of more repeats, less funding and "having to shrink - become more efficient". We heard from new BBC executive Mark Thompson, who told of "spreading the butter too thin", and of a reduction in news coverage.

A 16 year old has been found shot dead in England, we heard how previously he had talked of becoming a priest and saw black and white images of other children recently murdered in gangland killings. Again we heard of consideration as to the reasons for this violence and a "raft of initiatives" which have been introduced in order to attempt to combat the growing menace. No mention was made of the collective spiritual malaise which pervades our society and indeed world.

The French PM, Nicolas Sarkozy, has split from his wife. We saw many images, including one of a friendly George Bush.

To close, the death of actress Deborah Kerr, we heard of her achievements, in particular her role as governess in The King and I, and also with Burt Lancaster in From here to Eternity. A short clip from the latter black and white movie was displayed, and we were told it was considered somwhat risque at the time. However, she was a lady of "grace and candour".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7050000/newsid_7051300/7051370.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7051370&news=1#

cheers

Royal Cornwall - "worst in the country"

Esoterically ?

BBC TV News Review - Wednesday 17th October

Obesity was again the first topic covered on the BBC News at 10 lat night. Top newscaster, Fiona Bruce, told us again of how this problem is forecast to balloon in the coming years, now it seems that in fact 60% of men will be clinically obese by the year 2050, along with 50% of women and 25% of children. We rolled along, hearing that the problem could be blamed 0n the fact that food is now "cheaper and richer in calories", plus it seems that people are eating more and doing less physical exercise. To confirm this, we saw a girl Jo and her personal trainer, working out a sensible diet and training plan before many images of the bottom halves of overweight individuals were displayed - "take a good look" we were advised. It seems though that "supersized" nation America is in fact way ahead of us in this department - we saw "Fatburgers", a fast food drive in, before turning to a class of schoolchildren who were frighteningly asked "how many of you drink fruit juice voluntarily?". None seemed to be the answer, although no details were supplied as to how compulsory intake was enforced or encouraged, if indeed it was, although that seemed to be the implication.

America featured stronlgy in the next report which regarded house prices in the UK. The International Monetary Fund, IMF, have warned that our homes could possibly be "overvalued" given the massive increase in prices that we have seen over the last decade. Economic reporter Evan Davies ran through a stack of statistics and told that by his calculations, prices may be as much as 26% too high. We went to the States to see their property crash, rows of Married with Children style ranch houses, many displaying For Sale signs. It seems that these are times of "considerable uncertainty", and to close we heard of similar potential problems in Germany and Ireland" as a large red house was displayed on the screen. It looked remarkably similar to a hotel gamepiece from the Monopoly board game.

Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg will both run as candidates to replace ex sprinter, Menzies Cambell, as leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Potential military conflict is brewing on the Turkey Iraq border due to "Kurdish separatists" who are using Northern Iraq as a base for their ongoing conflict with the Turks. It seems that the Turkish military are gathering in preperation,to reinforce this, we saw images of tanks and similer vehicles and heard that "Turkey has the second largest army in the World". George Bush told of "a better way of dealing with the situation", however no further information was given as to his thoughts on the matter. To close, we saw some rebels.

Coming up - a damning indicment of our education system

First though we travelled to Switzerland with reporter Gavin Hewitt, to hear of a remarkable racist sheep story. It seems that the far right Swiss People's Party have produced an election poster which shows three white sheep kicking a black one out of the country. We heard more of this, the SPP have advised that the sheep is meant to represent "a misfit or troublemaker", one party representative told how "criminals are not really a race". However a black man was interviewed, none too happy, so much so that he is utilising the offending picture as a mobile phone screensaver. Somehow we moved on Hell, a place for rapists and ner-do-wells; then Heaven, an all white industrious civilisation where the leader of the SPP stood in the Alps; -"up high" we were assured. To close we heard of Islamisation, "another political order" and "fear of the Swiss indentity being polluted". I have enclosed a link to the video (see the cows, foot and mouth) - what does this actually say ?. Furthermore, the story was originally published by the BBC in early September, only making the national news yesterday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7050000/newsid_7050000/7050032.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7050032&news=1#

The BBC diet is underway, 2 billion slashed from budget - massive restructuring programme is in order. Breaking up and rebuilding.

The Metropolitan police are under fire, accused of tampering with the reconstruction of the 50/50 photograph of mistakenly identified suicide bomber, Brazilian, Jean Charles de Menezes. Regular readers will remember that it was a reconstruction of a half of two separate faces, merged together to create one; it has now transpired that some tampering, stretching to be precise, occurred in the manufacturing process. The link is here to the original posting; photographic alteration seems hot just now.

http://newspaceman.blogspot.com/2007/10/bbc-tv-news-review-tuesday-2nd-october.html

As promised, the report on "Education, education, education". Standards seem to be slipping, statistical evidence verifies this - we ran through figures - some schools are better than others, that seemed to be the conclusion. A red line for teachers ?

A man who tortured and murdered his 2 year old stepdaughter has been jailed for 12 years, the girls mother received six. Images of the adorable toddler were shown.

Europe followed, we heard who Gordon Brown has refused to have a referendum over the European Treaty - he cites a mysterious and seemingly intangible red line as being our protection.

To close, football, not good results for either England, denyed by the red line of Russia; or Scotland. We probably heard about the forthcoming rugby in Paris, I just switched off.

cheers

Red Line TV, On its way ?

BBC TV News Review - Tuesday 17th October 2007

The BBC news at 10 began with the ongoing Northern Rock saga as "top executives" of the failing bank were asked to explain their conduct in respect of the recent crisis to the governmental Treasury Select Comittee. We saw images of this grilling and heard of today's revelations - that a Lloyds Bank takeover had "floundered" at the very begining. It seems some have levied criticism towards the BBC themselves for revealing details of the Northern's "cap in hand" approach to the Bank of England and thus creating the panic driven run on the bank.. Business editor Robert Peston denied it was wrong to "run the scoop" or that the subject was "sensationalised" and claimed it was "up to viewers and listeners" to make up their own minds.

Menzies Campbell's resignation followed, it appears that age and role played a significant part in his decision to leave; it seems that articles written on what type of socks he wore both "irritated and frustrated" him, we heard of 7 days and 7 consecutive reports and were shown cartoons mocking Ming, showing him on a zimmer frame for example. BBC reporter Nick Robinson attemped to delve further into the behind the scenes activities which may have helped Ming make his decision, however he was unsuccessful in this, and very little was revealed. We closed by hearing of a possible book.

The death of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes next,; court proceedings continue, it seems that a specialist police officer broke down yesterday whilst giving evidence behind a screen. Images of the body of Mr Menezes, dead on a tube carriage floor were displayed as we heard that traces of cocaine were found in his urine, but not his bloodstream. Further CCTV footage showed other tube passengers in blind mass panic.

Migrant workers, again we were advised that 1 in 8 workers is in fact a migrant.

Health, the Royal Blackburn hospital has closed its neonatal unit due to an outbreak of MRSA. It appears that this is not a common strain of the flesh eating virus and that 7 or 8 babies had positive traces on their skin, one in their blood.

The murderer of a vicar was yesterday detained indefinately after pleading guilty - due to diminshed responsibility. We heard how Mr Geraint Evans stabbed Father Paul Bennet on his doorstep, then sat on a gravestone to await the police. It seems that Mr Evans considered himself to be Jesus, God and the Antichrist all rolled into one and this, together with a quantity of alcohol, cannabis and butane gas, had led him to carry out his actions. It seems that he used the name Jack Blades whilst corresponding on the internet, although very little was revealed on this matter.

Coming up - Booker Prize

First though, our loyal hero soldiers return from Afghanistan to their base in Pirbright. We saw 108 members of the Royal Anglian Regiment returning to meet their loved ones who have been "waiting and worrying for six months" We saw a soldier interviewed, he appeared slightly shellshocked and found it difficult to communicate his feelings to the camera. Black and white photographs of the "ones who didnt make it" were shown to viewers as their names were read out, like a roll call.

More restructuring, this time the obese (OBC) BBC themselves are to be thinned, 150 "top managers" were yesterday given a preview of the proposals which should save 2 billion pounds. 500 jobs will go in the BBC news, however viewers will now be subjected to more repeats and less factual and childrens programmes.

2 planes were involved in a minor collision at Heathrow airport.

Countdown to the rugby final - 4 days to go - we heard about England opponents, South Africa, in particular Bryan Habana, a man with "superhuman speed". To verify this, we saw Mr Habana racing a cheetah. Not an athlete on amphetamine, an animal. Coincidentally, it may be worth reminding readers here that the aformementioned Menzies Campbell was once known as "the fastest white man on earth", back in the 1960's.

Last up and to close, the Booker Prize. We saw the winner announced live - Anne Enright for her book, the Gathering.

cheers.













Who's gathering ?

BBC TV News Review - Monday 15th October

Our lead story on the BBC News at 10 was the shock resignation of Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat leader, citing continous questions over his leadership abilties as the reason. Fiona Bruce, anchorlady for the evening, told how this was "sudden and unexpected", and we heard from political reporter, Nick Robinson, who appeared almost gleeful about events as he told his version. It seems that the main difficulty that Mr Campbell faced was that of his age - 66. Out with the old and in with the young - it makes you wonder.

Next up was health, although with a political slant. Last week, you will remember the deaths of 90 hospital patients with the virus, Clostridium difficle, yesterday we saw questions asked in the Commons over this matter, in particular that management were focused on finanical targets rather than care. The story of an old lady was told, aged 90, survived the Blitz, then died from this disease. Black and white photgraphs were again used to show the contrast between the olden days, say pre 1970, and now. Also, the latin name for the virus has been nicely abbreviated, and as such it should fit nicely with all the other collected worries lined up on the shelf - C-Diff.

Mark Campbell, aged 38, was jailed fror life after a string of sex attacks on young girls. We saw his image and heard of DNA evidence.

Next up was a long feature on China, a country which wishes to be "an economic superpower, rivalling America and Europe". This statement implies that Europe is already one big happy power, an entity of it's own. And so what happens when America crumbles, a monopoly ? Anyhow, we continued by hearing that China is "hungry for materials" and "does'nt have enough resources". Many people were shown in a busy square, walking and cycling; then, perhaps to show our future, a huge TV monitor was shown - it was very like the film Total Recall.. We saw a similar feature to this a couple of months back, in reference to global warming and the 2008 Olympics.

And global warming was the next topic, as we headed for the Artic North West Passage to see how reporter David Shukman is progressing in his travels. Before we left, to refresh our memories, Fiona showed a map of the route - then we cut to David, again on a boat in the middle of the sea; today it was beginning to snow, winter coming in, was the only fresh news.

CWU/ posties strike

Next up was Europe, we are told that our ministers are defending our rights as UK citizens rather than Europeans, talk was of "red lines" and a "charter of fundamental rights".

The internet paedophile, who's face was unscrambled by Interpol and placed on their most wanted list, has seemingly been spotted arriving at Bangkok airport. A new image was shown and we were told he was a Korean based English language teacher.

To close, firstly apologies, did not manage too many notes last night, secondly, more about England, Rugby, and Paris.

cheers

One World - One Red Line ?

The Antiques Roadshow

Next Sunday, rather than focus on the news, I shall report on the Antiques Roadshow, a British Institution, certainly in the eyes of the long term television watcher.

Be prepared for many references to military operations, monarchy, masonary - and similar - plus some very very subtle, almost subliminal, black humour.

cheers

BBC TV News Review - Sunday 14th October

We opened with obesity on the early evening BBC News last night, it seems that doctors have warned of a "potential crisis on the scale of climate change", in fact an "epidemic" looms; given the startling new figures which claim that by 2050, a half of all men and women in the UK, will be clinically obese. Images were shown of the bottom half of some incredibly fat people and we heard of the economic cost that results. An aerobics class was displayed, to show us how it should be done - but it seems that the main problem is "too much fast food". A gentleman from the National Obestiy Forum told us more before we closed with talk of a potential solution -"monitor schools". More Pied Piper, surely ?

Politics waddled behind, it seems that Lord Falconer has criticised Prime Minister Gordon Brown, telling how his reputation has been fractured in light of the recent potential election storm, however Goverment Ministers have rallied behind him. It seems this will be a difficult week for Labour, with "the tricky issue of Europe" to deal with.

A British Tourist is amongst 8 who perished in a cave accident in Thailand.

Iraq, suicide bomber driving a tanker kills 18, imjures 27

A long feature next on Barack Obama, an American political candidate with "rock star status", tipped as the "new JFK". Images of BO frolicking in swimming costume with young ladies were displayed, however we moved on to Hilary Clinton before hearing how Barak is a hit in the "well heeled suberbs", but not in South Carolina, where "the poorest voters in the country" reside. We travelled there to see a poor man cycling and a single parent or two. It reminded me of the road from the Wizard of Oz and we too were reminded - about the Civil Rights movement, - black and white images of demonstrators were shown. There was mention of "a moses generation - a previous generation" before hearing that "blacks want one thing, whites want another". To close, we were told of an entire BBC programme covering this story - to be broadcast this week. Lewis Hamilton anyone ?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7040000/newsid_7044200/7044288.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7044288&news=1#

A company of soldiers from the terratorial army have returned to the UK after a six month stint in Afghanistan

A Sunday story next, that of a "medieval jigsaw puzzle", an ancient church which has been rebuit and restored after falling into disrepair. For the first time in hundreds of years the "little Welsh church" was finally utilised yesterday, we saw the congregation "packed into it, just as they would have done in the middle ages". In its life there have been "many changes, from catholicism through to reformation"; another coming perchance ?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7040000/newsid_7041600/7041624.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&nol_storyid=7041624&news=1#

sport to close, again much talk of England, the rugby, and Paris.

cheers

Obesity - Black and White ?

BBC TV News Review - Saturday 13th October

I am not an expert on astrology, far from it, but I am aware that when Mercury, the planet of communication, travels backwards or retrograde, we can expect communication problems, here on planet Earth. So, it is naturally Mercury I blame for my recent rash of computer problems; first on Friday the PC went down, eventually I sourced the problem to the telephone extension line, and attempted to rectify matters by borrowing a laptop and simply connecting that to the main telephone line input box. It worked fine at first, I managed to redo Fridays blog which was trapped in no mans land and on Saturday morning all seemed well. I started my blog and then the laptop crashed - Serious Windows Error - it said, and now it wont work at all really. Who knows, but I am both back up and running and in a spot of bother.

I wont write too much about the news, we commenced with rugby, England having beaten France and reached the World Cup Final to be held next week, again in Paris. Images of jubilent supporters were evident throughout this feel good, proud to be English, feature.

Royal Mail, we heard more about the agreement to avert more strike action, a top Union official apparently talked of slavery. Whilst I appreciate his sentiments, are we not all simply slaves ?

Retired US forces Commander, Ricardo Sanchez, has spoken out about the current military situation in Iraq, criticising Bush and ridiculing the troop surge. He is of the opinion there is no end in sight. I have provided a link to the video of this report for anyone interested. Lovely flag symbology about half way through, the Scottish lion set on a geometric arrow.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7040000/newsid_7043200/7043255.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&asb=1&news=1#

Staying with our American cousins, Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, has been meeting with Russia, to discuss missile defence strategies. We heard that she travelling to the Middle East next, to join a conference on a Palestinian state.

A quick feature on politics followed, again is seems that the Conservatives feel their proposed policies are being pinched by the Labour party - in this instance, tax incentives for married couples. Images of a couple having their very special day were shown, quaffing champagne through clouds of confetti, outside a church.

To close, it seems that some parents are ignoring their childrens cannabis consumption, and are in fact, in some instances, actually obtaining it for them. Simon Byrne, the Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside has spoken out against these practices, accusing parents of being "niave and complacent". He suggested that some forms of the drug are actually five times stronger than 20 years ago and we saw a lady interviewed, who blamed the weed for the mental condition of her "lost son".

More sport to close

I know I have maybe harped on slightly this last week about a possible imminent change in our monarchy, in terms of chief figurehead anyway. It struck me that, naturally, and then therefore astrologically ,and perhaps psychologically, now is the time for seeds to be set, lying dormant under a blanket of leaf debris, awaiting the light of the Sun, and the prod of God; next Spring. Also and additionally, could the recent will-they-wont-they-over a political election have maybe set an other small seed in our minds - again a seed of change - an unconscious desire for change. Was that the intention ?

cheers

Acorns to Oaks