This Christmas i was given a copy of John Simpson's latest book, Not Quite World's End: A Traveller's Tales . Although i am only at the begining of the book, it has already made quite an impression on me and as i sit at work at twenty to two in the morning surfing the various news sources i have at my disposal Simpsons words grow in virtue.
In the opening chapter of his book Simpson states he thinks the greatest threat to the world are Super Bugs. Having read todays newspapers, and listened to countless programs about the dangers of fanaticalism I would have previously supposed , like most people, Terrorism or Climate Change is the biggest enemy to our world. We are obsessed with developments in Iraq and Afghanistan and the amount of rain which falls each year, however bugs are widely ignored.Simpson's words however, smacked me in the face this morning.
He argues plagues have always decimated societies throughout history and our society will fall fowl of one sooner or later. He reasons the amount we travel and the size and concentration of the worlds population means there are more people open to infection and we can spread the disease further. All it will take, he reasons, is for a virus like the common flu to pick up a nasty sidekick for us all to be in trouble.
As i was considering this point when this APF wire dropped.
URGENT Bird flu kills four-year-old boy in VietnamHANOI, Dec 27, 2007 (AFP) - A four-year-old boy in Vietnam has died of bird flu, becoming the country's fifth reported victim of the H5N1 strain of the virus this year, a health ministry official said Thursday.
I know it's not an epidemic and this particular strand of bird flu may not bring with it thousands of casualties, but I think the fact we are now educated in the dangers of bird flu and people are dying from it means Simpson may well be onto something.
Sunday 30 December 2007
During Fabio Capello's first press conference after being announced as the next England manager he was asked - the Premier League is a fast paced league in which strength and workrate and are most important, how does he aim to convert the way the English approach to football into the more savy International style?
Capello answered this question by saying - good question, i don't know. My question is, does he need to change the pace England play?
Although it pains me to say it- the Premiership is the best league in the world, at the moment. Many top international players currently ply their trade in England and the Premiership was the most represented league at the 2006 World Cup. I suggest the English hustle and bustle approach to football may have seeped into these imports alot quicker than any previous attempts to tame Wayne Rooney.
I argue ENgland should play to there strengths and not worry about what pace they play at and Capello should worry more about having a variation on there 4-4-2 tactic such as a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 rather than worrying about how he could slow down players who clearly operate best at a high tempo. Russia's manager, Guus Hiddink, said it best after the draw of the 2008 qualifying groups "we fear Macedonia more than England because we don't know how they play".
I draw my arguement to a close by pointing out Greece and Italy as two examples of teams who have won recent international competitions without any Premier League players. Except the majestic Nikos Dabizas. Perhaps there lack of English footballing experience meant there players had not been put through the great leveller that is the Premiership.
Just a thought.
Capello answered this question by saying - good question, i don't know. My question is, does he need to change the pace England play?
Although it pains me to say it- the Premiership is the best league in the world, at the moment. Many top international players currently ply their trade in England and the Premiership was the most represented league at the 2006 World Cup. I suggest the English hustle and bustle approach to football may have seeped into these imports alot quicker than any previous attempts to tame Wayne Rooney.
I argue ENgland should play to there strengths and not worry about what pace they play at and Capello should worry more about having a variation on there 4-4-2 tactic such as a 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 rather than worrying about how he could slow down players who clearly operate best at a high tempo. Russia's manager, Guus Hiddink, said it best after the draw of the 2008 qualifying groups "we fear Macedonia more than England because we don't know how they play".
I draw my arguement to a close by pointing out Greece and Italy as two examples of teams who have won recent international competitions without any Premier League players. Except the majestic Nikos Dabizas. Perhaps there lack of English footballing experience meant there players had not been put through the great leveller that is the Premiership.
Just a thought.
Wednesday 26 December 2007
Happy Fun Fluffy Blog
This Christmas i was given a copy of John Simpson's latest book, Not Quite World's End: A Traveller's Tales . Although i am only at the begining of the book, it has already made quite an impression on me and as i sit at work at twenty to two in the morning surfing the various news sources i have at my disposal Simpsons words grow in virtue.
In the opening chapter of his book Simpson states he thinks the greatest threat to the world are Super Bugs. Having read todays newspapers, and listened to countless programs about the dangers of fanaticalism I would have previously supposed , like most people, Terrorism or Climate Change is the biggest enemy to our world. We are obsessed with developments in Iraq and Afghanistan and the amount of rain which falls each year, however bugs are widely ignored.
Simpson's words however, smacked me in the face this morning. He argues plagues have always decimated societies throughout history and our society will fall fowl of one sooner or later. He reasons the amount we travel and the size and concentration of the worlds population means there are more people open to infection and we can spread the disease further. All it will take, he reasons, is for a virus like the common flu to pick up a nasty sidekick for us all to be in trouble.
As i was considering this point when this APF wire dropped.
URGENT Bird flu kills four-year-old boy in Vietnam
HANOI, Dec 27, 2007 (AFP) - A four-year-old boy in Vietnam has died of bird flu, becoming the country's fifth reported victim of the H5N1 strain of the virus this year, a health ministry official said Thursday.
I know it's not an epidemic and this particular strand of bird flu may not bring with it thousands of casualties, but I think the fact we are now educated in the dangers of bird flu and people are dying from it means Simpson may well be onto something.
In the opening chapter of his book Simpson states he thinks the greatest threat to the world are Super Bugs. Having read todays newspapers, and listened to countless programs about the dangers of fanaticalism I would have previously supposed , like most people, Terrorism or Climate Change is the biggest enemy to our world. We are obsessed with developments in Iraq and Afghanistan and the amount of rain which falls each year, however bugs are widely ignored.
Simpson's words however, smacked me in the face this morning. He argues plagues have always decimated societies throughout history and our society will fall fowl of one sooner or later. He reasons the amount we travel and the size and concentration of the worlds population means there are more people open to infection and we can spread the disease further. All it will take, he reasons, is for a virus like the common flu to pick up a nasty sidekick for us all to be in trouble.
As i was considering this point when this APF wire dropped.
URGENT Bird flu kills four-year-old boy in Vietnam
HANOI, Dec 27, 2007 (AFP) - A four-year-old boy in Vietnam has died of bird flu, becoming the country's fifth reported victim of the H5N1 strain of the virus this year, a health ministry official said Thursday.
I know it's not an epidemic and this particular strand of bird flu may not bring with it thousands of casualties, but I think the fact we are now educated in the dangers of bird flu and people are dying from it means Simpson may well be onto something.
Thursday 20 December 2007
Too Vulgar?
The headline on Todays Sun 'Three Man U Stars Roasted Girl No 2' did make me laugh. However, one has to question whether if the term 'Roasted' should appear on the front page of a national newspaper.
I'd be lying if i denied i didn't admire the guts the editors at The Sun showed in choosing such a colourful headline, but is it too much?
I can see why they did it, it's graphic, eye catching, informal, and shocking all things The Sun is reknowned for and has intrigued me enough to write about it. However my thoughts are about the kids who catch a glimpse of the headline and wonder, what is a roasting?
Is the term is too vulgar? Any thoughts?
I'd be lying if i denied i didn't admire the guts the editors at The Sun showed in choosing such a colourful headline, but is it too much?
I can see why they did it, it's graphic, eye catching, informal, and shocking all things The Sun is reknowned for and has intrigued me enough to write about it. However my thoughts are about the kids who catch a glimpse of the headline and wonder, what is a roasting?
Is the term is too vulgar? Any thoughts?
Thursday 13 December 2007
I'm the Unenthusiastic looking one
It has been brought to my attention i have not filed my Snt Trinians film review. I apologise for this i went to the premiere and did the whole interviewing and piece to camera stuff but as i was suffering from a bad cold i did not watch the film itself. Sorry, i will have to up my game.
Meanwhile here is a funny little thing i found on the net the other day. http://uk.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+who+premiere
For those of you who know me take a look. If you have stubbled across this blog by chance i'm the very bored looking cameraman wearing a fetching purple hat. I wasn't bored as it so happens, it was a good evening, however at the time i was deep in thought (a rare occurance, so i'm glad somebody caught it on film).
Meanwhile here is a funny little thing i found on the net the other day. http://uk.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+who+premiere
For those of you who know me take a look. If you have stubbled across this blog by chance i'm the very bored looking cameraman wearing a fetching purple hat. I wasn't bored as it so happens, it was a good evening, however at the time i was deep in thought (a rare occurance, so i'm glad somebody caught it on film).
Monday 10 December 2007
Chicargo
I haven't blogged for a while, internet issues, so here is a quick one just to get me back on track.
On Wednesday I attended the 10th Birthday celebrations for Chicargo the West End theatre production.
Having already seen the play once i was concerned i would not get the same enjoyment watching the show a second time around. Boy was i wrong!
It was fantastic, i remind you again at this point, i'm not one for musicals generally. Give me a Kebab, a whiskey and a game of football or hard news story and i'm your man but musicals i can take or leave.
This Chicargo production was abit special, not only did almost all the former cast play some role in the production, in a kind of rolling substitutions of the main characters, but they all competed with each other once they were on stage. For instance, at times there were two Roxy's on the stage balling their lungs out to try and snatch the applause.
In addition, each actor also brought a completely new meaning to each scene and they always went for maximum effect.
This meant the show had a best of feeling to it and completely lacked the professionalism of a normal show, which i liked.
Tonight i will be attending the Saint Trinians premiere, so if i can get on the internet tomorrow i will post a review. Deal?
On Wednesday I attended the 10th Birthday celebrations for Chicargo the West End theatre production.
Having already seen the play once i was concerned i would not get the same enjoyment watching the show a second time around. Boy was i wrong!
It was fantastic, i remind you again at this point, i'm not one for musicals generally. Give me a Kebab, a whiskey and a game of football or hard news story and i'm your man but musicals i can take or leave.
This Chicargo production was abit special, not only did almost all the former cast play some role in the production, in a kind of rolling substitutions of the main characters, but they all competed with each other once they were on stage. For instance, at times there were two Roxy's on the stage balling their lungs out to try and snatch the applause.
In addition, each actor also brought a completely new meaning to each scene and they always went for maximum effect.
This meant the show had a best of feeling to it and completely lacked the professionalism of a normal show, which i liked.
Tonight i will be attending the Saint Trinians premiere, so if i can get on the internet tomorrow i will post a review. Deal?
Friday 23 November 2007
A Sad Story
Thank god Steve McClaren has gone.
England were kidding themselves if they thought a he was the man to bring success to a nation bereft of trophies in the last 40 years.
Even had they of qualified, he should have stepped down and someone like Jose Mourinho should have stepped in for 6 months.
My favourite angle on this whole issue is when pundits started to claim Englands 0-0 away draw with Israel was actually a good result and McClaren had actuallly factored Russia's poor away form into his master plan.
Give me a break!
He was unlucky Scott Carson made some errors, Wayne Rooney unavailable and David Beckham now plays Hollywood football, but if your telling me England aren't good enough to qualify for Euro 2008 from that group, i'm afraid your incorrect.
Who next: The Special One hopefully, but i doubt it, otherwise, i think John Gregory is now available for the Job.
England were kidding themselves if they thought a he was the man to bring success to a nation bereft of trophies in the last 40 years.
Even had they of qualified, he should have stepped down and someone like Jose Mourinho should have stepped in for 6 months.
My favourite angle on this whole issue is when pundits started to claim Englands 0-0 away draw with Israel was actually a good result and McClaren had actuallly factored Russia's poor away form into his master plan.
Give me a break!
He was unlucky Scott Carson made some errors, Wayne Rooney unavailable and David Beckham now plays Hollywood football, but if your telling me England aren't good enough to qualify for Euro 2008 from that group, i'm afraid your incorrect.
Who next: The Special One hopefully, but i doubt it, otherwise, i think John Gregory is now available for the Job.
Sunday 18 November 2007
Leave it to the Police
Call me cynical, but the lastest development in the Madeleine McCann story strikes me as, how do i say it, alittle hopeful. If sightings are the only leads available to the Portuguese police, perhaps the McCanns should call an end to this mass search for there daughter.
The new development is, the McCanns private detective says he is just a couple of days away from finding young Madeleine alive and well. This annoucement made on American TV is based on a alleged sighting of Maddy in central Portugal two days after she disappeared.
I hope as much as the next person she is found alive and well but the reality is she won't be. Five months is a long time to conceal a living child from the many organisations activily searching for the young girl. My question is at what point do sightings and the implication of guilt on those pictured become intrusive to families who happen to have a blonde five year old daughter in the region?
Granted the McCanns have the right to look for Madeleine, i wouldn't have it any other way. And nobody has yet kicked up a fuss when accussed, by a stranger, of being a child kidknapper, but when does it all stop. Knowing only alittle media law is it not defamation to suggest somebody is a kidknapper without real proof? I suggest, getting the public involved in finding Madeleine is now a dated and random method of investigation and the McCanns should openly disuade people from looking for Madeleine.
She has now been missing for over 5 months after all and for all we know she could now have brown hair, no eyes and wooden leg. This should now be a strictly police matter and based upon the facts taken from the scene and not random sightings from the public.
Cynical perhaps, but how many kids and there parents are recieving strange stares and having there privacy invaded by people acting on a hunch? I speak primarily of the young Moroccan girl, who would had her face plastered on every newspaper in this land and probably had her entire family history researched only to for people to discover she looked nothing like Madeleine.
This new sighting/ lead will hopefully bring the issue to a successful and happy conclusion, but after so many people have had there privacy invaded with no end result surely a more scientific method of finding Madeleine should be used. Well wishers and a observations aren't to be dismissed but surely the public should be told to step down as the first line of information.
The new development is, the McCanns private detective says he is just a couple of days away from finding young Madeleine alive and well. This annoucement made on American TV is based on a alleged sighting of Maddy in central Portugal two days after she disappeared.
I hope as much as the next person she is found alive and well but the reality is she won't be. Five months is a long time to conceal a living child from the many organisations activily searching for the young girl. My question is at what point do sightings and the implication of guilt on those pictured become intrusive to families who happen to have a blonde five year old daughter in the region?
Granted the McCanns have the right to look for Madeleine, i wouldn't have it any other way. And nobody has yet kicked up a fuss when accussed, by a stranger, of being a child kidknapper, but when does it all stop. Knowing only alittle media law is it not defamation to suggest somebody is a kidknapper without real proof? I suggest, getting the public involved in finding Madeleine is now a dated and random method of investigation and the McCanns should openly disuade people from looking for Madeleine.
She has now been missing for over 5 months after all and for all we know she could now have brown hair, no eyes and wooden leg. This should now be a strictly police matter and based upon the facts taken from the scene and not random sightings from the public.
Cynical perhaps, but how many kids and there parents are recieving strange stares and having there privacy invaded by people acting on a hunch? I speak primarily of the young Moroccan girl, who would had her face plastered on every newspaper in this land and probably had her entire family history researched only to for people to discover she looked nothing like Madeleine.
This new sighting/ lead will hopefully bring the issue to a successful and happy conclusion, but after so many people have had there privacy invaded with no end result surely a more scientific method of finding Madeleine should be used. Well wishers and a observations aren't to be dismissed but surely the public should be told to step down as the first line of information.
Friday 9 November 2007
A Life Less Script
Breaking News
Something has taken place, it involved things on planet earth and the causes are known.
Lets go over to our correspondant on the scene.
Hello, something has happened and it has caused a great stir in the neighbourhood. Obviously some think it was bound to happen but others were shocked to the core. The thing may prove the first of many but the experts question this notion.
We spoke with the Prime Minister to find out his reaction.
PM: Many of us were ready for this to take place, but none of knew when it would happen. At first our thoughts go out to those effected by the event, it was quite big, but now we should move on and focus on the job we all face to maintain the status quo. The event started and ended under supervision but an inquiry will be held to find out exactly what happened. This is not the end of these events and we will strive to understand the causes of them rather than deal with the aftermarks. No individuals are accountable for the event ,it was just one of those things.
Correspondant: A useful insight from thePrime Minster, at the moment it is all quite but who knows what is going on. Maybe the event was revolutionary or just a freak occurance. In the meantime back to the Studio.
Something has taken place, it involved things on planet earth and the causes are known.
Lets go over to our correspondant on the scene.
Hello, something has happened and it has caused a great stir in the neighbourhood. Obviously some think it was bound to happen but others were shocked to the core. The thing may prove the first of many but the experts question this notion.
We spoke with the Prime Minister to find out his reaction.
PM: Many of us were ready for this to take place, but none of knew when it would happen. At first our thoughts go out to those effected by the event, it was quite big, but now we should move on and focus on the job we all face to maintain the status quo. The event started and ended under supervision but an inquiry will be held to find out exactly what happened. This is not the end of these events and we will strive to understand the causes of them rather than deal with the aftermarks. No individuals are accountable for the event ,it was just one of those things.
Correspondant: A useful insight from thePrime Minster, at the moment it is all quite but who knows what is going on. Maybe the event was revolutionary or just a freak occurance. In the meantime back to the Studio.
Thursday 1 November 2007
The National Television Awards
Last night I participated in a showbiz marathon otherwise know as the National Television Awards.
Five hours of jostling, chatting, and filming really does take it out of you.
Nevermind the endless search for a fresh question for a celebrity who has just been grilled over there opinion on a worthy topic.
Thankfully all the big names attending and many others knew the game and spoke to the assembled journalists for as long as they could.
I am sure there is more than one enterance into the Royal Albert Hall.
Oh well, that's showbiz.
Five hours of jostling, chatting, and filming really does take it out of you.
Nevermind the endless search for a fresh question for a celebrity who has just been grilled over there opinion on a worthy topic.
Thankfully all the big names attending and many others knew the game and spoke to the assembled journalists for as long as they could.
Our coverage can be seen on Sky Showbiz.com and Sky News Sunrise between 6 and 9am.
My only gripe is, why do people who know what walking down the red carpet entails look so traumatised and surprised when they are asked for an interview?
I am sure there is more than one enterance into the Royal Albert Hall.
Oh well, that's showbiz.
Wednesday 31 October 2007
Heather Has A Point
Heather Mills McCartney has point about the paparazzi needing a code of practice. However she is going the wrong way about maing one.
Crying on national TV, personalising the issue with stories about her contemplating suicide and receiving death threats will be seen by most as attention grabbing. Rightly or wrongly.
It is sad she considered suicide and recieved death threats i can't imagine what that would feel like.
Her stories though would be better told in a book.
She should should have kept her personal story separate from the facts and campaigned on moral grounds not emotional.
If she could not distance herself from the issue she should sat this round out.
Calling for a boycott of the tabloids will only generate more negative press and hate mail.
I do not care about her story but improvements in the quality of journalism can only be a good thing.
Crying on national TV, personalising the issue with stories about her contemplating suicide and receiving death threats will be seen by most as attention grabbing. Rightly or wrongly.
It is sad she considered suicide and recieved death threats i can't imagine what that would feel like.
Her stories though would be better told in a book.
She should should have kept her personal story separate from the facts and campaigned on moral grounds not emotional.
If she could not distance herself from the issue she should sat this round out.
Calling for a boycott of the tabloids will only generate more negative press and hate mail.
I do not care about her story but improvements in the quality of journalism can only be a good thing.
Sunday 21 October 2007
Back To Normal
Whilst watching the Rugby World Cup Final Last night a very funny thing happened.
A simple question made by a friend of mine, Ed, which threw Englands whole Rugby World Cup success into context.
The timing and direction were priceless.
It proved why rugby will never be England's natioal sport, highlighted how little the English really cared about the their Rugby teams success, and for me symbolised the end of a one month crush the English enjoyed with Rugby.
The question came with ten minutes of the Final to go and England trailing South Africa by 7 points and on the attack.
His question was.
"What time is Match Of The Day on?"
Everything is back to normal!
Ed
A simple question made by a friend of mine, Ed, which threw Englands whole Rugby World Cup success into context.
The timing and direction were priceless.
It proved why rugby will never be England's natioal sport, highlighted how little the English really cared about the their Rugby teams success, and for me symbolised the end of a one month crush the English enjoyed with Rugby.
The question came with ten minutes of the Final to go and England trailing South Africa by 7 points and on the attack.
His question was.
"What time is Match Of The Day on?"
Everything is back to normal!
Ed
Wednesday 3 October 2007
The Queen vs The Wizard
Last Friday i attended the National Movie Awards.
Whilst interviewing Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Radcliffe arrived bringing with him the usual cheers and jeers.
The problem was, Dame Helen Mirren is a softly spoken graceful women and Harry Potters arrival completely drowned her out.
This ruined a pleasant interview and led to a significant gap in the broadcast the following day.
Despite my disappointment, this whole episode did answer one of those age old questions.
Who would win in a fight between the Queen and Harry Potter?
Harry Potter by knock out.
Ed
I will have something more "high brow" for you soon.
Whilst interviewing Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Radcliffe arrived bringing with him the usual cheers and jeers.
The problem was, Dame Helen Mirren is a softly spoken graceful women and Harry Potters arrival completely drowned her out.
This ruined a pleasant interview and led to a significant gap in the broadcast the following day.
Despite my disappointment, this whole episode did answer one of those age old questions.
Who would win in a fight between the Queen and Harry Potter?
Harry Potter by knock out.
Ed
I will have something more "high brow" for you soon.
Thursday 27 September 2007
Across the Universe
Last night i attended the Across the Universe movie premiere.
As a part time showbiz cameraman i've been to a few of these red carpet events before but this one had a relaxed and understated feel to it.
Naturally the place took off when Bono and The Edge turned up- but until then
stars from the film walked around and chatted amongest themselves contently.
I hope film does well- Dana Fuchs seems to be a real boisterous character and interviewing her again will be a pleasure.
Hopefully i will be able to put some of the footage up from last night soon.
Ed
As a part time showbiz cameraman i've been to a few of these red carpet events before but this one had a relaxed and understated feel to it.
Naturally the place took off when Bono and The Edge turned up- but until then
stars from the film walked around and chatted amongest themselves contently.
I hope film does well- Dana Fuchs seems to be a real boisterous character and interviewing her again will be a pleasure.
Hopefully i will be able to put some of the footage up from last night soon.
Ed
Wednesday 26 September 2007
What's the reason Rafa?
Rafa Benitez can't seriously be considering dropping Fernando Torres at the weekend, as he suggested in a post match press conference.
A hattrick last night against Reading plus the fact he is generally a superior player and Liverpool's most expensive signing ever are surely good enough reasons to keep him in the side.
Isn't this the method which has destroyed players such as Peter Crouch's confidence and consistency?
Honestly Rafa, wake up.
Ed
Movie Premier tonight, i'll let you know how that goes tomorrow.
A hattrick last night against Reading plus the fact he is generally a superior player and Liverpool's most expensive signing ever are surely good enough reasons to keep him in the side.
Isn't this the method which has destroyed players such as Peter Crouch's confidence and consistency?
Honestly Rafa, wake up.
Ed
Movie Premier tonight, i'll let you know how that goes tomorrow.
Tuesday 25 September 2007
Just For Starters
As a new student at Westminster Uni I now face the challenge of writing and maintaining an interesting blog.
My only question is- what do I write about? Drugs? Sex ?Rock and Roll?
Maybe i'll just stick to what I know- Current Affairs, Football, and the magical world of the media.
Stay tuned, i'm about to get interesting.
Ed
My only question is- what do I write about? Drugs? Sex ?Rock and Roll?
Maybe i'll just stick to what I know- Current Affairs, Football, and the magical world of the media.
Stay tuned, i'm about to get interesting.
Ed
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