Independent schools.
What do you think?
Archives for April 2008
The Glass Box for Wednesday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Josef Fritzl
will be a talking point again tonight. has some video which we'll refer to.
We'll talk about tomorrow's elections tonight
with Iain Dale, who makes predictions on his and with Michael White who writes for .
There is a quiet mood of excitement today
as we learn that PM is to be the subject of some TV trailers. They're for Ö÷²¥´óÐã TWO, and will feature full frontal nudity and swearing.
No, don't be silly. The nudity will be tasteful and all the swearing will be bleeped. More details to follow. But the geniuses in marketing will work their magic and make PM look like it might be worth listening to.
Dickie Davies is 75 today.
Happy Birthday, Dickie.
Glass Box for Tuesday
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Tin tin
Those tin cans were all fine and dandy but it's nice to be amongst humans again. Ed's away for the day so I'm here with Jeremy and Jasper thinking through what we can bring you on the programme today.
All of us listened to David Cameron on the Today prog this morning. Did you? We're wondering about pursuing something on "punch and judy politics". Mr C says he quickly realised that he had to be "robust" at PMQs when dealing with Gordon Brown. That's despite pledging at the start of his leadership that he'd put an end to the bun throwing and insult chucking at PMQs.
Do you think pmqs needs to be combattive? Is it impossible to have mature debate? Is it really just entertainment? Do you feel disappointed if one of the parties doesn't get well and truly duffed up during the exchanges?
Am thinking aloud. Better do some work now.
Speak later,
cq
Rubbish
I've been spending a fair bit of time looking in people's bins . Not just for the sheer fun of it - and my goodness it was fun. But because bins are becoming an election issue in Wales. In Newport and six other Welsh councils the decision has been taken to move to fortnightly rubbish collections. Some residents are furious - saying it leaves their streets stinky, overcrowded and rat-ridden. The Conservatives in Wales say they are the only party pledging to restore weekly rubbish collections. They're fielding more candidates than ever in Wales - they think the tide is turning their way and just like the rats around the bins they think they're thriving.
Here are some pix of my visit to Newport. You can see the streets of bins, the overloaded bins and the moment when, deprived of human company, I decided to interview a pile of tin cans at a recycling centre.
My full report is on PM this evening
More information on Crewe and Nantwich...
...which you'll hear in Iain Watson's report tonight....is
The Glass Box for Monday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
The Furrowed Brow.
The place for serious talk.
The Glass Box for Friday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
How do you say Blog in Latin?
The woman sitting on the right in the picture below might know.
She's Lorna Robinson who has just started something called Latin in the Park. The child and mother on the left are examining a Greek colouring book. They teach classics too, all for a pound. Nigel Wrench sat in on the first session in Oxford. The picture was taken inside, by the way, because in South Park, the park concerned, it was raining.
The Beach
The beach is a state of mind, where we escape from the must to the maybe and what if, where thoughts may be lightly etched on the shore or sculpted in the sand, admired and commented on by others, then swept away by the waves or jumped on by small children of all ages...
The Glass Box for Thursday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
10p tax.
What do you think?
The Glass Box for Wednesday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Glass Box
Photo coming.
You know what it is!
Tell us what you think of tonight's programme ...
surprise surprise
Cilla Quinn here sitting in for Ed today who's a little poorly. Nice to talk to you again.
I was due to head off to Wales to talk to people about fortnightly rubbish collections today - lots of those voting in next week's local elections are very angry about the stink, the rats etc. So it was interesting to see the story about Gareth Corkhill this morning who was fined and given a criminal record because his (fortnightly-collected) wheelie bin was so full the lid wouldn't shut. Is it an issue that gets you going?
Later we'll be hearing about the costs of the European Parliament - how much does it cost to run two centres in Brussels and Strasbourg - and what about those MEP allowances and expenses. Is there a euro equivalent of the John Lewis list? Juan Luis perhaps? Giovanni Luigi? Jean Louis? What would it be in Hungarian? Or Greek? Maybe you can help us out?
See you at 5.
The Glass Box for Monday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
The Furrowed Brow
The place for serious talk.
The Glass Box for Friday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
The Beach.
Welcome to The Beach, a very special place on the PM Blog.
The sun shines, the drinks are free, there are more than enough sun loungers and hammocks to go round, and the camels are friendly. So, take a break from your day to day stresses and strains and relax.
There are only two rules; 1) be nice to everyone, and 2) don't eat the petunias.
The Glass Box for Thursday
There have been problems. Now fixed. But there's a new way of entering posts for me so sorry this is haphazard. Normal service sometime. Write about tonight's show here.
The Glass Box for Wednesday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Eurotastic.
This is our Paris correspondent Emma Jane Kirby with Sebastien Tellier, who wrote France's Eurovision Song Contest entry for this year. It has caused controversy because Sebastien Tellier's song is written partly in English. That's right. In ENGLISH.
Much more with EJK and PoC at 5.
This is Diane Wei Liang.
Childhood partly in a Chinese labour camp, now a crime writer whose female detective works on the meaner streets of Beijing. What does Diane Wei Liang make of the current vogue for Chinese culture in Britain? She's with Nigel Wrench tonight.
As is part of a work called China Incidental, by three Chinese sound artists. Sounds meant to convey contemporary China will play constantly from three sets of speakers at random in the foyer of the Royal Festival Hall in London from Friday.
1540 UPDATE: Here's a seven minute mix, made especiallly for PM!:
We're Rich! We're Rich! We're Rich!
An email arrives:
"Attention Please,
I am in need of your assistance. My name is Sgt. Jarvis Reeves Jnr. I am a military attachee with the Engineering unit here in Ba'qubah Iraq for the United States, we have about $20 Million dollars which we have successfully moved of this country and now need your assistance to help us secure it.
My colleague and I need a good partner, someone we can trust to actualize this venture.The money is from oil proceeds here and legal.But we were able to move it out of Iraq to a Security Vault In Europe through diplomatic means.
But can we trust you? Once the funds get to you, you will have your own share. Your own part of this deal is to help us secure it from the Vault in Europe as our Foreign Counterpart for Investment Purpose, simple.
If you are interested I will furnish you with more details.
Awaiting your urgent response.
Regards,
Sgt. Jarvis Reeves Jnr"
Terminal 5. An email arrives.
"I am currently sat at Terminal 5 awaiting my flight and I had to write to say that this place is typical of the British ability to be unrelentingly critical, depricating and derisory without recognising the achievement and brilliance. T5 is fantastic, I was amazed from the moment I rolled up into the car park. The building is a masterpiece of vision and purpose and all involved in its creation should be heartily congratulated. The only shame is that 2 people have lost their jobs due to unruly editors in search of sensationalist headlines. I look forward to T5 serving us well into the future, I only hope we can resolve our CO2 problems with the same level of excellence.
Jamie Robinson, Oxfordshire."
Happiness.
I will be announcing the number of our unofficial happiness index on the programme tonight. Thanks to everyone who's emailed.
The Glass Box for Tuesday
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Happiness.
We are getting a LOT of emails in response to today's newsletter. We will add them up and divide by the appropriate number to get the average, and announce it on air. Or is it multiply? I'll ask a grown-up.
Ollie is having an "8"...
"1. 'cos it's a wonderful day and I can sit by an open door looking out on the garden and 2. cos I'm working on an OU assignment which is more or less coming out right."
I justify posting this
on the admittedly spurious grounds that it was sent to me by a Ö÷²¥´óÐã correspondent. So technically it's work.....?
Foster children
leaving home at 18. What do you think?
Fathers and new babies.
PA reports: "Fathers should be allowed to stay overnight with their new-born child on postnatal hospital wards as part of a plan to involve them more in parenthood, a new report urged today. The Fatherhood Institute said there was a huge amount of evidence showing that a father's involvement from birth brought "profound" benefits to children. The think tank published an action plan aimed at offering more support to new fathers, including more engagement with midwives and doctors and the right to stay overnight on postnatal wards."
You can read more about the . We'll debate the subject tonight. Feel free to let me know what you think.
The Glass Box for Monday
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Fun! Forget spot the ball! Play PM's Spot The Torch!
On the front of today's Media section in the Independent, the photo of the deputy director general has been digitally altered to remove the Olympic Torch. Can you spot where it should be?
Hundreds of years ago
when the blog was just a boy (or girl), the woman in charge was one Lissa. Marvellous person. She made us what we are today and I still miss her.
I assumed she was dead, but it turns out she's not! Look! Annasee dropped us this email yesterday:
"Thought you might like to see these pics of your erstwhile colleague Lissa doing the "Kinder Downfall " (that's the name of a waterfall in the Peak District, btw) race today. She was absolutely brilliant. Not so much "Queen of the Blog" as "Queen of the Bog" these days.
300 people race madly around the fells for 10 miles, & return to Hayfield village in a scarily short time.See the state of their legs afterwards? (None of the legs shown are hers, in case you were wondering. The girls generally seemed to come back cleaner than the blokes, we noticed - it must be a macho thing to plunge into the mud at top speed)"
What has become of her! Well done Lissa. x
Jack and Vera yesterday.
Pissed again.
For the last few days
the letters B, B and C have been missing from the famous frontage at Ö÷²¥´óÐã Television Centre. I don't know why. It's the sort of thing we could normally expect an email about, cc'd to the entire universe.
Where have they gone? What can have happened to them?
Have they been stolen by the Canadian Public Service broadcasters, CBC to use on the famous frontage of their building, without realising that they're a C short?
Maybe they've been removed to be replaced by new exciting slopey letters, or slopey backward letters or something to appeal to a younger demographic...just whatever the marketing people tell us is in.
Or perhaps the glue came unstuck and they just fell off.
I'll entertain all suggestions. And what should they be replaced with? What letters best describe the modern Ö÷²¥´óÐã...and what do they stand for?
The Furrowed Brow.
The place for serious talk.
A request arrives
for the intro to the Beach to be a whole lot shorter, so that people don't have to scroll.
Am happy to oblige, of course. Wanted to canvas views...and if you feel like it, read suggested intros. Or maybe it just needs a photo?
The Glass Box for Friday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
In tonight's programme...
...Chris Hogg will report from Japan. He writes: "In Japan plans to show a new documentary about Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine in cinemas this weekend have been abandoned after pressure from right wing activists. The film about the shrine where Japan honours those who gave their lives for the emperor has been made by a Chinese director. It was partly funded by the Japanese tax payer, a fact which has angered some lawmakers who have criticised it as 'anti-Japanese'." Here are some stills from the documentary:
Jack and Vera yesterday.
Did anyone notice
our special celebrity voice in the opening of PM last night? She read part of a Battenberg cake recipe.
Jon Astley.
We LOVE this:
The Beach
What is the Beach?
It's a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like you are the only one around, but you can leave your footprints for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness.
If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there.
Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question.
The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Friday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
Food, additives, peas etc
What do you think?
The Glass Box for Thursday
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
At the closing ceremony
of the programme tonight, we will have, as usual, the chimes and bongs of Big Ben.
Before then we'll hear from our reporter Christopher Landau who will "mark 150 years since the casting of Big Ben at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry…
where bells have been made since 1570, possibly earlier. And this is
Alan and Kathryn Hughes, whose family has run the business for over 100 years - they're interviewed on tonight's programme. "
Sidmouth? Sark? What's so great about where YOU Live?
Maybe we'll come and do a programme from there.
If it's warm.
The Glass Box for Wednesday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
The Ö÷²¥´óÐã Proms....not at the Ö÷²¥´óÐã!
Here is the newly-published guide to the world's biggest classical music festival, photographed here at Television Centre this morning:
Published by Ö÷²¥´óÐã Books, on sale all over the country, prominently displayed at our in-building branch of W H Smith.
But not a few steps away at the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Shop, where they stock just about everything else ever made, published or licenced by the Ö÷²¥´óÐã. The staff said they had no copies. Not one. Why?
1500 UPDATE: Ö÷²¥´óÐã Worldwide, the Ö÷²¥´óÐã's commercial arm have been in touch to say:
"The day-to-day responsibility for running the Ö÷²¥´óÐã's retail stores was transferred from Ö÷²¥´óÐã Worldwide to English Regions at the end of last year and has to date worked very well. The issue concerning stock of the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Proms booklet at the Television Centre shop centres around a minor administration error which has already been addressed. The Proms booklet is due to go on sale from April 11th and will be available to purchase from that date at our Television Centre outlet.
"It seems that the on-sale date embargo put in place by the publisher, Ö÷²¥´óÐã Books, has not been adhered to by other retailers."
Asked if there was any truth in a rumour that the lack of Proms booklets was due to an unpaid bill by the shops to Random House, who through Ebury Publishing, now control Ö÷²¥´óÐã Books, a Ö÷²¥´óÐã Worldwide spokesman said, "We do not comment on day-to-day commercial issues."
There's no comment as yet from Ebury Books.
The Glass Box for Tuesday
open from 00.00 till 00.00 every Saturday.
Comment here on tonight's programme.
An email arrives promising retrospective, instant training in something unspecified.
"Dear Eddie Mair
Training has been agreed to take place at Room 4200 Television Centre Wood Lane London W12 7RJ on the 02/04/2008 The start time is 00:00 and the end time is 00:00"
The Ö÷²¥´óÐã. Your licence fee at work.
The Diana Inquest Verdict. What do you think?
There is more detail 
The Glass Box for Monday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Suggest a story!
Is there something you want us to look at for iPM? Whatever your thought, put it here.
The Furrowed Brow.
The place for serious talk.
iPM EXCLUSIVE! SPOT THE PRODUCER!
The whole radio show thing gets up and running again in the next two hours. We are all here and excited and ready.
In this photo, there is a member of the iPM team, having a fly ciggy near the "smoking shelter". Can you spot him?
Obviously I cannot identify the individual. But join us if you can for iPM.
Hugh
sends this - taken in London this afternoon.
The Glass Box for Friday.
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Vyle
sends this from Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall - it's the view down the garden to the Helford River. And yes I did copy that from the back of the card.
Spot the difference.
I recall this post from earlier in the week from Hugh: "Late entry for the UAE Camel Beauty Competition, spotted among the volcanic rocks of the Jordanian desert south of Amman. Very friendly. No spitting. "
And ask if you can spot the difference:
The Beach.
What is the Beach?
It's a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like you are the only one around, but you can leave your footprints for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness.
If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there.
Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question.
The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Friday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
The Glass Box for Thursday
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
Drugs classification.
I couldn't find any photos of cocaine, so here's one of sugar.
As you know, the Ö÷²¥´óÐã understands that the official body which advises the government on drugs policy has decided cannabis should remain a class C drug. We thought you might want to read more about the .
Oh hang on I found one: 
The Glass Box for Wednesday is not a candidate.
Be your own radio critic! But don't be a candidate! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
The camel on the right is a candidate.
Hugh sends this: "Late entry for the UAE Camel Beauty Competition, spotted among the volcanic rocks of the Jordanian desert south of Amman. Very friendly. No spitting. "
Senator John McCain is a candidate
so it probably falls foul of something. No doubt there will be a memo. If only there was a friendly, unobtrusive guide to knowing what's what.
Bertie Ahern is not a candidate.
"I have been privileged to serve my community, my party and our country for
many years in public life. In that period, I am proud to have made a
contribution to an unrivalled era of peace, prosperity and progress on this
island.
Want to continue reading this? Move your eyes to the beginning of the next line, on the left.
"Any achievements I have accomplished I share with the many people who have
stood with me and behind me. I am grateful to so many people who have over the
years given generously of their time and effort and shared my commitment to
public service and building a fairer, stronger Ireland.
"At the outset today, I want to thank my family who from the earliest stages
supported me and always encouraged me throughout my journey in public life.
"My motivation for entering politics in 1977 was to represent the people of my
constituency; throughout my political life my greatest honour has been to
represent them in Dail Eireann. I have been elected 10 times in those 31 years
by the people of Dublin Central. I want to give special thanks to my
constituency organisation. Their unprecedented commitment and friendship has
never wavered. They have come with me, through good times and bad times, and for
that I am very grateful.
"Today, I thank all of those who have canvassed for me in election after
election. I particularly recall those friends no longer with us but whose
memories will always stay with me.
"Today I also want to say that I am humbled to have been entrusted for over a
decade with the great responsibility of leading our nation. The Irish people are
innately decent and I have been privileged to serve them and to enjoy tremendous
support. I especially wish to acknowledge all those people who took the time to
pray for me, to send me Mass cards and letters of good will. As a political
leader, I always took great encouragement and solace from such support.
"In November 1994, I was elected leader of Fianna Fail, the Republican Party.
This was for me and my family an extraordinary honour. To follow in the
footsteps of DeValera, Lemass and those other giants of this nation's history
was both a daunting prospect and an historic opportunity.
"Almost 14 years on, I am today Ireland's second longest-serving Taoiseach and
the second longest-serving leader of Fianna Fail.
"I believe the secret of Fianna Fail's enduring success is rooted in the
quality of people that we have as public representatives. I have been privileged
to work with patriotic and decent colleagues and I will always be grateful for
the faith they placed in me.
"I want to thank all of my Fianna Fail ministerial colleagues, our
parliamentary party and all our councillors for their incredible support,
overwhelming loyalty, and most of all their friendship which has sustained me
throughout my period as Uachtaran Fianna Fail.
"Beyond our elected representatives I also want to pay tribute to the members
of the Fianna Fail National Executive and our party members in every cumann
across the length and breadth of this country for whom I have a lasting
respect.
"These ordinary patriotic men and women have been an inspiration to me. Their
commitment and loyalty to our party is unmatched and I believe was a decisive
factor in last year's General Election.
"Election 2007 demonstrated Fianna Fail's continuing strength and vitality as
a national movement. I want to thank the tens of thousands of members and
activists up and down the country for delivering that historic success.
"I am proud to be the first Taoiseach since 1944 to be elected on three
successive occasions. On the day I took over as leader of Fianna Fail, I pledged
to lead our party back into government and keep us there.
"I said then that I would strive to build up our economy. Today Ireland is
more prosperous than at any time in our entire history. All levels of Irish
society have seen their well-being dramatically improved in the period I have
served as Taoiseach.
"Above all else, I promised that day that the priority I would put above all
others would be to work for peace on this island. I kept my word and I have
given my all to that cause.
"Through painstaking negotiations, colossal work has been done in laying the
foundations of reconciliation and justice between the communities in Northern
Ireland. The cycle of hatred and violence which many people thought might never
end has been well and truly broken.
"The Good Friday Agreement now provides the political framework for an island
that can at last achieve its full potential. This week and next week, many of
those who a decade ago played a role in negotiating that historic accord will
gather to reflect on the work which was done and the progress which has since
been made.
"In preparing for the events to mark this anniversary of the Good Friday
Agreement, I've obviously reflected back on the road we have travelled from
discord to peace, from distrust to partnership and from despair to a new
prosperity, north and south. I have also taken this opportunity to take stock of
my own position.
"At the end of this month, I will visit Washington to address the Joint Houses
of Congress. It will be a great privilege to become only the fourth ever
visiting statesman to have addressed both Congress and Westminster. For me, this
will be one of the proudest moments of my political career.
"In looking back on all the things I wanted to achieve in politics, I am proud
that as Taoiseach I have: delivered on my objective to bring the peace process
to fruition; delivered on my objective to see a stable administration based on
the power-sharing model take root in Northern Ireland; delivered successive
social partnership agreements which underpin our social and economic progress;
delivered a modern economy with sustainable growth in employment and brought an
end to the days of forced emigration; delivered on my objective to improve and
to secure Ireland's position as a modern, dynamic and integral part of the
European Union.
"As leader of Fianna Fail, I am proud too that I have ended the myth that
Fianna Fail is incapable of sustaining a coalition government. I have led the
two longest serving coalitions in the history of this State. I have also laid
the foundations for another long-running and successful coalition government
which has the capacity to run a full term.
"I have the utmost respect for John Gormley, Mary Harney and their respective
parties, who continue to work hard to deliver a strong and stable government and
implement our Agreed Programme for Government. I also wish to acknowledge the
steadfast support from Independent Deputies who have supported me in
government.
"Just as stability is important in a coalition government, it is even more
vital within a political organisation. I always said that there would be no room
for factions in Fianna Fail under my leadership and I am proud today to lead a
strong and united party.
"A strong, united party working within a cohesive government underpins
stability and means the primary focus of government is on performance, not on
any other external distractions.
"It is a matter of real concern to me that the important work of government
and party is now being over shadowed by issues relating to me at the Tribunal of
Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments.
"The constant barrage of commentary on Tribunal-related matters has and I
believe will continue to dominate the political agenda at an important point for
our country. We face uncertain economic times and challenges and we are soon to
cast our vote on the Lisbon Treaty. The vital interests of Ireland demand that
the national dialogue of our political system address these fundamental issues
and not be constantly deflected by the minutiae of my life, my lifestyle, and my
finances.
"The decision I am announcing today - like all other decisions that I have
taken in a lifetime in politics - is solely motivated by what is best for the
people.
"I have been reflecting on pursuing this course of action for some time. This
is solely a personal decision. I have no doubt that a simplistic analysis will
suggest that my decision has been influenced by most recent events at the
Tribunal. What I announce today is completely inspired by the desire to refocus
the political dynamic in Ireland.
"Recent developments have not motivated my decision. For the record I state
today that nothing could be further from the truth. I look forward to
comprehensively dealing with these matters at the Tribunal and robustly refuting
any imputation against me.
"I first sought election to the office of Taoiseach on the pledge that I would
put people before politics. I have kept that promise. I have always placed the
interests of the Irish people above my own. Therefore I will not allow issues
relating to my own person to dominate the body politic as this would be contrary
to the long-term interests of the Irish people.
"I want everyone to understand one truth above all else. Never, in all the
time I have served in public life, have I put my personal interest ahead of the
public good. I have served this country and the people I have the honour to
represent in Dail Eireann honestly.
"I have provided more details about my personal finances than any person in
public life who has ever held office. While I will be the first to admit that I
have made mistakes in my life and in my career, one mistake I have never made is
to enrich myself by misusing the trust of the people.
"I have never received a corrupt payment and I have never done anything to
dishonour any office I have held. I know that some people will feel that some
aspects of my finances are unusual. I truly regret if this has caused any
confusion or worry in people's minds.
"All of these issues arose in a period when my family, personal and
professional situations were rapidly changing and I made the best decisions I
could in the circumstances in which I found myself. I know in my heart of hearts
that I have done no wrong and wronged no-one.
"I look forward to the completion of the Tribunal's work and I am confident
that when it reports, the Tribunal will find that I have not acted improperly in
any way.
"Equally I will not allow issues concerning myself or my finances to divert
attention from the important job of government at hand. I believe it is in the
best interests of the Government, my party and most importantly the people of
Ireland that I set out the timeframe for my departure from office.
"It had always been my intention to review my position as Taoiseach and leader
of Fianna Fail in the aftermath of next summer's local and European elections.
But having reflected on the need to ensure that the work of my ministerial
colleagues is not distracted from by incessant publicity about the Tribunal, I
have decided of my own volition to bring forward the date.
"I will complete my duties over the course of the next month and following on
from my return from the United States and the State Visit to Ireland by the
Prime Minister of Japan. It is my intention to tender my resignation to
President McAleese on Tuesday 6th May. On that date, I will also tender my
resignation as Uachtaran Fianna Fail.
"In the meantime, I will continue to discharge my duties as Taoiseach to the
best of my ability, and to work as hard as I have always done, to secure the
continued peace and prosperity of the island of Ireland."
The Glass Box for Tuesday
Be your own radio critic! Tell us here, frankly, what you thought of tonight's programme. In the PM office we meet every night at 1800 in this Glass Box:
We talk about the content of the programme and try to give an honest assessment of what worked and what didn't...the things we missed and the places where our ambitions were not met. THIS virtual glass box you are looking at is where you are invited - indeed encouraged - to be your own critic. Comment on our hour by clicking on the comment link. Members of the production team will read the comments, and the editor should comment too. Click on The Glass Box link on the right of the page to read previous entries.
The reddest nose in the world.
Our editor, Roger, is doing one of his stalwart "I'll struggle on at work despite being close to death" things. He's had a serious cold since early March and is in today with the reddest nose in the world.
I have taken a photo of it.
Please complete the following phrase:
"I'M NOT SAYING ROGER HAS A RED NOSE BUT...."
I'm happy
to report that Hugh has return safely from foreign parts and brings gifts.
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