The Glass Box for Monday
The Glass Box is the place where you can comment on what you heard on PM, interact with other listeners and get responses from the people who make the programme. This is proving to be a useful tool for us, and we hope, for you.
Just click on the "comment" link.
Don't worry either if you didn't catch the whole programme, or were busy doing other things and not giving us your full attention. If there was something that "caught your ear" we want to hear about it.
The Glass Box is named after the booth outside the PM studio where we all discuss the programme at 18.00 every weeknight. We try to be honest and constructive. Sometimes there is criticism, and the criticised get a chance to explain themselves.
The people who make PM will read the comments posted, and will sometimes respond. Unless it's Roger Sawyer editing. He's completely hopeless.
Please feel free to post your thoughts. There is a link to previous Glass Boxes on the right.
Also on the right, you'll find lots of other links you might like. The Furrowed Brow for example is the venue where you can start talking about anything serious: The Beach is a fun place, and there are links to Blog entries with photos, audio and links. And if you want to see us drone on about awards, you can do that too.
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The lady who had to fight for Herceptin has the right idea - the drug companies are pushing this situation and making it worse. We all know about research costs, but what is the good of research if the drugs are too expensive - or are our drug companies only interested in selling their wares overseas?
Good luck John McDonnel. It's the debate that we need, and it may bring Brown closer to the reason he joined the party. And things wont stick in the throat of the likes of me so much. You can only do your best, my friend.
Might I venture to suggest that anyone getting their lingerie in a tangle over the outcome of the most unmusical and hideously naff event on the planet is seriously in need of counselling. As for MPs who think they were elected to devote their efforts to it, words absolutely fail me. Can we please talk about something else!
The Emigration of the last few years is bringing back the kind of slum condition not seen since victorian times. Im in the building trade and I have seen industrial units bunked out by Rackman landlords full of eastern europeans, i have seen old seaside 10 bedroom hotels with what i would guess is 70 people, each paying £80 a week overseen by huge Russian minders,
Russian, Polish, Czec, Romanain, Bulgarian girls openly advertise for massage parlors and escort services every week in our local papers. Is this the kind of Global economy the Government want to boost about?
Sorry but I can't support the people who are talking about an increased causes of illnesses due to service in Christmas Islands during the test.
Why.? I was a junior ( 19 year old ) specialist RAF technician and part of the team that built the weapons and was present at 7 tests at Christmas Island and I am a father and grandfather and fortunately none of us have had excessive abnormal illnesses or problems.
Wej Parry
01536-475675
We are paying out tens of thousands of pounds for life saving cancer treatment which has been denied on the nhs.
Do people realise that when they give money to cancer research charities the money goes into developing molecules. When something promising is discovered it is then passed to a drug company to be developed. Who benefits? Mostly the Americans and other Europeans.
We stopped our private health insurance when labour came to power as we believed their promises, it was the worst mistake of our lives.
Computer systems that fail etc they have money for.
The revelation that John Sweeney, the Panorama reporter, lost it when interviewing some scientologists explains much about the programme's gradual descent from prime time investigative journalism into tabloid oblivion. It would have been useful to quiz one of the ´óÏó´«Ã½1 suits on this aspect of the debacle. Mr Sweeney's attempt at explanation as posted on You Tube was pathetic and provided even more ammunition for this appalling cult.
The Blair Project/Legacy seems to boil down to one big thing - nothing more than an Ex-Prime Minister and wife becoming very rich indeed if the ´óÏó´«Ã½ 2 programme was/is correct (the Bair Rich Project) about these two. While the rest of us are left to live in a Fantasy Island - according to Larry Elliott & Dan Atkinson's new book coming out on the 24th May 2007....I presume!
Very strange indeed for me as this was the subtitle (ST) of my first book called Walking on the Moon...(ST) Fantasy Island, the Disunited Kingdom and the Land That Time Forgot...so at least in this satire about Little Britian I have got one thing correct about Thatcher's et al legacy, so it seems!
Brian V Peck
The Blair Project/Legacy seems to boil down to one big thing - nothing more than an Ex-Prime Minister and wife becoming very rich indeed if the ´óÏó´«Ã½ 2 programme was/is correct (the Bair Rich Project) about these two. While the rest of us are left to live in a Fantasy Island - according to Larry Elliott & Dan Atkinson's new book coming out on the 24th May 2007....I presume!
Very strange indeed for me as this was the subtitle (ST) of my first book called Walking on the Moon...(ST) Fantasy Island, the Disunited Kingdom and the Land That Time Forgot...so at least in this satire about Little Britian I have got one thing correct about Thatcher's et al legacy, so it seems!
Brian V Peck
Well, I have to be honest with you that today's edition was very much a case of "blah blah Eurovison blah blah" "blah blah Michblah Meachblah blah" "blah blah blah blah" for me - not because I didn't want to listen but because I was busy moving a shed floor and 24 paving stones around between 5 and 6 tonight and only caught the odd snatch through the back door. And I cannot, with my hand on heart, say I'll have time to listen again. So, if anyone can point me in the direction of the time check for the Blair interview, I will try to catch that (I like a good larf, you know!), but unless there's anything else REALLY worth catching, I'll have to let it go.
Hi..busy tonight no? First up a mea culpa - our first headline about there being a "Labour leadership contest" wasn't strictly accurate. We know won't for sure until the requisite number of MP's have put their name to a piece of paper. Now, we think and we've been told that John McD has enough support - but we won't really know for a few days. We might get away with that one -whereas eagle eared listener's might've caught the double take in one of the interviews from the North Sea Oil platform. Nils apologises - as do I. Frankly, I'm staggered it got to air. And for that matter - I'm not sure we gained much by Mr.B being there "live".
Otherwise - good have the PM on PM and engaging with the issue of SEN. Eurovision was fun and Barbara Clark's view on was we should and shouldn't expect from the NHS was thoughtful. Does anyone care about the West Ham story? I'll admit it's a tricky one for us - but in this case I think it goes way beyond sour grapes from those relegated at the weekend. That said, I accept the audience feedback whenever we do cover a sports story is poor.
So, on tonight's new Eurovision scale, I would hope our overall score was closer to Serbia than the UK.
Rupert #11,
I was in the car when the oil rig interview, and also wondered why this recording was being broadcast in the middle of a live link, as well as the dodgy editing. But I've only just got home and found your comment on the blog already.
Wej Perry #5,
The residents of Hiroshima and Yokohama also have a large number of people who suffered cancers, birth defects and other genetic damage since the atomic explosions. This does not count those who were burnt, killed outright etc. Other nuclear accidents have also caused serious health effects to those involved. The correlation is extremely strong, so why do you discount this report?
Were you actually exposed (i.e. out in the open air, only a few miles away) to an explosion? Just being around the bombs while being built is by no means anywhere near the same risk.
whoops: (my #12)
For "Yokohama" read "Nagasaki"; someone said the former to me as I was typing...
Rupert (11) is being hard on himself. The first wrong headline was mine.
Having just watched ´óÏó´«Ã½ 1's episode of panorama, I can only offer my sincere and hearty congratulations to Jon Sweeneys report. I found that contrary to many of the current headlines regarding his emotional outburst (the majority of which seem suspiciously critical), his genuine attempt at a balanced and fair critique of Scientology was capsized at every turn by the "churches" own virtiolic and ill informed attacks. I'd also like to commend Mr Sweeney on the considerable amount of will power and self restraint he displayed in the infamous outburst against Mr Davis. I myself would have found it hard not to find something large, heavy and favourably blunt to swiftly but illegally end the argument....
Computer went up the Creek...was not trying to be another Frank Sinatra singing New York New York so good they named it twice, I hope...sorry...
Brian V Peck
So Gordon Brown, now having gained both a personality and economic stature in a matter od weeks also gains a possible rival for his post as PM. Lots of interviews, comments from political journalists but never the killer question
" Gordon, all these policies apply to England, but you represent a Scottish seat so why are you here?"
For those interested,
According to Robert Graves, in "The Long Week-end" (1940), Serbia was a kinder transliteration of the country's name, before WW1, which was closer to "Servia", which looked subserviant. Quite where "CS" came from as a country abbreviation, I'm not sure.
Given the usual nature of Balkan politics, it seems the UK (as part of NATO) got away unscathed compared to Afgh. and Iraq.
Sorry for my earlier error on Japanese cities.
Nice programme Rupert - I appreciated the NHS report as it's of personal interests at the moment. My Auntie has Multiple Myeloma and has been denied Velcade - a drug that could possibly extend her life by a few years - and covered last year on PM - in a particulary moving interview.
Excellent report on Tony's visit to the new Academy school for special needs children - true interactivity from the blog and our texts and e-mails. Well done Andrew Bomford.
I was listening to the story about the Easter Island Nuclear tests while driving home from work.
I felt that the short account describing what it was like to be so close to a nuclear explosion was was compelling and chilling.
The light shining through hands so that you could see bones and then the description of the atmosphere on fire and seeing the impeding shock/sound wave left me feeling like I'd been there and reminded me of the terrifying power of these weapons.
Radio at it's best - pick of the week.
Oi! What happened to the Glass Box for Friday?
Re Lurker #12
Yes I was there and on a number of ocassions, like the person who gave the ´óÏó´«Ã½ interview, I also saw my finger bones through my skin as I used my hands to cover my eyes.
Later in my working life I was fortunate to spend some time working in Japan. Whilst there I the made a point of visiting the relevant memorials and museums in both Nagasaki and Hiroshima and I have made a point of understanding the impact of such weapons.
I was just saying that I believe the Christmas Islands vetrans don't have a fully proven case.
I can't actually remember whether I heard the show last night or not, sorry Eddie, I'm still a little out of it.
NHS: Obviously something close to my heart at present (literally). As many of you know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer recently and I am just about to start treatment. I haven't been offered Herceptin or any other new medication and truth be told, nor would I take it. A study performed locally found that the money to treat 73(ish) patients with Herceptin was equivalent to the entire oncology treatment budget for the NHS Trust and I am not sure I could reconcile myself with denying other people proper treatment if I demanded these expensive wonder drugs for myself.
On the flip side, we found out yesterday that my mother's cancer has returned and the PCT cannot afford to fund her drug, about which I am mad as heck. So I'm not entirely unhypocritical.
;-)
Re: Belinda - Sorry to hear that your mothers cancer has returned.
I really think, - as stated by the lady on the programme yesterday - you should fight for the drugs - thus highlighting the problem.
It always amazes me that we have so many billions to fight wars and yet when it comes to our own health service?
I hope some feeling is returning after your operation and that you and Mum make a full recovery.
((((((((((((( 0 ))))))))))))
It always amazes me that we have so many billions to fight wars and yet when it comes to our own health service
Well, you are completely correct about that. However there is no oil in health-care sadly. And I probably would fight for increased overall health-care spending as it badly needs it, but I'm just too tired. The NHS, like so many public services, is just running on empty. That said, they have been acting incredibly quickly and professionally with my own treatment, so I cannot complain about that aspect of things.
Jonnie - forgot to say how disgusted I also was with the 'Reverend' who was on a couple of programmes ago. He doesn't deserve to stay in his position as a man of god and if you took him on in a boxing match, I would be cheering for you any day.
Belinda - I can't think what to say to you in your present situation, but please know that you are in my thoughts & I'm wishing you all the very best for your treatment. I wish we knew for certain why breast cancer seems to be so prevalent now. When I think of women I know, the majority seem to have had it, usually post menopausal. But also 2 of the young women (30's) who used to attend toddler groups with me when our children were small. And just recently a mother from my daughter's ballet class. It goes on & on. Why? My mother had it. And her mother. Apparently my risk is about 1 in 3. That's a statistic I put to the back of my mind apart from at mammogram result time. My mother had an op, then radiotherapy, but no medication, and she is still well, 20 years on. No Herceptin in those days.
Take care of yourself, and get lots of rest. See you on the blog when you're feeling well enough, & keep that radio tuned to R 4. Remember what Appy said - 'Eddie is the best "radiotherapy"'.
Rupert (11):
That's a relief, I thought I was getting a really bad case of deja vu.
Craig (15):
I agree. It was disappointing to see Jon losing his rag, but considering the creepy behaviour of Mr Davis, continually tailing him and interrupting his interviews, it's perfectly understandable.
If that's what Hubbard's cu... religion does for you, I'll hang on to all my Body Thettans thanks very much.
Rupert (11):
That's a relief, I thought I was getting a really bad case of deja vu.
Belinda -
First up sending manu frugs your way.
Secondly, I concur with your point about the funding of drugs and that in individuals pursuing expensive treatments others may suffer (let alone the consistent effectiveness of some drugs). I have had had mental health treatment and sometimes the thought at what this must have cost is quite humbling; the thoughts that maybe someone else could benefitted more if money had been spent on them was a real nag. Social conscience versus rights to best treatment? Unfortunately its all down to money.
Re Belinda (and the Reverend)
Thanks for your support - I see he's had a go at 'David' on the Camp David thread ;-(
Belinda;
I understand your reluctance to push your case for Herceptin, or whatever the appropriate medication ought to be for you. Perhaps it is so, that if you were successful in receiving it then someone else would miss out. But that overlooks the point.
Gordon Brown restated in the last couple of days the core NHS ethic, that every NHS patient should receive the care they require free at the point of delivery. If you require Herceptin, or any other treatment or medication, then you should receive it. Period. It's up to the local NHS outfit to make it available, without any need for you to ask, or push for it. You MUST get that course of treatment which is right for you. It is your right and your due. Don't accept second or third best out of a desire to be treated as shabbily as everybody else.
If everybody received the care due to them then (and only then) the true cost of our healthcare system would become apparent. And Govt. could either fund it or impose a formal system of rationing, as it chooses. At least we'd know where we stand in regard to the whole thing and what we have some reasonable chance of getting or not getting when we fall ill. It would end the postcode lottery we have at present.
I can't understand how the NHS is "running on empty", as you put it. This Govt. has tripled the cash going into the NHS in just 10 years, and that doesn't include the hidden costs of PFI schemes which are kept off-balance sheet, ENRON-style. Where HAS all the money gone?? (That's rhetorical, I don't expect an answer).
This mirrors the currently running argument on the Blog about SEN children and the way that LEA's are essentially breaking the law and defrauding parents and children by not funding their legal obligations because it costs too much (although they would deny that). Another area where the Govt. have poured in an incredible amount of cash for little demonstrable return.
So sorry to hear about your Mum. Bad news at the best of times, but even more so when you are not too well yourself. Hope that both of you do well.
Si. XXX
Frances O (21)
Friday's glass box is still here.
Belinda - you lovely, lovely woman. I'm only just now catching up on the news for the past two weeks and can only echo what others say about looking after yourself.
Typical of you to think of others whilst suffering yourself. I think you should be a little more selfish and a little less generous for a period. Make yourself your No.1 priority for a while.
I hope everything goes well for you.