bookmark_borderThe day Britain stopped

The day Britain stopped.

As usual I missed the thing everyone is talking about (here in the office, and in blog-land). Thankfully I can watch it tonight as the BBC have provided the whole thing in a Real Player stream.

However it does kinda limit my participation in any discussions about it, but from what I’ve read it certainly doesn’t seem beyond the bounds of reality. Even in my personal experience there is evidence of the ‘network’ reaching breaking point. I was stuck on a train for two hours a couple of weeks ago because the train in front of ours had broken down. I spent 4 years travelling daily on trains when I was at University some 9 -10 years ago and never once experienced a delay like that.

bookmark_borderOut of touch

With the news that the BBC is going to be asked to justify the £112m it spends on online and interactive services, comes the feeling that, once again, the government isn’t really in touch with this internetweb thingy…
BBC dealt online ultimatum: “The BBC has been asked to provide a detailed critique of its own online operations, measured against the objectives outlined by former director general John Birt when he originally secured approval for BBC Online in 1997.”

1997! In internet time that is an eternity ago, and I struggle to see how any organisation would be able to justify itself against anything drawn up against how the internet stood six years ago. The BBC News website has won awards (and rightly so in my opinion), and News 24 is a solid channel. I would question the money spent on BBC3 (and BBC Choice before it) and of course we must remember that a portion of this comes from our TV licence fee (however I’m sure I’ve read figures along the lines of 10% or less of the money they get comes from that source).

The UK is still behind many countries in usage and uptake of the internet, the BBC as a brand is seen as safe, reliable and trustworthy, a must in the eyes of new(er) internet users. I think this should be maintained.

I have the nagging suspicion that this is about money though.

bookmark_borderCultural gestures

As ever, the BBC News website realises that it is not just it’s job to tell the news but to make sure people understand what is going on.

Recent pictures from Iraq have shown the men taking to the streets, beating their chests, holding up clay discs and hitting pictures of Saddam with their shoes. All of these have significant meaning and are typically alien to non-Muslim Westerners like myself. Decoding Iraq’s symbols of celebration is a useful guide to these actions.

BBC 3
There is something odd about seeing an advert for a TV station appear in a cinema.

Reminds me of the opening lines to that kid’s show “Why don’t you”. Remember? “Why Don’t You Just Switch Off Your Television Set And Go Out And Do Something Less Boring Instead” which, even at that tender age made me think ‘so what they are saying is don’t watch this programme and go and do something else, isn’t that a bit odd’ (deep stuff for 8 year old).

The scary part of this is that I’ve just spent the best part of an hour browsing through TV Cream. That site really should carry some sort of warning, but was handy to find some information about Worzel Gummidge (go on, spot the link from one of today’s postings!)

Robin Cook
I don’t tend to comment on politics but I did over at Shelaghs place. My initial reaction to the resignation of Robin Cook (aside from the usual burst of apathy) was that, once again, a politician was using a national event to play a political card.

However, Mr.Cook appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning, stating in full why he resigned, and talking about his resignation speech.

So Mr.Cook, I apologise (in part). I think you DID do the right thing, although I think that people should remember just how shrewd a politician you are, and all the implications that go with that statement.

Sport 24 Monday
Well it certainly was a big sporting weekend. But that’s enough about that…

Did you watch it? What do you think? Who is the bad guy? What is the Secretary of State up to? Can we trust George this time around? How hot is Jack’s daughter now… oops.. sorry true colours and all that… Good start to the series though and I resisted the temptation to watch the next episode on BBC Three, although if they keep doing that then of course I will probably succumb at some point.

And so it’s Monday, although having done a couple of hours work at the weekend it doesn’t feel quite so bad. Nah, rubbish. It’s Monday. They’re ALWAYS bad!