Archives for February 2007
Mums, Big Macs and a million nervous schoolkids
Good morning. So Prince Charles has started a great debate, all sparked by his thoughts on the Big Mac. Do you think Prince Charles is a few fries short of a happy meal or are you on his side and think McDonald's should be banned? Well that is the question we are asking in our poll today!
The main story on the programme...
Mothers of young children are the most discriminated-against group in Britain. The Commission for Equality and Human Rights says we need more flexible working hours and better childcare if mothers are to get to work. We ask how practical this is and if this is what mums want.
A million children are waiting to know which secondary school they will go to, we look at a lottery chaos in one city. Are you facing a similar dilemma?
Plus, we'll be assessing the ever-changing cost of the London Olympics.
And more drama in the FA Cup - we look back to last night's action and ahead to tonight
Road rage
Britain was a nation of animal lovers. Or was it shopkeepers?
And an Englishman's home was his castle.
But in 2007, have we become a Kingdom united by our love of the car?
Just mention a topic about cars on the radio first thing in the morning, and the response is instantaneous. It might be road pricing, car parking, the cost of petrol or, like this morning, the use of a mobile phone whilst driving.
Hell hath no fury like a motorist scorned - or at least told by someone else how to behave behind the wheel. Our text service runs hotter that the tarmac on the M25 in the middle of July, the emails more jammed than the M6 in the rush-hour.
The anti-car lobby tries to be heard from the sidelines, but it tends to be about as effective as a bicycle bell against a cacophony of car horns. The roar of the traffic drowns out most other opinions.
With more cars on the roads than ever before, we probably shouldn't be surprised. But - after nearly two million people were sent an email by the Prime Minister because they petitioned the Downing Street website - it seems motorists are learning the power of putting their collective foot down.
We'll keep putting other opinions on air too, but is there a risk they'll increasingly be drowned out by the supporters of the right to drive? Jeremy Clarkson for PM?
Driving when using your mobile...
So I was off yesterday and Gabby is off today. We are having a little game of musical chairs this week! Next week we might try hide and seek!!!
The main story on the programme...
Police get tough on motorists using their phone at the wheel. You have been warned. We speak to the police on the streets of Manchester and we ask the government if the new law will have any effect.
Victims of animal rights extremists tell us their addresses and phone numbers are being put online - and putting their lives at risk. We hear how their details are allowed to remain online, and why the website in question hasn't been closed down.
The price of coming to Britain. Gordon Brown calls for immigrants to do community work before they become UK citizens.
One of the country's most famous old bangers goes under the hammer. Trotters Independent Trading's prize asset is up for grabs.
And we speak to Sir Steve Redgrave who tells us what it would take to be in the UK team for the 2012 Olympics
Monday 26th of February
Me, Mark Poughatch with Gabby Logan, we're going to keep you up to date with today's stories on this glitzy Oscar morning - Have you spotted your favourite frock on the red carpet?
On the programme this morning....
Helen Mirren won the Oscar for Best Actress for her role as the Queen, and as the Oscar celebrations move forward, we'll bring you the glamour and gossip from party scene going on in L.A.
We're also talking about how violence against NHS staff is costing 100 million pounds a year - but why are there so few prosecutions ? We'll speak to a nurse who was a victim herself - and we'll ask the man in charge of NHS security what's going wrong ?
Plus, extra British troops will be sent to Afghanistan to boost the existing NATO forces there and as the fighting continues why aren't more countries getting extra forces to help with the situation?
It wasn't easy going yesterday at the Carling Cup so we want to know about the nightmare journeys you've had to go through, text us on - 85058
A Mum's Story
Good morning...so, we've made it to the end of the week...
On the programme this morning...
We have an exclusive interview with Angela Gilbert, the mother of the teenage chess star Jessie Gilbert, who fell to her death from a hotel room last summer. She believes her daughter committed suicide. Click here to listen to the interview.
Also this morning, will they or won't they be ready in time ? We've got latest on South Africa's World Cup preparations...
And we'll hear about and get the latest outburst from Vladimir Romanov - he's been going ape at the media. Text us with the most bananas thing your boss has ever said to you - 85058.
Thursday 22nd February
Morning! Yesterday people were bidding on a famous auction site for Britney's hair. The current bid stood at $1000! What do you reckon I'd get for the bit I have left?! A couple of quid?! Why would anyone want to buy it? What would you even do with it? Have you ever bought anything off an auction site that is completely pointless? Let me know....
On the programme this morning - athletes who are drug cheats should be forced out of sport for four years and then made to confess who supplied their dope. How do we stop people conning their way to gold ? Your thoughts on the text, 85058.
Also this morning, as Tony Blair holds a gun crime summit, a force for change or just a talking shop? We'll look at what a summit can actually achieve.
Plus, Prince Harry could well be on his way to Iraq...and Craig Bellamy's goal-in-one rounds off a happy week for Rafa's men...
Over Land and Sea
"Whenever you go away to European football fixtures this is the norm, this is how you are treated." Comment by a Man Utd fan Lee talking on Breakfast this morning.
The scenes at Manchester United's match in Lens against Lille were bad, but also maybe familiar to regular followers of their teams abroad.
Grounds that are hard to get in and out of; heavy-handed police, ticketing chaos and pitches still surrounded by fences. Fans have been moaning about the way they've been treated for years.
So what's your story? What are your experiences of travelling abroad to support your team?
Let us know and we'll continue to discuss the issue on Breakfast.
Wednesday 21st February
Its Wednesday! That means we've reached the 'peak of the week' - after today we're heading towards the weekend...so, hang on in there folks!
On the programme this morning...
The Prime Minister's expected to say thousands of British troops could be returning from Iraq by the end of the year. So what's behind the decision ? We'll ask some military families and the shadow foreign secretary, Williams Hague for their views. We'll also speak to our correspondents in Washington and Baghdad for reaction where they are.
Also on the programme. Check your inbox - you may have an email from the PM. Tony Blair's messaged everyone who signed the petition against road charging - that's nearly one point eight million people. So is the Prime Minister listening - and where can those who petitioned turn now ?
PLUS we'll be in LA as Britney checks back into rehab.
And crowd chaos for Manchester United in the Champions league in Lille. We'll speak to fans who were at the game....and to Matt Williams who's outside the Nou Camp for you this morning as Liverpool prepare for Barcelona.
Tuesday 20th February
Good morning! Which filling should I have on my pancakes this evening? I can't decide! Have you made your choice yet?
The main story on the programme...
British drug companies are costing the NHS millions of pounds each year. We hear who sets the prices for branded medicines and why the Office of Fair Trading thinks the pill needs sweetening.
We find out why one family won't get compensation even though their dad was killed because of a contaminated blood transfusion.
Plus we look ahead to Manchester United's Champions League tie with Lille.
We also ask just how fat is a size twelve? A third of size twelve women think they are overweight, according to a poll of twenty-five thousand people. Are you happy with your body?
MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY
Morning! Hope you enjoyed your weekend...
On this mornings programme.... the wide open road, or highway robbery...controversy over an expansion of Britain's biggest example of road pricing. As London expands its congestion charging zone, we'll look at plans for road pricing across the UK.
Also this morning...can Islamic countries live peacefully alongside the west? We'll hear the results of a major worldwide poll. Plus, we'll get the latest on an explosion on a train in northern India.
And we'll explore that fight between Liverpool players involving a golf club. Can you remember any famous footballing squabbles of our time? Let us know on 85058.
Friday 16th February
Good morning! On the programme this morning...
The world is spending too much money on trying to fight the AIDS virus, according to a new report which argues that the money should be more evenly distributed...
Also, is there a crisis in the world of physics? We'll be looking at why everything we've learned about how the universe started could be wrong...
And, after Live 8 two summers ago, former US vice president Al Gore has announced a 24-hour global concert to highlight the threat of climate change- Live Earth!
Thursday 15th February
Well a very good morning to you. Gabby and I were this morning having an indepth conversation about coffee. Where is the best place to buy a good cup of coffee before the programme? Well I can tell you that the experiments are underway, and we will get back to you with the results!!! It's bizarre the conversations you have at 5.30am.
The main story on the programme...
A 15 year old boy is shot dead in South London, the third shooting of its kind in less than a fortnight. We bring you the latest on the investigation, and ask why so many young boys are being gunned down on our streets.
Steve McClaren has told us that England will qualify for Euro 2008, DVDs of last week's defeat have been sent out to all the players so they can learn from their mistakes. Will the horror show be enough to improve England's footballers performance?
And amid claims that the government is failing to meet its targets over public transport, we hear about life on the buses
We also have all the news from the Brits.
Wednesday 14th February
Roses are red, violets are blue.... Yes, you guessed it, it is Valentine's day. Well I am not yet in the dog house so that is a great sign, how about you?
The main story on the programme....
21st century Britain is a terrible place to grow up. Our teenagers are the fattest, drunkest, most promiscuous and least ambitious of any major nation. UNICEF says the UK is the pits for young people, we find out what's gone so wrong.
Britain stands accused of allowing the CIA to secretly transfer terror suspects for interrogation. A damning European report says many governments knew, and did nothing.
Norwich earn an FA Cup tie against Chelsea after squeezing past Blackpool, we hear from the club's chairman, who must be anticipating quite a payday for the Canaries.
And it's the big night for the Brits, we look at the favourites for the awards.
How green is sport?
We never stop hearing about the damage that companies, consumers, commuters and just about everyone and everything is doing to the environment. But what about sport?
Just what affect do the multi-million pound businesses and international travelling circuses that are football, cricket, golf, tennis and motor racing have on green issues?
How much do thousands of players, pundits and supporters criss-crossing the world for this or that tournament add to global warming?
Are the various governing bodies, stars and fans doing enough to reduce this impact? Or are the benefits of sport so great it should be allowed to be an exception?
Tuesday 13th February
Good morning. The Police are making a come back after 20 years, is this a day for celebration? Should bands ever make a come back or should they step aside for the new era of band? Well I don't know myself but let me know what you think!
The top story on the programme today...
Top judges say underfunding is threatening the civil courts, we hear how important these courts are in England and Wales and how deep the crisis is.
Is red tape letting criminals keep their ill-gotten gains? The government's already said it will scrap the Assets Recovery Agency but that hasn't stopped the criticism.
And, England's cricket team fall victim to an armed robbery at their Sydney hotel.
Monday 12th February
This morning we're asking if the Governments support for England to host the World Cup in 2018 is slightly premature? The bid will not be submitted before 2010, so how will we know the costs and benefits? Shouldn't the backing come after we've seen the bid?
We're also talking about flexible work hours and shouldn't everyone, not only families with children, get the chance to have a better balance between work and personal life?
Plus, have you ever thought when giving money to charity, if it will be "money well spent"? From today it should become a lot easier to see what your donation is being spent on. The Fundraising Standards Board, has been set up to make charitable organisations more transparent. Will that encourage you to give more?
Finally, we've got the latest from the Grammy Awards in L.A.
FRIDAY 9TH FEBRUARY
So, how many snowmen did you build yesterday? I made two - after snowboarding home!
On the programme this morning...
Five Live has discovered that one of the seven letter bombs sent to businesses across the UK contains the name of a prominent animal rights activist one who's still alive. One of the letters contained the name of dead activist, Barry Horne, but now another prominent activist is being investigated, we'll find out more.
We'll look at whether turkey imports from Hungary were responsible for the recent outbreak of bird flu at the Bernard Matthews farm in Suffolk. So who's to blame?
AND do you regret not paying more attention in school? A third of us do, we'll find out why...
THURSDAY 8TH FEBRUARY
IT'S CHRISTMAS! Only joking...but it is SNOWING! Have you dared look outside yet? Take care if you're out and about today...
We'll give you the picture where you are - and give you the latest on the roads and on the rails.
On the rest of the programme this morning...
We'll be live in Cardiff - and across the country, where several centimetres of snow have already fallen. And, if you're contemplating the journey to work, or the school run, let us know what's happening where you are this morning - text us on 85058 and help us bring you the very latest of what's happening where you are.
Also this morning...Is Britain really a police state for muslims? That's the view of one of the men released without charge after the terror raids in Birmingham. We'll hear his exclusive interview with the BBC - and we'll ask the Conservative leader, David Cameron, for his reaction.
AND the boo boys are out for McClaren as England fail their Spanish test..
Wednesday 7th February
Good morning, it is getting colder outside but concerns over climate change are still hotting up!
The main story today...
You could be paying much more for your car if EU plans to deal with climate change get the go ahead, are you prepared to pay more for a greener motor?
Two of the nine terror suspects arrested in the raids in Birmingham last week have been released without charge, what does it mean for the investigation?
And as Tom Hicks and George Gillette settle in at Anfield - fans have their say.
Tricky business
Maybe I shouldn't say this - and we definitely shouldn't tell their agents - but we do ask an awful lot of our presenters.
This has struck home on Five Live Breakfast because Shelagh Fogarty is taking four weeks holiday (already dubbed her "gap month"). In her absence Gabby Logan has joined Nicky Campbell on the programme.
Now Gabby is a very experienced and able broadcaster. She's coped with all that live television can throw at her. So chatting on the radio is going to be a breeze, isn't it?
But it's not as simple as that, of course. And what struck me as we tried to talk her through the programme was the complexity of the technology we expect presenters to master. First of all there's the news production system (called ENPS) in which we create our running orders.
Simple - just keep a different running order open for each of the three hours of the programme; navigate between the different items seamlessly while still talking on the radio, interviewing guests, quizzing reporters. The programme's all live of course, so there's no break in the action - no long taped items to take a breather or get your bearings.
What is art?
Are Kylie's knickers art?
One of the questions we considered this morning amid news that Kylie Minogue's stage costumes are being displayed at the V&A in London.
You can listen again to the debate at about 0720 this morning by clicking here
Here are some of your thoughts about what art is
Eric Cantona's collar - John in Dulwich
Jerry said Art is a lie that makes us recognise the truth (Picasso said)
Art is the physical representation of thought says David in Glasgow
What do you think?
TUESDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
Hello! Bit cold this morning, isn't it?
So, Gabby survived her first day on Breakfast yesterday...and is hopefully starting to feel like part of the furniture!
On the programme this morning...
The Sun newspaper has obtained video footage of the moment American war planes attacked British tanks in Iraq...we'll ask what this development means to the family of Lance Corporal Matty Hull who was killed in the attack
Also this morning... Home Secretary John Reid wants sex offenders to tell the authorities their email addresses, but will knowing a paedophile's email stop him from offending? We'll try to find out.
And it's a must win game for England against New Zealand - not a great day for captain Michael Vaughan England have recovered though - they've moved on to 169 for four after 36 overs- we'll have news of their innings throughout the programme
Class-y pix
Have you caught up with the pictures from the Breakfast programme at Eton?
There are plenty more here
MONDAY 5th FEBRUARY
Good morning...
From today, we've got a new presenter in the hot-seat, as Shelagh is taking a well-deserved break. Gabby Logan will be my sidekick for the next 4 weeks and no doubt will be keeping me in check!
On today's programme...
160,000 turkeys have been culled after the first mass outbreak of bird flu in Britain. Health experts say the chance of it spreading to humans is very low.
Also this morning - What were you learning when you were 4 years old? How to count to 10? Your ABC? Or basic philosophy? We'll find out more about a scheme in Scotland teaching philosophy to nursery school children.
And as England unveil their new strip today - we want your nominations for the best and worst football strips of all time.
Friday 2nd February
Good morning! On the programme today....
Nicky is presenting live from Eton school. It has more than 600 years of history, but what about its future? Does it have anything to teach the rest of our education system? We'll be talking to the headteacher, some of the boys and some Old Etonians.
Also this morning, there will be calls for calm in the community at today's prayers in Birmingham. We'll have the latest on the police terror investigation there.
Plus, Tony Blair's allies begin to break rank and voice their concern over the cash-for-honours police investigation.
And of course, we'll be getting regular updates throughout the programme from the latest cricket one-day international between England and Australia.
Thursday 1st February
Good morning!
One story dominating the headlines this morning - Detectives continuing to question nine men as speculation mounts as to what the alleged terror plot involved.
What else? Well, from today you will pay twice as much tax on flights leaving the UK. We hear from budget travellers and from airlines
The French ban smoking in public places. What will the French make of that? How will they cope without their daily Gaulois?
Arsenal overcome Spurs to reach the Carling Cup final - Hibs are through to the CIS Cup final in Scotland
PLUS we have all the last minute transfer details.
And we'll report on a petition on the Downing Street website that has more than 600,000 signatures - click here
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